A complete Jiufen travel guide for 2026. Discover the best food, souvenirs, teahouses, red lantern views, Jiufen Old Street, A-Gan-Yi Taro Balls, A-Lan Herbal Rice Cake, A-Mei Tea House, Shengping Theater, Golden Waterfall, Yin Yang Sea, and the best Jiufen day trip itinerary from Taipei.
Jiufen is one of the most beautiful mountain towns in Taiwan.
With its narrow old streets, glowing red lanterns, traditional teahouses, ocean views, nostalgic alleyways, and delicious Taiwanese snacks, Jiufen is the kind of place that feels magical from the moment you arrive.
For first-time visitors, Jiufen is best enjoyed through four simple themes: what to eat, what to buy, what to do, and what to see.
This guide covers the best food, souvenirs, teahouses, viewpoints, photo spots, and nearby attractions around Jiufen Old Street. Whether you are planning a day trip from Taipei, a Taiwan itinerary for international travelers, or a scenic trip through the Jinguashi and Shui-Jin-Jiu area, this guide will help you enjoy Jiufen in the best way.
If you are searching for Jiufen food, Jiufen Old Street, Jiufen souvenirs, Jiufen teahouses, Jiufen night views, Jiufen day trip, or things to do in Jiufen, save this guide for your Taiwan trip.
Where is Jiufen?
Jiufen is located in Ruifang District, New Taipei City, Taiwan. It was once a prosperous gold-mining town and is now one of Taiwan’s most beloved travel destinations.
The main areas to know are:
Jishan Street：The main Jiufen Old Street, filled with snacks, souvenirs, desserts, tea shops, and local gifts.
Shuqi Road：The famous stone stairway with red lanterns and teahouses.
Qingbian Road：A quieter walking area with mountain and ocean views.
Shui-Jin-Jiu Area：The extended travel area including Jinguashi, Golden Waterfall, Yin Yang Sea, and the Remains of the 13 Levels.
Best Food in Jiufen 1：A-Gan-Yi Taro Balls
Taro balls are one of Jiufen’s most iconic desserts, and A-Gan-Yi Taro Balls is one of the most famous places to try them.
The dessert usually comes with chewy taro balls, sweet potato balls, red beans, green beans, and other toppings. You can enjoy it hot or cold, depending on the weather and your mood.
One of the best things about A-Gan-Yi is the view. The indoor seating area offers a beautiful look over Jiufen’s mountain and ocean scenery, making it a perfect snack stop during your trip.
Recommended：Mixed taro balls, cold taro balls, hot taro balls
Sample Price：Around NT$55–NT$70 per bowl
Address：No. 5, Shuqi Road, Ruifang District, New Taipei City
Google Maps：Search “阿柑姨芋圓”
Best Food in Jiufen 2：Lai Ah Po Taro Balls
Lai Ah Po Taro Balls is another very popular taro ball shop on Jiufen Old Street.
Located on Jishan Street, it is very easy to visit while exploring the old street. The taro balls are chewy, colorful, and comforting, making this a great dessert stop for travelers.
If you have time, trying both A-Gan-Yi and Lai Ah Po is a fun way to compare two of Jiufen’s most famous taro ball shops.
Recommended：Mixed taro balls, hot or cold taro balls
Sample Price：Around NT$55–NT$70 per bowl
Address：No. 143, Jishan Street, Ruifang District, New Taipei City
Google Maps：Search “賴阿婆芋圓”
Best Food in Jiufen 3：A-Lan Herbal Rice Cake
A-Lan Herbal Rice Cake is one of Jiufen’s most famous traditional snacks and souvenirs.
Known locally as caozaiguo, this chewy Taiwanese rice cake comes with sweet or savory fillings. The most classic flavor is dried radish, which has a rich, savory, old-street flavor. Red bean, mung bean, and taro rice cake options are also popular.
It is great to eat on the spot and also easy to take home as a local Jiufen souvenir.
Recommended：Dried radish rice cake, taro rice cake, red bean rice cake
Sample Price：Around NT$20 each
Address：No. 90, Jishan Street, Ruifang District, New Taipei City
Google Maps：Search “阿蘭草仔粿”
Best Food in Jiufen 4：Jin Zhi Red Yeast Meat Ball
Jin Zhi Red Yeast Meat Ball is a unique Jiufen snack with a very local flavor.
