Jiufen Old Street Taipei
A charming, lantern-lit mountain village known for its narrow alleys, delicious food, and stunning views, reminiscent of a Ghibli film.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Jiufen Old Street Taipei
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming, lantern-lit mountain village known for its narrow alleys, delicious food, and stunning views, reminiscent of a Ghibli film.
"Stepping into a real-life Spirited Away moment! 
🎯 Go on a Weekday
Avoid weekend crowds for a more enjoyable experience. :city_sunrise:
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Lots of stairs and uneven paths, so good footwear is essential. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
A-Mei Teahouse
Main street
Iconic red-lantern-lit teahouse, famous for its atmospheric ambiance and stunning views. A must-visit for photos.
Winding Alleys & Lanterns
Throughout Jiufen Old Street
Explore narrow, atmospheric streets adorned with vibrant red lanterns, creating a magical, Ghibli-esque atmosphere.
Local Delicacies
Food stalls along the street
Indulge in a variety of Taiwanese street food, from taro balls to savory snacks. A foodie's paradise!
Panoramic Sea Views
Overlooking the coast
Enjoy breathtaking vistas of the Pacific Ocean and surrounding mountains, especially from higher vantage points.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds
Getting There & Around
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Go on a Weekday
Avoid weekend crowds for a more enjoyable experience. +1 :city_sunrise:
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Lots of stairs and uneven paths, so good footwear is essential. :athletic_shoe:
📱 Book Tours on Klook
Convenient transport and itinerary planning, especially for day trips. :ticket:
💰 Taxis are Cash-Only
Most taxis in Taiwan prefer cash, so be prepared. :moneybag:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Go on a Weekday
Avoid weekend crowds for a more enjoyable experience. +1 :city_sunrise:
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Lots of stairs and uneven paths, so good footwear is essential. :athletic_shoe:
📱 Book Tours on Klook
Convenient transport and itinerary planning, especially for day trips. :ticket:
💰 Taxis are Cash-Only
Most taxis in Taiwan prefer cash, so be prepared. :moneybag:
🏮 Wait for Lanterns
The magical red lanterns light up around 5 PM, creating a stunning atmosphere.
☕ Order One Drink
Teahouses often require one drink per person; no sharing allowed. :tea:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Jiufen Old Street is celebrated for its magical, Ghibli-esque atmosphere, especially when illuminated by red lanterns at dusk. Visitors rave about the delicious street food and the stunning coastal views. However, be prepared for significant crowds, particularly on weekends, and note that the hilly terrain with many stairs can be challenging for some.
"Great place to visit if you want something to do during a hot day in Taipei. The old streets are full of snacks, tea shops and souvenirs. The old town is open outdoor but the walkway/alley are cover in shade and most of the shops on both sides has AC, which help cool the alleys down to tolerable temperature. Must stop by and enjoy tea at the oldest tea house in Jiufen. My children 13 and 11 enjoyed the place so much even though we were just sitting around drinking tea for 3 hours. They think they are tea expert now. The place is beautiful decorated with such great ambiance. They also have gift shop and beautiful displays that rival a small museum."
Kevin Nguyen
"A charming and atmospheric place that feels like stepping back in time. The narrow, winding alleys, traditional teahouses, and red lanterns create a magical vibe, especially at night. It's a foodie paradise with lots of delicious snacks to try. Be prepared for crowds, but it's well worth it for the beautiful scenery and nostalgic feel."
Harry Jay Cavite
"If you love the old world charm, this is the place for you! Do come past 10am since most shops open after that (some opens at 11am).
Shops closed pretty early. By 8pm around 80% would've closed. So, plan your trip wisely.
I recommend staying a night or two. There are many tracks you can trek on."
Maruli Lee
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most popular ways include taking bus 965 or 1062 directly from Taipei, or taking a train to Ruifang station and then a taxi or bus to Jiufen. Many travelers find Klook tours convenient for transport and itinerary planning. +2
Travel time can vary, but typically it takes about 1 to 1.5 hours by bus or train/taxi combination from Taipei to Jiufen Old Street.
Buses can get very crowded, especially on weekends. It's recommended to research specific bus stops and be prepared for potential waits, or consider a taxi or pre-booked tour. +1
Taxis are generally safe and regulated, but most are cash-only. Ubers are also available and may accept card payments. Negotiating fares is usually not necessary for regulated taxis. +1
You can take a train from Taipei Main Station to Ruifang Station, which is the closest train station to Jiufen. From Ruifang, you'll need to take a bus or taxi to reach Jiufen Old Street. +1
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Jiufen Old Street itself does not have an entrance fee. You can wander through the streets and alleys freely. However, individual shops, teahouses, and attractions within the area will have their own pricing.
