Taiwan’s Must-See: Jiufen’s Timeless Streets, Tea, and Taro

Today, we’re off to Jiufen, one of the most beautiful small towns in Taiwan. It’s like walking into a real-life painting! We start wandering down the old streets, lined with buildings decked out in red lanterns, all nestled on the side of the hill. Each spot has its own story, from when this place was all about digging for gold. It’s buzzing with tourists and local families enjoying the vibe.

Strolling around Jiufen really feels magical. There’s something cool to see everywhere — from the quaint teahouses to the tempting smell of street food and the incredible ocean views. The place is packed with folks all having a good time.

We eat the local food, it’s perfect! Everything tastes better there, maybe because the views of the mountains and sea just add to the flavor. When it gets dark, the sky puts on a color show, and the red lanterns glow, giving off a really cozy vibe.

You can tell why Jiufen’s a hit with travelers. It’s beautiful, sure, but it’s got this vibe, like you’ve stepped into a storybook. Leaving this place, we’re already planning to come back. It’s one of those days we’ll never forget.

Check out this amazing view of Jiufen! You can get a feel for where it sits, with all the green hills around it and the ocean in the front. It looks just like one of those beautiful postcards. I stumbled upon this photo and thought, “This is what Jiufen is all about.” It’s got this peaceful, pretty vibe that’s almost magical. I didn’t snap this picture myself, but it really brings me back to our day there — the cool breeze and the quietness all around. Just amazing!

It’s a small town that wasn’t well-known until the 1890s when they found gold, and it turned into a bustling mining place. Back then, it was under Japanese rule, and you can still feel that history when you look around. It’s easy to see why people say it’s one of Taiwan’s prettiest towns. Just look at those incredible green mountains, the neat little houses, and the winding alleyways. And don’t get me started on the adorable shops — they’re just as charming.

This panoramic view is great because it shows you everything. If you have the time, you could hike up those mountains. Imagine the views from up there! So, if you’re staying in Jiufen overnight, consider taking that hike. You’d get incredible sights from the mountain peaks, especially at sunrise or sunset.

Getting to Jiufen is pretty straightforward. There are several ways to do it. You could join a tour with Klook or KKday. They make things super easy because they plan it all for you. But if you like doing things your way, going solo is a good option. You can take a bus or jump on a train, or if you’re into driving, that’s a great choice. That’s actually what we did — just hopped in our car and set off. It was cool because we could stop whenever we wanted and enjoy the journey. Driving is one of the simplest ways to explore around there.

And you know what’s great? Jiufen is super close to Taipei, just a short distance away in the north of Taiwan. I traveled there from my place in Miaoli, which is just south of Hsinchu. It’s a breeze, especially if you’re staying in Taipei. Seriously, you can go to Jiufen in about 30 to 40 minutes. It’s that easy.

Jiufen is not a big, busy city, but it’s got something special. It’s an old gold mining town that is now a great spot to relax and enjoy some history. Just walking around the old streets and stopping for tea is like traveling back in time.

We arrived in Jiufen at about 9 AM. That’s the best time to explore, trust me. It gets super busy by lunchtime when all the tourists show up. There was a wonderful ride, especially the last part when we started going up into the mountains. From the bus stop there we can get some beautiful views. Look at the ocean there. You can see the entrance of Jiufen’s old street. Even though we are still early but, that day is Saturday, so it becomes sort of busy with a little crowded. On weekends, this place gets insanely busy. It’s packed with these tiny alleyways, kind of like a maze. And already, I can smell some delicious food around there.

The first stop we made was at the famous dessert shop, Taro Ball Shop, A Gan Yi Taro Balls — it’s delicious! You can get it either ice or hot, perfect for any weather. And the view? You can see the beautiful mountains and the ocean while you eat. We stayed there for about 30 minutes, just taking it all in. My tip: get there early! It gets really busy by lunchtime, and the line can get super long.

A Gan Yi Taro Balls, established in the 1960s, with over sixty years of history, it’s no wonder they say this place is where Jiufen’s taro balls originated. When it’s busy, you can take your taro balls to go. People find a place to sit and enjoy them — there’s a real laid-back vibe to it. The iced taro balls are a bit firmer, while the hot ones are chewier, or ‘Q’ as we say. There’s no correct answer to which is better; it’s all about your preference. The bowls come with taro, sweet potato balls, red beans, and mung beans. The taro and sweet potato balls have this lovely, chewy texture, and the sweetness is just right — not too much so that you won’t get tired of it.

Around 11 in the morning, we made our way from the taro ball shop to A-Mei Tea House. We walked down some narrow stairs. In Jiufen, there are many tight streets. There’s something about Jiufen — it’s got a unique vibe that you won’t find anywhere else in Taiwan.

The A-Mei Tea House? It’s awesome. We just sat there, enjoying traditional Taiwanese tea and the vibe. You’ve got to visit it if you’re in Jiufen. It’s the kind of place you won’t forget. I heard that they light up all the Chinese lanterns at night, which looks amazing. That’s why some tourists stay overnight instead of just doing a day trip from Taipei. They want to see Jiufen all light up at night.

You might have heard of ‘Spirited Away,’ that super popular Japanese anime movie, right? Many people think Jiufen’s A-Mei Tea House inspired it because they look so alike. But actually, that’s just a myth — even the movie’s director said it’s not the case. Still, when you see it, you can’t help but be reminded of the film. There are plenty of teahouses in Jiufen, but A-Mei Tea House is the one everyone talks about, probably because of that movie connection, even if it’s just by accident.

And you know what? The Taiwanese tea is fantastic; it’s really, really good! You’ve got to try it at least once in your life. We sat down at this cozy tea place, and let me tell you, it’s a whole experience. Pouring the tea and tasting the different snacks — it’s all part of the fun. Just sitting there, sipping on some of the best tea around — it’s the kind of thing you’ll remember forever.

The high mountain tea at A-Mei Tea House is a real highlight. They have staff who come to your table to brew the tea for you, taking care with every step to ensure you get the perfect cup. They offer a variety of snacks, too — mung bean cake, creamy snowflake dessert, brown sugar mochi, sesame crisps, and their popular golden pineapple cakes, which are all top picks. They’re the perfect treat to enjoy with your tea.

Even though we didn’t get to stick around Jiufen at night, I’ve seen pictures, and it looks absolutely magical. The way the lanterns light up the narrow streets gives the whole place a cozy feel. It’s quieter at night once the one-day tours have left. If you can stay in the evening, it’s well worth it. The town has this beautiful, serene atmosphere when it’s all lit up — it’s like Jiufen saves some of its best views for those who wander its alleyways after sunset.

That’s the story of our Jiufen adventure. What a day! The tight alleyways, the yummy taro balls, and that amazing Taiwanese tea — I can’t get enough of it. Jiufen is more than just pretty sights; it’s about feeling the vibe of the place. It’s chill, it’s fun, and it’s totally worth the trip.

If you ever find yourself in Taiwan, do yourself a favor and check out Jiufen. Trust me, it’s the kind of place that sticks with you long after you’ve left.

Thank you for taking the time to read this article. If you have any questions or suggestions, feel free to leave a message.

Enjoy your day! :)