[Taiwan, Jiufen] Thoughtfully Curated Souvenirs & Teahouses with Stunning Views! A Traveler’s Must-Read Local Guide

Introduction: A Deeper Dive into Jiufen, the Nostalgic Mountain Town

Jiufen, a place of immense popularity, is often a highlight of any trip to Taiwan. The enchanting stone steps illuminated by red lanterns and the breathtaking views overlooking the sea possess a captivating charm that enchants visitors time and again. However, as travelers from around the globe flock here, it’s not uncommon for the main street (Jiufen Old Street) to become so crowded in the evenings that it’s difficult to move.

Therefore, this time, we will introduce in-depth spots for travelers that focus not just on sightseeing, but on ‘finding unique and stylish souvenirs that can only be bought here’ and ‘memorable local gourmet food and tea experiences.’ We propose a smart and highly satisfying way to explore Jiufen: spend a leisurely morning in a teahouse with stunning views when it’s less crowded, then gradually collect souvenirs as you stroll in the afternoon.

Jiufen Teahouse

📍 Address: No. 142號, Jishan St, Chongwen Village, Ruifang District, New Taipei City, Taiwan 22448

If you visit Jiufen, an absolute must-try experience is authentic Taiwanese tea while gazing at breathtaking views. ‘Jiufen Teahouse (九份茶坊)’ is Jiufen’s first teahouse, housed in a historic building. Stepping inside, you’re enveloped by the sound of charcoal-heated iron kettles gently simmering and the fragrant aroma of tea. From the balcony seats or the separate, all-glass annex resembling a birdcage, you can take in an iconic panoramic view of the sea and mountains—a true ‘essence of Jiufen!’—offering an overwhelming sense of the extraordinary.

At first glance, it might seem a bit pricey due to its tourist location, but it’s actually excellent value for money when you consider it as a ‘tea experience + souvenir.’ You can enjoy 6-7 infusions from a single serving of tea leaves, allowing you to slowly savor the changing flavors. Plus, any leftover tea leaves are heat-sealed into a bag by the staff for you to take home. It’s a perfect system that lets you continue to enjoy high-quality Taiwanese tea and relive your travel memories even after returning home.

Many staff members speak Japanese and will kindly teach you everything from warming the teaware to brewing the first cup, so even if you’re unfamiliar with tea ceremony etiquette, there’s no need to worry. For tea snacks, we highly recommend their exquisite sweets such as Oolong tea cheesecake and cookies. Furthermore, queuing in front of the shop is prohibited; a modern system is in place where you scan a LINE QR code inside the shop to issue a digital waiting ticket. A nice bonus is that you can spend your waiting time exploring the beautiful pottery gallery and museum attached to the teahouse. Since it’s often possible to enter smoothly without a reservation in the morning, an early visit is recommended.

Misty Cake Jiufen Branch

📍 Address: No. 29, Jishan St, Yongqing Village, Ruifang District, New Taipei City, Taiwan 224

As you stroll along Jiufen Old Street (Jishan Street), you might notice people passing by, happily devouring large sweets. These are the giant cream puffs (泡芙) from ‘Misty Cake (米詩堤甜点王国).’ This popular pastry shop, with its main store in Ruifang, offers local delicacies perfect for travelers needing an energy boost during their Jiufen exploration.

The main characteristic of these cream puffs is that they use thin, multi-layered puff pastry instead of the usual soft choux pastry. With one bite, you’ll experience a delightful ‘crispy’ and ‘flaky’ texture accompanied by a satisfying sound, feeling as if you’re eating an exquisite croissant. Inside, they are packed with so much cream that you’ll feel a substantial weight.

The absolute must-try flavors are the uniquely Taiwanese ‘Taro Cream Puff (芋頭泡芙)’ and ‘Sweet Potato Cream Puff (黃金泡芙).’ The cream is subtly flavored, highlighting the natural sweetness of the ingredients without being cloying, allowing you to easily finish the large, face-sized puff. Since the flaky pastry can be a bit messy, it’s recommended to enjoy them as you walk, feeling the outdoor breeze.

Souvenir House Co., Ltd.

📍 Address: No. 19號, Jishan St, Yongqing Village, Ruifang District, New Taipei City, Taiwan 224

If you’re looking for shareable souvenirs for colleagues or friends, or reliable traditional Taiwanese sweets, ‘Souvenir House’ is a must-visit. Located on the bustling Jiufen Old Street, this long-established souvenir shop boasts a bright and welcoming atmosphere.

