Things to do in Jiufen
Explore top experiences
Top 10 attractions in Jiufen
Jiufen Old Street
Jiufen Old Street is located along Jishan Street, Shuqi Road, and Qingjing Road. The traditional-style buildings are built into the mountainside, featuring rows of old houses, narrow streets, and steep stone steps with varying elevations. The winding Jiufen Old Street preserves ancient living customs with its rich nostalgic charm. Red lanterns, narrow alleys, stone steps, and weathered wooden buildings have inspired many films. The street gained renewed fame through "A City of Sadness" and its resemblance to the setting in "Spirited Away." Old Street Delicacies The snacks on Jiufen Old Street are a feast for the eyes. We recommend Apo Lai Taro Balls, located at No. 143 Jishan Street. Their sweet soup or shaved ice is topped with red beans and peanuts. The mixed taro balls are sweet, soft, and delightfully chewy. Another shop, Auntie Taro Balls, offers a narrow dining space with a clear ocean view. Enjoy handmade taro and sweet potato balls while gazing at the sea—a truly relaxing experience. Other must-try treats include red glutinous meatballs, peanut roll ice cream, Hulichang braised snacks, Jiufen tofu pudding, and Jiudaokou beef noodles, all guaranteed to whet your appetite. The Old Street homestay avoids the bustling crowds. Staying overnight in Jiufen is a great choice. Many homestays are built along the slopes, towering and far-reaching. At night, when visitors disperse, the old street suddenly quiets down, leaving only a few lights, as if time has frozen. Enjoying such tranquility alone is truly wonderful.New Taipei City · 39.8 km from downtown
Heping Island Park
Originally named Sheliao Island, this isle in Zhongzheng District lies northeast of Keelung Harbor. It was among the first places in northern Taiwan visited by Westerners and where Han Chinese settlers first cultivated land in Keelung. Centuries of weathering and wave erosion have sculpted remarkable geological formations along its shores - mushroom rocks, tofu rocks, and marine abrasion platforms - creating what resembles an open-air sculpture museum. Ten distinctive rock formations include: Pig Head Rock, Sphinx Rock, Seal Rock, Mudskipper Rock, Sea Hare Rock, plus five hidden gems in the secluded Alapao Bay: King Kong Rock, Pharaoh Rock, Crocodile Tears Rock, Black Kite Rock, and Leopard Rock. Mountain trail: Approx. 400m in length, this panoramic path runs along the high points of Heping Island Park, offering spectacular views of Keelung Islet, ocean scenery, and unique submarine features from Dengyu Pavilion. The wave-cut platform: This expansive coastal terrace serves as a winter seaweed harvesting ground, where groups of local village women often gather wild sea vegetables, creating a distinctive cultural landscape on the island. Liuxia Beach: With its soft, pristine sands, this beach is perfect for kids to build sandcastles and play, while also offering an ideal spot for sunbathing. Blue Lagoon: In the crystal-clear azure waters, tropical fish and swimming crabs often swim alongside visitors. Safety personnel are on duty year-round to ensure everyone's well-being. Kiss the Sea Pool: A family-friendly facility where kids can get close to marine life, with small fish swimming alongside them, offering a safe space for observing ocean creatures. Angel's Ocean Walkway: This scenic walkway appears like a path leading to the blue sea, making it a perfect photo spot and attraction. It also features a slide that kids love, which leads directly to Liuxia Beach. Ryukyu Fishermen Memorial Monument: In 1905, Ryukyu people gathered here to form a settlement, teaching Keelung's early inhabitants fishing and shipbuilding techniques. They maintained excellent relations with Heping Island residents, prompting Japan to present this monument as a symbol of their friendship. Radar Station View Restaurant: Located at the park's highest point, this former military facility has been transformed into a scenic dining venue. It features a 270-degree ocean-view outdoor plaza and elegant indoor seating, offering both breathtaking views and delicious cuisine.Keelung · 10 km from Jiufen
Shifen Old Street
