Ruifang Station Area Ruifang
Ruifang Station: Your charming gateway to Taiwan's enchanting Jiufen and scenic Pingxi Line, offering vintage vibes and local flavors.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed vibe
Ruifang Station Area Ruifang
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed vibe
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ruifang Station: Your charming gateway to Taiwan's enchanting Jiufen and scenic Pingxi Line, offering vintage vibes and local flavors.
"A must-go through station, stop if going by Jiufen; interesting, local, traditional, and a hidden gem."
🎯 Luggage Storage Hack
Save money by using shops outside the station for all-day luggage storage (around NT50). :handbag:
🍜 Pre-Jiufen Food Stop
Eat at Ruifang Food Square before Jiufen; it has better food options than Jiufen itself. :ramen:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Ruifang Station Building
Experience a charming, vintage Taiwanese atmosphere that contrasts with modern MRT lines. A true hidden gem.
Houtong Cat Village
A whimsical village where friendly felines roam freely. A purr-fectly delightful stop for animal lovers.
Pingxi Line Train Ride
Journey through picturesque landscapes on a nostalgic diesel railcar, offering a taste of old Taiwan.
Ruifang Food Square
Indulge in delicious and authentic local cuisine before or after your explorations. A must-visit for foodies.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Gateway to Jiufen & Pingxi Line
Luggage Storage & Local Eats
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Luggage Storage Hack
Save money by using shops outside the station for all-day luggage storage (around NT50). :handbag:
🍜 Pre-Jiufen Food Stop
Eat at Ruifang Food Square before Jiufen; it has better food options than Jiufen itself. :ramen:
🐾 Cat Village Charm
Don't miss Houtong Cat Village, a unique stop with many friendly feline residents. :cat:
🚆 Pingxi Line Nostalgia
Take the diesel railcar for a scenic and nostalgic journey through the Pingxi Line. :train2:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Luggage Storage Hack
Save money by using shops outside the station for all-day luggage storage (around NT50). :handbag:
🍜 Pre-Jiufen Food Stop
Eat at Ruifang Food Square before Jiufen; it has better food options than Jiufen itself. :ramen:
🐾 Cat Village Charm
Don't miss Houtong Cat Village, a unique stop with many friendly feline residents. :cat:
🚆 Pingxi Line Nostalgia
Take the diesel railcar for a scenic and nostalgic journey through the Pingxi Line. :train2:
📸 Vintage Station Vibes
Capture the old-school Taiwanese atmosphere of Ruifang Station before renovations. :camera:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Ruifang Station as a charming, traditional transit hub with friendly staff and convenient amenities like luggage storage. It's highly recommended as a gateway to Jiufen and the Pingxi Line, with many suggesting enjoying local food here before heading to Jiufen. Some note a lack of major sightseeing within the station area itself, but appreciate its vintage atmosphere and role in exploring surrounding attractions.
"I like this station... It's a must go through station, stop if going by jiu fen 九份. It's interesting because it's very local and traditional. Hidden gem of coffee places.
Not much sightseeing though.
To go through the other end, you can just take a pass through ticket and return it once you are through the underpass.
There's currently some construction around and looks like there's a new platform or train station appearing soon! So perhaps catch this scenes and pictures before they are gone, to become modern train station.
The staff at ticketing booth as well as the information counter are super friendly and helpful.
What's great also about this station is you can leave your luggage at the locker at the station (chargeable) by about NT70 for 3 hrs large size, NT40 for 3 hours small luggage size. Better deal, head off to the shop right outside the station look out for the luggage keeping sign (行李寄放）for just NT50 for whole day collect by 8pm.
This is really great for those going for day trips to jiu fen or nearby without having to lug the stuff around."
是无名
"This station was surprisingly well equipped. There are toilet facilities, fare top ups, lockers for bags, hot water top up on the platform, signs in English as well. If you're going to Shifen it's platform 3. Staff are around to ask basic questions. Train to Shifen was well air-conditioned and comfortable. Train arrived about 15 minutes before departure. If you want a seat get to the platform early. It can be busy."
Maria Ngo
"Amazing station, base myself here for pingxi line exploration. Small city but has good and delicious food and friendlies people"
H W
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The easiest way is to take a TRA train from Taipei Main Station directly to Ruifang Station. The journey takes about 40-60 minutes. You can also take the MRT to Taipei Main Station and then transfer to the TRA train.
From Ruifang Station, you can take bus #788, #965, or #1062 to Jiufen Old Street. The bus stop is usually located to the left of the station exit. The ride is about 15-20 minutes. +1
Ruifang Station is the starting point for the Pingxi Line. You can board the Pingxi Line train from Platform 3. Ensure you have the correct ticket for the Pingxi Line.
