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Showing posts sorted by date for query Cold Spring. Sort by relevance Show all posts

Tucked away in the misty hills of northern Taiwan lies Jiufen (九份)—a nostalgic mountain town that feels like stepping into a living postcard. With its narrow alleyways, glowing red lanterns, and panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, Jiufen captures the hearts of travelers seeking both history and enchantment.

Once a booming gold mining town during the Japanese era, it has since transformed into one of Taiwan’s most iconic destinations, blending old-world charm with modern street culture. Whether you’re drawn by its cinematic past, bustling street food scene, or the magical ambiance that inspired Spirited Away, Jiufen promises a unique and unforgettable journey into Taiwan’s cultural soul.



My Jiufen Experience

We reached Jiufen just before 4:30 PM. After winding roads and scenic mountain views, our bus (a tour we booked on Klook) finally stopped at the Jiufen Geding Station Parking Lot, conveniently located near the Mount Keelung Trail.



From the parking lot, it was only a short walk to the bustling heart of the town—Jiufen Old Street. Once we saw the familiar 7-Eleven at the U-curve where Qiche Road and Ruijin Road meet, we knew we had arrived at the main entrance.

To make the most of your trip, I suggest that you book the Yehliu Geopark, Jiufen, Shifen, and Golden Waterfall Day Tour on Klook!

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A Glimpse Into Jiufen’s Rich History

Jiufen, once a modest mountain village, rose to fame during the gold mining boom of the 1890s. When gold was discovered in the surrounding hills, the town rapidly transformed into a prosperous mining area during the Japanese colonial period. Its steep alleyways, lantern-lit teahouses, and old-style buildings still carry the architectural influence of that era.


After the mining industry declined in the 1970s, Jiufen fell into obscurity—until the Taiwanese film A City of Sadness (1989) brought the town back into the limelight. Today, it’s a must-visit destination for both local and international tourists, often associated with the aesthetics of Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away.

Read more about the Shuinandong Smelter



Into the Heart of Jiufen Old Street

Jiufen Old Street mainly runs along Jishan Street, a narrow pathway bursting with life, flavors, and colors. As we walked deeper into the alley, we were instantly enveloped by the scent of food, the energy of merchants shouting out their best deals, and the steady flow of tourists moving through the vibrant maze.



We got to sample a variety of Taiwanese treats offered as free tastes by friendly vendors—some of which were familiar from our previous stops at Wulai Old Street. But Jiufen offered so much more. Unlike the smaller and more laid-back old streets we visited the past two days, Jiufen is larger, livelier, and undeniably more crowded.



If you're looking for a quieter experience, consider visiting in the morning when the streets are less congested and the pace is more relaxed. Most shops open later in the day, which is when the real action begins.



10 Must-Visit Spots and Stores in Jiufen


A-Mei Teahouse (阿妹茶樓) – The iconic teahouse that inspired the bathhouse in Spirited Away.

Jiufen Shengping Theater – Taiwan’s oldest existing movie theater from the Japanese era.

Jiufen Kite Museum – A small shop and gallery showcasing traditional Taiwanese kites.

Jiufen Taro Ball Dessert Shop (賴阿婆芋圓) – Famous for handmade taro balls.

Ah Lan Hakka Glutinous Rice Cake (阿蘭草仔粿) – A traditional shop selling sticky rice cakes.

Jiufen Old Street Lantern Viewpoint – The best photo spot for the iconic lantern-lit stairway.

Jiufen Soap House (九份手工皂) – Offers natural and uniquely shaped handmade soaps.

Grandma Lai’s Yuyuan (賴阿婆芋圓) – Another popular dessert stop with a long history.

Artist Teahouse & Gallery – Blends art, food, and scenic views.

Jiufen Nostalgic Inn Gift Shop – A charming shop selling old-school Taiwanese memorabilia.





5 Must-Try Foods in Jiufen


Taro Ball Dessert (芋圓) – Chewy and refreshing, served cold or hot.

Herbal Rice Cake (草仔粿) – Made from mugwort and filled with sweet or savory fillings.

Fish Ball Soup (魚丸湯) – Flavorful soup with handmade fish balls.

Peanut Ice Cream Roll (花生捲冰淇淋) – Crushed peanut brittle, cilantro, and ice cream in a spring roll wrap.

Grilled Taiwanese Sausage (香腸) – Juicy, sweet-savory sausage often sold with sticky rice bun.



5 Souvenirs to Buy in Jiufen


T-shirts with Jiufen Old Street Designs – I bought one myself!

Refrigerator Magnets – Like the one I got showing the picturesque Old Street.

