Published from my personal experience travelling through Taiwan in March 2025.

Perched high above Taiwan's rugged northeast coastline, Jiufen is one of those rare places that somehow exceeds expectations. With its narrow lantern-lined streets, mountain mist rolling in from the ocean, traditional tea houses and incredible food, it quickly became one of my favourite places in Taiwan.

After spending two nights exploring Jiufen in March 2025, I realised that most visitors only come for a few hours on a crowded day trip from Taipei. Staying overnight completely changes the experience. Once the tour buses leave, Jiufen transforms into a peaceful mountain village where you can wander quiet laneways almost entirely to yourself.

If you're wondering whether Jiufen is worth staying overnight, my answer is absolutely yes.

How I Got to Jiufen

On 11 March 2025, I left Taipei early in the morning and caught a direct bus to Jiufen. The journey was simple, affordable and took around 75–90 minutes, depending on traffic.

The easiest option is Bus 1062, which departs from MRT Zhongxiao Fuxing Station and travels directly to Jiufen Old Street.

Taipei to Jiufen Bus Fare

• Bus: 1062

• Journey time: 75–90 minutes

• Adult fare: Approximately NT$105 one way

• Payment: EasyCard or cash

• Departure: MRT Zhongxiao Fuxing Station

• Arrival: Jiufen Old Street Bus Stop

  
  

The ride itself is surprisingly scenic. As the bus climbs into the mountains, Taipei slowly disappears and is replaced with lush green hills and spectacular ocean views.

Where I Stayed in Jiufen

For my visit I stayed at Box Inn Jiufen, a small capsule-style hostel tucked away down one of the narrow alleys branching off Jiufen Old Street.

I paid $103.59 AUD for two nights, which I thought was excellent value considering the location.

View hotels, hostels and guesthouses in Jiufen on Trip.com

The hostel itself is simple but comfortable, however the real highlight is the view. Every evening I would watch as the thick mountain mist drifted across the sea below. Sitting outside with a coffee while watching the clouds roll over the coastline was one of my favourite moments from Taiwan.

Because it's located just off the main street, it also stays surprisingly quiet despite being only a minute's walk from all the food and shops.

Exploring Jiufen Old Street

After checking into my hostel, I spent the afternoon simply wandering through Jiufen Old Street.

The narrow lanes are packed with food stalls, souvenir shops, tea houses and hidden staircases leading to incredible viewpoints.

Unlike many tourist attractions, Jiufen feels genuinely atmospheric. Every corner reveals another tiny alleyway, traditional building or viewpoint overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

One thing I quickly learned is to leave the main street occasionally.

Some of my favourite moments came from exploring the quiet side streets where there were almost no tourists.

Visiting the Famous A-Mei Teahouse

No visit to Jiufen is complete without stopping at the famous A-Mei Teahouse.

Whether or not you've seen the photos online, it's even more beautiful in person.

Its traditional architecture, glowing lanterns and dramatic mountainside location make it one of Taiwan's most photographed buildings.

During the day it's impressive.

At night it becomes absolutely magical as the lanterns illuminate the narrow streets below.

Even if you don't stop for tea, it's worth spending time admiring the building from different viewpoints.

The Best Beef Noodle Soup I've Ever Had

Out of everything I ate during my Taiwan trip, one meal still stands above everything else.

I found a small restaurant called Jiufen Old Noodle Shop and ordered a bowl of beef noodle soup.

It turned out to be one of the best meals I've ever eaten.

The broth was rich and deeply flavoured, the beef was incredibly tender, and the noodles were perfectly cooked.

It was so good that I came back the following day and ordered exactly the same meal again.

Sometimes you don't need to keep searching for the next restaurant when you've already found perfection.

If you're staying overnight in Jiufen, I genuinely recommend eating here.

Finding HIMA Cafe

One place I was determined to visit was HIMA Cafe.

Finding it, however, turned into a bit of an adventure.

Jiufen's maze-like alleyways can be confusing, and despite following maps I still managed to get slightly lost before finally stumbling across it.

Looking back, that was actually part of the fun.

The hidden cafes tucked away around Jiufen are what make the town so rewarding to explore.

If you're heading there, allow yourself time to wander rather than rushing between attractions.

Jiufen at Night

One of the biggest reasons I'd recommend staying overnight is what happens after sunset.

By early evening, most of the day-trippers have boarded buses back to Taipei.

Suddenly, Jiufen becomes incredibly peaceful.

The lantern-lit streets remain beautiful, but the crowds almost disappear.

Walking through the quiet alleyways with only the sound of distant conversations and the occasional breeze is an experience you'll completely miss if you only visit for the day.

It felt like stepping into another era.

The Taoist Temple Overlooking Jiufen

On my second day I climbed to the Taoist Temple above Jiufen.

The walk uphill is well worth the effort.

From the temple you'll find panoramic views stretching across Jiufen, the mountains and the Pacific Ocean beyond.

Standing there looking over the rooftops while clouds drifted across the valley was one of my favourite viewpoints in Taiwan.

It's also much quieter than the main tourist areas.

If you're looking for somewhere peaceful, don't skip this walk.

Is Two Days in Jiufen Worth It?

Absolutely.

Most visitors only spend a few hours here before returning to Taipei.

After staying two nights, I honestly think they're missing the best part.

Staying overnight lets you:

• Experience Jiufen without the crowds.

• Watch sunrise over the coastline.

• Explore quiet alleyways at your own pace.

• Enjoy local restaurants without rushing.

• Photograph the lanterns after dark.

• Wake up surrounded by mountain mist.

  
  

Jiufen isn't somewhere to tick off a checklist.

It's somewhere to slow down.

My Personal Highlights

• Staying at Box Inn Jiufen.

• Watching the mist roll out of town each morning.

• Exploring the lantern-lit streets after the crowds disappeared.

• Visiting A-Mei Teahouse.

• Climbing to the Taoist Temple.

• Discovering HIMA Cafe.

• Eating the incredible beef noodle soup at Jiufen Old Noodle Shop—twice.

  
  

Final Thoughts

Looking back at my Taiwan trip, Jiufen remains one of the places I think about the most.

It perfectly combines history, incredible scenery, amazing food and a relaxed atmosphere that's difficult to find elsewhere.

If you're planning a Taiwan itinerary, I'd strongly recommend spending at least one night, but ideally two, instead of joining the thousands of people who only stop for a few hours.

Sometimes the best travel memories come after everyone else has gone home.

For me, Jiufen was exactly that.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Jiufen worth staying overnight?

Yes. Staying overnight allows you to experience Jiufen without the daytime crowds and enjoy its peaceful atmosphere after sunset.

How long should you stay in Jiufen?

One night is enough for most travellers, but two nights gives you time to fully explore the town, enjoy the food and take in the scenery at a relaxed pace.

How much does the bus from Taipei to Jiufen cost?

The direct Bus 1062 costs approximately NT$105 one way, and the journey takes around 75–90 minutes.

What's the best place to eat in Jiufen?

My favourite meal was the beef noodle soup from Jiufen Old Noodle Shop. It was so memorable that I returned the next day for another bowl.

When is the best time to visit Jiufen?

Spring and autumn generally offer pleasant weather. Staying overnight gives you the chance to enjoy sunrise, sunset and the peaceful atmosphere once the day visitors leave.

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