Jiufen, Taiwan

Jiufen

New Taipei CityTaiwan

mountainstraditional architecturetea culturestreet food

Why You'll Love Jiufen

Yo guys, you gotta check out this spot called Jiufen in Taiwan. It's a historic gold-mining town that's been turned into a dope tourist destination with all kinds of cultural experiences and views that'll blow your mind.

The town itself is on a hillside overlooking the ocean, so you can expect some seriously breathtaking views of the sea and mountains. Plus, the town is pretty famous for its old-school architecture and narrow, winding streets with tons of shops selling cool souvenirs like local teas, handmade crafts, and other cute goodies.

One of the biggest draws of Jiufen, though, is the amazing street food. Make sure to try some traditional snacks like fish balls, fried stinky tofu, and sweet potato balls. I swear, your taste buds will thank you. And if you're looking for a sit-down meal, there are plenty of restaurants serving up delicious Taiwanese dishes like beef noodles and chicken rice.

Other top experiences in Jiufen include checking out the tea shops, visiting the historical gold-mining museum, and taking a stroll through the nearby park filled with cherry blossoms and ancient temples.

Overall, Jiufen is an awesome destination for anyone looking to experience some Taiwanese culture and natural beauty. It's a bit of a trek to get there (you'll have to take a bus from Taipei), but trust me, the journey is worth it for the stunning visuals, delicious eats, and unique experiences waiting for you in this charming little town.

Getting to Jiufen

The nearest airport is Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport and from there you can take a bus or taxi to Jiufen, which is approximately a 1.5 to 2-hour drive. Alternatively, you can take a train from Taipei to Ruifang Station and then take a bus or taxi to Jiufen, which is only a 15-minute drive away.

The closest city to Jiufen is Taipei, in New Taipei City.

Travelling from Taipei Taoyuan International Airport to Jiufen

When to Visit

The best time to visit Jiufen, Taiwan is in the autumn months of September to November or in the spring months of March to May when the weather is mild and comfortable for outdoor activities. Avoid visiting during the summer months as it can be very hot and humid, and also during the Lunar New Year holiday when the crowds can be overwhelming.

Weather and Climate

Jiufen, Taiwan has a subtropical climate with temperatures ranging from 15°C (59°F) to 30°C (86°F). The weather is generally warm and humid throughout the year, with occasional rain showers.

In the summer months (June to August), temperatures can reach up to 30°C (86°F) with high humidity and frequent afternoon thunderstorms. The winter months (December to February) are cooler with temperatures hovering around 15°C (59°F).

The best time to visit Jiufen is during the spring (March to May) or autumn (September to November) when the weather is mild and pleasant with lower humidity and fewer tourists.

Costs When Visiting

In Taiwan, the currency is the New Taiwan dollar.
Some sample costs when travelling around Jiufen are:

- Street food snacks: NT$30-100 per item
- Local meals at casual restaurants: NT$100-300 per person
- High-end meals at upscale restaurants: NT$500-1000 per person
- Standard hotel room for two people: NT$2000-4000 per night
- Guesthouse or hostel accommodation: NT$500-1500 per night
- Airbnb or vacation rental: NT$1500-4000+ per night depending on location and size

Safety Rating

Jiufen, Taiwan is generally considered a safe destination. The crime rate in Taiwan is low, and tourists are unlikely to encounter any serious safety concerns. Women can usually feel safe walking alone in public areas, although it is always advisable to exercise caution when travelling alone at night. Taiwan is generally considered tolerant towards racial and LGBTQ issues, and discrimination is relatively rare. Therefore, Jiufen, Taiwan can be considered a safe destination for most travellers.

Local Population

The population of Jiufen, Taiwan is primarily Taiwanese, with a small percentage of immigrants from other parts of Asia. Mandarin Chinese and Taiwanese Hokkien are the most commonly spoken languages. The population is slightly male dominated, with a 51% male and 49% female breakdown. As for racial diversity, the vast majority of the population is Han Chinese, with smaller communities of indigenous Taiwanese people.

Things to Do

Visiting Jiufen Old Street, trying street food and tea, exploring the Jiufen Gold Mine Museum, hiking to the Keelung Mountain, visiting the Shengping Theater, admiring the views from the Jiufen Skywalk, and attending the Pingxi Lantern Festival.