Taipei/Jiufen Travel Guide

Jiufen is a nostalgic town nestled in the mountains of Taiwan, known for its beautiful scenery and remnants of its gold mining past, making it a popular tourist destination. 【Access from Taipei】 ★ For those who enjoy detours Take a train to Ruifang Station, then transfer to a bus or taxi. Along the way, you can visit popular spots like Houtong, known as the "Cat Village," or Shifen, famous for its sky lanterns. ★ For those heading straight to Jiufen Direct buses from Taipei Main Station (Ximen) or Zhongxiao Fuxing Station are convenient. ★ Travel time: About 1.5 hours by bus, or around 2 hours with train and bus transfers. 【Return Trip】 The return buses can get extremely crowded. Sometimes, buses may pass by your stop completely full. A good tip is to move to a bus stop before the crowded ones to ensure you can board. Alternatively, you can take a bus heading in the opposite direction to reach a less crowded station before returning to Taipei. I personally took a bus to Jinguashi (about 10 minutes away), the final stop in the opposite direction, and managed to board a return bus without any hassle. 【Highlights of Jiufen】 The red lanterns lighting up at dusk, the stone steps, tea houses, and local delicacies are all part of Jiufen's charm. On clear days, you can even enjoy breathtaking views of the sea. My top recommendations are Taiwanese ocarinas and peanut ice cream! Taiwanese ocarinas come in various shapes, such as cats and ducks, and make adorable decorative items. You can even watch artisans painting them at the shop. Peanut ice cream combines the crunch and sweetness of peanuts with the refreshing taste of pineapple sorbet—an unexpectedly delicious treat you must try! 【Taipei Hotels】 Since Jiufen can be visited as a day trip, staying in Taipei is recommended! Recommended hotel: Caesar Park Taipei https://www.trip.com/w/UG3DILx5qP2 This hotel is directly connected to Exit 6 of Taipei Main Station, making it incredibly convenient. Not only is the location excellent, but you can also avoid getting wet on rainy days. The hotel also has Japanese-speaking staff, providing peace of mind for travelers.