The red yeast meat ball has a chewy outer layer and a savory pork filling with a special red yeast aroma. It is served with a sweet and savory sauce, making it a memorable dish for visitors who want to try something beyond desserts.
It is a great choice for travelers looking for a warm, savory snack while walking through Jiufen Old Street.
Recommended：Red yeast meat ball, meatball soup, fish ball soup
Sample Price：Red yeast meat ball around NT$60 and up
Address：No. 112, Jishan Street, Ruifang District, New Taipei City
Google Maps：Search “金枝紅糟肉圓”
Best Food in Jiufen 5：Zhang Ji Traditional Fish Balls
Zhang Ji Traditional Fish Balls is a comforting stop for warm soup and classic Taiwanese snacks.
The shop serves fish ball soup, Fuzhou-style fish balls, braised pork rice, and dry noodles. It is especially enjoyable on a cool or rainy day, when a bowl of hot soup feels extra satisfying.
The flavors are simple, warm, and very easy to enjoy, making it a good choice for families and first-time visitors.
Recommended：Traditional fish ball soup, Fuzhou fish balls, braised pork rice, dry noodles
Sample Price：Around NT$100–NT$200 per person
Address：No. 25, Jishan Street, Ruifang District, New Taipei City
Google Maps：Search “張記傳統魚丸”
Best Food in Jiufen 6：Jiufen Old Noodle Shop
Jiufen Old Noodle Shop is a great place to sit down for a fuller meal on Jiufen Old Street.
The menu includes beef noodle soup, wonton noodles, dry noodles, braised pork rice, and local side dishes. It is a good choice if you want something more filling than small snacks while exploring the old street.
Recommended：Beef noodle soup, wonton noodles, dry noodles, braised pork rice
Sample Price：Around NT$80–NT$220 per person
Address：No. 45, Jishan Street, Ruifang District, New Taipei City
Google Maps：Search “九份老麵店”
Best Food and Experience in Jiufen 7：A-Mei Tea House
A-Mei Tea House is one of Jiufen’s most iconic teahouses.
With its red lanterns, wooden building, stone steps, and mountain-town atmosphere, it has become one of the most recognizable views in Jiufen. Visiting A-Mei Tea House is not only about drinking tea — it is also about experiencing the romantic and nostalgic mood of Jiufen.
Afternoon and early evening are especially beautiful times to visit.
Recommended Experience：Taiwanese tea, tea snacks, window seats, evening lantern views
Sample Price：Tea and snack prices vary by set and order
Address：No. 20, Shixia Lane, Ruifang District, New Taipei City
Google Maps：Search “阿妹茶樓”
Best Food and Experience in Jiufen 8：Haiyue Lou Scenic Tea House
Haiyue Lou Scenic Tea House is another wonderful place to enjoy Jiufen’s mountain, ocean, and lantern views.
It is a relaxing stop for Taiwanese tea, light snacks, photos, and a slower travel moment. After walking through the old street, sitting down at a teahouse makes the Jiufen experience feel even more complete.
Recommended Experience：Scenic tea seating, Jiufen mountain views, evening photos
Sample Price：Tea, snacks, and set prices vary by menu
Address：No. 31, Shuqi Road, Ruifang District, New Taipei City
Google Maps：Search “九份海悅樓觀景茶坊”
Best Things to Buy in Jiufen 1：A-Lan Herbal Rice Cake
If you only buy one Jiufen snack souvenir, A-Lan Herbal Rice Cake is a great choice.
It is traditional, affordable, easy to share, and full of old-street flavor. The dried radish rice cake is especially popular, while the taro rice cake is also a favorite for take-home gifts.
Recommended：Dried radish rice cake, taro rice cake, red bean rice cake
Sample Price：Around NT$20 each
Address：No. 90, Jishan Street, Ruifang District, New Taipei City
Best Things to Buy in Jiufen 2：Master Chang Bakery Taro Pastries
Master Chang Bakery is a good stop for traditional Jiufen-style pastries.
Popular items include taro pastries, egg yolk taro pastries, pineapple cakes, and nougat crackers. These are easier to carry than freshly steamed snacks, making them convenient gifts for friends, family, or coworkers.
Recommended：Taro pastry, egg yolk taro pastry, pineapple cake, nougat crackers
Sample Price：Varies by product and gift box
Address：No. 47, Jishan Street, Ruifang District, New Taipei City
Google Maps：Search “張師傅餅店 九份”
Best Things to Buy in Jiufen 3：Taiwanese Tea and Tea Ware from Jiufen Teahouses
Jiufen is also a beautiful place to buy Taiwanese tea.
