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Jiufen at Night: Local’s Guide on How to Visit for First Timers

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Nov 3, 2024

By Jade and Deeshen •

Taiwan

•

Last Updated on December 26, 2024 by Jade and Deeshen

Table of Contents

Jiufen at Night

Looking to visit Jiufen at night? We’ve got you covered!

Jiufen at night is one of the best experiences for a cultural getaway in Taiwan, with tea houses, magical lantern lighted streets, and incredible views!

As Taiwan travel writers and having lived in Taiwan, we’d recommend spending 3-4 nights in your Taiwan 7-10 day itinerary and eating these best food in Jiufen (all our favorites!).

With so much to see and do after dark, you might find yourself wondering is Jiufen worth visiting and how to explore during Jiufen night time.

Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered with an insider’s guide to experiencing the magic of Jiufen in the evening, complete with tips on where to stay in Jiufen, what to do and see!

I remember our first trip to Jiufen together and feeling a rush of emotion, almost bringing tears of joy to my eyes, as the vibrant colors of the lanterns danced against the backdrop of the night sky. Walking through the streets as the lanterns light up is nothing short of magical.

Jade brimming with happiness on our recent trip to Jiufen

Jiufen Night Time

Can you visit Jiufen at night? Yes! As the sun sets, Jiufen turns on its lanterns around 6PM revealing its enchanting side like you’ve teleported into a different world!

In this guide, we have tons of photos to help you see what’s it like at night, plus tips on the best things to do in Jiufen at night, where to stay overnight, and how to get to Jiufen!

Where to Stay in Jiufen

If you’re wondering where to stay, read our guide on where to stay in Jiufen Taiwan for the best hotels in Jiufen (including tips we wish we knew before our first overnight trip!

Our favorite places to stay in Jiufen are Daybreak Jiufen Hotel and Windsor’s Sunlight Han-Guan. They’re both within the old street but tucked in a quiet corner, with incredible views!

Jiufen has the best sea to mountain views in Taiwan, and you’ll want to splurge a bit to enjoy these glorious views. Spending a couple days in Jiufen is absolutely worth it, and Jiufen is a great homebase.

By staying here for 3-5 days, you’ll be able to explore our favorite parts of Taiwan including Jiufen old street, the surrounding coast, Keelung, Ruifang, Pingxi, and even Shifen. All of these boast what we think to be the best coastal views and cultural activities in Taiwan!

By staying overnight, it also gives you the chance to see Jiufen Old Street in its quietest and most beautiful moments, in the silent mornings and after the massive crowds leave for the evening.

Booking a room with a view is highly recommended! This was the view from our hotels at sunset. (If this doesn’t convince you to stay overnight, keep reading!)

Book our favorite place to stay in Jiufen Daybreak Jiufen Hotel and Windsor’s Sunlight Han-Guan for these sunset views!

Honestly with views this perfect, it’s almost criminal not to get a room without a view!

I remember the first time we visited Jiufen; I kicked myself for not staying overnight and immediately started planning my next trip. After countless trips, it’s become an annual tradition for us to spend 4-5 nights in Jiufen every year. The experience is truly special!

You won’t find any Marriott, Holiday Inns or large chains in Jiufen. Instead you’ll find these local best hotels in Jiufen and Minsus in Taiwan which are family run bed and breakfasts. Many of these hotels have been hosting guests over 2-3 generations which was awesome to support!

We always stay at least 4-5 nights and Jiufen is a great homebase to explore the tea houses, local hikes, and amazing nature.

Is Jiufen Day or Night Better?

Honestly, you have to do both! If you traveled so far to Taiwan, why not experience Jiufen in both its daylight and nighttime glory? Jiufen during the day and night are completely different experiences and both incredibly magical. (Jade dreamed of going back for 6 months after her first visit)

During the early mornings before 8:30 AM, Jiufen is mystical and quiet. The only sounds you’ll hear are the local birds, which are often gliders known for their unique flight patterns.

In contrast, Jiufen at night is lively and vibrant, with a bustling atmosphere that fills the air with excitement. Sipping tea at a Jiufen teahouse with the sunset views is one of best things to do in Taiwan (and dare I say the world)!

Lanterns are lighted up after 6PM, and it definitely feels like you’ve steped into a Spirited Away world.

Tea houses and restaurants open as late as til 11PM or Midnight, while street vendors close by 8-9PM.

After countless trips, we can confidently say that both times of day are incredible in their own way!

Here’s the Jiufen Night View vs Day View:

How to Get to Jiufen at Night

Getting to Jiufen at night is easier than you might think! Here’s how to make your way from Taipei:

From Taipei Main Station:
- Take the TRA (Taiwan Railways Administration) train to Ruifang Station. The train ride takes about 35-40 minutes.
- Once you arrive at Ruifang Station, head to the bus terminal outside the train station. Look for the Keelung Bus #788 or #1062. The bus ride to Jiufen will take about 15-20 minutes. Alternatively, you can take a taxi from here.
From Ximending:
- Take the Taipei Metro (MRT) to Taipei Main Station and follow the steps above.
Taxi or Uber from Taipei to Jiufen: (the fastest way, and our recommended away)

The fastest way to Jiufen from Taipei will be taxi or Uber in Taiwan.

Read our is there Uber in Taiwan Guide and the best apps for Taiwan travel for navigation and taxis.

We’ve taken Uber to Jiufen numerous times from Taipei to Jiufen, and it’s costs around 1100-1200 New Taiwan Dollar ($34-40 USD). The ride is usually around 40-45 minutes with no traffic and this will save you at least 2 hours one way!

We highly recommend taking Uber from Taipei to Jiufen, it’s 100% worth it especaully if you want to save time and energy from making multiple bus/taxi transfers!