Handmade Soaps – Shaped like flowers, fruit, or animals.

Traditional Taiwanese Teas – Oolong and high-mountain teas are popular.

Lantern-Themed Keychains and Charms – Great small gifts and keepsakes.


How to Get to Jiufen from Taipei

Optionally, you can take public transportation going to Jiufen from Taipei:


🚌 Option 1: By Bus (Most Convenient)


From: MRT Zhongxiao Fuxing Station (Blue Line/ Brown Line, Exit 2)

  1. Go to the bus stop outside Exit 2 of Zhongxiao Fuxing Station.
  2. Take Bus 1062 (Keelung Bus) bound for Jinguashi (金瓜石).
  3. Get off at Jiufen Old Street (九份老街) stop (around 1.5 to 2 hours depending on traffic).

🕒 Bus interval: Every 15–20 minutes

💰 Fare: ~NT$100 one-way (you can pay with an EasyCard)

✅ Pros: Direct, no transfers.

❗️Tip: Sit on the left side for scenic mountain and ocean views!


🚈🚌 Option 2: Train + Bus (More Scenic)


From: Taipei Main Station

  1. Take a train to Ruifang Station (瑞芳火車站) – ~45 mins
  2. Exit Ruifang Station and walk ~5 mins to the bus stop
  3. Take Bus 788, 827, 965, or 1062 to Jiufen Old Street – ~15-20 mins

💰 Train fare: ~NT$50

💰 Bus fare: ~NT$20–30

✅ Pros: Great if you want to explore Ruifang first.

❗️Tip: Avoid weekend crowds—go early in the day if possible.


🚕 Option 3: By Taxi or Private Tour


A taxi from Taipei to Jiufen costs around NT$1,200–1,500 one-way.

Ideal for groups or if you want a more comfortable ride.

Private day tours are also available through Klook or KKDay.

✅ Pros: Most comfortable, flexible time
❌ Cons: Most expensive


We spent a wonderful two hours exploring Jiufen, weaving through alleyways and indulging in snacks. As the sun began to set, the streetlights and lanterns illuminated the old town, creating an atmosphere that felt both nostalgic and magical. We had dinner at a small eatery, enjoying Taiwanese fried rice, dim sum, and a warm bowl of noodle soup to end our visit.


By 6:20 PM, we were back at our bus and on the road again—our hearts full and stomachs fuller. Jiufen had definitely left a lasting impression, a lively contrast to the serenity of Wulai and the quaint charm of Shifen.


If you ever find yourself in northern Taiwan, don’t miss Jiufen. Come for the history, stay for the food, and get lost in the charm of its glowing lanterns and winding alleyways.

Visit my list of Frequently Asked Questions in Taiwan (FAQs) to learn more.



JIUFEN: Guide to the Spirited Away Mountain Town in Northern Taiwan


Taiwan is renowned across the globe for its vibrant night markets, rich cultural heritage, ultra-modern cities, and misty mountain villages. Yet, tucked along the windswept coastline of New Taipei City lies a landscape so surreal, alien, and dramatic that it feels entirely detached from the rest of the island.



Yehliu Geopark (野柳地質公園) is one of Taiwan’s most iconic natural attractions. A slender peninsula extending roughly 1.7 kilometers into the East China Sea, Yehliu is a natural open-air museum sculpted by millennia of ocean waves, unrelenting coastal winds, and complex tectonic movements. Featuring surreal, mushroom-shaped rock formations, intricate honeycomb weathering, deep marine erosion troughs, and dramatic cliff sides, this geological sanctuary is a must-visit destination for anyone exploring Northern Taiwan.


In this guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know about visiting Yehliu Geopark—from its fascinating geological roots and iconic rock formations to detailed public transport options, budgeting advice, photography techniques, and our own first-hand experience exploring it as part of a classic northern coast day trip.

Our team at Yehliu

Plus, we’ll share our personal experience of exploring Yehliu as part of a full-day tour that also included Shifen and Jiufen.

Visit my Ultimate Taiwan Travel Guide to know more about the country.

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What makes Yehliu Geopark so Special?

To truly appreciate Yehliu, it helps to understand the massive geological forces that shaped it over millions of years. The peninsula itself is a natural extension of the Datun Mountain Range, jutting boldly into the ocean.

Yehliu Geopark aerial view

Millions of years ago, tectonic collisions pushed the rock layer out of the sea, exposing layers of soft sandstone interspersed with harder, denser limestone nodules.

