Exploring Jiufen Thoroughly Through Photography

Jiufen is a mountainous area that I explored thoroughly through photography. Originally, only nine households lived here, but after gold was discovered, people began to flock to the area. However, the village faced a decline after gold mining ceased in 1971. Fortunately, Jiufen gained fame as a filming location for many movies, and it has since become one of Taiwan's most popular tourist destinations. When I visited, the place was extremely crowded. Mornings are said to be relatively quiet, but by the afternoon, large groups of tourists arrive through various travel agencies, making movement somewhat restricted. Still, if you take your time, it's worth exploring. There is no entrance fee to Jiufen, but to capture photos from prime spots, you may need to dine at a restaurant or stay at a hotel. Otherwise, the best photo angles are limited. While many people visit Jiufen as part of a tour, I traveled independently, which gave me more time to explore. I even went up to the observation deck above Jiufen to take photos. Most visitors are captivated by the red lanterns and buildings, but the observation deck offers stunning views of the sea, mountains, and diverse houses. If you have time, I recommend heading up there. Jiufen, a must-visit destination near Taipei, is definitely worth your time.