Shifen Old Street is closely connected to Shifen Station. Although there are no century-old red brick buildings or well-known architectural styles, the characteristics of the old street close to the railway make it a good place for railway fans to make nostalgic pilgrimages. The sky lantern crafts on the old street The store has always been the sign here, with Hakka floral fabrics and video postcards, injecting new vitality and enthusiasm into the retro Shifen Old Street. The short 10-minute journey is worth spending a few hours savoring and experiencing it slowly. Taking pictures, treasure hunting on the railway, or buying a sky lantern to pray are all popular ways to visit Shifen Old Street.New Taipei City · 10.2 km from Jiufen
Yehliu Geopark
·Explore the Yehliu Geopark, which is famous for its special geology and topography and considered as a wonder of the world. Feel the charm of "the most Mars-like rocky environment on earth". ·Closely touch the unique-shaped boulders in the park which are all gradually formed due to years of erosion and weathering by seawater. ·Yehliu Geopark is a good choice whether you are taking children for a parent-child tour or visiting with friends and enjoying the beautiful scenery. △Yehliu Geopark has a large area and different scenic spots. Among the boulders, the most famous one is the "Queen's Head". As the representative work of the mushroom rock, especially its graceful and noble shape, the queen's head has long been the symbol of Yehliu Geopark. △In addition to the "Queen's Head", Yeliu Geopark has formed special geological landscapes such as sea caves, honeycomb rocks, bean curd rocks, mushroom rocks, and candle rocks after tens of thousands of years of seawater erosion, crustal movement and weathering.New Taipei City · 19 km from Jiufen
Gold Museum, New Taipei City Government
·View gold collections and more than 140 kinds of characteristic minerals up close ·Feel the mining history and culture of East Asia and visit the traditional Japanese dormitory ·Appreciate the charming natural scenery and review the gold mining experience after World War II The Gold Museum boasts the history of Jinguashi mining and gold as the core theme. It integrates the settlement appearance, mining history, local culture, and ecological landscape of the Jinguashi area to make a master plan, thereby developing a new look for the area and bringing New vitality, combined with community strength, will completely preserve the precious nature, mining sites, landscape features, historical memories, and cultural assets in the Jinguashi area, which give them new life. △ The New Taipei City Gold Museum Visitor Service Center provides tourist information, museum guides, and other related service consultations. △ The Gold Museum was rebuilt from the former office of a metal mining company and now has three floors. The first floor is an exhibition room with multiple themes such as “Retrospecting the Golden River in History” and “The Outcrop of a Giant Pumpkin”; the second floor also has a permanent exhibition with three themes; the third floor is a gold panning experience area, where visitors can experience the gold panning process in person. △ Four consecutive buildings - a well-preserved and complete Japanese-style dormitory. The interior furnishings and living objects remind people of the past. The exterior red bricks and black tiles constitute the mountain city characteristics of Jinguashi District. △ The Alchemy Building is a two-story brick building. On the right side of the first floor is a small special exhibition room, where special exhibitions with current themes are launched from time to time. On the left side of the first floor is the Alchemy Theater space. The second floor is also a permanent exhibition room, providing the fun of "river gold panning" through a multimedia interactive experience. △ Prince Hotel is famous for the rumor that the Japanese Crown Prince (later Emperor Showa) stayed there during the Japanese colonial period. The dense foliage around it provides privacy. The architectural type of this building is a combination of traditional Japanese academy style and Western-style space, forming a popular building at the time.New Taipei City · 41 km from downtown
