Jiufen Day Trip Guide: How to Get There, Must-Try Food, and Family-Friendly Itinerary

Planning a one-day trip to Jiufen Old Street? For many travelers from Singapore, Malaysia, and other international families, Jiufen is a must-visit destination in Taiwan. However, getting there from Taipei can be tricky, especially for those traveling with kids or elderly parents.

In this guide, you’ll learn the best ways to reach Jiufen, family-friendly routes and food recommendations, plus how to make your visit smoother with a private charter—perfect for stress-free travel with your loved ones.

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How to Get to Jiufen from Taipei: 4 Transportation Options Compared

Wondering how to get to Jiufen Old Street from Taipei? There are four main ways—bus, train + transfer, taxi, and the most recommended option: private charter. Below is a breakdown of each transportation method to help you choose the most suitable one based on your group size and budget.

???? By Bus (Route 1062)

• Cost (round-trip): Around NT$200 per person

• Travel Time: ~2.5 hours (including wait time)

• Best For: Backpackers, young solo travelers

• Downsides:

  • Must board at Zhongxiao Fuxing MRT Station

  • Multiple stops along the route

  • Prone to delays, crowded during peak times

???? By Train + Local Bus/Taxi

• Cost (round-trip): Around NT$250 per person

• Travel Time: ~2 hours total

• Best For: Experienced travelers comfortable with transfers

• Route: Take the train from Taipei Main Station to Ruifang, then transfer to a local bus or taxi up to Jiufen (~20 minutes)

• Downsides:

  • Requires checking train and bus schedules

  • Transfers can be confusing for first-timers

  • Peak hours may involve long waits or full buses

???? By Taxi

• Cost (one-way): Around NT$1,200–1,500

• Travel Time: ~1 hour

• Best For: Spontaneous travelers, couples

• Downsides:

  • Prices vary and may be negotiated

  • No guaranteed English communication

  • Usually one destination only—no multi-stop itineraries

???? By Private Charter (Recommended by Escape Travel)

• Cost (round-trip): NT$4,500–6,000 per car (up to 8 passengers)

• Travel Time: Flexible and customizable

• Best For: Families with kids or elderly, groups of 3 or more

• Benefits:

  • Door-to-door service from your hotel or Taipei HSR

  • Customizable itinerary with multiple stops

  • Child seats, bilingual drivers, and insurance included

Tip: If traveling with 3 or more people, a private charter is the most cost-effective, time-saving, and stress-free option—especially when traveling with children or seniors.

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Jiufen Food Guide: Must-Try Snacks for Families

Jiufen Old Street is packed with delicious Taiwanese street food. While some dishes are famous online, others are lesser-known local gems worth discovering. Below are some of the best snacks that both kids and grandparents can safely enjoy:

???? A-Gan Yi Taro Balls

Famous for chewy taro balls with mountain and sea views from the seating area.

???? Fish Ball Soup from “Yu Wan Bo Zai”

A local favorite—handmade fish balls in light broth, perfect for all ages.

???? Peanut Ice Cream Roll

Shaved peanut candy + ice cream wrapped in a thin crepe—kids love the fun combo!

???? Herbal Rice Cakes & Taro Pastries

Traditional Taiwanese snacks that make great souvenirs or tea-time treats.

???? Escape Travel's Local Picks

We know the hidden spots! Think tea-marinated snacks and jelly fig drinks—only locals know where to go (and no long lines!).

Insider Tip: Jiufen gets very crowded, especially on weekends. To avoid long queues, visit on weekdays or opt for a small group private tour with a local driver who can take you to off-the-beaten-path eateries.

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Jiufen with Kids: Stress-Free Food and Fun

Worried about picky eaters or long lines? When you join a private charter tour with Escape Travel, our local drivers act like personal guides—suggesting snacks and shops based on your schedule, taste preferences, and family needs. No more guessing which shop is worth the wait!

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Jiufen Old Street Opening Hours & Best Time to Visit

• Opening Hours: Roughly 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM daily

• Best Time to Visit: Around 3:00–4:00 PM

  • Avoids midday heat and crowds

  • Catch the sunset and magical night view as the lanterns light up the mountain town

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Common Questions: Jiufen Travel FAQ

Q: What’s the best time to go to Jiufen Old Street?
A: Between 3:00–4:00 PM is ideal. You’ll avoid the peak crowds, enjoy cooler weather, and still catch the sunset and evening lantern glow.

Q: Can I take the train to Jiufen?
A: Yes, take a train to Ruifang Station, then transfer to a bus or taxi to reach Jiufen (20 min). Be cautious during weekends due to traffic and long waits.

 

Q: Is a taxi good for visiting Jiufen?
A: It works for a single trip but isn’t ideal for multi-stop travel. English communication may also be limited.

Top Family-Friendly Jiufen Attractions Beyond Old Street

A Jiufen day trip is more than just street food and souvenir shopping. The surrounding area is packed with nature trails, sky lantern experiences, cultural landmarks, and photo-worthy views that kids and seniors will both enjoy. Here are some must-visit stops included in our Jiufen day and two-day private charter itineraries:

Shengping Theater

offers a nostalgic glimpse into early Taiwanese cinema—great for kids and history lovers.

A-Mei Teahouse

is iconic for its Ghibli-style architecture and stunning night views of the mountain town.

Shifen Old Street

is famous for sky lanterns—kids love writing wishes and watching them fly.
Shifen Waterfall, known as “Taiwan’s Niagara Falls,” combines scenic beauty with educational value.

