Jiufen's old street is also known as Jioufen, Jiu Fen, and JiuFen. Try to avoid the weekend as much as possible, if inevitable then expect a crazy crowd. Just go with the flow and try not to go in the other direction or else you will have a hard time getting out of the chaos. Let’s go!
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Where to Stay
- Check-in: Here-There Hostel
- Address: No. 28, Emei St, 4F.-1, Wanhua District, Taipei City, Taiwan 108
- Phone:+886 2 2361 2061
- 4 days 3 nights
- NT 3,800 - 2 bunk beds ( mixed room )
How to get there
Alight at Ximen MRT Station, take Exit 6, Cross the little pedestrian lane, and once you see Watson keep walking straight, pass by the 7'11 shop, a wide transparent door to a Hotel and the small street that leads to the hostel.
From Taipei Main Station to Jiufen
If you're in Taipei Main Station, take the same direction and buy an RTA ticket to Riufang station, when you get there cross the street from the station and board the Keelung Transit Bus towards Jiufen. We went to Shifen first and then to Jiufen, it's easier that way and you can see two places for a day.
How to get there: Shifen to Jiufen
Address: Ruifang District, New Taipei City 224, Taiwan (ROC)
Take the train back to Riufang station, in front of the station cross the road, walk until you see the police station or a children's playground, and board the Keelung Transit Bus towards Jiufen, Bus 788 or Bus 825.
Travel time: 15-20 minutes
Bus Fare: NT 20- NT 30
1. Exotic Food Trip
This place is food heaven! If you're not a foodie then you will become one just on this very day. There are many to choose from: from taro balls to beef noodles, sugar candies, grilled squid, grilled snails, mochi's, and freshly squeezed fruit juices.
I personally love to tickle my taste buds. Trying out exotic foods is one thing that makes traveling interesting. We passed by this open store selling grilled snails, and immediately without the consent of my friend I just bought the snails. Good thing it tasted great.
Walking along another street we found this store selling malt sugar. The owner gave us the frozen malt sugar so we could eat it right away. We pretended to be kids for a short while as we slowly licked our malt sugar lollipops. They have different kinds of flavors, if you want it soft you can just cut a hole on top of it and suck it out or just like what we had licked all you want with refrigerated or frozen ones.
2. Souvenir Shopping
A fabulous place to go on a souvenir shopping spree. There are plenty of things and goodies to choose from and all at an affordable price. Delicious goodies were the first thing I bought the moment we went in. One lady kept on feeding me different kinds of treats, and then it turned out I didn't have the guts to go away without buying anything. Good thing, the black roasted peanuts are a must-try in Jiufen, perfect giveaways for my brothers.
The souvenir stores never stop, it is literally all over the place from goodies to keychains, even phone accessories and home decor. Some of the stores offer 3 packs of assorted mochi for only NT 120 and 3 keychains for NT 100. I bought some assorted mochi, rice cakes, and lucky charm keychains.
3. Try local foods
We found this small Chinese Restaurant down below a staircase and took our chances of having a great meal. The place looks authentic Chinese and even sells traditional noodles and handmade dumplings. I've always been a big fan of those wanton noodles and fried dumplings so I ordered a bowl and a plate for it. It was worth it. A good meal at an affordable price. Check out the delicious taro rice cakes too but then you have to queue to get it. Other popular snacks include Taro rice balls, bean curd, preserved egg, and yam products.
4. Tea Break
After going to different directions and corners in Jiufen's Old Street have a tea break. This is something you should do before going back to the city. My friend and I didn't really plan it out but we came upon this pretty house-like place along the street and decided to take a picture. Later we realize it was a tea house it was a perfect coincidence so we made our way inside to have some tea.
They're strict when it comes to orders, we've never been a big fan of tea initially we just wanted to have one pot and share it with each other. However, according to the service attendant, each customer needs to order one teapot. It turns out to be that one teapot was truly appropriate for one person. We almost managed to finish the whole thing, if only we didn't buy a watermelon shake before heading to the tea house. We enjoyed the tea session, most especially the beautiful view of the mountains and the chilly late afternoon wind blowing outside the window.
5. Enjoy the overlooking scenery
The end corner of Jiufen's Old Street leads to the beautiful overlooking scenery of the Pacific Ocean. People flock here to have a glimpse of the marvelous mountains and the wide expanse of the ocean.
6. See Old Lantern Decorations
Jiufen's Old Street brings back memories of the old days. The red lanterns represent those years of pure simplicity and laid-back life of the Chinese People. I love the nostalgic feelings it brings.
7. Appreciate the Unique Architecture
Jiufen's downtown architecture inspired the Japanese animated film "Spirited Away." For Anime Fans out there this is a must-see for you guys. I actually remembered this movie when I went here, and it's better to see Jiufen at night to spice up the movie feels.
Be entertained with its uphill stairs and winding roads with red lanterns lighting up the street.
8. See the Northern side of Taiwan
Taking a bus to Jiufen lets your eyes explore the beautiful northern part of the country. Take a break from the city and let your eyes feast on the wonderful mountains of Taiwan.
9. Visit a nearby town called "Shifen" and Release Sky Lanterns
Take any bus on the opposite side of the road from where you alighted in Jiufen.
In Ruifang Station, Purchase a one-day ticket for the Pingxi Line train alight at Shifen Station.
Ticket fare: NT 50
10. Go back to the city hassle-free
There's a direct bus outside of Jiufen's Old Street which goes straight back to Taipei Main Station.
How to Return back to Taipei Main Station from Shifen:
- In Ruifang Station purchase a ticket bound for Taipei Main Station.
- Travel time: 45 minutes - 1 hour
More Places to Visit in Tawain
- We stayed in Hualien for 3 days:Took the train back to Taipei City and stayed there for 4 days:
Have fun and be safe ^__^
Do you want more adventure?
If you still have one more day to spare why not explore more, Release Sky Lanterns in Shifen, Taiwan and let your worries fly away.
Where am I going next?
My next adventure is to visit my sister in South Korea and visit the land where my favorite Korean dish "bibimbap" materialized in this world.
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