As the northern coast faced harsh coastal weather—typhoons, constant wave action, and salty sea breezes—the softer sandstone eroded at a much faster rate than the resilient limestone caps on top.

Yehliu Geopark on a Friday morning

This process, known as differential erosion, created the famous "mushroom rocks" that line the promontory today.


Over time, moisture, salt crystallization, and organisms caused honeycomb weathering, giving the tops of these rocks a pitted, sponge-like texture. Marine erosion also carved out deep gullies, wave-cut platforms, and potholes filled with crystal-clear seawater.


Managed under the North Coast & Guanyinshan National Scenic Area, Yehliu is not just a tourist hot spot; it is a vital geological preserve that attracts geologists, environmental researchers, photographers, and curious travelers from every corner of the world.



Our Personal Experience: Yehliu on Day 2 of Our Taiwan Trip

We visited Yehliu Geopark on the second day of our Taiwan adventure as part of a full-day tour we booked via Klook.

The tour also included visits to Shifen and Jiufen—two other highly recommended destinations in northern Taiwan.


Our day began bright and early in Taipei. The designated pickup spot was right at Ximen Station, making it effortless to access from our hotel. Before hopping into our tour van just before 8:00 AM, we grabbed a quick, reliable convenience store breakfast at a 7-Eleven on the corner of Emei Street and Lane 120 in Ximending—fueling up with warm coffees, salmon onigiri, and clubhouse sandwiches.


The drive north toward Keelung and Wanli District took approximately one hour.

This freeway in Keelung City offers a scenic view

Leaving the high-rises of Taipei behind, the concrete jungle gradually gave way to lush green hillsides and scenic coastal highways overlooking the crashing waves of the Pacific Ocean.


Upon arriving at Yehliu Geopark around 9:15 AM, our tour guide provided an insightful orientation, handing us our tickets, explaining the layout of the three main zones, and sharing crucial advice on how to navigate the park efficiently before the massive tour buses arrived.


 We were given roughly 90 minutes of free time to explore the cape at our own pace—a perfect window to capture photos, take in the salty ocean air, and marvel at nature’s handiwork.


To make the most of your trip, I suggest that you book the Yehliu Geopark, Jiufen, Shifen, and Golden Waterfall Day Tour on Klook!


Exploring the 3 Main Zones of Yehliu Geopark

Yehliu Geopark is neatly organized into three main geographical sections, each offering distinct geological features, walking conditions, and photo opportunities.


Area I: The Entrance and Coastal Platform

Area I is the first zone you enter after passing the main gates and walking along the tree-lined entry path. This area features a wide, flat coastal platform extending directly toward the water.

Here, you can examine early-stage mushroom rocks up close to see how differential erosion works. The shapes in Area I are remarkably distinct and playful.


The Candle Rocks (燭台石): These are perhaps the most geologically fascinating formations in Area I. Each candle rock features a round, protruding core in the center of a circular trough, perfectly resembling a lit candle resting on a holder.

Ice Cream Rock (冰淇淋石): A fun, top-heavy rock formation that resembles a soft-serve ice cream cone melting under the sun.

Mushroom rocks

Cute Princess Rock (可愛公主石): A relatively new rock formation that has gained popularity due to its graceful profile, resembling a princess with her hair tied up in a elegant bun.

Marine Potholes & Fossils: Look down at your feet as you walk along the rock platforms! You’ll spot deep, water-filled circular holes carved by swirling eddies and pebbles, as well as prehistoric sea urchin fossils embedded permanently in the sandstone floor.

This area is great for casual exploration and scenic coastal views. It’s also less crowded than the central zone.


Area II: The Iconic Central Formations

Area II is the beating heart of Yehliu Geopark and contains the most celebrated, photogenic, and internationally recognized rock formations. Because this section sits directly along the ocean edge, wooden boardwalks and paved stone paths guide visitors safely through the delicate terrain.


The Queen’s Head (女王頭): The indisputable crown jewel of Yehliu. Estimated to be over 4,000 years old, this majestic formation naturally mimics the elegant side profile of England’s Queen Elizabeth I, complete with a slender neck, defined jawline, and high crown. Due to continuous weathering from wind and ocean salt, the neck of the Queen’s Head grows thinner every year. Experts estimate that without intervention, it could naturally break off within the coming decades, making a visit here all the more precious.

The blockbuster Queen’s Head

Fairy’s Shoe (仙女鞋): A smooth, limestone formation shaped precisely like a delicate slipper or shoe resting on the coastal rock. Local legend claims it was left behind by a fairy who stepped down to Earth to tame a mischievous sea dragon.