Yes, you can take a taxi, but it will be significantly more expensive than public transport. Many travelers opt for the train and then a bus or local taxi to Jiufen for cost-effectiveness.
Ruifang Station is a TRA (Taiwan Railways Administration) station, not an MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) station. You'll need to take the MRT to Taipei Main Station and then transfer to the TRA train to reach Ruifang.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets for trains to Ruifang are generally available at the station. However, for popular routes like the Pingxi Line or trains to Jiufen, especially on weekends, it's advisable to purchase tickets in advance or arrive early to secure a seat.
Ruifang Station operates on a schedule similar to most TRA stations in Taiwan, typically from early morning until late evening. It's best to check the specific train schedules for the Pingxi Line and other routes as they can vary.
No, there are no entrance fees to enter Ruifang Station. You only need to purchase train tickets for your onward journeys.
A day pass for the Pingxi Line is available and offers unlimited travel on the line for a set period, which is a cost-effective option if you plan to stop at multiple stations like Shifen and Pingxi.
Yes, EasyCards and other similar stored-value cards are generally accepted for train travel on the TRA network, including routes originating from Ruifang. This makes boarding and disembarking more convenient.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Ruifang Station is primarily a transit hub. The main attractions nearby are Jiufen Old Street, Houtong Cat Village, and the scenic Pingxi Line. The station itself has a vintage charm and local eateries.
Yes, toilet facilities are available at Ruifang Station. They are typically located outside the ticket gates, so you may need to inform a station staff member if you need to exit briefly to use them.
Public Wi-Fi availability can be spotty at smaller TRA stations like Ruifang. It's recommended to have a local SIM card or a portable Wi-Fi device for reliable internet access.
Take the TRA train from Ruifang Station on the Yilan Line towards Keelung. Houtong Station is a short ride away and is well-marked for the cat village.
Absolutely! Ruifang Station has a unique vintage aesthetic that many visitors enjoy photographing. Capture the old architecture and the contrast with modern trains.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The Ruifang Food Square, located close to the station, is highly recommended for delicious and authentic local food. There are also many smaller eateries and snack stalls around the station.
While Jiufen Old Street has many food stalls and tea houses, the quality and variety of restaurants are often considered better in Ruifang's Food Square. It's advisable to eat your main meal in Ruifang.
Look for local Taiwanese snacks and dishes at the Ruifang Food Square. Popular options often include various noodle dishes, dumplings, and local desserts.
While not always explicitly marked, many Taiwanese eateries offer vegetarian-friendly dishes. Look for vegetable stir-fries, tofu dishes, and simple noodle soups.
Yes, there are a few hidden gem coffee places around Ruifang Station offering a local and traditional vibe.
📸 📸 Photography
The Ruifang Station building itself offers great vintage architectural shots. Look for interesting angles of the platforms, the old signage, and the surrounding local streets.
Many visitors enjoy capturing the nostalgic atmosphere of the station, the scenic views along the Pingxi Line, and the unique charm of Houtong Cat Village.
Yes, trains are a central part of Ruifang's identity. You can photograph them arriving and departing, especially on the Pingxi Line. Be mindful of safety and station staff instructions.
Early mornings and late afternoons often provide softer light and fewer crowds, ideal for capturing the station's ambiance. Golden hour can be particularly beautiful.
The main photo opportunities at Houtong involve the numerous cats interacting with their environment. Look for them lounging, playing, or observing passersby.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
To make the trip smoother, utilize the luggage storage facilities at Ruifang Station or nearby shops so you don't have to lug bags around.
🎒 Budget Travelers
Eating at the Ruifang Food Square is significantly more budget-friendly and offers more authentic flavors than dining in tourist hotspots like Jiufen.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Don't miss Houtong Cat Village for candid shots of its feline residents in their charming environment.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Pingxi Line
When riding the Pingxi Line, remember that trains are not overly frequent, so it's wise to check the timetable in advance to plan your stops efficiently.
Pro-tip: Consider purchasing a Pingxi Line day pass if you plan to visit multiple stations, as it offers unlimited travel and is more economical than buying individual tickets.
The Charm of Houtong Cat Village
As you wander through Houtong, you'll find cat-themed decorations, murals, and even cafes catering to cat lovers. The cats themselves are generally accustomed to human presence and often curious, making for delightful photo opportunities.
Getting to Houtong is straightforward: take a TRA train from Ruifang Station on the Yilan Line towards Keelung, and alight at Houtong Station. The village is easily accessible from the station, with clear signage guiding you to the main areas.
Ruifang Station as a Transit Hub
The station itself boasts a vintage Taiwanese atmosphere, a stark contrast to the modern MRT lines found in Taipei.
Beyond its transit function, Ruifang offers a taste of local life. The Ruifang Food Square is a local favorite, providing delicious and authentic Taiwanese cuisine that many recommend over the dining options in Jiufen.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit