Jiufen 九份

Jiufen is essentially a hill town which had gone through a fascinating past. Jiufen had been a quiet village nestled between the Pacific coast and the hills until the presence of gold in the area became known to the world outside. After the first mine was dug in 1890, the place became a bustling centre of gold seekers and traders. The little village soon grew into a prosperous town with tremendous prospects.

Today, Jiu Fen reflects its glory from the golden days. From the Japanese Colonisation period where people from all over the region flocked in to try their hands at fortune, the town is now a concoction of Japanese, Chinese and British architecture and cultural tinges. Also known as “Little Shanghai”, with much resemblance to the olden Shanghai era.

Visit the Jiu Fen Old Street and enjoy thoroughly the Jiu Fen lifestyle and culture. Red lanterns are predominately hung along the shop houses. The rows of shop houses have offer a wild variety of food, goodies, clothing, handicrafts, calligraphy, shoes, Chinese brushes and scrolls, jewelries, toys and souvenir of all sorts. There are also restaurants, street stalls and dessert shops. There are some famous dessert and snack such as yam dishes, stinky toufu and a few local specialties such as an ice cream mixed with vegetables and topped with peanut powder. Huazhi meatball is one of the famous specialties as well.

The scenery at Jiu Fen is also one that completes an overall sensory experience. There are several loggings and teahouses that oversee the village, bringing the beauty of Jiu Fen right before your eyes. Spend a leisure afternoon at a tea house up in the mountains where you can savor and enjoy the fragrance of local tea complete with stunning views of mountains, rivers and seas. You can also witness traditional tea ceremonies and learn of the art of tea appreciation.