【九份】Jiufen in New Taipei City, Taiwan
If you’ve ever dreamed of walking through a place straight out of a Studio Ghibli film, Jiufen might just be your dream come true.
Jiufen has been on my bucket list for years — probably ever since high school when I discovered its Spirited Away vibes.
Located in the mountains of New Taipei City, this old mining village exudes charm with its winding alleys, glowing red lanterns, and teahouses perched above misty cliffs. Even though Hayao Miyazaki denies it, Jiufen’s resemblance to Spirited Away is uncanny — and a visit here feels like stepping into another world.
With that being said, in this guide, I’ll show you how to get to Jiufen, what to wear, must-try food, things to do, and where to stay. Plus, I’ll sprinkle in tips to make your trip as seamless as possible!
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brief history
Jiufen traces its roots back to the Qing Dynasty when only nine families lived here.
The name “Jiufen” (九份) literally means “nine portions,” as villagers would request nine portions of supplies every time shipments arrived.
Fast forward to the 1890s, and Jiufen experienced a gold rush that transformed the town during Japanese rule.
Although mining operations ceased in the 1970s, Jiufen gained fame again in 1989 when the Taiwanese film A City of Sadness was shot here.
By the 2000s, its Spirited Away-like vibe brought global attention, cementing its place as one of Taiwan’s most iconic destinations.
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weather
Jiufen experiences rain on 200 out of 365 days a year, making it one of the rainiest spots in the region, as shared by locals in New Taipei City.
Summers in Jiufen begin in June and last until September, bringing warmer temperatures but still plenty of rain.
The best months to visit are March, April, November (which is when we visited and was still raining), and December, offering cooler and more comfortable weather.
Because Jiufen is located in the mountains, it’s often colder and mistier than Taipei City.
Even on warmer days, the evenings can get chilly, so it’s a good idea to pack a light jacket.
With the town’s unpredictable weather, bringing a small umbrella or rain poncho is essential to staying dry and comfortable.
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getting to Jiufen
Getting to Jiufen takes a bit of effort, but the journey is absolutely worth it.
Public transportation
BUS FROM TAIPEI
Take the 1062 bus from Zhongxiao Fuxing MRT Station. It’s a cheaper option but takes nearly 2 hours.
PRO TIP
Make sure to get an EasyCard to tap and go for your bus and MRT transfers.
JIUFEN EXPRESS BUS
A direct option with a somewhat shorter travel time. Be sure to grab your one-way ticket in advance.
Private driver
The best option is to hire a private driver to take you to Jiufen, which will take less than an hour.
If you’re coming from Taoyuan Airport (TPE), the trip to Jiufen took us about an hour and 10 minutes due to traffic. However, if you’re traveling from Taipei City, it will definitely be under an hour.
Keep in mind that Jiufen’s streets are very narrow and not suitable for large cars. Your driver will drop you off at a nearby parking lot or a street, and you’ll need to walk uphill or climb stairs to reach your destination.
If you’re planning to stay overnight, be sure to pack light, as the town has steep hills and requires a lot of walking. Comfortable shoes and light luggage are essential due to the many stairs and inclines.
➡️ Book your private transfer here
Taxi
You can take a taxi from the airport to Jiufen at a fixed rate. If you’re in Taipei City, ask your hotel clerk to arrange a taxi for you to ensure you receive a flat rate instead of hailing one off the street.
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getting out of Jiufen
Leaving Jiufen is much easier than getting there, thanks to multiple transportation options. Here’s how you can make your way back:
Public transportation
You can take a bus to the Ruifang Train Station, which connects to Taiwan’s train and High-Speed Rail (HSR) systems. From Ruifang, hop on a regular train or HSR to continue your journey. It’s straightforward, but be mindful of bus schedules, especially in the evening, as service may slow down later in the day.
Taxi
Taxis are readily available in Jiufen, especially near popular spots. If you don’t see one, don’t stress! If you’re at a restaurant, teahouse, or checking out of your accommodation, ask the staff to call one for you.
Most taxis will meet you at the parking lot below the main streets since vehicles aren’t allowed on Jiufen’s narrow alleys.
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things to do in Jiufen
【九份老街】
Jiufen Old Street
Jiufen Old Street is the heart of this charming mountain town. As you walk up its narrow steps, you’ll find yourself surrounded by shops, food stalls, and beautifully lit red lanterns that create a magical ambiance.
The path is tight, so be mindful of others. Stay to the right if you’re moving forward, and let people coming from the opposite direction pass on your left.
Rent qipaos
You can also rent a traditional Taiwanese qipao and walk around the town!
The elegant outfits beautifully match Old Street’s nostalgic vibe, making for stunning photos.
While I missed this experience due to just getting out of the plane and heading over to Jiufen, I saw some girls dressed in qipaos looking absolutely stunning!
Claw games
Take a break from exploring and have some fun with mini claw machines and traditional marble games!
This little corner of Jiufen is perfect for bringing back those childhood vibes while munching on some tasty street food.
Visit A-Mei Teahouse
No visit to Jiufen is complete without experiencing the iconic A-Mei Teahouse, which is often said to resemble the teahouse from Hayao Miyazaki’s film Spirited Away.
To fully appreciate its beautiful architecture without the crowds, make sure to visit early in the day. Then, return in the evening when the sun sets to see the teahouse illuminated by red lanterns — but be prepared for larger crowds.