National Museum of Marine Science and Technology
The Haike Museum is a museum that is different from other social and educational institutions. It has a very natural mountain and sea landscape and unique buildings. The display content is even richer, especially when it is scattered among the residential houses in the community; this special geographical location of "close distance" makes the planning and operation of the Haike Museum more challenging. The exhibition themes of the Haike Museum cover marine environment, marine science, marine engineering, and marine culture. The extensive display content mainly conveys the knowledge of the ocean.Keelung · 5.8 km from Jiufen
Houtong Cat Village
Houtong was originally named Houdong, derived from the monkeys that once roamed the area, but today it is the cats gathered here that attract visitors. Houtong is an authentic mountain town, divided by the railway into the former mining site and Houtong Cat Village. In 2008, a cat enthusiast organized a cat photography event at Houtong Cat Village. They uploaded the photos online, where they were warmly received by many cat lovers. Here, you can get up close with the cats and enjoy the charm of the mountain village's old streets and houses. If you get tired of photographing cats on the winding paths, why not browse the town's souvenir shops? They sell all sorts of cat-themed items, such as phone charms and wallets, and the snack stalls even sell cat-shaped treats that are sure to melt your heart.New Taipei City · 3.1 km from Jiufen
Taipei Palace Museum
Taipei Palace Museum houses an exceptionally rich collection of artifacts and treasures that span nearly 5,000 years of China's glorious history, with over 650,000 pieces in its collection. Known as the "Treasure House of Chinese Culture," it offers visitors the chance to see its three most prized possessions: the Meat-shaped Stone, Jadeite Cabbage, and Mao-kung Ting. The lifelike forms and exquisite craftsmanship of these masterpieces are truly awe-inspiring. In addition to viewing rare treasures up close, you can also visit the park's Zhishan Garden, Zhide Garden, and the Zhang Daqian Memorial Hall. Get up close to appreciate the art-inspired-by-life Meat-shaped Stone. The Dongpo Meat-shaped Stone is one of China's Four Great Odd Stones and one of the three treasures of the Taipei Palace Museum. The "Jadeite Cabbage" craftsmen skillfully utilized the natural hues of the jadeite, using the deep green tones to depict the layered cabbage leaves. Although the white portions contained cracks and impurities, the artisans ingeniously transformed them into the fresh, moisture-rich stems of the cabbage through clever arrangement. Explore classic calligraphy and painting works to uncover the mysteries of Chinese calligraphy.Taipei · 29.9 km from Jiufen
Golden Waterfall
The Golden Waterfall is located on the side of the road from Jinguashi to Shuinan Cave. Generally, the waterfall is caused by the terrain drop between the water currents. However, the Golden Waterfall is an underground current that rushes out of the ground, and the stream cannot be seen before or after. The size and direction of the running water will also show different appearances due to the amount of rainfall. After the heavy rain, the abundance of water is very spectacular. After the rainwater seeps into the mining area, it contacts with pyrite and sulphur-copper ore, and after oxidation-reduction and iron bacteria catalysis, the waterfall water presents a golden-orange acid mineral water, and later generations euphemistically call it the Golden Waterfall.New Taipei City · 1.8 km from Jiufen
Taipei 101
