What you'll do
Jiufen, Shifen & Yehliu is the trio most popular spot that any traveler should visit in Taiwan! This is a 3-day itinerary, but it can be treated as three separate day trips!
It's a unique and affordable spot that screams Taiwan, with the changing weather, you might experience different seasons in just one week (or even in one day). Regardless of the weather, I guarantee that your days here will be filled with new experiences among Taiwanese cultures, beautiful waterfalls, and unique rock formations.
All of these spots are accessible by public transport!
You don't need to spend the night in any of these places, each can be done in a day but staying there would give you a different kind of vibe!
Day 1
Jiufen Old Street
historic
"Spirited Away" Village
If you're a fan of the movie "Spirited Away, " this spot is a must-visit in Taiwan! Nobody knows for sure whether the film was inspired by this or the other way around but what we all know is how beautiful Jiufen is!
You can eat their famous local snacks right on the old street and take pictures with the beautiful lanterns hanging on top. The best part is the view you will get right at the top; you can see the ocean and beautiful mountains.
I recommend doing it around the evening, you only need half a day there! So you can get the day vibes and also the night vibes when the light starts to pop! One of my most liked things to do is to stroll at night to feel the vibe of it. Enjoy~
Must Eat Foods:
Taro Balls (芋圓)
Peanut Ice Cream Roll (花生捲冰淇淋)
Experience Tea Culture (A-Mei Teahouse 阿妹茶樓）
A-Zhu Peanut Ice Cream Roll
restaurant
Must try Taiwanese snack
Located on the main old street, you won’t miss it since there would already be a queue forming along this small stall. it is a thin crepe-like layer filled with ground peanuts and balanced with two scoops of ice cream. super delicious! We loved the contrast between the cold ice cream texture and the dry ground peanuts, making it very unique only in Taiwan!
A-Mei Teahouse
cafe
The star of Jiufen
This is the spot you’ve all been waiting for, the spotlight of Jiufen is A-Mei Teahouse! This multi-story teahouse is located just a little off the main street, perched on top of a hill. From their balcony, you can admire the beautiful view in front of you, Keelung Mountain to the right, and the Northern shores of Taiwan on the left.
This has to be the best place to experience Taiwan's tea culture! Not only from the best tea makers, but the overall environment takes you to a cozy setting of Jiufen's charm.
Shengping Theater
culture
Historical Play
This spot has a rich history dating back to 1916. Originally built for Taiwanese Opera performances, it became a popular spot during the gold rush era in Jiufen. Although it closed in 1986, the theater was renovated and reopened in 2011, maintaining its traditional charm with a black asphalt roof and wood beams. Today, it stands as a famous landmark attracting tourists who come to admire its historical significance and snap some Insta-worthy photos.
A-Gan-Yi Taro Ball
restaurant
Delicious Taiwan Desserts!
This is one of the most famous snacks that you could find in Jiufen. The taro balls are famous because they have the perfect chewy texture, not too soft and not too hard. You can have it steamed hot or served cold over ice with beans. An awesome addition to your Jiufen experience that you have to try!
Jiufen Goldore Museum
historic
Mining Town History
Before becoming a touristy spot, Jiufen was a gold mining town back in the World War era. There are many tunnels to be found all around JiufenIf you are interested in learning more about Jiufen's history as a mining town, be sure to visit this place!