Experience the nostalgic streets of Jiufen, Taiwan

Jiufen is a charming town nestled in the mountains of Taiwan, known for its nostalgic atmosphere and remnants of its gold mining past, making it a beautiful tourist destination. 【Access from Taipei】 ★ For those who enjoy detours Take a train to Ruifang Station, then transfer to a bus or taxi. This route is recommended as you can stop by popular spots like Houtong, the "Cat Village," or Shifen, famous for its sky lanterns. ★ For those heading straight to Jiufen Direct buses from Taipei Main Station (Ximen) or Zhongxiao Fuxing Station are convenient. ★ Travel time: Approximately 1.5 hours by bus, or about 2 hours with a train and bus transfer. 【Returning from Jiufen】 The return buses can be extremely crowded. Sometimes, buses may pass by fully loaded without stopping at your bus stop. A good tip is to move to a bus stop before the crowded ones to ensure you can board. Alternatively, you can take a bus heading in the opposite direction to reach a station closer to Jiufen Old Street. For example, I took a bus to the terminal station of Jinguashi (about 10 minutes away) in the opposite direction, which allowed me to board a return bus without any hassle. 【Highlights of Jiufen】 The red lanterns lighting up at dusk, the stone steps, tea houses, and local delicacies are all part of Jiufen's charm. On clear days, you can also enjoy breathtaking views of the sea. My top recommendations are the Taiwanese ocarinas and peanut ice cream! Taiwanese ocarinas come in various shapes, such as cats or ducks, and make adorable decorative items. You can even watch artisans painting them at the shop. Peanut ice cream combines the crunch and sweetness of peanuts with the refreshing taste of pineapple sherbet—an unexpectedly delicious treat you must try!