This shop is highly regarded by travelers primarily for its ‘abundance of samples.’ You can taste many of the sweets in the store before buying, including classic items like pineapple cakes and nougat, ensuring you won’t experience the disappointment of a souvenir turning out ‘different from what you imagined’ after you’ve bought it. The staff are also very kind, gently offering recommendations tailored to your preferences without any pushy sales tactics.

Among their offerings, the ‘Mango Jelly’ is particularly raved about in reviews. It’s packed with the rich, tropical mango flavor characteristic of Taiwan, and its bouncy texture is irresistible. The packaging is sturdy, providing peace of mind when packing it in your suitcase. It’s a definite crowd-pleaser and a top contender for a fail-safe Taiwanese souvenir.

Jiubin Thingsand

📍 Address: 224 Taiwan New Taipei City, Ruifang District, Yongqing Village, Jishan St, 41號 1樓

For those who want ‘charming goods for themselves, not just run-of-the-mill souvenirs!’ we highly recommend ‘Jiubin Thingsand.’ As soon as you step inside, your eyes will be drawn to the retro and antique installations on the walls and ceiling. It’s a unique and artistic space that beautifully captures the nostalgic atmosphere of Jiufen.

Inside, you’ll find a wide array of high-quality items infused with Taiwanese elements. Creative and culturally inspired Taiwanese gifts like adorable earrings, hair accessories, brooches, and hats featuring motifs such as Taiwan Beer, xiaolongbao, and red lanterns are available at reasonable prices. It’s a remarkably stylish select shop that’s enjoyable to browse through, almost like a museum.

Furthermore, the warm hospitality of the staff is particularly noteworthy. Many reviews praise their wonderful customer service, such as smilingly asking travelers with hands full of garbage from street food bought elsewhere, ‘Can I help you with your trash?’ You’re sure to have a heartwarming shopping experience, encountering the kindness of the Taiwanese people.

Jiubin Haohao

📍 Address: No. 9-9號, Qiche Rd, Yongqing Village, Ruifang District, New Taipei City, Taiwan 224

For a perfect end to your Jiufen sightseeing, or even as a starting point for your stroll, ‘Jiubin Haohao’ is the place to stop. Its ‘prime location’ near the entrance of Jiufen Old Street (along the road leading to the bus stop) makes it incredibly convenient for buying souvenirs just when you’re ready to add to your luggage before heading home.

The shop’s calm atmosphere offers a selection of limited-edition products made from local materials and exclusive original goods. Particularly popular among travelers are the colorful aluminum foil magnets featuring designs of Jiufen’s beautiful townscape and Shifen’s lanterns and trains. With designs that capture travel memories perfectly, simply sticking them on your refrigerator brings back the atmosphere of Taiwan.

Also a big hit are the Taiwanese ‘cat charms’ sold in blind bags (mystery bags where you don’t know what you’ll get). Playful items like cats in a Tatung rice cooker (a traditional Taiwanese rice cooker) or hidden versions combining instant ramen with cats are a must-see. The friendly and energetic staff, who might cheerfully say, ‘How about this? It’s 50 NTD!’ add a distinctly Taiwanese lively charm to the shop. The packaging is also careful and cute, so if you’re looking for a gift for a loved one, you can’t go wrong here.

Tips for Enjoying Your Jiufen Trip to the Fullest (120%)

Jiufen features intricate narrow alleys winding along a mountainside, so wearing comfortable sneakers is essential for your visit. The weather can also be unpredictable with frequent rain, so don’t forget to prepare a compact umbrella or a raincoat. As it can be difficult to pass others while holding an umbrella in the narrow alleys, a raincoat that keeps your hands free is particularly useful.

The most crucial aspect is controlling ‘when you visit.’ During sunset (around 5 PM to 7 PM), when the enchanting red lanterns light up, tourist groups flock, making it so crowded that movement becomes difficult. Therefore, a smart strategy is to complete your souvenir shopping and photography during the less crowded hours of ‘morning to around 3 PM.’ If you get tired, retreat to a teahouse like ‘Jiufen Teahouse’ to relax and wait for the sunset from a prime spot. Once the sun sets and the lanterns begin to glow, quickly take in the view and head for your bus or taxi. This approach allows you to fully savor Jiufen’s deep charm while minimizing the stress of crowds.