Jiufen Itinerary 3 Days: A Spirited Away Adventure (2026)

Arrive in Jiufen and check into your accommodation. Spend your first day immersing yourself in the magical atmosphere of Jiufen Old Street. Get lost in the maze of narrow alleyways, browse the unique shops, and sample the delicious street food. As evening approaches, watch as the iconic red lanterns are lit, casting a warm, ethereal glow over the town. Start your exploration at the entrance of Jiufen Old Street, marked by a 7-Eleven. As you wander up Jishan Street, you'll be greeted by a vibrant array of food stalls, souvenir shops, and traditional craft stores. Be sure to try some of Jiufen's famous snacks, such as the chewy taro balls from Lai Ah Po Yu Yuan, the savory grilled snails, and the sweet peanut ice cream rolls. Don't miss the stunning views of the coastline from the various lookout points along the street. In the evening, head to the famous Shuqi Road, the vertical street lined with teahouses that offers the most iconic views of Jiufen.

Today, delve into the region's fascinating gold mining history with a visit to the nearby Jinguashi Gold Ecological Park. Learn about the life of a gold miner, explore old mining tunnels, and even try your hand at panning for gold. In the afternoon, venture to the stunning Golden Waterfall, where the water flows over a riverbed rich in copper and iron deposits, giving it a unique golden hue. The Gold Ecological Park is a large complex that includes the Gold Museum, the Crown Prince Chalet, and several hiking trails. Spend the morning exploring the museum to learn about the history of gold mining in the area. You can also walk through the Benshan Fifth Tunnel to experience what it was like to work in the mines. For lunch, enjoy a miner's bento box at the park's restaurant. In the afternoon, take a short bus ride to the Golden Waterfall. The waterfall is a beautiful and unique sight, and you can also see the remains of the old smelter on the hillside above.

On your final day, embark on a scenic hike up Keelung Mountain for breathtaking panoramic views of Jiufen, the coastline, and the surrounding mountains. The hike is relatively short but steep, and the reward at the top is well worth the effort. In the afternoon, take a short train ride to the charming Houtong Cat Village, a small village that has become a haven for hundreds of friendly cats. The trailhead for Keelung Mountain is located near the Jiufen Old Street. The hike to the summit takes about an hour, and the trail is well-maintained with stairs and railings. From the top, you can enjoy 360-degree views of the entire region. After your hike, head back down to Ruifang Station and take a train to Houtong. The village is a cat lover's paradise, with cats roaming freely and lounging in the sun. You can buy cat food to feed them and visit the various cat-themed shops and cafes. It's a purr-fect way to end your Jiufen adventure.