The Dragon’s Head (龍頭石): A dramatic rock that, when viewed from specific angles, looks like a fierce dragon emerging from the ocean waves.

The Bee Hive (蜂窩石): A large, towering rock surface riddled with hundreds of small holes caused by mineral leaching and salt erosion, perfectly resembling a giant wild beehive.

This area tends to get crowded, especially around Queen’s Head, as visitors line up to take photos. It’s the most photographed and visited section of the park.


Area III: The Rugged Coastline, Quiet Trails, and Lighthouse

While 80% of tourists turn around after taking photos with the Queen’s Head in Area II, continuing further along the trail leads into Area III—a narrow, steep cliffside cape that jutting out into the ocean. This section is ideal for hikers, birdwatchers, and travelers seeking tranquility away from the crowds.


Tofu Rocks (豆腐岩): Located along the water’s edge, these square, grid-like rock structures look as if a giant knife sliced the coastal bed into uniform blocks of tofu.

Maling Bird Rock (媽祖鳥石): A bird-shaped rock perched high along the cliffside, named after sea birds that nest in the surrounding coastal vegetation.

View from Yehliu Lighthouse

Yehliu Lighthouse & Viewpoint: A scenic trail leads up to a white beacon lighthouse and panoramic viewing platforms, offering unobstructed 360-degree views of the crashing waves below and the expansive East China Sea.



These three zones together create a comprehensive experience—ranging from accessible rock formations to surreal landscapes and quiet natural beauty—making Yehliu Geopark a truly one-of-a-kind destination in Taiwan.

Check out my WULAI TRAVEL GUIDE, too!



Practical Tips for Visiting Yehliu Geopark


Opening Hours: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily.

Entrance Fee: NT$120 for adults, NT$60 for children and seniors.

Best Time to Visit: Weekday mornings, especially before 10 AM to avoid large tour groups.

Best Season: Autumn (Sept – Nov) and Spring (March – May) offer pleasant temperatures and mild sea breezes.


What to Wear: Comfortable walking shoes, a hat, and sunscreen. The area is mostly exposed and can get quite hot.

Visitor Facilities: Restrooms, a visitor information desk, souvenir stalls, and a small food market are located at the entrance.

Accessibility: The paths are mostly paved, but there are some uneven areas. There are ramps for wheelchairs in the main viewing zones.


How to Get to Yehliu Geopark from Taipei

Yehliu Geopark is situated in Wanli District, approximately 40 kilometers (25 miles) northeast of central Taipei. Depending on your travel style, budget, and schedule, there are several convenient ways to reach the park.


Option 1: Join a Tour (Recommended)

As we did, joining a guided tour from Taipei is the most convenient way. Many tours, like the one we booked via Klook, include hotel pickup or centralized locations like Ximen Station, and also stop at Shifen and Jiufen for a full day of exploration.

Duration: 1 to 1.5 hours (depending on traffic)


Option 2: Public Transportation

You can also reach Yehliu on your own:

  1. Take a bus from Taipei West Bus Station – Terminal A (next to Taipei Main Station).
  2. Hop on the Kuo-Kuang Bus No. 1815 bound for Jinshan and get off at Yehliu Stop.
  3. Walk about 10 minutes to the park entrance.

Duration: Around 1.5 to 2 hours total.

Cost: Roughly NT$100–125 one way.



Essential Photography & Travel Tips for Yehliu

To make the absolute most of your excursion, keep these practical tips in mind:


1. Master the Photo Line at Queen's Head

Because Queen's Head is world-famous, a queue naturally forms along the designated wooden boardwalk for photos.

Pro Tip: If the line is too long, walk around to the elevated wooden observation platform right behind the formation. You can capture a beautiful angle of Queen's Head with the blue ocean background without waiting in line!

Replica Alternative: Near the entrance of Area I, the park management has created high-precision 3D digital replicas of Queen’s Head and Cute Princess Rock. These serve as great alternatives for quick family photos if weather or crowd conditions are difficult.


2. Respect the Red Safety Lines

Throughout the park, you will notice bright red lines painted directly onto the rock surfaces. These lines mark strict safety perimeters to protect visitors from rogue waves and slippery, sea-eroded drop-offs. Never cross the red lines under any circumstances—park rangers strictly enforce this to ensure public safety and protect delicate rock formations.


3. Dress for Coastal Elements

Yehliu is completely open to the sea, meaning weather conditions can change quickly.

  • Sun Protection: Shade inside the park is extremely limited. Wear a wide-brimmed hat, apply reef-safe sunscreen, and carry UV-blocking sunglasses.

