Jiufen Old Street Walking Tour – Half Day

The pretty village of Jiufen, just 50km from Taipei, makes a fantastic day trip from the capital. Once a prosperous gold mining town, it’s no less charming or worthy of a visit today.

‘‘The small town of Shifen with a train track running straight through it is one of the best-loved day trips from Taipei’’ — Eternal Arrival

While the settlement is undoubtedly touristy, there are plenty of hidden gems when you know where to look. Your knowledgeable Taiwanese tour guide will take you exploring the following spots:

Fushan Temple: This traditional Taoist temple is dedicated to the God of Earth and was traditionally a place for mine workers to pray for better fortune. Today, it’s still a practising local temple, decorated with colourful dragon carvings and hanging lanterns.

‘‘What a rare combination of sea and land with great food and tremendous natural scenery.’’— Sharriffkan, USA

A House Crossing Lane: These tiny alleyways connecting different streets remain a well-kept secret by the locals. Your guide will show you how Taiwanese people lived during the gold rush era.

Tunnel Entrance: This spot was put on the map by Japanese cult movie Spirited Away but it was actually around long before that. Hand-carved in the 1930s, the tunnel was a crucial part of the gold mining process.

Jiufen Gold Ore Museum: Owned by a son of a former miner, this quirky little museum is the best place to learn about Jiufen’s rich history.

Songde Park: Bag a panoramic coastal view from this hidden local park.

Shengping Theater: Built in 1916, this movie house was once frequented by the Taiwanese elite, wealthy from the lucrative gold mining industry. Here you’ll learn fun facts from your tour guide before exploring the area at your leisure.

‘‘Jiufen welcomes visitors with a beautiful view of the mountain and coast: experience its local food and find inspiration!’’ — Karla Around the World