Jiufen Old Quarter 九份老街

Jiu Fen at night

Look like a scene from Miyazaki's film Spirited Away? You'd be correct! Jiufen was the inspiration for the village in the film! This historical district's name literally means "nine portions" because during the Qing Dynasty, the village housed nine families and requested nine portions of food to be sent up to them. It was a gold mining village until the 1950s. After that, the village declined and became forgotten until the film A City of Sadness brought it bad into limelight.  Soon it became a bustling district for nostalgia. Traditional cafes, teahouses (from the Japanese occupation during WWII), crafts stores, artist studios, and specialty stores sprung up. 

Entrance

Jiufen is a beautiful place to visit. The panoramic view is fantastic at the top of the stairs and the architecture is beautiful to see. The red lanterns that line the streets accent antique buildings. You really have to have a nostalgic heart and mind. 

As common in Taiwan, food and shopping is found here. Though most people go to Jiufen for the historical aspect and atmosphere. Do be aware that it can get very crowded because the old streets are narrow. Additionally, it gets crowded because locals and tourists alike visit this location. The way up Jiufen is literally steps after steps. The stairs can get slippery when wet and also lack railings. Take caution and consider your age or the ages of those travelling with you since the stairs can get steep and tiresome. 

Take a tea break at one of the tea houses. Stray from the well worn path and explore the smaller streets! Consider purchasing handicraft souvenirs instead of fashion. I think traditional items are key here. For instance, handmade Chinese wooden clogs, qipao dresses, tea leaves, pottery items, things that look "traditional."

In short, your visit to Jiufen is what you make of it. If you don't explore, try things, or appreciate the antiquity of the place, then you won't have fun.