Jiufen Taiwan: A Day from Taipei To Shifen Old Street Miyazaki Experience
Jiufen Taiwan, stands out as a top destination for day trips from Taipei. This charming mountain town offers a unique mix of historical charm, nostalgic ambiance, shopping opportunities, and scenic views, all easily accessible from Taipei.
Renowned for its resemblance to the village depicted in the film Spirited Away,Jiufen Taiwan attracts many visitors eager to explore Jiufen Old Street. This vibrant area is filled with souvenir shops, teahouses, and a variety of restaurants.
In this travel guide, you’ll find detailed information on reaching John, recommended day tour packages, key attractions and activities in the town, and essential tips for your visit.
What Is Jiufen Taiwan?
Jiufen, Taiwan, is a historic coastal town that was once a bustling gold mining hub, but later became a ghost town. Its fame surged because of its connections with the Japanese animated films City of Sadness and Spirited Away.
Revitalized in the 1990s through tourism, Jiufen now attracts many visitors with its vibrant street markets, delicious food, teahouses, and picturesque spots perfect for photography.
While many people make a day trip to Jiufen from Taipei, there are also many guesthouses available if you wish to extend your stay.
Things To Do In Jiufen Taiwan
Jiufen Old Street: This bustling area is lined with cafes, souvenir shops, and a variety of delicious street food. Popular dishes to sample include braised pork rice, squid skewers, mango ice cream, taro balls, Japanese mochi, and Jiufen Taiwan bubble tea.
A-Mei Teahouse: Known for its iconic view featuring rows of windows and charming paper lanterns, A-Mei Teahouse is a must-visit. If you plan to enjoy tea here, it’s advisable to make a reservation online in advance.
Qipao Rental: Jiufen is in a wonderful location to wear the traditional Chinese dress, Qiao. Although my wife rent one in Taipei, Jiufen offers a picturesque setting for this attire as well.
Golden Waterfall: This striking waterfall with its orange-hued rocks is located just a short 10-minute drive from Jiufen. It’s often included in Jiufen tour packages, but you can also reach it via a quick taxi ride.
Teapot Mountain Hike: If you have extra time, consider hiking Teapot Mountain, which offers breathtaking coastal and mountain views. The hike begins at the nearby Jinguashi Gold Ecological Museum and takes approximately four hours to complete.
How To Get To Jiufen Taiwan
Jiufen is situated approximately 40 kilometers (25 miles) east of Taipei, Jiufen Taiwan.
You can reach Jiufen Taiwan via taxi, private car charter, public transportation, or a day tour package.
By Taxi: A one-way taxi ride to Jiufen Taiwan typically costs between 1,200 and 1,400 TWD (about $40 to USD 50) and takes roughly 45 minutes from Taipei.
By Private Car Charter:Â Klook offers a private car charter from Taipei for 3,100 TWD (around USD 105) as of this writing. This option is convenient and cost-effective for groups, as you can share the expense and enjoy the convenience of a driver who will stay with you throughout the day. The round-trip cost is comparable to that of a taxi.
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By Train & Bus:
To get to Jiufen Taiwan, start by taking a TRA train from Taipei Main Station to Ruyifang Station. From there, transfer to a bus that will take you to Jiufen Taiwan. The entire trip takes approximately 1 hour—about 40 minutes by train and 20 minutes by bus. The total cost is 65 TWD, with 50 TWD for the train and 15 TWD for the bus.
Top Jiufen Tour from Taipei:
Klook offers a day tour to Jiufen by bus starting at 450 TWD (about USD 15) per person, covering a full 9-hour itinerary as of this posting. This tour also includes visits to Yehliu Geopark, Shifen Waterfall, and the Houtong Cat Village near Jiufen, with ample time allotted at each location.
We’ve used Klook for various tours and activities globally, and they’ve consistently provided excellent experiences. We highly recommend them!
