Hello Pals,
I heard that Juifen (九份) was a town to be seen outside of Taipei not on the weekend. As we had set days, we travelled here from Luodong on a Monday.
From 1971 as a mining community, to 1989 as a movie set to then in the 2000s, known as Studio Ghibli inspiration.
Miyazaki himself has denied that Jiufen was the inspiration for Spirited Away, and while I do admit it was cute (lanterns and old towns and views.) I’d probably say it’s just super good marketing. I didn’t love it as much as the reputation precedes and found it too crowded and overhyped. I can admit it’s a quaint little spot in its own way, outside the main street and while I’m glad I saw it, I would not return.
If you would like to know “what to see in Jiufen” click ‘read more’
In this article, you’ll find: (click to be taken there)
The Basics: How to get there.
My Top Choices: What you should see.
My Recommendations: Where to eat & drink, What to listen to & read.
Where to Stay: Where I stayed or where friends stayed.
What I did: My diary entry.
Other Recommendations: Things we missed.
All my posts have a key:
⏰ Opening Hours. 📍Location 🕒Distance
💰Cost 🎫Ticket 📝 To note. 🎒What to bring.
♿ Accessibility 🌱Vegan / Veg Options. 🎧 Sensory.
TO NOTE:
- Stairs and narrow crowded alleys make accessibility difficult and possible sensory overload.
- If you’re not one for crowds, the recommendation is when it’s raining or get a hotel and stay overnight as the tours clear around 5/6pm.
THE BASICS
🚆 TRAIN Local 4152 to Ruifang Station and then 🚕 TAXI to Juifen or 🚌BUS 1062 to Juifen.
🚌BUS 965 to Ruifang and 🚌BUS 1062 to Juifen.
TOP CHOICES!
Jiufen Teahouse
⏰ 11:00 – 20:00
📍No. 142號, Jishan St
💰120NTD service charge
ALT’ TEAHOUSES: A-Mei Teahouse, Sweet Potato Teahouse, Artist Teahouse
———-
The century-old house was the former residence of Weng Shanying, the head of the Jiufen mine. It houses an art gallery, gift shop and even has an indoor koi pond!! The staff were so knowledgeable and kind. The waitress taught us the correct way to make tea (warm the cup first) and the history of the tea house itself which opened in 1991.
Observation Deck
📍No. 43, Qingbian Rd
———-
Two levels offering panoramic views. As it’s out of the way, often not crowded.
Jiufen Old Street
The narrow street of Jiufen old street hosts food, drink, souvenirs and tea houses.
MY RECOMMENDATIONS
🍷逸茶酒室 Golden bar
⏰ 2:00 – 22:00
📍 No. 190號, Jishan St
📝 Minimum charge: one drink per person. Unable to make reservations.
☕ CHLIV
⏰ 10:00 – 18:00
📍 No. 59-1號, Qingbian Rd
Founded by 2016 Coffee Fest World Latte Art Champion, they offer specials such as a charcoal latte!
WATCH:
A City of Sadness Director: Hsiao-Hsien Hou
Set in Taiwan between 1945 and 1949, A City of Sadness portrays the turbulent years that immediately followed the end of the Japanese colonial period. As Japan surrenders at the close of World War II, the island is handed over to the Chinese Nationalists (Kuomintang), whose arrival, initially greeted with hope, soon gives way to mistrust, corruption, and violent political repression
WHAT I DID
Walking the main street of Juifen was a lot. It was bumper to bumper and this was a Monday?? I would hate to see it on the weekend. Once through the main strip, we tried stopping at A-Mei, which is considered THE teahouse. It was (you guessed it) too busy. We opted for Jiufen Teahouse instead and I really loved the atmosphere, staff and architecture.
This cute little store, Taiwan Ocarina showcases the clay flute in a range of difference shapes and sizes. We did want to purchase something, but we couldn’t find staff at the time so photos and memory is the best we got.
There are corridors and tunnels and little hidden spots all over this town if you look for them! It also helps avoid the crowds (can you tell the theme here?) We had dinner at Golden Bar before setting back
OTHER RECOMMENDATIONS
All links below take you to a blog post.
Have you been?
What did you see / eat / do?
Let me know below.
As always, stay cool.
– Sarah.
SarahVation 