Located in a prime location in Taipei, Taipei 101 was primarily planned by Taipei Financial Center Corporation, a consortium of fourteen companies, in collaboration with a professional team. Designed by renowned architect C.Y. Lee, the project transcends the concept of a single volume, using the auspicious number "eight" (a homophone for "prosperity") as a design unit. Each eight-story building forms a structural unit, interconnected and stacked to form the overall structure. This creates a rhythmic and dynamic aesthetic, pioneering a new style for international skyscrapers. Ultra-high-speed elevators: Taipei 101 Observatory is equipped with two ultra-high-speed elevators, with an ascent speed of up to 1010 meters per minute. It only takes 37 seconds to go from the 5th floor to the 89th floor observation deck. These two elevators are also equipped with constant pressure devices in the car, dampers, and high-temperature resistant ceramic braking systems, making them intelligent high-speed elevators that integrate high technology. The 89th-floor indoor observation deck, illuminated by dazzling lights at night, creates a dreamlike and immersive experience through its glass-enclosed landscape. Not only does it offer panoramic views of the city skyline, but it also features unique, private photo windows, ensuring every moment becomes a classic shot! Wind Damping Sphere: The full official name of the Taipei 101 wind damping sphere is the Tuned Mass Damper (TMD). It is a passive damping system custom-designed to meet the needs of this building, located centrally on floors 87-92. Its main purpose is to reduce the building's swaying during strong winds, minimizing discomfort for those working in the building. Unlike traditional concealed damping systems, the Taipei 101 wind damping sphere's design balances functionality and aesthetics, allowing a clear view of the entire damping system's operation from the observation deck. The multi-section exterior design naturally mitigates the wind field effect on the ground caused by airflow from high-rise buildings, and ensures pedestrian safety and comfort through the separation of green planting areas in the architectural design. Infinite Sky: Utilizing a unique mirroring principle, the interplay of reflections and rotations between the atrium and floor creates a visual experience of boundless space and limitless expanse, making visitors feel as if they are in a kaleidoscope world. Helpful Reminder: Female visitors wearing short skirts should be aware of the reflection issues on the mirrored floor. Rainbow Neon Zone: The night view from above, combined with neon lights, is a popular spot for taking photos and shouldn't be missed!Taipei · 29.5 km from Jiufen
Experiences you can't miss in Jiufen
Featured Day tours in Jiufen
View all Day tours![Jiufen Old Street + Shifen Old Street + Shifen Waterfall 1-day tour [Depart from Taipei | Guaranteed departure]](https://ak-d.tripcdn.com/images//0584o12000nkigtod37D0_C_568_320.jpg?_fr=wc)
4.7/5
· 581 reviews· 12.2k bookedFree cancellation
Instant confirmation
Book now for tomorrow
95.2% of travelers recommend
50% off
Limited-time sale
FromQAR 72.09QAR 144.19
4.9/5
· 609 reviews· 1.9k bookedFree cancellation
Instant confirmation
Book now for tomorrow
97.2% of travelers recommend
FromQAR 83.11
![[Guided Bus Tour] Morning or Afternoon Available│Explore the Magical Jiufen│Ample Free Time│Leisurely Paced Tour│Choose from 2 Drop-off Locations](https://ak-d.tripcdn.com/images/0350n12000pbz1cl41433_C_568_320.jpg?_fr=wc)
4.9/5
· 60 reviews· 1.4k bookedFree cancellation
28 consecutive positive reviews
50% off
Limited-time sale
FromQAR 50.30QAR 100.61
![Yehliu Geopark + Shifen Old Street + Jiufen Old Street 1-day tour [8-hour private charter in Taipei]](https://ak-d.tripcdn.com/images/100s0z000000mq2x4933B_C_568_320.jpg?_fr=wc)
Yehliu Geopark + Shifen Old Street + Jiufen Old Street 1-day tour [8-hour private charter in Taipei]
4.8/5
· 45 reviews· 164 bookedFree cancellation
Instant confirmation
Book now for tomorrow
27 consecutive positive reviews
FromQAR 508.05
![Yehliu Geopark + Jiufen Old Street + Shifen Waterfall Park 1-day tour [Depart from Taipei hotel]](https://ak-d.tripcdn.com/images/0350p12000fs756nw7F10_C_568_320.jpg?_fr=wc)
4.7/5
· 34 reviews· 424 bookedFree cancellation
Instant confirmation
94.1% of travelers recommend
50% off
Limited-time sale
FromQAR 96.88QAR 193.76
4.4/5
· 11 reviews· 241 bookedFree cancellation
50% off
Limited-time sale
FromQAR 92.99QAR 185.99
4.9/5
· 7 reviews· 136 bookedFree cancellation
Instant confirmation
Book now for tomorrow
FromQAR 571.56
4.9/5
· 151 reviews· 415 bookedFree cancellation
Instant confirmation
Book now for tomorrow