Pingxi Old Street

features railway tracks and nostalgic snacks—perfect for walking with kids.
Golden Waterfall and the Yin-Yang Sea offer vibrant, unique landscapes ideal for geography learning and photos.

Jinguashi Geopark and the Gold Museum

provide hands-on experiences about Taiwan’s mining and geology.
Bitou Cape Trail and Nanya Rock Formations are easy, scenic walks with spectacular ocean views.

Shen’ao Fishing Port and Elephant Trunk Rock

are ideal for seafood lovers and family photo spots.
Badouzi Coastal Park includes seaside trails and playgrounds—a peaceful option for a family stroll.

Keelung Islet Viewpoint and Zhengbin Fishing Port (Colorful Houses)

deliver postcard-like views.

Keelung Night Market

makes for a perfect dinner stop after a day of sightseeing.

Houtong Cat Village

is beloved by kids and cat lovers alike.

Thousand Island Lake and Bagua Tea Plantation

offer sweeping mountain views and tea culture experiences.

Pinglin Tea Museum

is an educational, interactive stop to learn about Taiwanese tea history.

If you're booking a private tour, we can help you customize the route based on your child’s energy level, weather, and your family's interests.

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Recommended Jiufen Day and 2-Day Itineraries for Families

If you're wondering how to make the most of one or two days in Jiufen with kids and seniors, we’ve curated routes that balance scenic views, hands-on experiences, and family-friendly stops like the sky lantern activity.

Suggested 1-Day Jiufen Family Itinerary (Most Popular Route)

Start from Taipei, then visit Jiufen Old Street, Golden Waterfall, the Thirteen Levels Ruins, and the Yin-Yang Sea Viewpoint. In the afternoon, head to Shifen Old Street and end the day by releasing sky lanterns in Pingxi before returning to Taipei.

This route covers mountain streets, natural wonders, and a meaningful sky lantern wish-making experience. It’s well-paced for families and one of our most requested private charter routes.

Other 1-Day Family Route Ideas

You can also visit Houtong Cat Village, Jiufen, Jinguashi, and Shifen in a single day—perfect for animal lovers and culture enthusiasts.
Another great option is Yehliu Geopark, Elephant Trunk Rock, Badouzi Coastal Park, and Jiufen for ocean-view lovers and photography fans.

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2-Day Jiufen + Northern Coast Family Itineraries

If you have more time, a two-day trip allows you to explore Jiufen at a slower pace while also enjoying Taiwan’s northern coastline.

Recommended Deep-Dive Route:
Day 1: Start in Taipei, visit Jingtong Old Street, Pingxi sky lanterns, Shifen Waterfall, and the Gold Museum. Stay overnight in Jiufen.
Day 2: Enjoy a quiet morning walk in Jiufen, then explore Bitou Cape Trail, Nanya Rock Formations, and Shen’ao Fishing Port before returning to Taipei.

Route A (Nature + Mining History):
Day 1: Bitou Cape, Nanya Rocks, Yin-Yang Sea, Golden Waterfall, Jiufen
Day 2: Jiufen, Keelung Islet Viewpoint, Badouzi, Colorful Harbor Houses, Keelung Night Market

Route B (Tea + Lake + Lanterns):
Day 1: Thousand Island Lake, Bagua Tea Garden or Pinglin Tea Museum, Jiufen
Day 2: Jiufen breakfast, Gold Museum, Shifen Waterfall, Sky Lanterns, Keelung Night Market

All routes are flexible—adjust based on your children’s schedule, weather, or pace. We also help with hotel recommendations and meal planning.

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Why a Private Charter is the Best Choice for Jiufen Family Trips

These routes combine mountain and coastal locations. Public transportation requires multiple transfers and lots of walking, which is challenging for families with children or seniors. Weather delays and schedule coordination make it even harder.

With our private charter service, you can:

• Travel comfortably with air-conditioned vehicles

• Choose when and where to stop

• Visit more spots in one day

• Avoid traffic stress, language barriers, and long walks

It’s the easiest, safest way to travel with peace of mind.

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Why Families Trust Escape Travel for Jiufen Tours

We’re not just a ride—we’re your local travel support system from start to finish.

We offer custom itinerary planning based on your family's needs, not fixed packages.
We provide fast customer service via LINE, in both Chinese and English.
Our bilingual drivers understand Singaporean and Malaysian family travel habits.
Our vehicles are licensed, clean, insured, and come with child safety seats at no extra charge.
You’ll be fully covered by travel insurance and supported by a legally registered travel agency.
We recommend real local food spots and hidden gems—no long lines or tourist traps.

Unlike major platforms or freelance drivers, we offer personalized service, transparent communication, and full travel protection—giving your family the smoothest and safest experience possible.

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Final Thoughts: Plan a Worry-Free Jiufen Family Trip Today

Looking for a relaxing yet enriching day trip or overnight experience in Jiufen that works for both kids and parents?

Our Jiufen private tours are tailor-made for overseas families, especially those from Singapore and Malaysia. We take care of transportation, itinerary planning, food recommendations, and even hotel suggestions—so you don’t have to figure it all out yourself.

Whether you're comparing charter options from Taipei to Jiufen or searching for a team that understands bilingual, family-friendly travel, Escape Travel is the reliable choice.

 

Book Your Tour Now

 

Book Your Tour Now

 

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