Jiufen

Getting There

From Taipei, Jiufen is only about 40–50 minutes by car.
We booked a private car for a day trip covering Houtong, Jiufen, and Shifen — a convenient option especially when traveling with family or kids.
Private car for 3 adults and 1 child: NT$5,000 (round trip).

Other options:

• By Train: Take a local train from Taipei Main Station to Ruifang Station (about 40 minutes).
  From there, hop on a local bus or taxi to Jiufen Old Street (approx. 15–20 minutes).

• By Bus: From Zhongxiao Fuxing MRT Station Exit 1, take Bus 1062 (Keelung Bus) directly to Jiufen.

From Houtong 

1. Train + Bus

1. • Take a TRA local train from Houtong Station → Ruifang Station (⏱ 5 minutes) 💰 Fare: around NT$15

   • Exit Ruifang Station and walk ~3 minutes to the bus stop in front of the police station (瑞芳警察局站).

   • Ride Bus 788 or 965 heading to Jiufen Old Street (九份老街) ⏱ 15–20 minutes (depending on traffic uphill) 💰 Fare: around NT$15–20 with EasyCard 🕰 Total Travel Time: ~25–30 minutes

2. Taxi 

   • ⏱ 15–20 minutes

   • 💰 Around NT$300–400, depending on traffic and weather

Things to Do in Jiufen:

1. Wander Through Jiufen Old Street

The heart of Jiufen is its maze of narrow lanes filled with souvenir stalls, snack shops, and teahouses. Try the famous taro balls, peanut ice cream rolls, and Taiwanese sausage. Every turn reveals another charming view of lantern-lit balconies and distant sea mist.

2. Sip Tea with a View

Visit the iconic A-Mei Teahouse (阿妹茶樓), said to have inspired the bathhouse in Spirited Away. Sit by the window, enjoy traditional tea service, and watch the fog roll over the mountains.

3. Catch the Sunset at the Viewing Deck

At the end of Old Street, you’ll find a panoramic view of Keelung Mountain and the sea — breathtaking, especially at golden hour when the lanterns start to glow.

4. Explore Beyond the Main Alley

Jiufen is more than its teahouses. Wander uphill paths and stone stairways leading to quiet temples and residential lanes where locals still live. It’s a glimpse into an older Taiwan — peaceful, humble, and full of soul.