➡️ Book your Jiufen half-day tour
Shengping Theater (昇平戲院)
Just a short walk from Jiufen Old Street is Shengping Theater, originally built in 1916. This was the first theater in the area where locals gathered to enjoy films and performances during its golden era. The restored building now offers a glimpse into Jiufen’s past, and it’s a great spot for history lovers.
Hike the Keelung Mountain (基隆山)
Looking for stunning views? The short but steep hike up Keelung Mountain offers breathtaking panoramas of Jiufen and the coastline.
➡️ Book Jiufen Old Street & Northeast Coast Tour
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what to eat
Jiufen is the perfect place for foodies!
Here are some must-try street food along with places to check out:
Stinky tofu
The smell may scare you, but the crispy exterior and soft and flavorful interior are worth it.
Taiwanese sausage
Juicy, sweet, and perfect for snacking.
Grilled oyster mushrooms
A savory yet absolutely juicy treat for vegetarians and vegans!
The owner herself became fully vegan and was at an oyster mushroom farm, which later inspired her to make this and share it with others. She has been selling her signature grilled oyster mushrooms for 20 years!
【好寶寶花枝燒】Good Baby Hanayaki
With a wide variety of flavors like fries, cuttlefish, popcorn chicken, and so much more, this place really knows how to make some tasty treats.
Plus, you can cool off with a refreshing Yakult icy drink!
A-Mei Teahouse
After enjoying the beautiful exterior of A-Mei Teahouse, we went inside to savor some tea while taking in the lovely views. We had just dropped off our bags at Something Easy and arrived around 10 in the morning when the teahouse was already bustling with activity.
Jiufen Teahouse
I can confidently say this was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had. Located right across from A-Mei Teahouse, Jiufen Teahouse may appear unassuming from the outside, but inside, it’s spacious and offers even better views than A-Mei’s.
The afternoon tea and dessert options are fantastic as well. The teahouse features a gift shop downstairs and a large balcony for outdoor seating.
Unfortunately, we couldn’t sit outside due to the weather, but we still enjoyed a cozy experience inside.
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where to stay
For the best experience, consider spending one night in Jiufen.
This way, you can explore the area in the early morning when it’s peaceful and free from crowds. In the evening, as the red lanterns illuminate the streets, Jiufen transforms into a magical and mysterious place.
【山城逸境】Something Easy
This boutique stay combines modern comfort with stunning views of the mountains and ocean.
Located just steps from Old Street, it’s super convenient and quiet.
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know before you go
BEST TIME TO GO
Weekdays are quieter, but evenings around 5–6 PM offer the best lantern-lit ambiance.
DRESS CODE
Comfy, cute and casual
PUBLIC FACILITIES
Bathrooms are limited but can be found near A-Mei Teahouse.
ESTIMATED TRIP DURATION
You can take a half-day trip if you’re short on time. But the best would be 2 days for a full Jiufen experience, including nearby attractions like the Gold Museum and Golden Waterfall.
WHAT TO WEAR
Comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing. Jiufen’s weather is unpredictable, so pack a light jacket and a small umbrella.
WHAT TO BRING
Portable charger, water bottle, a small umbrella in case it starts raining, and a camera
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final thoughts
I had such a great time visiting Jiufen! It was perfect because we went there right after landing at Taoyuan Airport (TPE). Our private driver picked us up, and we headed straight to Jiufen.
We got there early and dropped off our bags at our place, which let us roam around freely.
Though it was a bit cloudy and muggy, I could still see the Keelung Mountains and the beautiful sea in the distance.
As the day went on, it started pouring, and I really regretted leaving our umbrella behind. I had brought a light jacket, but we ended up going back to our stay to grab the umbrella because I thought the rain would ease up.
Spoiler: it didn’t! It just got worse.
When we were ready to leave Jiufen for Taichung, I asked the woman at the hotel about getting a taxi, and she set it up for us.
The taxi driver told me that out of 365 days a year, it rains about 200 days in Jiufen! So, definitely come prepared!
I loved staying the night in Jiufen, but I wish we had more time to hike Keelung Mountain and visit the Gold Museum, which is one of Jiufen’s historical spots.
Looks like I’ll have to plan another trip back!
Anyway, I hope my guide was helpful. Feel free to comment below if you have any questions or want to say hi. Happy exploring! 🌟
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I put the location to Jiufen Old Street since Jiufen isn’t actually an address but a town.
Unfortunately, cars aren’t able to access Jiufen Old Street, so your driver will drop you off at the nearest parking lot that’s easily accessible.
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FAQ
Q: Why is Jiufen famous?
A: Jiufen gained global attention in the early 2000s due to its resemblance to the village in Spirited Away.
Q: Is Spirited Away based on Jiufen?
A: Not exactly. Hayao Miyazaki has denied visiting Jiufen or basing Spirited Away on the town. However, the red lanterns and tunnels of A-Mei Teahouse evoke the enchanting vibe of the film’s bathhouse, sparking the comparison. While the connection is more of a fan-made myth, Jiufen’s magical charm does feel straight out of a storybook!
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check out my Taiwan travel vlog!
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Ready to step into a real-life fairytale?
Jiufen’s lantern-lit streets, mouthwatering street food, and misty mountain vibes will make you feel like you’re starring in your own Spirited Away adventure.