Jiufen, a must-visit spot near Taipei, for a self-guided trip.

Jiufen is a famous destination near Taipei, often visited through bus tours or packages. This time, I wanted to visit Jiufen briefly on my own, so I went on a self-guided trip. How to get there 1. Get off at Zhongxiao Fuxing Station on the MRT Bannan Line (Blue Line). 2. Exit through Exit 1 and take bus 788 or 1062 right in front of the exit. It takes about an hour to reach Jiufen. Jiufen Old Street The narrow alleyways are lined with numerous traditional shops and snack stalls. You can enjoy a variety of local foods such as taro ball desserts, cheese potatoes, and herbal tea. The lantern-lit street view starting from the entrance of Old Street is particularly charming. Scenic Points Just a short climb beyond Old Street, there's an observation deck offering a panoramic view of Keelung Harbor and the surrounding mountains. The sunset, with the sky and sea turning red, was truly spectacular. Jiufen was smaller and more crowded than I expected, but the quaint atmosphere in every alley and the unique Taiwanese charm left a strong impression. Especially in the evening, when the lanterns were lit, the romantic ambiance was maximized. If you are planning a trip to Taipei, I highly recommend visiting Jiufen.