Jiufen Teahouse and other tea shops offer Taiwanese tea, tea snacks, teaware, and gift sets. Oolong tea, Oriental Beauty tea, and small teaware sets are especially nice souvenirs for international travelers.
These gifts feel elegant, cultural, and very Taiwan.
Recommended：Taiwanese tea, teaware, tea snacks, tea gift sets
Address：No. 142, Jishan Street, Ruifang District, New Taipei City
Google Maps：Search “九份茶坊”
Best Things to Buy in Jiufen 4：Postcards, Retro Souvenirs, and Mineral-Inspired Gifts
Jiufen Old Street has many small souvenir shops selling postcards, magnets, keychains, retro items, lantern-themed gifts, and mineral-inspired souvenirs.
These are light, easy to pack, and perfect for remembering your trip. Red-lantern postcards and Jiufen-themed magnets are especially good for international visitors.
Recommended：Postcards, magnets, keychains, mineral souvenirs, retro gifts
Where to Buy：Jishan Street and Shuqi Road shops
Best Things to Do in Jiufen 1：Walk Along Jishan Street
Jishan Street is the heart of Jiufen Old Street.
It is filled with food stalls, dessert shops, tea stores, bakeries, and souvenir shops. The best way to enjoy it is to walk slowly, try a few snacks, browse local gifts, and take photos of the old alleyways.
Recommended Experience：Eat taro balls, buy herbal rice cakes, shop for souvenirs, take street photos
Suggested Time：1.5–2 hours
Best Things to Do in Jiufen 2：Walk the Red Lantern Steps on Shuqi Road
Shuqi Road is one of the most beautiful and classic areas in Jiufen.
The stone steps, red lanterns, teahouse buildings, and mountain-town atmosphere create one of the most iconic scenes in Taiwan. It is especially beautiful in the late afternoon and early evening.
Recommended Experience：Red lanterns, stone steps, teahouse views, Jiufen street photography
Best Time：After 4 PM through sunset
Best Things to Do in Jiufen 3：Visit Shengping Theater
Shengping Theater is a nostalgic cultural landmark in Jiufen.
The old ticket booth, movie posters, theater seats, and vintage atmosphere offer a glimpse into Jiufen’s gold-mining era and local entertainment history. It is also a charming place for photos.
Recommended Experience：Old ticket booth, vintage movie posters, theater interior
Address：No. 137, Qingbian Road, Ruifang District, New Taipei City
Google Maps：Search “昇平戲院”
Best Things to Do in Jiufen 4：Enjoy Taiwanese Tea at a Teahouse
Jiufen is a wonderful place to slow down with Taiwanese tea.
A-Mei Tea House, Haiyue Lou, Jiufen Teahouse, and other scenic tea spots allow you to enjoy tea, snacks, mountain views, ocean views, and a calm moment above the old street.
It is one of the most memorable experiences in Jiufen.
Best Time：Afternoon tea, sunset, before the evening lantern views
Recommended For：Couples, friends, families, first-time Taiwan travelers
Best Things to Do in Jiufen 5：Extend Your Trip to the Shui-Jin-Jiu Area
If you have more time, Jiufen is even better when combined with nearby Jinguashi and Shuinandong.
This area is full of gold-mining history, dramatic mountain views, ocean scenery, and unique landscapes.
Recommended Nearby Spots：
New Taipei City Gold Museum
Golden Waterfall
Yin Yang Sea
Remains of the 13 Levels
Baoshishan Lookout
Buyan Pavilion
Best Things to See in Jiufen 1：Mountain and Ocean Views
One of the best parts of Jiufen is being able to see both mountains and the ocean.
On a clear day, you can see Keelung Mountain, the coastline, and the layered houses of Jiufen. On misty or rainy days, the town becomes even more atmospheric and romantic.
Recommended Viewpoints：A-Gan-Yi Taro Balls seating area, teahouse windows, Qingbian Road, Jishan Sea View Pavilion
Best Things to See in Jiufen 2：The Red Lantern Night View
The red lanterns are one of Jiufen’s most beautiful sights.
A great plan is to explore Old Street in the afternoon, then head toward Shuqi Road and the teahouse area around sunset. The moment when the lanterns begin to glow is one of the most memorable parts of Jiufen.
