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Exploring Jiufen (Cửu Phần) is undoubtedly a must-do activity when visiting Taiwan. This land is rich in ancient history and cultural heritage. Here, you will feel as though you’ve stepped into a past version of Taiwan. The old rooftops and the stunning scenery give Jiufen its timeless and classic beauty. Let’s take a closer look at what makes this place so appealing to visitors!
Discovering Jiufen (Cửu Phần) - A Glimpse into the Ancient Village
The ancient village of Jiufen, also known as Cửu Phần, is situated on Keelung Mountain in Taipei. Exploring Jiufen (Cửu Phần) is one of the most popular activities. It feels as though the flow of time has left this place behind, preserving its nostalgic charm. Despite this, the destination remains just as romantic and picturesque as ever.
The village got its name because, originally, there were only 9 households living here. At that time, the transportation system was underdeveloped, making it quite inconvenient. Shopping was a challenge, so whenever a family went out to buy supplies, they would purchase 9 portions and distribute them to the other households. Thus, the village became known as Jiufen.
The view of the ancient village from above (Photo source: Collected)
This village dates back to the Qing Dynasty and was almost isolated from the outside world. It wasn’t until the late 19th century, when it was occupied by the Japanese, that the village was discovered. Notably, in 1890, during the construction of the Taipei-Keelung railway, workers found gold fragments here. By 1893, a large amount of gold was discovered and began to be mined.
Today, the village has grown to about 4,000 households and is more widely known. Jiufen impresses visitors with its houses built along the mountainside, consisting of four layers, each stacked according to elevation. The village served as the inspiration for the setting of the Studio Ghibli film Spirited Away.
Discover Jiufen (Cửu Phần) - The Best Time to Visit Jiufen
You can explore Jiufen (Cửu Phần) at any time of the year. However, if you want to enjoy the cool weather, the best months to visit are from February to April or from September to November. If possible, try to visit during weekdays as Jiufen tends to get quite crowded on weekends.
In March, you can witness the beauty of cherry blossoms along with vibrant flower festivals. During autumn, the maple trees start shedding their leaves, creating a stunning, colorful scene. These are some of the ideal times to visit for a comfortable and enjoyable trip in cool, pleasant weather.
The scenery here will make you feel as if you've stepped back into old Taiwan (Photo source: Collected)
For a different experience, you can visit during the rainy season. The scenery of Jiufen during the rain becomes even more enchanting and serene. At this time, the clouds wrap around the town, and the streets are enveloped in a soft mist, giving you the feeling that time is slowing down.
You can use the 7 Eleven store at the entrance of the alley as a landmark to find your way into the village. This store serves as a well-known reference point for travelers. In front of the store is a bus stop, so once you get off the bus, simply turn right and walk straight to reach your destination.
Discover Jiufen (Cửu Phần) - What Makes the Ancient Village Special?
Exploring Jiufen (Cửu Phần) offers a wealth of exciting experiences. There is a main road, called Shù Qí Road, that runs through the town. The road isn’t very wide, only about 2 meters across, but its granite steps, with their unique veins and colors, add to its charm.
Dọc theo con đường này là những hàng quán, nhà cửa nằm san sát nhau. Những công trình này đa phần được làm bằng đá và gạch rất kiên cố với lớp mái 2 tầng. Bên trên được phủ lớp dầu thảo mộc chống thấm màu đen. Điều này giúp bạn phần nào liên tưởng đến sự phồn thịnh của nơi này ngày xưa.
Mỗi ngóc ngách tại Cửu Phần đều là điểm check-in đặc sắc (Nguồn ảnh: Sưu tầm)
Ngoài con đường chính thì còn có hai con đường khác là Kính Tiên Lộ và Cổ Sơn Nhai. Hai con đường này chạy song song và cắt ngang Thụ Kỳ Lộ. Dọc theo đó là những hiệu bánh, quán ăn, tiệm trà và thậm chí là nhà hát, bảo tàng. Cùng với đó là một vài ngôi chùa, miếu cổ mà bạn có thể thỏa sức chụp ảnh.
Nhìn từ phía xa, chắc chắn bạn sẽ bị “mê hoặc” bởi những bậc thang quanh co uốn khúc trong làng. Thêm nữa, nếu có dạo bộ làng cổ vào buổi tối, bạn sẽ được chiêm ngưỡng bởi các dãy lồng đèn đỏ sáng đèn. Những làn khói mờ ảo, mông lung tỏa ra từ các hàng ăn uống càng khiến khung cảnh như thể quay về quá khứ. Những ngôi nhà xưa, mùi trà thơm thoảng trong gió… càng khiến cảm giác ấy thêm chân thật.
