Day Trip From Taipei 🏮🫖🍡

Are you looking for the best things to do in Jiufen? Or planning a cheeky day trip to Jiufen from Taipei? 

Keep reading!

I’m Mel, a travel blogger from London. When I travelled across Taiwan from north to south, one of my favourite experiences was my day trip to Jiufen from Taipei!

Jiufen (or Jioufen, 九份) is a stunning mountain town perched in the hills of northeastern Taiwan, about an hour from Taipei. With its winding alleyways, traditional teahouses, and lantern-lit streets reminiscent of the award-winning anime film Spirited Away, Jiufen gives us a cinematic peek into Taiwan’s past.

Jiufen is such a great day trip from Taipei. As a photographer who gravitates towards immersive travel experiences, Jiufen delivers something special – misty mountain views, the glow of lanterns at dusk, the quiet intimacy of a tea ceremony overlooking the ocean…

Even during peak season, there were moments where the crowds melted away, and we found ourselves completely absorbed in the experience. That’s saying something, since the crowds were heaving by noon!

So in this Jiufen travel guide, I’m sharing the best things to do in Jiufen, exactly how to get from Taipei to Jiufen, tips on avoiding the crowds, and what to eat and buy. Let’s dive in!

How to Get from Taipei to Jiufen

Before we get into what to do in Jiufen, let’s talk logistics. Getting from Taipei to Jiufen is straightforward, and you’ve got a few options. Whatever you choose, I’d recommend arriving before 9am if you want to have a dreamy, atmospheric wander without crowds – most of the tour buses arrive by 10am!

• By Uber or Taxi: I opted for an Uber at 7am to beat the crowds, and it was absolutely worth it. The journey took about 45 minutes, cost around £30 (which we split between four people), and meant we arrived before the tourist rush. If you’re travelling with friends or want the easiest, quickest option, this is the way to go.
• By Train and Bus: For a more local experience, take the train from Taipei Main Station to Ruifang Station (about 40 minutes), then catch the local bus 788 or 1062 up the mountain to Jiufen (another 15-20 minutes). It’s more adventurous and budget-friendly, though slightly more time-consuming.
• By Guided Tour: If you prefer a guided experience, plenty of Jiufen day tours from Taipei include Jiufen, often combined with nearby Shifen (famous for sky lanterns) or the stunning Yin Yang Sea.

Popular Jiufen tours from Taipei:

Okay! Let’s get into the guide!

7+ Best Things to Do in Jiufen: A Day Trip from Taipei Guide

1. Explore the Alleyways of Jiufen Old Street 🏮

Jiufen Old Street (Jishan Street) is the heart of the town – a labyrinth of narrow, winding lanes packed with teahouses, souvenir shops, and food stalls. Arriving early meant we got to experience the magical quiet before the crowds descended.

We wandered the alleys, picking up tea sets, admiring hand-carved teapots, and sampling treats from friendly stallholders. The deeper you venture, the more character emerges – hidden stairways leading to quiet viewpoints, vintage boutiques, art shops, and balcony views over the coast that are genuinely breathtaking.

Exploring the Old Street is one of the top things to do in Jiufen. Even if you’re not buying anything, the atmosphere alone – with lanterns swaying in the breeze and the scent of grilled squid and sweet potatoes wafting through the air – is worth the visit. If you’re a photographer like I am, it’s also incredibly photogenic!

Crowd-avoiding tip: Visit early morning (before 9am), late afternoon, or stay overnight to experience the alleys at their most atmospheric. Rainy or misty days actually add to the charm.

2. Have a Tea and Sweets Ceremony at a Traditional Teahouse 🍵

You can’t visit Jiufen without experiencing tea with a view!

Going to a teahouse is one of the most quintessential things to do in Jiufen, and for good reason. When you arrive in Jiufen you’ll soon see A-Mei Teahouse, the iconic multistory building with lanterns that remind everyone of Spirited Away‘s bathhouse.

We made A-Mei Teahouse my first stop because it fills up quickly. We ordered the Tea and Sweets menu, which I loved – delicate traditional sweets paired with high mountain Alishan oolong. I loved sitting on the wooden balcony, sipping tea and watching the mist curl around the hills below. The crowds genuinely seemed to fade away once we settled in.