97.4% of travelers recommend
FromQAR 558.86
Featured Cultural experiences in Jiufen
View all Cultural experiences
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
FromQAR 101.61
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
FromQAR 247.68
5% off
Limited-time sale
FromQAR 116.50QAR 122.64
4.9/5
· 22 reviewsFree cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
22 consecutive positive reviews
5% off
Limited-time sale
FromQAR 275.32QAR 289.82
FromQAR 627.74
![[Nationwide] Far Eastern SOGO Department Store E-Gift Voucher](https://ak-d.tripcdn.com/images/0357312000ru0ylv95351_C_568_320.png?_fr=wc)
4.7/5
· 6 reviews· 973 bookedBook now for today
FromQAR 55.33
![[Valid across Taiwan] Far Eastern department store group · instant voucher](https://ak-d.tripcdn.com/images/0351912000soc4lirE9AE_C_568_320.png?_fr=wc)
4.9/5
· 15 reviews· 476 bookedFree cancellation
Book now for today
22 bookings in 7 days
FromQAR 55.33
![[Valid across Taiwan] Far Eastern SOGO group · instant voucher](https://ak-d.tripcdn.com/images/0356312000snzz52rDBCB_C_568_320.png?_fr=wc)
5.0/5
· 31 reviews· 341 bookedFree cancellation
Book now for today
31 consecutive positive reviews
FromQAR 55.33
Featured Food & drink in Jiufen
View all Food & drink
5.0/5
· 211 reviews· 185 bookedFree cancellation
Instant confirmation
Book now for today
100 consecutive positive reviews
FromQAR 6.71
FromQAR 100.60
4.4/5
· 96 reviews· 4.4k bookedFree cancellation
Book now for today
93 bookings in 7 days
20% off
Limited-time sale
FromQAR 107.30QAR 134.13
![[Valid across Taiwan] Wowprime group e-gift card · instant voucher](https://ak-d.tripcdn.com/images/0355312000r6d3a6m9775_C_568_320.jpg?_fr=wc)
4.9/5
· 109 reviews· 938 bookedFree cancellation
Book now for today
22 consecutive positive reviews
FromQAR 108.42
4.8/5
· 11 reviews· 258 bookedFree cancellation
Book now for today
FromQAR 78.47
5.0/5
· 6 reviews· 248 bookedBook now for today
FromQAR 122.84
4.2/5
· 11 reviews· 203 bookedBook now for today
FromQAR 66.96
Featured Outdoor experiences in Jiufen
View all Outdoor experiences
4.6/5
· 66 reviews· 1.2k bookedFree cancellation
Instant confirmation
90.9% of travelers recommend
FromQAR 80.02
![Golden Waterfall + Shifen Old Street + Jiufen Old Street Day Trip [Departure from Taipei | Guaranteed Departure]](https://ak-d.tripcdn.com/images/0350812000gdgemmh84EA_C_568_320.png?_fr=wc)
4.9/5
· 476 reviews· 170 bookedFree cancellation
Instant confirmation
100 consecutive positive reviews
FromQAR 114.32
![[Taipei private charter 1-day tour] Shifen sky lantern, Jiufen Old Street, Golden Waterfall, North Coast](https://ak-d.tripcdn.com/images/0351n12000ay7k4b35343_C_568_320.jpg?_fr=wc)
5.0/5
· 9 reviews· 61 bookedFree cancellation
FromQAR 560.13
4.8/5
· 52 reviews· 893 booked96.2% of travelers recommend
FromQAR 76.09
More things to do
Private Tours in Jiufen
View More Private Tours in Jiufen
Free things to do in Jiufen
Jiufen Old Street
New Taipei City · 39.8 km from downtownShifen Old Street
New Taipei City · 10.2 km from JiufenHoutong Cat Village
New Taipei City · 3.1 km from JiufenGolden Waterfall
New Taipei City · 1.8 km from JiufenTaipei 101
Taipei · 29.5 km from Jiufen
Yinyang Sea
New Taipei City · 2.4 km from Jiufen
MaoKong
Taipei · 30 km from Jiufen
Shifen Waterfall
New Taipei City · 8.9 km from Jiufen
Shifen Waterfall Park
New Taipei City · 8.9 km from Jiufen
Keelung MiaoKou Night Market
Keelung · 10.4 km from Jiufen
What travelers say about Jiufen
Tom HungFebruary 12, 2026
5.0
Jiufen, a mountain town, is a settlement in Ruifang District, New Taipei City, Taiwan, facing Keelung Mountain. The entire town sits on a hillside, creating a unique landscape of slopes and terraced buildings. It prospered in its early days due to gold mining, but declined after the mines were exhausted. The filming of the 1990s film *A City of Sadness* brought Jiufen's unique old-style architecture, hillside location, and charm to the attention of both domestic and international audiences, revitalizing the area and turning it into a tourist destination. Part 2
Jiufen Old Street
Anonymous userJuly 23, 2026
4.0
It was ok. The ticket availment was easy and practical. Wasn't able to enjoy it completely cause it rained.
