Taipei's Old Gold Rush Town: Jiufen Guided Night Tour

Hop on the bus and kick off your night tour to Jiufen. As you take your seat, enjoy the one-hour ride from Taipei City, where you can take in the ever-changing vistas through the windows while your tour guide provides vivid and insightful commentary. Start your journey with a visit to ShueiNanDong Golden Waterfall as you reach the hilly Northeastern Coast of Taiwan, the same region where Jiufen Village is situated. The “Golden Waterfall” gets its name because the water passes through mining areas and interacts with sulfur, arsenic, and copper ores. This interaction triggers a series of chemical reactions that transform the water into a unique acidic mineral water with a golden hue, giving a bronze-like tint to the hillside. The waterfall gracefully embellishes the verdant hillside, with silky water emerging from below and flowing in a scenic cascade, earning its place as one of the most photogenic waterfalls in Taiwan.

The gold mining industry has held an important place in the history of Taiwan’s northeastern coast, contributing significantly to the prosperity of Jiufen and its neighboring areas. After admiring the spectacle of the Golden Waterfall, your next stop will be the Gold Museum, formerly known as the Gold Ecological Park. In addition to the museum building, the park encompasses a vast area, featuring the mine tunnel, the Four Joined Japanese-style Residence and the Crown Prince Chalet, providing an immersive journey into Taiwan’s gold mining past. The museum proudly showcases a 220-kilogram gold bar, officially certified by the Guinness World Records in 2004, and visitors have the chance to physically experience this remarkable gold bar. Don’t miss the opportunity to touch the 999 gold bar with your hands when you visit the museum.

In addition to the museum building, the park encompasses a vast area, featuring the mine tunnel, the Four Joined Japanese-style Residence and the Crown Prince Chalet, providing an immersive journey into Taiwan’s gold mining past. The museum proudly showcases a 220-kilogram gold bar, officially certified by the Guinness World Records in 2004, and visitors have the chance to physically experience this remarkable gold bar. Don’t miss the opportunity to touch the 999 gold bar with your hands when you visit the museum.

Following your exploration of the Gold Museum, your journey continues to the Baoshishan (Baoshi Mountain) Lookout. Formerly named “Siren Mountain” due to the siren installed by the Japanese government during their colonial rule. This siren served as a reminder of time for the miners during that period. This lookout is easily accessible, requiring just a short climb that’s suitable for people of all ages. From this vantage point, you can savor the breathtaking view of the Bay of Two Colors and relish the sight of the sunset.

Your next highlight on the night tour is Jiufen Old Street. Whether you’ve visited during the daytime or not, Jiufen Old Street takes on an entirely different vibe after nightfall. The street is illuminated by red lanterns hanging from the rooftops, creating a mystical scene that resembles the scenes of the world-acclaimed animated film “Spirited Away,” produced by Ghibli Studios. Despite the fact that the director, Hayao Miyazaki, has stated that the movie was not inspired by Jiufen, this intriguing coincidence continues to draw considerable global interest and brought vitality to Jiufen’s tourism. While you’re in Jiufen, it’s highly recommended to visit one of the teahouses. There, you can not only savor the stunning scenery but also enjoy freshly brewed tea. In addition to the teahouses, you can sample a variety of local foods and shop for souvenirs. And if you have a sweet tooth, be sure not to overlook the traditional Jiufen dessert—Taro Ball!

Lastly, as your Jiufen night tour comes to an end, you’ll make a stop at the Remains of the 13 Levels in Jinguashi. This site, a former copper smelter established in 1933 during the Japanese colonial era when copper mining started in this area, holds a significant place in the history of Jinguashi’s copper mining industry. Today it stands as an iconic landmark along Taiwan’s northeastern coast. Every evening, the Remains of the 13 Levels is illuminated by warm amber lights from 18:00 to 21:00. When observed from a distance, the structure evokes the appearance of an abandoned palace, which has made it a popular location for numerous drama and advertising shoots. Seize the opportunity to capture the enchanting scene, making it a memorable conclusion to your journey. After the tour, hop back on the bus for a smooth return trip to downtown Taipei, which typically takes around one hour.

On the way back to our meeting point, you can choose to be dropped off at Raohe Street Night Market.