I ended up taking photos for some strangers from Japan at our table, chatted about travel, and exchanged emails. I sent them the photos afterwards – it was a lovely spontaneous connection!

For a more tranquil vibe, you can also visit Jioufen Teahouse, the town’s oldest. With its shelves of in-house ceramics, traditional decor, and peaceful atmosphere, it offered a quieter counterpoint to A-Mei’s busier energy.

If you’re wondering how to make a reservation for A-Mei Teahouse, I’ve got news for you: sadly you can’t make A-Mei Teahouse reservations! So make sure you plan a walk-in at a non-lunchtime or peak hour. We sat down for tea at around 11am and walked right in. It gets much busier around lunchtime.

And on that note…

3. Drink Specialty Taiwan Oolong Tea 🫖

High mountain oolong from Alishan is revered as Taiwan’s best and most popular oolong tea. It’s soft, sweet, buttery, and wonderfully complex. During the traditional tea ceremony – complete with hot pots over loose coals and proper technique – you really get to appreciate the nuances. 

Also worth trying:

• Baozhong – a light green oolong with delicate floral notes
• Dong Ding – a nuttier, roasted green oolong
• Ruby Red #18 – a bold, fruity black tea with a distinctive character

Taiwan tea also makes a brilliant gift. Later on our trip to Alishan and its beautiful tea plantations, I bought a sleeve of oolong to bring back to London. It’s sensational. I just finished it, actually. Every sip brought me right back to the mountains!

4. Try Jiufen’s Famous Taro Ball Dessert 🍡

Foodies, listen up: you cannot leave without trying taro balls. Jiufen’s chewy, bouncy taro and sweet potato balls – served either hot in syrup or cold over shaved ice – are absolutely iconic.

For taro balls with a view, hike up the stairs to the Michelin-mentioned A Gan Yi Taro Ball – the oldest taro ball shop in Jiufen – and grab a spot overlooking the hills. Pure bliss, especially paired with a hot cup of tea!

I personally loved Lai Ah Po Taro Balls, where you can watch generations of the family hand-rolling the dough right next door to the shop. I tried both the hot and cold versions of the dessert and shared them with my travel companions. Both were incredible, though I personally loved the iced version on a warm day.

🥢 What to Eat in Jiufen 

Beyond taro balls, Jiufen Old Street is a foodie haven. Come hungry and be prepared to graze your way through the old street. Don’t miss:

• Grilled squid – chewy, savoury, and addictive 
• Fish ball soup – warm and comforting on a misty day
• Peanut ice cream roll – shaved peanut brittle wrapped with ice cream in a thin pancake
• Herbal eggs – tea-marbled eggs stewed in aromatic spices.

Check out my Taiwan street food guide for my favourite street eats and where to try them!

If you’re a bit of a foodie – check out these top-rated Jiufen street food tours:

5. Invest in Authentic Local Souvenirs 🎁

Jiufen is brilliant for picking up authentic souvenirs, and because the tea culture here is so strong, you’ll find genuinely beautiful pieces in some of the stores rather than generic tourist tat.

We bought traditional teaware and ceramics in Jiufen. The tea rooms were so lovely, and seeing the care with which tea is prepared made us want to recreate that experience at home. I found a gorgeous tea set with hand-carved details that now sits pride of place in my kitchen in London.

I particularly loved the pineapple cakes we picked up – buttery, crumbly pastry with sweet pineapple jam inside. They’re a Taiwan staple and make excellent gifts (or a treat for yourself on the journey home…!). 

🛍️ What to buy in Jiufen:

• Taiwan tea (especially Alishan oolong)
• Traditional teaware and ceramics (hand-carved teapots, cups, tea trays)
• Pineapple cakes and local sweets
• Handmade crafts (fans, calligraphy, vintage trinkets)
• Studio Ghibli merchandise (No-Face masks, Totoro figurines)

The shops along Old Street vary in quality, so take your time browsing. The deeper you go into the alleyways, the more you’ll find artisan shops with unique pieces.

