Jiufen - New Taipei, Taiwan
The weather hasn’t been great since I arrived in Taiwan. Even though typhoon season was supposedly over, four possible typhoons were still swirling in the forecast. It was pouring as I waited for the bus from Taipei Station to Jiufen Old Street, the rain hammering down in relentless sheets.
Jiufen is a former gold mining town and a popular tourist destination, famed for its teahouses that inspired Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away. Arriving before most shops opened allowed me to enjoy a quiet, almost meditative walk down the old street, with its narrow lanes, lanterns, and historic architecture. I sampled some local street food along the way—crispy fried squid, shaved ice topped with sweet glutinous balls—and paused for tea and sweets at the renowned A-Mei Teahouse, soaking in the atmosphere without the usual crowds.
I had planned to hike after visiting the old street, but the rain showed no signs of easing. Instead, I caught a bus to the nearby Gold Museum in the former mining town of Jinguashi. The museum offered a fascinating glimpse into the area’s mining history, including an interactive VR experience that let me explore underground tunnels virtually. One of the highlights was seeing and touching a 220 kg gold bar, with a display showing its current value—a tangible reminder of the region’s wealth and history.
After the museum, I climbed the moss-covered stone steps toward the nearby shrine. The path was slippery, but moving slowly allowed me to appreciate the serenity and catch glimpses of Teapot Mountain in the distance—my originally planned hike. Coming down, I finally enjoyed a miner’s lunch box at one of the nearby eateries. The hearty meal was the perfect reward after a damp, adventurous day.
Despite the rain, the day turned out to be unexpectedly memorable—a mix of history, culture, and simple pleasures that made braving the storm entirely worthwhile.
Background
Jiufen (九份) is perched on a hillside overlooking the Pacific Ocean in New Taipei City. During the Japanese colonial period (1895–1945), the area flourished as a gold mining hub, and remnants of that era—narrow streets, old teahouses, and historical buildings—still define the town today. The Gold Museum nearby preserves this history, showcasing mining techniques, life in the mining era, and the region’s economic significance. Modern Jiufen is also known for its winding streets, lantern-lit alleyways, and teahouses, making it a cultural and tourist landmark celebrated in films and popular media.
Getting There
Jiufen is easily reached from Taipei by public transport. From Taipei Main Station, take a bus (Keelung Bus #1062 or #788) toward Ruifang or directly to Jiufen Old Street, with a journey time of roughly 1–1.5 hours depending on traffic.
Alternatively, take a train from Taipei to Ruifang Station (about 40 minutes) and transfer to a local bus or taxi up to Jiufen. Private tours or taxis are also options, though public transport is more flexible and budget-friendly.
Route Overview
Distance: 1.89 km out & back (Jiufen Old Street)
Total elevation gain: 109 m
Duration: 43 min (with breaks 46 min)
Difficulty: Easy
Cost Breakdown
Bus: Taipei Station → Jiufen Old Street Bus Stop — NT$88
Bus: Jiufen Old Street Bus Stop → Jinguashih (Gold Ecological Park) — NT$15
Food: NT$1,640