Best Time：Around 4:30 PM–6:30 PM, depending on sunset
Recommended Spots：Shuqi Road, outside A-Mei Tea House, near Haiyue Lou
Best Things to See in Jiufen 3：Golden Waterfall
Golden Waterfall is one of the most famous sights near Jinguashi.
Because of the minerals and geology of the former mining area, the waterfall has a golden-orange color that makes it very unique. It is a great stop if you are extending your trip beyond Jiufen Old Street.
Address：Beside Jinshui Road, Ruifang District, New Taipei City
Google Maps：Search “黃金瀑布”
Best Things to See in Jiufen 4：Yin Yang Sea
Yin Yang Sea is a famous coastal view in the Shuinandong area.
The water appears in different tones of yellow and blue, creating a striking natural scene. It pairs perfectly with Golden Waterfall as part of a Shui-Jin-Jiu day trip.
Address：Shuinandong, Ruifang District, New Taipei City
Google Maps：Search “陰陽海”
Best Things to See in Jiufen 5：Remains of the 13 Levels
The Remains of the 13 Levels are one of the most impressive historical sights near Jiufen.
This former mining facility sits on the hillside in layered structures, creating a dramatic and unforgettable view. It is especially beautiful when seen from a distance as part of a Jinguashi and Shuinandong route.
Address：Shuinandong, Ruifang District, New Taipei City
Google Maps：Search “水湳洞十三層遺址”
Recommended Jiufen Day Trip Itineraries
Route A：Classic Jiufen First-Time Route
Ruifang Station
Bus to Jiufen Old Street
Walk along Jishan Street
A-Lan Herbal Rice Cake
Jin Zhi Red Yeast Meat Ball
A-Gan-Yi Taro Balls
Shengping Theater
Red lantern steps on Shuqi Road
Tea at A-Mei Tea House or Haiyue Lou
Return to Ruifang Station
Route B：Jiufen Food Lover Route
Zhang Ji Traditional Fish Balls
Jiufen Old Noodle Shop
Jin Zhi Red Yeast Meat Ball
A-Lan Herbal Rice Cake
Lai Ah Po Taro Balls
A-Gan-Yi Taro Balls
Master Chang Bakery
Jiufen Teahouse for tea and souvenirs
Evening red lantern views
Route C：Shui-Jin-Jiu Scenic Route
Ruifang Station
Jiufen Old Street
Shengping Theater
Jinguashi Gold Museum
Golden Waterfall
Yin Yang Sea
Remains of the 13 Levels
Baoshishan Lookout
Return to Ruifang or continue to Keelung
How to Get to Jiufen
From Taipei, one of the easiest ways is to take a train to Ruifang Station, then transfer to a bus to Jiufen Old Street.
You can also take a direct bus from Taipei, join a day tour, book a private car, or take a taxi if you want a more relaxed trip. For travelers who want to visit Jiufen, Jinguashi, Golden Waterfall, and Yin Yang Sea in one day, a private car or guided day tour can be very convenient.
Helpful Jiufen Travel Tips
Wear comfortable shoes, because Jiufen has many stairs and slopes.
Bring a small umbrella or light raincoat, as the mountain weather can change.
Visit in the afternoon and stay until evening to enjoy both daytime views and lantern scenery.
Try popular snacks earlier in the day for a smoother experience.
Combine Jiufen with Jinguashi, Golden Waterfall, and Yin Yang Sea for a richer day trip.
Final Thoughts：Jiufen is One of Taiwan’s Most Beautiful and Memorable Day Trips
Jiufen is more than just an old street.
It is a place where you can eat chewy taro balls, buy traditional rice cakes, walk through glowing red lanterns, drink Taiwanese tea in a mountain teahouse, and look out over the ocean from a hillside town.
The food is comforting, the streets are nostalgic, the views are beautiful, and the atmosphere is truly unforgettable.
For first-time visitors to Taiwan, Jiufen is one of the best day trips from Taipei. If you have extra time, extend your journey to Jinguashi and Shuinandong to experience the full beauty of the Shui-Jin-Jiu area.
Disclaimer
The Jiufen food, shopping, attraction, address, sample price, and itinerary information in this article is based on official tourism information, public store information, travel resources, and publicly available data. Actual opening hours, prices, menus, holidays, transportation conditions, store operations, and attraction access may change. Please check official store announcements, Google Maps updates, on-site notices, and official tourism platforms before visiting.