Best Guided Jiufen Day Tours from Taipei:

1. From Taipei: Shifen, Jiufen, and Yehliu Guided Day Trip – 4.6★ (1,532+ reviews)
   A full-day tour hitting Shifen Old Street & Waterfall, Jiufen Old Street and the striking rock formations of Yehliu Geopark — great for first-time visitors. From Taipei: Shifen, Jiufen, and Yehliu Guided Day Trip

2. From Taipei: Yehliu, Jiufen & Pingxi Day Tour – 4.7★ (GetYourGuide)
   A highly rated mix of nature and culture with sky lanterns in Pingxi, ocean views at Yehliu, and historic Jiufen — balanced stops with plenty of local flavour.

6. Photograph the Lanterns at Dusk or in the Rain 🏮

If you’re chasing that Spirited Away feeling, Jiufen delivers. The town’s narrow alleyways, glowing red lanterns, and misty mountain setting create a visual atmosphere that’s genuinely cinematic – and I don’t mean that in a clichéd way.

Whilst Hayao Miyazaki has stated that Jiufen wasn’t the direct inspiration for the bathhouse town in Spirited Away, walking through these narrow alleys of weathered wood and steel – especially at dusk or during a light rain – you understand why people make the connection. There’s a quality to the mise-en-scène that feels deliberately composed, even though it’s entirely organic.

📸 Photography Tips for Jiufen

Nighttime and rainy days are best for moody, atmospheric photos. The wet cobblestones reflect the lantern light beautifully, and there’s something about the mist that makes everything feel more intimate and visually striking.

I snapped photos by the lantern-lit stairways and along the main street, but some of my favourite shots came from quiet moments – watching an elderly shopkeeper arrange tea canisters in a window, the way steam rose from a street vendor’s pot into the cool mountain air.

This is why Jiufen is my top day trip from Taipei – that wonderful blend of visual beauty, cultural immersion, and those quiet moments of connection that make slow travel so rewarding.

Curious about my camera gear? Check out my Travel Photography & Vlogging Kit!

7. Explore Nature: Mountain Trails & Waterfalls 🥾

If you have time and energy after exploring Jiufen Old Street, the surrounding area offers some stunning natural landscapes worth exploring.

The Golden Waterfall (Huangjin Waterfall) gets its striking golden colour from minerals in the rock – it’s an unusual sight and makes for dramatic photos. Nearby, the Yin Yang Sea features a distinctive line where yellow and blue waters meet due to mineral deposits from old mining operations. It’s surreal and quite beautiful.

For those who enjoy walking, there are several trails in the area:

• Jiufen Keelung Mountain Trail – a moderate hike with panoramic views of the coast
• Teapot Mountain Trail – more challenging but rewards you with incredible 360-degree views
• Bitou Cape Trail – coastal walking with dramatic sea views

These trails offer a completely different perspective on the region – moving from the intimate, enclosed alleyways of Jiufen to the expansive mountain and ocean vistas. It’s a brilliant way to balance cultural immersion with natural beauty. Just remember to wear proper walking shoes if you plan to hike, bring water, possibly a raincoat, and check the weather forecast as trails can be slippery when wet.

 

Best Tours to Do in Jiufen 🚐

If you prefer a guided experience or want to maximise your time in Jiufen, here are the top-rated tours combining Jiufen with other attractions near Taipei:

Best Private Jiufen Sightseeing Tours

1. Private Tour to Jiufen, Shifen Waterfall & Pingxi Sky Lantern – 4.9★ (Viator)
   A private scenic day tour with lanterns, waterfalls, and Jiufen exploration.

2. Keelung Shore Excursion: Jiufen & Shifen Sky Lantern Private Tour – 4.9★ (Viator)
   Cruise-friendly private tour with lanterns, waterfalls, and Jiufen with private pickup.

3. Discover Taiwan’s Charms: Jiufen & Shifen Private Day Tour – 5.0★ (GetYourGuide) Tailored private tour journey with commentary, local eats, exploration time, and optional tea house.

4. From Taipei: Jiufen Night View and Shifen Day Tour – 4.6★ (GetYourGuide) Shiften day tour plus a twilight walk through lantern-lit Jiufen, great for a more atmospheric experience!

