A rainy day takes me to the ancient village of Nine Parts.

This quaint village nestled against a mountain called Jiufen, has become a romantic hotspot for travelers in Taiwan.

A rainy day takes me to the ancient village of Nine Parts.

Located not far from downtown Taipei, just an hour's bus ride away, the cool breeze, diverse cuisine, and renowned tea houses are the highlights of this town.

What's more, Jiufen served as the inspiration for director Hayao Miyazaki's Academy Award-winning animated film, Spirited Away, and was the filming location for the acclaimed movie, City of Sadness, directed by Hou Hsiao-Hsien.

Jiufen was once a gold mining town. Gold mines were discovered in the late 19th century, attracting many to flock here, creating bustling neighborhoods along the mountainside.

However, after World War II until 1971, the gold mines gradually diminished and were completely shut down. Jiufen became desolate and bleak. It wasn't until 1989, when the film City of Sadness set in Jiufen achieved resounding success, that Jiufen was revitalized.

I visited Jiufen on a rainy day. Jiufen is the only place where I find rain beautiful, pure, and romantic. During the day, Jiufen is quite ordinary, not very impressive besides the souvenir shops, clothing stores, drinks, and food stalls.

But as soon as the sun sets, Jiufen transforms into a glamorous fairyland. Red lanterns illuminate the streets and alleys. The narrow, steep streets, with wet, dripping leaves in the rain.

Standing from above, I see colorful umbrellas bobbing up and down below. Walking slowly on the stone steps, watching couples snuggle warmly or whispering sweet nothings, their faces lit up with smiles, I find them adorable and romantic.

The most interesting part is perhaps when outside in the cold rain, indulging in piping hot tofu pudding, fragrant and steamy, enjoying it while sighing from the heat or savoring the unique dishes here.

I love sitting in a tea house, brewing a pot of tea, watching the rain through the window. The cold air outside contrasts with the hot tea, emitting a fragrant aroma. Feeling relaxed, gazing into the distance towards Keelung port, or simply watching the people walking down the street.

The earliest teahouse here is Jiufen Teahouse, since 1991. The wooden decor is simple yet cozy and welcoming. The second tea house is A Mei Tea House with its striking red lanterns and romantic windows that glow brightly at night.

At any teahouse, I always find myself a corner, facing the sea, brewing a pot of tea, slowly savoring the warm fragrant tea, holding the cup in my hand, contemplating life, thinking about travels... it's truly fascinating.

Jiufen is very small, half a day is enough for a stroll. Therefore, on sunny days, during breakfast, coffee, or tea time, choose a place with a view of Keelung port and the slowly crawling cars. You can also climb Jilong Mountain, also known as Big-Belly Beauty Mountain, and overlook the entire town and the sea. On clear days, you can even see Taipei and the 101 Tower.

If you visit Jiufen, choose a rainy day, cold and stay overnight. Sit back with a cup of hot tea by the window, under the rain, or stroll slowly on the small stone-paved streets with trickling water, you will find a charming, lovely Jiufen, answering why this place is loved by many travel bloggers.

According to Julia Tran/Zing News

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Source: Travel Guide from Mytour