Taiwan's Jiufen: A Sky Adorned with a Thousand Lanterns

Jiufen, located in Ruifang District of New Taipei City in northern Taiwan, is a small mountain village about an hour northeast of Taipei. Situated on a hillside at an altitude of approximately 200 meters, the village boasts a unique charm with the East China Sea to the north and mountain ranges to the south. Its proximity to Mount Keelung offers breathtaking views of both the mountains and the sea.

Jiufen was Taiwan's largest gold mining site from the 1890s through the Japanese colonial period, earning the nickname "Asian Gold City" during its heyday. However, after the gold mines closed in 1971, the village fell into decline until it gained renewed attention as the filming location for the 1989 movie "A City of Sadness." Today, Jiufen is a popular tourist destination, with narrow alleyways lined with traditional tea houses, souvenir shops, and food stalls.

Visiting Jiufen was truly a special experience! Arriving at dusk, I watched as the red lanterns were lit one by one, creating an atmosphere that felt like stepping back in time. The view of the sea from the mountain observatory was absolutely stunning, with small islands and winding coastlines blending together like a painting. Strolling through the alleys and sampling various traditional snacks was also delightful. However, I recommend visiting on a weekday to avoid the overwhelming crowds that gather on weekends.

Post by 부곡하와이붉은귀거북 | Sep 10, 2025