Most shops and food stalls in Jiufen Old Street typically open around 10 AM or 11 AM and close by 8 PM. Some teahouses may stay open a bit later.
No advance booking is required for Jiufen Old Street itself. However, if you plan to join a guided tour or visit specific popular teahouses, booking in advance might be advisable, especially during peak seasons.
Some tour operators, like Klook, offer discount codes that can be applied to day tours that include Jiufen.
Jiufen Old Street is characterized by steep hills and numerous stairs, making it challenging for individuals with mobility issues. While some areas are more accessible, reaching popular spots like the A-Mei Teahouse involves steep descents.
📸 📸 Photography & Atmosphere
For the iconic lantern-lit atmosphere, aim for late afternoon as dusk approaches, allowing you to capture both daylight and the magical glow of the lanterns. Weekdays offer fewer people for unobstructed shots.
Many visitors feel Jiufen Old Street evokes a strong 'Spirited Away' vibe due to its narrow alleys, red lanterns, and traditional architecture, though Studio Ghibli has not officially confirmed this inspiration.
The A-Mei Teahouse area offers a classic viewpoint, but many teahouses and cafes along the main street provide excellent vantage points overlooking the coast and the bustling street below.
Yes, Jiufen is particularly magical at night when the red lanterns illuminate the streets, creating a romantic and atmospheric scene. However, it can also be very crowded.
Key spots include the A-Mei Teahouse, the main street with its lanterns, and any of the teahouses offering panoramic views of the coastline.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Jiufen is renowned for its street food, including taro balls, peanut ice cream rolls, stinky tofu, and various savory snacks. Many traditional teahouses also offer local delicacies.
Yes, many teahouses and restaurants along the main street offer stunning views of the ocean and mountains. Be prepared for potentially higher prices and mandatory drink orders.
While Jiufen is inherently touristy, some travelers suggest exploring smaller side alleys for less crowded teahouses. Yu Zai Fan Shu Tea Stall is mentioned for its views and unique access.
Don't miss the taro balls, peanut ice cream rolls, and various steamed buns or dumplings. Exploring the numerous food stalls is part of the experience.
Yes, most shops in Jiufen Old Street tend to close relatively early, often by 8 PM. Planning your visit accordingly is recommended.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
However, be mindful of the numerous stairs and steep inclines, which might be challenging for very young children or strollers. 🚶 Solo Travelers
Be prepared for crowds, and consider joining a Klook tour if you prefer structured transportation and company. 📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Visiting on a weekday or arriving early can help you capture these scenes with fewer people in the frame. 🍜 Foodies
Many teahouses also offer traditional snacks and a chance to relax and enjoy the ambiance. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Jiufen: Transport & Logistics
Once you're in Jiufen, be prepared for a lot of walking, as the area is built on steep hillsides with many stairs. Taxis are available for transport between Jiufen and Ruifang, but most operate on a cash-only basis, so ensure you have enough local currency. Ubers are also an option and may accept card payments.
Travelers often advise arriving early in the morning to avoid the peak crowds that descend later in the day. Staying overnight is also a popular suggestion, as it allows you to experience the quieter, more atmospheric streets after the day-trippers have departed, especially when the lanterns are lit.
The 'Spirited Away' Connection and Jiufen's Charm
While director Hayao Miyazaki has never officially confirmed Jiufen as a direct inspiration, the atmospheric resemblance is undeniable and a major draw for many tourists. The magical ambiance, especially as dusk settles and the red lanterns begin to glow, truly transports visitors to a different world. Beyond the Ghibli connection, Jiufen offers a rich sensory experience. The streets are lined with a vibrant array of shops selling local handicrafts, souvenirs, and, most notably, a wide variety of delicious Taiwanese street food. From savory snacks to sweet treats like taro balls and peanut ice cream rolls, there's something to tantalize every taste bud.
However, it's important to manage expectations regarding crowds. Jiufen Old Street is an extremely popular destination, and it can get overwhelmingly crowded, particularly on weekends and during peak hours.
Culinary Delights of Jiufen
Beyond these popular treats, be sure to sample other local favorites such as stinky tofu (for the adventurous!), various types of steamed buns, savory pancakes, and grilled seafood. Many shops offer samples, allowing you to taste before you commit.
The experience of exploring these food stalls is as much about the journey as the destination, with the vibrant atmosphere adding to the culinary adventure. For a more seated dining experience, Jiufen boasts numerous teahouses, many of which offer not only a wide selection of teas but also light meals and traditional snacks.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit