Jioufen (Also spelled Chiufen or Jiufen) is a small town in north Taiwan.

Understand

Until the 50s, Jioufen was a prosperous gold mining town, but when the mining was discontinued, the town went into sharp decline. However, the quaint streets, tea houses and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean saved it from becoming yet another anonymous mining ghost town. The town was the site of many historic movies and is now a popular tourist destination, especially with Taipeites eager to relive scenes of the past.

Get in

From Taipei, take the train north to Ruifang Station. From Ruifang take the Keelung Transit bus from the bus stops in front of the train station to Jioufen. The bus trip is roughly 15 minutes.

Or, take the Jiufen bus from the Adventist Hospital bus stop on Bade Road, east of the intersection with Fuxing Road.

Get around

The town of Jioufen is built into the side of the hills slightly inland from the Pacific Ocean coastline. The main area of interest to visitors are the town's historic commercial district which is covered by two pedestrian streets: Jishan Street (基山街, which runs along the ridge line), and Shuchi Street (豎崎路, which runs up and down the slope of the hill). The area is small enough to cover on foot.

See

• The Historic Commercial District of Jioufen consists of a series of stores and restaurants running along Jishan and Shuchi Streets, which are built into the side of the coastal hills and considered a must-see site for visitors. The area is known for its collection of historic businesses, eateries, and teahouses, allowing visitors to relive the past while sampling local specialties and purchasing handicrafts and other knick-knacks. The area also provides spectacular views of the harbor and the Pacific Ocean below. The most popular entrance is located near the bus station.

Do

Buy

Eat

Drink

Sleep

The town does not have any hotels, but there are several small guest houses. Most tourists nominate to stay in Taipei or Keelung.

• Bafankeng Café (八番坑Café民宿), 100 Wushi Ln, Ruifang Township, Taipei County, Tel:+886 2 2497-5291, Fax:+886 2 2496-9500, [1]. The proprietor of this guesthouse is very helpful.

• Sea Point B&B Guest House (金瓜石好望角咖啡宿), 86 San-Jan road, Ruifang Township, Taipei County, Tel:+886 2 2496-1788, Mobile: 0939348806 or 093993602 [2]. check it out this site, you will love it!

Get out