Jiufen Itinerary 5 Days: A Spirited Away Adventure (2026)

Arrive in Jiufen and check into your accommodation. After settling in, take a leisurely stroll through the enchanting Jiufen Old Street. As dusk falls, the red lanterns lining the narrow alleyways are lit, creating a magical atmosphere reminiscent of the animated film Spirited Away. Explore the various shops selling local crafts, souvenirs, and snacks. For dinner, indulge in some of Jiufen's famous street food, such as taro ball soup, peanut ice cream rolls, and stinky tofu. After dinner, find a teahouse with a view and enjoy a cup of traditional Taiwanese tea while taking in the breathtaking night scenery of the town and the coastline. The A-MEI Tea House is a popular choice, known for its resemblance to the bathhouse in Spirited Away. Alternatively, the Skyline Tea House offers a fantastic view of the A-MEI Tea House and the surrounding landscape. This is a perfect way to unwind and soak in the unique ambiance of Jiufen on your first night.

Today, we will delve into Jiufen's rich gold mining history. Start your day by visiting the Gold Ecological Park in the nearby town of Jinguashi. Here, you can learn about the area's mining past, touch a giant gold bar at the Gold Museum, and even try your hand at gold panning. The park also offers beautiful scenery, with hiking trails that lead to old mining tunnels and Japanese-style buildings. In the afternoon, return to Jiufen and visit the Shengping Theater, a restored old movie theater that was once the center of entertainment in the town. The theater showcases the history of Taiwanese cinema and offers a glimpse into Jiufen's prosperous past. Afterward, explore the quieter side of Jiufen by wandering through the residential alleys and discovering hidden temples and viewpoints. For dinner, try some of the local restaurants that offer a more traditional dining experience.

Today, we will take a day trip to explore the stunning coastal scenery and a charming village full of cats. Start your day by visiting the Yehliu Geopark, a unique geological landscape on the northern coast of Taiwan. The park is famous for its rock formations, which have been shaped by the sea and wind over thousands of years. The most iconic formation is the 'Queen's Head,' which resembles the profile of a queen. In the afternoon, head to the Houtong Cat Village, a small village that has become a haven for cats. The village is home to hundreds of friendly felines, and you can spend your time petting them, taking photos, and exploring the cat-themed shops and cafes. The village also has a museum dedicated to the history of the local coal mining industry. This is a perfect day trip for animal lovers and nature enthusiasts.

For the adventurous, today is all about hiking and enjoying panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Start your day by hiking up Teapot Mountain, a popular hiking trail near Jiufen. The trail is well-maintained and offers stunning views of the coastline, the mountains, and the town of Jiufen. The hike to the summit takes about 2-3 hours, and the view from the top is well worth the effort. In the afternoon, head to the nearby port city of Keelung. Visit the Keelung Miaokou Night Market, one of the most famous night markets in Taiwan. Here, you can indulge in a wide variety of delicious Taiwanese street food, such as seafood, oyster omelets, and bubble tea. After dinner, take a stroll along the Keelung Harbor and enjoy the sea breeze.

On your last day in Jiufen, take some time to do some last-minute souvenir shopping on Jiufen Old Street. You can find a variety of local products, such as pineapple cakes, tea leaves, and handmade crafts. This is also a good opportunity to try any street food that you may have missed. Afterward, enjoy a final cup of tea at a teahouse before heading to the airport for your departure. Reflect on the wonderful memories you have made in this enchanting mountain town. We hope you have had a fantastic time exploring Jiufen and its surroundings. Safe travels!