Don't Be Disappointed by Your Jiufen Trip! A Complete Guide to Model Itineraries, Duration, and Recommended Eats
A Complete Guide to the Basics of Sightseeing in Jiufen
Jiufen is an old mountain town located near Taipei, Taiwan, andA magical night view lined with red lanterns...captivates travelers from all over the world.
In this column, we’ll provide you with everything you need to know about sightseeing in Jiufen—from how to get there and travel times to suggested itineraries, dining options, and tips on how to avoid disappointment!
◆For those looking for must-try foods in Jiufen
◆For those who want to know how many hours it takes to sightsee in Jiufen
◆For those planning a one-day itinerary that includes Shifen
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How to Get to Jiufen
A Guide to Day Trips from Taipei
From downtown Taipei to Jiufen, you can take the train and bus, a direct bus, or a taxi.Three RoutesYou can access it at.
Compare the features of each option and choose the one that best suits your travel style.
Access: 2 minutes on foot from the Jiufen Old Street bus stop.
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How to Get There by Train and Bus (Cheapest Route)
Take the Taiwan Railways (TR) from Taipei Station or Zhongxiao Fuxing MRT Station, andRuifang StationI'll get off there.
From Ruifang Station, take the bus to Jiufen (Route 825) or a Keelung Bus, and you’ll arrive in Jiufen in about 15 to 20 minutes.
One-way transportation costs by train and bus areApproximately 90–120 New Taiwan dollars (about 400–500 yen)It's very affordable. This is a great option for those who prioritize value for money.
How to Get There by Direct Bus (For Beginners)
Direct buses run from the Taipei Bus Terminal (near Zhongxiao Fuxing Station) in downtown Taipei to Jiufen and Jinguashih.
No transfersSince you can take it all the way to Jiufen, it's a worry-free option even for first-time visitors to Taiwan or those who aren't familiar with public transportation.
The trip takes about 1 to 1.5 hours. Since travel time may vary depending on traffic conditions, be sure to leave plenty of time.
How to Get There by Taxi or Tour (The Easy Way)
If you charter a taxi from downtown Taipei, you can travel door-to-door to Jiufen. The fare is one-way1,500–2,000 New Taiwan dollars (approx. 6,000–8,000 yen)That's about the going rate.
If you're traveling in a group or with family, you may be able to keep the cost per person down.
It's easier if you book a tourist taxi or a local tour that offers Japanese-language service.
↓Getting around is a breeze!
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How Long Does It Take to Tour Jiufen?
Half a Day? A Full Day? A Comprehensive Guide
The amount of time needed to sightsee in Jiufen varies greatly depending on how you explore the area and what you hope to see.
If you're just strolling around, half a day is plenty, but if you want to take your time enjoying the local cuisine and night views,1-Day Courseis recommended.
Estimated travel time for the shortest route
If you want to efficiently visit only the main attractions, the total time required isAbout 2 to 3 hoursThis is a rough guide.
If you keep a brisk pace—focusing on a stroll through Kiyama Street (Old Street), a visit to the A-Mei Teahouse area, and taking photos on Shuqi Road (Staircase Street)—you can fully enjoy Jiufen in just half a day.
Estimated time required to enjoy it at a leisurely pace
If you want to enjoy tea at a tea house or go on a food tour to sample your favorite dishes,4 to 6 hoursThat's something we'd like to make sure we have.
If you plan to sightsee from noon until evening and want to be sure to see the night view, it’s best to plan a full-day itinerary.
When making your plans, keep in mind that your return trip to Taipei will be at night.
Recommended Times for Lunch, Dinner, and Evening
During the day, you can enjoy the open, breathtaking views stretching all the way to the distant mountains and the sea.
As evening falls, the red lanterns begin to light up, creating the magical atmosphere that is so characteristic of Jiufen.
The peak hours for night views areAround 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.。
However, since weekends and holidays tend to be crowded with tourists, I recommend visiting on a weekday evening if you want to avoid the crowds.
Model Itinerary for Jiufen
The Classic Route
For first-time visitors to Jiufen, the route leads from the Old Street to the scenic overlook and then to the Stairway StreetThe Classic Routeis recommended.
Put on some comfortable shoes and enjoy a stroll up the hill.
Start your stroll from Kiyama Street (Old Street)
Once you get off at the bus stop, firstKiyama Street (Old Town)Let's head there.
We recommend strolling along Jiufen’s main street—lined with souvenir shops and food stalls—while sampling the local cuisine to get a feel for the atmosphere.
The alleys are narrow and winding, but that’s part of Jiufen’s charm.
Why not take a leisurely stroll with a map in hand?
Enjoy the spectacular views at A-Mei Tea House and the observation deck
As you walk down the old street, you’ll come across what could be called the symbol of JiufenAmei Tea House...comes into view.
This scenic spot offers a panoramic view of red lanterns, green mountains, and the sea stretching out below—making it the perfect location for taking photos.
It also serves as a tea house, where you can relax and enjoy the spectacular view while sipping Taiwanese tea.
Capturing a scene that epitomizes Jiufen on the stairs of Shuzhi Road
From the area around A-Mei Tea HouseThe Stairs on JukkiroLet's head there.
The cobblestone staircase, lined with red lanterns on both sides, is a popular spot known for its breathtaking views—one of Jiufen’s most iconic sights.
