Jiufen, located in the Ruifang District of New Taipei City, is a historic former gold mining town renowned for its atmospheric Jiufen Old Street. This narrow, winding alleyway is lined with shops, teahouses, and restaurants, offering visitors a glimpse into traditional Taiwanese life. With a small resident population of approximately 1,600, the area provides an intimate, nostalgic experience distinct from bustling urban centers. For hotel travelers, Jiufen serves as a cultural retreat rather than a transit hub. Accommodations here allow guests to immerse themselves in the hillside scenery and local heritage. While the town itself is compact, understanding its geography and access points is crucial for planning a comfortable stay, especially given the challenging road conditions leading to the area.
🕐 Asia/Taipei · 💱 TWD
Base yourself near Jiufen Old Street or on the hillsides to easily explore the narrow, winding alleys on foot. Avoid accommodations far from the main street if you have heavy luggage, as the roads leading up are steep, curving, and narrow, making transport difficult.
The nearest rail hub is Ruifang Station on the TRA Yilan Line, located just 15 minutes away by bus. Access to Jiufen is primarily via bus or organized tours. Be aware that the connecting roads are mostly steep, curving, and narrow, requiring cautious navigation.
Spring and autumn offer mild weather ideal for strolling through the old streets. Rainy days create a misty, atmospheric ambiance highly valued by photographers and culture seekers, though travelers should exercise caution due to potentially slippery surfaces on the steep paths.
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Located in the bustling Jiufen Old Street area, this place isn't very spacious, nor is it conducive to quiet conversation. But this household name has stood the test of time, turning out its famous Fuzhou fish ball soup since 1946! The bouncy texture of the fish contrasts nicely with the juicy minced pork filling. For starch, try the braised pork rice or noodles tossed in pork sauce. Super-fast service means it is a good choice for a quick bite.
For a glimpse of daily life in Taiwan in a bygone era, a trip to Jiufen Old Street is a must! Since the 1960s, this shop has been the place of choice for locals and tourists alike for sweet treats, such as dessert bowls with chewy taro balls made in-house, alongside assorted beans, either in piping hot red bean soup, or over shaved ice. Perched on a slope, the room affords gorgeous views of the valley and the sea – another reason to visit.
Opened in 2023, this cosy bistro in a quiet village by the sea sports a rustic yet refreshingly modern interior. A zero-waste ethos and locally sourced ingredients set the scene of the French menu which demonstrates strong Asian influences and changes frequently. It may include items like Shandong roast chicken with grilled pickled cucumber or fried lamb tripe with purple cabbage in coriander sauce. Also check out the well-curated selection of natural wines.
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