About
Jiufen is a historic mountain town in Taiwan, set on the slopes above the northeastern coast. Its name is also written 九份 and sometimes romanised as Jiushan. The town is known for its narrow alleyways, which wind up and down the hillside, and for its traditional teahouses, many of them tucked behind old facades.
Walking here is the main reason to visit. The lanes are lined with small shops and food stalls, and the streets climb steeply, so the pace tends to be slow. From many points along the higher paths there are wide views over the ocean, which are often the moment visitors remember most.
What the visit offers
- Teahouses: traditional tea rooms where you can sit, order a pot, and watch the town below.
- Narrow alleys: the town's character lies in its lanes, best explored on foot without a fixed plan.
- Ocean views: the coastline is visible from several vantage points across the hillside.
- Ghibli connection: Jiufen is famous for inspiring scenes in Studio Ghibli films, which draws many visitors who want to compare the streets with the animation.
Planning your trip
Jiufen suits a relaxed day or an evening trip, when the lanes take on a warm glow and the views change with the light. Because the town is built on steep ground, comfortable shoes are a sensible choice. Visitors interested in the wider area can combine a trip here with other parts of northeastern Taiwan, as the town sits within easy reach of the coast and surrounding hills.
