Jiufen, Taiwan
Jiufen, located in northern Taiwan, is a picturesque mountain village known for its narrow alleyways, winding staircases, and traditional teahouses. It is a popular destination for its stunning views, street food, and charming atmosphere.
Trip to Jiufen, Taiwan
Day 1: Arrival
Upon arrival at Taipei Taoyuan International Airport, make your way to check into your hotel in Jiufen. After you have settled in, take some time to explore around Jiufen Old Street. This is the most visited area of Jiufen, where you will find innumerable food stalls and souvenir shops. The traditional architecture of the buildings and cultural atmosphere are sure to make a great first impression.
Day 2: City Tour and Juifen Mine Railway
Indulge in the scenic beauty of Jiufen through a guided city tour. Visit places such as Jinguashi, Nanya Rock Formations, Golden Waterfall, Yin and Yang Sea and Pingxi Old Street. Then, take the one of a kind Jiufen Mine Railway, which once carried gold and other minerals from the mines in northeast Taiwan. The train takes you through a historical market and ancient settlements, and offers a spectacular view of rolling hills, blue sea, and Kaihua Temple.
Day 3: Shopping
Explore the shopping area with a half-day market run and enjoy some retail therapy. Take a taxi to the city’s most prominent shopping places, such as Wufenpu Commercial Zone, Miramar Entertainment Park, Taipei 101, and Raohe Night Market. Taipei 101, a symbolic landmark of modern Taipei, serves as both a tourist attraction and a business center. It boasts upscale boutiques, premium dining, and breathtaking panoramic views.
Day 4: Houtong Cat Village and Shifen
Travel to Houtong Cat Village, situated within a short distance from Jiufen. This cat lover’s paradise has earned its fame thanks to the population of stray cats living there. Continue the trip to Shifen, a township known for releasing sky lanterns. There are many places to dine, drink, and bolster your inner creative self as you craft your own lanterns. You can also take a hike to popular tourist spots, such as the Shifen Waterfall.
Day 5: Hot springs in Beitou
Beitou is a district of Taipei located north of downtown. It’s a popular spot in Taiwan due to its natural hot springs. Enjoy a relaxing day with Beitou’s geothermal resources and greenery. Visit Sulfur Valley, an area that illustrates the steam-powered landscape of Beitou. The valley houses hot springs, bubbling mud pools, and steam vents from where Sulphur dioxide comes out from the ground. You can also enjoy outdoor hot spring baths, designed to relax and refresh your mind.
Day 6: Taipei Museum of Fine Arts and Taipei City Zoo
Visit the Taipei Museum of Fine Arts, the city’s largest art museum. It has an extensive collection of modern and contemporary artworks from all over Taiwan, China, and other parts of Asia. After the museum, go to the nearby Taipei City Zoo to observe the wildlife inhabitants. Taipei Zoo is the largest zoo in Asia and has a wide range of species, including some forced to migrate to safe areas due to man-made catastrophes.
Day 7: Departure
After exploring the city and appreciating the natural beauty of Taiwan, it’s time to say goodbye to Jiufen. Check out from the hotel and take a private transfer to Taipei Taoyuan International Airport for your flight back home.
