Jiufen - Things To Do, Sights and Highlights, Taipei, Taipei

Roughly an hour outside of Taipei, is the sleepy hollow of Jiufen. The name dates back to the legend that only nine families inhabited this mining town. Because Jiufen was so far removed from trade routes, any goods ordered to the town were always purchased in groups of nine - one set for each family living there. So the name 'Jiufen' translated, literally means "nine pieces". Once gold was discovered in the 1890s, this family was joined by hoards of others, populating Jiufen as the new gold mining heart of Taiwan. 

Near to the Pacific Ocean coastline, the old town of Jiufen is hushed into misty slopes. The town's dated commercial square attracts visitors who stream in on weekends, wanting a peek into the old town that became the setting for the famous Japanese animation film "Spirited Away". Here tourists meander along a lively Old Street, between lantern-lit souvenir shops, food vendors, and cafés. An afternoon through Jiufen is easy enough  to do on foot. Jishan Street (基山街) which runs along the ridge line and Shuchi (Shuqi) Street (豎崎路) are the main attractions in this historical district.

By Our Taipei Local Expert