Heping Island Park
Marieta Du ToitMay 6, 2025
5.0
This street was so beautiful with many shops. We bought milk tea and just walked around. Although there was a lot of people, we still enjoyed it very much.
Shifen Old Street
Eyka ArmizaOctober 14, 2026
5.0
Yehliu Geopark is a beautiful and unique place in Taiwan. The rock formations are amazing, especially the famous Queen’s Head. It is a great place to take photos and enjoy nature. Remember to wear comfortable shoes because there is quite a bit of walking. Overall, it is worth visiting and highly recommended! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Yehliu Geopark
jxkajhzhMarch 6, 2025
5.0
The Gold Museum is located in the mountain town of Jinguashi in Ruifang District, New Taipei City. It has rich historical, cultural and natural assets. It is also the first museum in Taiwan built with the concept of an eco-museum. It focuses on asset preservation, emphasizes sustainable development and the reuse of old buildings, and combines local power to drive regional development. When you come to Jinguashi, in addition to appreciating the local special geology and natural beauty, you can also have a profound experience of the mining history and settlement culture of Jinguashi. It is hoped that through the joint participation of the residents of Jinguashi, we can jointly manage and create the charm of this land. I hope to create another immortal gold legend for Jinguashi. I am really happy and will recommend friends to come next time.
Gold Museum, New Taipei City Government
Anonymous userDecember 17, 2025
4.0
It was an educational place. You can learn types of fishes. But if the fish can be real one, it would be more lively and interesting!
National Museum of Marine Science and Technology
?
April 1, 2016
4.0
This small and quiet village is more than enough for two hours to explore, no matter how much you love cats. So, if you're booking your Taiwan Railways ticket, aim for round-trip tickets within 2 to 2.5 hours.
Training on the southbound Juguang Express, station staff will enthusiastically book your ticket and recommend a round-trip time. Simply let them know your desired time.
This is undoubtedly a paradise for cats, and cat lovers alike. Perhaps seasoned and overwhelmed by people, these cats are completely unwary of outsiders and will cooperate with you whenever you ask. Furthermore, the cats at Houtong are known for their pampered appearance. Volunteers regularly visit to check their health and hygiene, and each cat is assigned a number.
Houtong Cat Village
NH媽媽的日記October 20, 2026
5.0
Perfect place to learn about classical Chinese art and literature. Very well preserved and presented artefacts with easy guides to follow along. Highly recommend a guide or audio tour to make the most of the museum tour. The staff were super friendly, kind and helpful to everyone.
Taipei Palace Museum
超级cttNovember 17, 2019
4.0
The Golden Waterfall has been oxidized by heavy metal ore deposits in the riverbed for many years, forming a unique golden waterfall landscape. Local residents call it the Golden Waterfall. The small gravel next to the waterfall rock is a bit orange. The reason is that when mining was done, the long-term deposition of metal minerals flowed out after rainwater infiltration, causing the Jinguashi Waterfall to be polluted by heavy metal arsenic. So just come here to see the waterfall, and never touch it to avoid corrosion. After finishing the food trip to Jiuzhufen Old Street, go to the Golden Waterfall by the way. From this road, you will see a waterfall in the valley, which is the Golden Waterfall. The geology here is full of metals, so the color of the river water becomes like this, and this waterfall is different from ordinary regular waterfalls. It flows down layer by layer. Looking at the color and the sound of water, it is actually better than expected. In addition to the green primitive hills around the waterfall, it is also a unique place.
Golden Waterfall
Martina Travel and MarvelOctober 21, 2026
4.0
Taipei 101 is a must see when you are in Taipei ! It has been for long time the highest building in the world.. the view from top is amazing 🤩! Buy tickets in advance online !
Taipei 101
