A Magical Atmosphere at Jiufen Old Street!

Jiufen Old Street truly feels like a magical place! During the day, it’s a bustling mountain town, but as evening falls and the red lanterns light up one by one, the entire atmosphere transforms. It’s like stepping into the world of the movie *Spirited Away*—absolutely dreamy! 🏮

One thing to note is that the crowds here are no joke, especially on weekends. The main street (Jishan Street) can get so packed that you’re practically carried along by the flow of people! Also, most of the old street consists of stairs and narrow alleys, making it quite inconvenient for strollers or wheelchairs, so be prepared.

🏮 Atmosphere/Features:
Jiufen Old Street has two main routes to explore:
🔺 **Jishan Street**: This is the busiest, most commercialized "horizontal" street. You’ll find taro balls, grass jelly cakes, fish ball soup, peanut ice cream rolls, and all kinds of snacks here. Just walk and eat your way through!
🔺 **Shuqi Road**: This is the famous "vertical" stone staircase street lined with red lanterns. The iconic "Amei Teahouse" is located here. If you want to capture the classic lantern-staircase scene, this is the spot to visit!

My personal recommendation is to arrive around 3 or 4 PM. Start by enjoying some snacks and drinks on Jishan Street, then head to Shuqi Road as the sky darkens. Find a teahouse to sit down in, and from the window, take in the sea of lanterns and the distant ocean view. It’s an unparalleled experience you won’t find anywhere else.

🚍 Transportation:
🔺 **Train + Bus**: Take a train from Taipei to "Ruifang Station," then transfer to a bus (routes 788, 827, 1062, etc.) to head up the mountain. This is the most recommended option.
🔺 **Driving**: The roads in Jiufen are narrow, parking is extremely hard to find, and fees are expensive (charged per entry or by the hour). Driving yourself is strongly discouraged, as searching for a parking spot can ruin your trip.

⚠️ Tips:
To capture the most iconic view of Amei Teahouse, don’t take photos at its entrance. Instead, head to the viewing platform of the teahouse across the street (e.g., Haiyue Lou) for the best perspective! Also, the mountain weather is unpredictable, often foggy or rainy, so it’s always a good idea to carry an umbrella.

🕰️ Opening Hours:
Store hours vary, but most open around 10 or 11 AM and start closing down around 7 or 8 PM. If you want to enjoy the night view, don’t come too late, or you’ll miss the lively atmosphere as shops close.

Post by lauyi_travel | Sep 29, 2025