Jiufen Night View

The night view from Jiufen is nothing short of spectacular. From the various vantage points, you can gaze out at the twinkling lights of the coastline and feel as though you’re looking down on a sea of stars.

Some of the best spots for night views include:

Teahouse Views: Many teahouses have balconies where you can enjoy a cup of tea while soaking in the views.
Jishan Street: This quieter street provides stunning views of the surrounding mountains and sea.
Chiufen Old Street: The main street is filled with lights, and you can capture the perfect shot of the lanterns against the night sky.

Be sure to have your camera ready, as these views are truly Instagram-worthy!

What to Do in Jiufen at Night

Walk Jiufen Old Street at Night

One of the best experiences in Jiufen is strolling down Jiufen Old Street. As the lanterns light your path, you’ll encounter various shops selling souvenirs, snacks, and local handicrafts.

You’ll want to try the famous sweet potato balls and taro balls. The warm, chewy textures are the perfect comfort food for a chilly night!

Visit the Night View Points

The night views in Jiufen are stunning. Make sure to stop by the following points:

Teahouse Views: Many teahouses have balconies where you can enjoy a cup of tea while soaking in the views.
Jishan Street: This quieter street provides stunning views of the surrounding mountains and sea.
Chiufen Old Street: The main street is filled with lights, and you can capture the perfect shot of the lanterns against the night sky.

Take a Jiufen Night Tour

For a more guided experience, consider joining a Jiufen night tour. These tours often include visits to the most popular spots, tastings of local delicacies, and insights into the history and culture of Jiufen.

Having a local guide can enhance your experience by sharing stories and legends about the area that you might not discover on your own!

Eat and drink tea at our favorite teahouse in Jiufen!

Drink Tea at a Jiufen Teahouse

Don’t miss the chance to sip on some delicious tea at one of Jiufen’s teahouses. The atmosphere is incredible old world charm, warm and inviting, perfect for unwinding after a long day of exploration.

Most people will head to A Mei Teahouse for its beautiful exterior but it’s honestly too crowded with tourists and chaotic at ALL times of the day.

Instead, head to our favorite tea house in Jiufen (that’s a hidden gem literally 1 minute from A Mei Tea house) but is incredibly beautiful, great views and service, delicious food (not just biscuits and snacks), peaceful and authentic ambiance.

We recommend to sit downstairs during the day for ocean views, and upstairs at night for traditional seating. Call me weird but I LOVE sipping my team cross legged in traditional seating listening to classical Chinese music – it’s simply brings tears of joy to my eyes!

Sharing a pot of tea with as a couple, with family and even the staff (who have become friends) over the years while watching the lanterns glow is a memory we cherish.

Deeshen watching a vendor make fresh taro balls. Read our full guide on the best Jiufen food to eat!

Eat Delicious Food at Jiufen

Jiufen is known for its street food, so come hungry! There’s an abundance of tasty options to choose from for both veg and non-veg foodies. Readers love our full guide on what to eat at Jiufen!

My favorite at the taro pastries, taro and sweet potato balls (made fresh daily), misty puff pastries (in taro flavor), stinky tofu, and of course the tea house experience!

Other unique items are the peanut ice cream rolls which is a local favorite! These sweet treats are made with a thin crepe filled with crushed peanuts and topped with ice cream.

With so much food to sample, you might want to leave room for seconds!

Other FAQs about Jiufen Night Time:

What is the best time to go to Jiufen?

Jiufen is a beautiful part of northeast Taiwan with some fantastic heritage, hikes, and food to explore. To fully see what the region has to offer, you should stay overnight for 3-4 days. In terms of crowd size, the tour buses from Taipei start to arrive around 9:30am/10:00am and the crowds get crazy after that.

Most shops and night market stalls tend to shut around 7:30pm but the tea house restaurants open late til 10-11PM. The atmosphere really lessened by 8:00pm, so its the best time to experience the night view of Jiufen without the crowds. We always stay overnight for 3-5 nights, and that’s what we would recommend.

Weekdays: As with any travel hot spot, weekdays will be much quieter than weekends

Morning: Arriving between 8:00 and 11:30 AM offers a quieter atmosphere with fewer crowds. Most shops are open by then, making it an ideal time for exploring and enjoying the town’s charm in peace. Or you can arrive an hour before sunrise time and climb Keelung mountain, just a 15 minute walk from Jiufen Old Street. On a clear day, it’s the BEST sunrise spot in Taiwan.

Evening: In the evening after 6PM, Jiufen becomes magical as the lanterns illuminate the streets and you can catch a beautiful sunset over the ocean.

How to See Jiufen at Night

To get the most out of your Jiufen night experience, consider staying overnight, joining a night tour, and using this guide to do your research ahead of time.

If you’re wondering is Jiufen worth going from Taipei, the truth is Jiufen is unforgettable. It’s worth a trip to Taiwan by itself!

Pack some comfortable shoes, and don’t forget your camera! Jiufen is a place you’ll want to capture and remember for years to come.

Final Thoughts: Jiufen at Night

If you’ve always dreamed of visiting Jiufen, it is absolutely worth visiting at night (and during the day)! You’ll love the mix of old-world charm, incredible views, and cozy atmosphere that make it feel like a step back in time.

Jiufen at night is an experience you won’t want to miss. If you can, stay overnight in Jiufen to enjoy it at its most peaceful, with lanterns lighting up the quiet streets at night.

We hope this guide helps you plan an unforgettable trip to Jiufen at night!

And if you’re wondering where to go after Jiufen, head to Sun Moon Lake for the best luxury hotels and cycle one of the world’s best bike routes at Sun Moon Lake bike trail. From Jiufen, you just need to take a taxi to Nangang Station, which is the closest High Speed Rail (HSR) station. Read more in my Taiwan guides below.