A concierge that already knows Jiufen
NUM holds 705 places in and around Jiufen. Text it what you want, in any language. It finds three real places that fit, open now, and books the one you pick.
Two of us in Jiufen this afternoon. A teahouse with a sea view?
Three teahouses with sea views that fit. Want me to book one?
What is in the Jiufen directory
Built from open map data, kept current, and never ranked by who paid, because nobody can pay. Placement is not for sale on NUM. Counted October 10, 2026.
Jiufen at a glance
A former gold-mining village on a steep hillside above the northeast coast. Mining stopped in 1971 and the town emptied, then revived after Hou Hsiao-hsien filmed A City of Sadness here (1989). Today its stepped lanes of teahouses and snack stalls are a standard day trip from Taipei, and crowded at weekends.
Known for
Shuqi Road 豎崎路
The long stairway lane down through the village, hung with red lanterns that are lit at dusk.
Jishan Street 基山街
Narrow, partly covered old street of snack and souvenir stalls that crosses Shuqi Road.
Taro balls 芋圓
Chewy balls of taro and sweet potato dough, served hot in syrup or over shaved ice.
Keelung Mountain 基隆山
The steep green hill beside the village; a stepped trail climbs to views over Jiufen, Jinguashi and the coast.
Gold Museum, Jinguashi 新北市立黃金博物館
Gold-mining history in the neighbouring village, a short bus ride on.
Getting there
Direct buses run from Taipei: 1062 from Zhongxiao Fuxing MRT (exit 2) and 965 from Ximen, Beimen or Banqiao (Fuzhong), about 1 h 15 min to 1 h 30 min. Or take TRA to Ruifang (about 40 to 50 min from Taipei Main Station) and bus 788, 827, 856, 965 or 1062 (weekends also 825) uphill, about 15 min. From Taoyuan Airport, go via Taipei.
Getting around
On foot: the old streets are steps and narrow lanes with no traffic. Buses link Jiufen with Jinguashi and Ruifang Station; taxis wait at Ruifang.
When to go
Weekday mornings, or late afternoon into evening when the lanterns come on and day tours leave. From roughly October to March the northeast monsoon brings frequent rain and fog; typhoon season is roughly July to October. Weekends and holidays are crowded.
Local tip
Weekend bus queues are longest from mid-morning to late afternoon, both up from Ruifang and back down. Arrive early or after about 4 pm, or come on a weekday, and carry rain gear.
Facts checked October 3, 2026. Transport and openings change, so NUM checks them again.
Where NUM looks in Jiufen
Districts NUM covers here.
- Ruifang District 瑞芳區
How NUM works in Jiufen
- 1
Text NUM what you want
A table, a massage, a driver, a pharmacy. In your words, in your language.
- 2
Get three real places
Checked, open now, and close to where you are. Nobody paid to be on the list.
- 3
It books the one you pick
The confirmation stays in your thread. A real person is one message away.
Questions about NUM in Jiufen
How many restaurants does NUM know in Jiufen?
70 in and around Jiufen, from the open map data NUM builds its directory on. NUM does not list all of them at you. It picks three that fit what you asked for, and says why.
Does NUM cover street food and markets in Jiufen?
Yes: 8 street-food spots and 3 markets. Ask it what is open now and it will answer for the hour you are actually in.
Can NUM help me find a hotel in Jiufen?
NUM knows 5 places to stay here. It finds the one that fits and hands you to the licensed partner who books it, so you always know who you are booking with.
Is Jiufen the town from Spirited Away?
Hayao Miyazaki has denied that Jiufen was the model for the film, though the resemblance is why many visitors come. The town's revival actually began earlier, with Hou Hsiao-hsien's 1989 film A City of Sadness.
What is the easiest way from Taipei to Jiufen?
A direct bus: 1062 from Zhongxiao Fuxing MRT or 965 from Ximen, Beimen or Banqiao, about 1 h 15 min to 1 h 30 min. Or take a TRA train to Ruifang and a 15-minute bus or a taxi up the hill.
What language can I message NUM in for Jiufen?
Whatever you write in. NUM answers in the language of your message, and in the script you used, which for Chinese means Traditional stays Traditional.
Does it cost anything?
Not for travelers. Booking through NUM is free and nothing is added to your bill. NUM Plus and NUM Pro are optional and only add room.
For businesses in Jiufen
If you run somewhere here, list it free. No account needed: add your place or update its details, and NUM checks them before they go live. Taking bookings through NUM is a separate, optional sign-up.
- Free to list, no account needed
- NUM checks every listing before it goes live
- Nobody can pay to be recommended