Jiufen: what inspired the signature scenes of Spirited Away

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Jiufen is a charming hillside town in northern Taiwan that’s perfect for a relaxed day trip from Taipei—but it’s a pretty good idea to spend a night over too because the old streets would be free of the crowds of tourists till then.

Once a gold mining hub, it’s now famous for its narrow streets packed with teahouses, souvenir shops, and food stalls—don’t miss the taro balls or peanut ice cream wraps!The old-town vibe, red lanterns, and sea views give it a dreamy feel.

And the most famous view in Jiufen has gotta be the signature views featured in the Miyazaki Hayao movie Spirited Away, which however can only be appreciated through the lens of a drone. I have taken time to explore a huge area of Jiufen, but found no observatory to be able to see that with our eyes.

Post by Shih Yuin Chew | Jun 1, 2025