Especially at dusk, when the lanterns begin to glow, the atmosphere becomes perfect for photos.
Bringing a tripod will also come in handy for night photography.
Jiu Fen & Shi Fen: 1-Day Sample Itinerary
Jiufen andShifenA one-day tour of these sites is one of the classic itineraries for sightseeing in Taiwan.
It works best to experience the lantern release in Shifen in the morning and then head to Jiufen in the afternoon.
↓ Enjoy Jiufen and Shifen All at Once!
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Lantern Release in Shifen (Morning)
By train from TaipeiShifenHead there and experience the lantern release near the old station on the Pingxi Line.
The experience of writing a wish on a lantern and releasing it into the sky will be a moving memory of your trip to Taiwan.
Shifen Old Street has plenty of restaurants and souvenir shops, so we recommend taking a short stroll there after the lantern release.
Travel to Jiufen・
Enjoying the Sunset and Night Views (Afternoon to Night)
You can get from Shifen to Jiufen by bus or taxi.About 30 to 40 minutes。
Once we arrive in Jiufen in the afternoon, we’ll stroll along Jishan Street, enjoying the local cuisine, until evening.
As dusk falls and the lanterns begin to light up, enjoy the night views around Tatesaki Road and A-Mei Tea House.
When heading back to Taipei, it's a good idea to check the last bus time in advance.
6 Recommended Dining Spots in Jiufen
In Jiufen, you can enjoy street food and tea houses while sightseeingDining Spots...is extensive.
Be sure to come with an empty stomach!
Akan Auntie's Taro Balls (Akan Yi-Yu-Yuen)
A Famous Dessert That Symbolizes Jiufen Old Street"Taro Balls"This is the restaurant. The location is fantastic—you can enjoy your meal while gazing out at the ocean from the observation deck—and it’s such a popular spot that you’re sure to find a line.
You can enjoy it either as a warm soup or as cold shaved ice.
◆Directions: About a 10-minute walk from Jiufen Old Street
Jiufen Tea House
A traditional Japanese house over 100 years oldIt is a charming tea house that makes use of [...].
You can spend a relaxing time enjoying Taiwanese tea and dim sum.
The view from inside the restaurant is also outstanding, making it a great place to stop by while sightseeing.
◆Directions: About a 5-minute walk from Jiufen Old Street
Laibo Taro Balls (Laibo Yu Yuan)
Alongside Auntie A-Gan, this is one of Jiufen’s most famous shops for taro balls, beloved by local regulars. It’s known for its colorful taro balls, which have a texture that isChewy。
It's located along Kiyama Street, so you can easily stop by while taking a stroll.
◆Directions: About a 5-minute walk from Jiufen Old Street
Lu Rou Fan Food Stalls and Restaurants
Jiu Fen Old Street is home to some of Taiwan's classic fast-food spots"Lu Rou Fan"There are food stalls and restaurants scattered throughout the area that serve these dishes.
A bowl of rice topped with sweet-and-salty ground meat is a classic Taiwanese dish.
Since it's reasonably priced, be sure to give it a try while you're out exploring the local food scene.
Jiufen Old Noodle Shop
This is a long-established noodle shop that serves traditional Taiwanese noodle dishes.
A soup infused with the rich flavor of fishIt's absolutely delicious and has long been a favorite among locals.
They have a menu tailored for tourists, so even first-time visitors can feel comfortable coming in.
◆Directions: About a 2-minute walk from Jiufen Old Street
A Café with Stunning Views Near the Summit
The hillside area of Jiufen is dotted with cafes where you can enjoy coffee and light meals while taking in panoramic views of the sea and mountains.
While relaxing after a day of sightseeingEnjoy the Spectacular View All to YourselfIt's a hidden gem.
Especially in the evening, when the orange-hued sky blends with the streets of Jiufen, you can enjoy a truly wonderful time.
The reasons why people say "I'm disappointed" and
Tips for Having Fun
There are also some reviews saying that Jiufen was "a letdown."
However, in many cases,It depends on the precautions taken in advanceIt's a place where you can have plenty of fun.
We've compiled a list of common reasons and their solutions.
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How to Avoid Crowds and Traffic Jams
The biggest drawback of Jiufen is the crowds of tourists, especially on weekends and holidays.
Crowds tend to gather especially in the evening and at night, and the narrow alleys can sometimes become congested.
As a countermeasure,Weekday visits—arrival around 2:00–4:00 p.m....is effective.
Just by visiting during off-peak hours, the atmosphere in Jiufen changes dramatically.
Weather and Fog Precautions
Since Jiufen is located halfway up a mountain, it is an area prone to fog and rain.
It’s not uncommon for visitors who come expecting spectacular views on a sunny day to find that the fog makes it impossible to see anything…
Before Your VisitCheck the weather forecast and be sure to bring rain gear.Let's do it.
Foggy days have their own magical atmosphere, allowing you to enjoy a different side of Jiufen than on sunny days.
Regarding Model Itineraries for Sightseeing in Jiufen
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
summary
Jiufen is a wonderful tourist destination where you’ll never be disappointed—as long as you know exactly how to get there, how long it takes, and the best time of day to visit.
There are plenty of package deals and culinary options that combine this destination with Shifen, making it a particularly popular choice among day trips to Taipei.Highly SatisfactoryOne of the attractions.
Be sure to use this article as a guide to create your own personalized itinerary!
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