How to Get to Jiufen from Taipei City Center by Express Bus
Last updated May 19, 2024
Don't forget to pack your camera; Jiufen is a photographer's paradise!
Jiufen's beauty is renowned among tourists and locals alike. The architecture in Spirited Away, with its narrow streets lined with shops and red lanterns, bears a strong resemblance to Jiufen Old Street, attracting many fans of the film. Hayao Miyazaki, the director of Spirited Away, has denied that Jiufen was the sole inspiration for the film's setting. Nevertheless, the resemblance and Jiufen's other captivating aspects make it a truly worthwhile destination to explore.
Nestled in the hills of northeastern Taiwan, Jiufen (Ruifang District, New Taipei City) boasts one of the most beautiful panoramic views in Taiwan. Here, mountains meet the sea, creating a breathtaking vista. The town also offers a unique blend of history, charm, and beauty. Jiufen is easily accessible for a day trip from Taipei, making it a must-include on your Taiwan itinerary.
How to get to Jiufen by express bus?
There are a few ways to travel from Taipei city center to Jiufen, which is easily accessible by public transportation. But the most convenient and budget-friendly option is to take express bus number 965 departing from Ximending.
Here's how to get there:
Board express bus number 965 from Ximending. You can confirm the correct bus stop by looking for announcements about the 965 route.
The bus journey takes about an hour, so enjoy the scenic views along the way!
Get off at the Jiufen Old Street stop. You'll know you're there when you see the police station.
Note that one way ticket is NT$90 but if you want to save money, you can purchase 1 Day Taipei FunPASS at Taipei Metro information counter. The price of the one day pass is NT$180. So you can use it for your round trip to Jiufen and unlimited rides of metro in Taipei.
Visit FunPASS Taipei for more information and packages available: https://funpass.travel.taipei/
What to Do in Jiufen?
Imagine this: You and your friends enjoy a delicious breakfast in Taipei, hop on a bus at 11 am, and reach Jiufen just in time for lunch and snacks. You then travel back to Taipei city center with time for dinner and a leisurely stroll. And that’s exactly what my friends and I did. While you're in Jiufen, you might ask yourself also what to do? Here are some suggestions!
1. Wandering through Jiufen Old Street & Shopping
This is probably the most obvious activity in Jiufen. The street is beautifully lined with shops selling souvenirs and food. If you're looking for cute souvenirs, you're sure to find something here. I got myself a few cute postcards and refrigerator magnet. Those wanting to bring food back home for loved ones will find many great snacks here as well.
While most people recommend pineapple cake as a souvenir snack, I highly recommend the nougat cracker. Jiufen is famous for these delicious treats. These Taiwanese biscuits are a unique find and not often talked about. The contrast of textures – a crispy cracker base and a chewy nougat filling – makes them an addictive treat! They come in flavors like green onion, peanut, sesame, and coffee. I highly recommend trying the green onion and coffee flavors. They're not only delicious but also easy to pack in your luggage.
2. Soak up the panoramic views of Jiufen
Make sure to stop to admire the view and take the photos :)
3. Amei Teahouse
Amei Teahouse is a historic teahouse established since the early 20th century. It was originally a blacksmith shop that transformed into a popular spot to rest and enjoy a cup of tea while exploring the mountain town. If you want to linger and take your time to admire the stunning views of Jiufen Old Street and the surrounding mountains, this is the spot for you. Due to its fame, Amei Teahouse can get crowded, especially during peak tourist seasons. Be prepared to wait for a table, particularly if you visit on weekends or holidays.
This breathtaking view makes a trip worthwhile.
4. Enjoy the market and the variety of food
No trip to Jiufen is complete without indulging in its local delicacies. In fact, you'll be greeted by an abundance of food vendors lining the streets. While Jiufen is undeniably beautiful, it can get crowded, especially on weekends. As you explore, grab quick bites like taro balls, fishballs, and Taiwanese sausages. Keep in mind that some vendors, particularly street stalls, may only accept cash. Comfortable shoes are highly recommended, as you'll be doing a lot of walking on uneven cobblestone streets.
On your way back, just cross the street from the exact spot that you got off and wait at the bus station for the same bus 965 to go back to the city center. You don’t have wait to get off at Ximending only. If the bus passes other stop such as Taipei main station, you can ring the bell and ask the bus to stop for you too.
There, you have it! Don't miss out on Jiufen's charm. With its easy accessibility, adding it to your Taiwan itinerary is a must.