Best Street Food Tours In Jiufen and Taipei 🍡

Where to Stay In Jiufen Overnight 🛏️

Best Boutique Hotels in Jiufen

Best Boutique Hotel in Jiufen: Dosun B&B – “Superb”★ 9.1 (Booking.com) | A highly rated Jiufen B&B with mountain and sea views, cosy guest rooms, garden seating & free breakfast – perfect for scenic mornings and exploring Jiufen Old Street.

🏙️ Best Jiufen Value Stay: Something Easy Inn – “Excellent”★ score (Booking.com) | 
Just 100 m from Jiufen Old Street, this guesthouse offers comfortable rooms with easy access to food stalls, tea houses and local hikes; a superb location for first-time visitors.

Best Boutique Hotels in Taipei

If you’re using Taipei as your base for a day trip to Jiufen, I personally love Kimpton Da An Hotel Taipei!

🌇 Best Central Taipei Boutique: Just Sleep – Ximending – “Excellent”★ 8.8+ (Booking.com) | 
Modern, well-reviewed hotel in the heart of Taipei’s vibrant Ximending district – great metro access, food markets, nightlife and shopping right on your doorstep.

🌆 Best Taipei Comfort & Style: Hotel Resonance Taipei, Tapestry Collection by Hilton – “Wonderful”★ ~9.1 (Booking.com) | A stylish 4-star stay near Taipei Main Station with well-appointed rooms, easy transport links, and close walking access to eateries, heritage sites and museums.

🏙️ Best for Food & Transit: Taipei Garden Hotel – “Very Good”★ 8.6+ (Booking.com) | Just a short stroll from Ximen and Ningxia Night Market, this comfortable and popular hotel gives superb food market access plus excellent metro links for city sightseeing.

Jiufen Travel Guide: F.A.Q. 

• How long should you spend in Jiufen? A half-day (3-4 hours) is enough to see the main sights, but a full day allows for a more relaxed pace. Staying overnight is ideal if you want to experience Jiufen without crowds, especially as the town transforms after the day-trippers leave – the alleys become quieter, more atmospheric, and you get to see the lanterns glow against the night sky without the crowds.
• Is Jiufen worth visiting? Absolutely. The combination of stunning views, traditional culture, delicious food, and that atmospheric quality makes it one of the best things to do in Taiwan.
• Is Jiufen a tourist trap? Yes! But in my opinion, it’s the best kind of tourist trap. But beautiful views, unique experience, and access to nature makes it easy to slip away from the crowds and the souvenirs if you need to.
• Can you do Jiufen and Shifen in one day? Yes! Many tours combine both, and they’re only about 30 minutes apart. Shifen is famous for its sky lanterns and waterfall.
• Is Jiufen accessible for people with mobility issues? The old street involves steep stairs and narrow, uneven paths, so it can be challenging. However, some teahouses and viewpoints are more accessible than others.
• What should you wear to Jiufen? Comfortable walking shoes are essential (you’ll be climbing stairs!). Bring layers as mountain weather can change quickly, and pack a light rain jacket – mist and drizzle are common and actually enhance the atmosphere.

🕣 When’s the best time to visit Jiufen? 

How to avoid the crowds in Jiufen:

• Visit early morning (before 9am) or late afternoon
• Weekdays are quieter than weekends
• Rainy or misty days add to the atmosphere (and fewer tourists brave the weather!)

When is the best season to visit Jiufen? 

Jiufen is beautiful year-round, but autumn (September to November) offers mild temperatures and less humidity, whilst winter brings moody mist and dramatic mountain views.

Why Your Taiwan Itinerary Deserves A Day Trip to Jiufen

Jiufen is easily one of the best day trips from Taipei. It’s one of the most memorable experiences I had in Taiwan. Whether you’re drawn by the Spirited Away atmosphere, traditional tea culture, unique desserts, or simply the stunning mountain and ocean views, there are so many wonderful things to do in Jiufen.

The visually striking atmosphere of wandering through misty alleyways, sipping tea overlooking the mountains, and those spontaneous moments of connection made this my number one day trip recommendation. Even during peak season, we found pockets of quiet intimacy that embodied exactly what I love about slow travel.

So if you’re planning a trip to Taiwan, don’t miss Jiufen. Arrive early, get a little lost in the old streets, savour every taro ball, invest in some beautiful teaware, and soak in that magical mountain town atmosphere.

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