Jiufen was nicknamed 'Little Shanghai' or 'Little Hong Kong' during its 1930s gold rush peak due to its booming economy.
The village was largely abandoned following the collapse of the mining industry in the late 20th century before being revitalized by film and tourism.
The unique layout is designed vertically, with streets built as staircases following the contours of the mountain slopes.
Many of the iconic teahouses were originally built to serve the miners and merchants who frequented the area in the early 1900s.
The town is famous for its 'A-Mei Tea House', which is frequently cited as a key architectural reference point for anime-inspired fantasy settings.
Jiufen Old Street is a historic mountainside village in New Taipei City, once a prosperous gold mining hub during the Japanese colonial era. The narrow, labyrinthine alleys are lined with traditional red lantern-lit teahouses, food stalls, and artisan shops. The site is known for its steep, winding staircases that provide panoramic views of the Keelung coastline and the East China Sea. Architecture remains influenced by the Japanese occupation, featuring wooden structures and traditional oriental aesthetic elements. The area is a prominent center for Taiwanese snacks, specifically taro balls, peanut ice cream rolls, and local tea ceremonies. It has gained international recognition for its visual similarity to locations featured in Studio Ghibli's film 'Spirited Away'. The region is prone to frequent mist and rain, which often obscures the coastal views but enhances the atmospheric lighting of the lanterns. The village remains a pedestrian-only zone throughout the main street and stairways.
The mid-level staircase landing looking back at the red-lantern-adorned facade of the A-Mei Tea House.
Carry an umbrella or light raincoat, as the mountainous coastal location experiences sudden, frequent rainfall year-round.
Wear shoes with excellent grip, as the narrow, stone-paved stairs can become slippery and steep.
Bring cash, as many of the smaller traditional snack vendors do not accept credit cards or digital payments.
Avoid visiting on weekends or public holidays if possible, as the narrow alleys become severely congested and difficult to navigate.
Expect tight crowds; move at the pace of the pedestrian traffic and avoid stopping in the middle of narrow stairways to ensure flow.