Exploring Jiufen (Cửu Phần) - Unmissable Experiences in Jiufen
During your exploration of Jiufen (Cửu Phần), there are several activities you should try. These will complete your journey and add more color to your experience.
1. Discovering Jiufen (Cửu Phần) with Exciting Activities
Would you like to enjoy a panoramic view of the ancient village? If so, during your exploration of Jiufen (Cửu Phần), you can challenge yourself to conquer Jilong Mountain. This mountain is also known as Big-Belly Beauty Mountain. From the summit, you’ll get a breathtaking view of the entire town, the surrounding mountains, and the vast skies of Jiufen.
On clear days, you might even catch a glimpse of the Taipei 101 tower in the distance. However, the mountain is quite steep, and it will take about 40 minutes to reach the top. It's best to avoid hiking during the rainy season due to the potential danger. If you decide to take on this activity, be sure to wear comfortable and active attire!
Viewing the ancient village from above is also an incredibly interesting activity (Image source: Collected)
You can also visit the Golden Waterfall in Jiufen. This waterfall is unique because its waters have a golden tint, a result of the remnants of old gold mines in the region. It’s certainly a sight that will leave you in awe the first time you see it!
In the evening, especially when it rains, you can visit one of the many tea houses. Nothing beats sipping hot tea by the window and taking in the surrounding nature. This seemingly simple activity offers an incredibly relaxing experience. Two of the most renowned and historic tea houses in the area are Jiufen Tea House and A Mei Tea House.
2. Khám phá làng cổ Thập Phần
Trong hành trình khám phá Cửu Phần (Jiufen), bạn có thể kết hợp tham quan làng Thập Phần. Thập Phần mang đến cho bạn cảm giác giống với những khu phố trong những bộ phim cổ trang Trung Quốc. Đây là một khu phố nhỏ với nhiều con hẻm và lối đi dọc theo ga tàu, cùng các hàng quán nhiều màu sắc.
Nhưng điểm đặc biệt nhất để mọi người ghé qua nơi đây là hoạt động thả đèn trời. Tập tục này đã xuất hiện ở Thập Phần từ rất lâu đời. Ngày xưa, nơi này thường rất hay bị cướp tấn công nên dân làng thường phải lên núi lánh nạn. Vài ngày sau, thanh niên trong làng sẽ xuống núi thăm dò tình hình. Nếu cướp đã rút đi hết thì họ sẽ thả đèn trời để gọi dân làng về.
Đừng quên trải nghiệm thả đèn trời tại làng cổ Thập Phần nhé! (Nguồn ảnh: Sưu tầm)
Over time, the tradition of releasing lanterns became a cultural beauty of the area. The lanterns come in various sizes and colors, each symbolizing a different meaning. You can purchase these lanterns from shops along the railway tracks, write your wishes on them, and release them into the sky.
The most popular lantern release spot is along the railway that runs through the old town. Keep in mind that this railway is still in use, so when you hear the train's horn, make sure to step aside! The trains here don't move as quickly as modern ones, so you’ll have time to calmly move out of the way.
Discover Jiufen (Cửu Phần) - Must-Try Foods in the Ancient Village
During your exploration of Jiufen (Cửu Phần), you’ll find countless attractions. Among them, the food scene is highly acclaimed. This place is a paradise for snack lovers, offering a wide variety of street food. On Kính Tiên Lộ and Cổ Sơn Nhai, you'll find plenty of shops to satisfy your cravings!
Sweet potato soup is a popular dessert in Taiwan (Image source: Collected)
There are many delicious dishes here that you should try. However, be mindful that the shops close early, usually around 6 or 7 PM. So, if you want to fully enjoy your food journey, make sure to go early!
- Sweet potato soup. This dessert is made from fresh taro roots in yellow, white, and purple skins. When you eat it, you’ll notice the perfect balance of chewy and soft texture. You can try different flavors such as traditional, black sesame, and green tea.
- Beef noodles. Beef noodles are very popular in Taiwan. The broth is made from beef bones, tomatoes, and Chinese herbs. A bowl of beef noodles includes tender beef, fried tofu, and more, all combining for an unforgettable taste.
- Peanut roll ice cream. This ice cream consists of two taro-flavored ice cream balls wrapped in peanuts and malt. It may seem simple, but it’s a treat that will leave you craving more.
- Tea eggs. This is a traditional and famous dish in Jiufen. The eggs, soaked in tea, turn a brownish-yellow color, with the egg whites being firm and chewy and the yolks giving off a slight herbal aroma.
Your journey to discover Jiufen (Cửu Phần) will surely leave you feeling nostalgic and enchanted. The tips shared here will definitely help make your trip even better. Be sure to prepare everything thoroughly before you go to make the most of your experience. To book a tour to Taiwan, contact Mytour at the hotline 028 3827 0404!