  • Footwear: Leave sandals or smooth-soled shoes at your hotel. Wear sturdy walking shoes or sneakers with good rubber grip, as wet rock surfaces near the ocean can be slippery.

  • Wind & Rain Prep: Coastal winds can be powerful. If rain is forecasted, bring a lightweight raincoat or windbreaker rather than an umbrella, which can easily flip inside out in strong gusts.


4. Sample Local Seafood & Refreshments at the Exit Market

As you exit the park, you will pass through a covered market street packed with local vendors.

Treat yourself to a cold bottle of refreshing Milk Tea or fresh watermelon juice.

Try local coastal snacks like grilled squid, crispy fish crackers, dried seaweed, and fried seafood fritters prepared fresh by local fishing families from Wanli District.


Nearby Attractions to Combine with Yehliu

To craft a full day of adventures along Taiwan’s northern coast, combine your morning at Yehliu Geopark with these famous nearby destinations:

  1. Shifen Old Street & Waterfall: Located roughly 40 minutes inland, Shifen is famous for its picturesque train tracks lined with lanterns, local street food stalls (like rice-stuffed chicken wings and peanut ice cream rolls), and the thunderous Shifen Waterfall—often dubbed the "Niagara Falls of Taiwan."

  2. Jiufen Old Street: A historic mountain village famous for its narrow, lantern-lit cobblestone alleyways, traditional teahouses, taro ball desserts, and stunning ocean views. It served as a major inspiration for atmospheric coastal anime films.

  3. Guihou Fishing Harbor: Located just 5 minutes down the road from Yehliu, this working fishing village is famous for serving the freshest "Wanli Crab" and seafood dishes in Northern Taiwan at reasonable prices.


Final Thoughts

Yehliu Geopark was an unforgettable part of our Taiwan itinerary. The alien-like landscape made us feel like we were walking on another planet, and the coastal breeze was refreshing as we strolled past ancient stone sculptures crafted entirely by nature.


It was the perfect way to start our day before heading to the lantern-lit streets of Shifen and the nostalgic alleys of Jiufen.

Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a geology nerd, or simply a curious traveler looking for unique sights, Yehliu Geopark deserves a spot on your Taiwan travel bucket list.



The Ultimate Guide to Yehliu Geopark: Taiwan’s Geological Wonder


If you're craving an authentic cultural experience just a short trip from Taipei, Wulai Old Street (烏來老街) is your gateway to Taiwan’s indigenous heritage, mountain cuisine, and riverside charm.



Nestled in the heart of Wulai District, this vibrant street offers more than just snacks—it tells the story of the Atayal people, the native tribe that has called these hills home for centuries.

Wulai Old Street

In this guide, we’ll take you on a flavorful and cultural stroll through Wulai Old Street, showcasing the best eats, shops, and unique attractions you’ll find along the way.

Visit my Wulai Travel Guide to know how to get to Wulai from Taipei.

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Where Is Wulai Old Street?


📍 Location: Wenquan Street (溫泉街), Wulai District, New Taipei City

🕒 Best Time to Visit: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

🚗 How to Get There: From Xindian MRT Station (Green Line), take Bus 849 to Wulai Terminal Station (around 40–50 minutes). The Old Street begins just a few minutes’ walk from the bus stop.




A Short Yet Flavorful Street Packed with Character

Unlike the sprawling old streets of Jiufen or Tamsui, Wulai Old Street is compact, stretching only a few hundred meters. But don’t let its size fool you—every corner is packed with rustic mountain charm and mouthwatering indigenous delicacies.


You’ll walk on narrow paths lined with wooden storefronts, colorful murals, and the occasional open fire roasting wild boar.


The vibe is laid-back, the air smells smoky-sweet, and the surrounding mountains make you feel far from the city, even though you’re only an hour away from Taipei.



What to Eat at Wulai Old Street


🍢 Wild Boar Sausage (山豬香腸)
Perhaps the most iconic snack in Wulai. The sausages are made from wild boar meat—smokier, gamier, and more flavorful than regular pork. Served hot off the grill and often drizzled with garlic soy sauce.

Wild Boar Sausage

🍖 Grilled Mountain Boar Skewers
Tender chunks of boar meat grilled on bamboo sticks. Some stalls marinate it with herbs and spices used by the Atayal people.

🌽 Millet Mochi (小米麻糬)
Sticky rice cakes made from millet, a grain traditionally cultivated by Taiwan’s indigenous groups. These can be grilled and brushed with peanut powder, sesame, or sweet sauce.

Millet Mochi

🍵 Bamboo Rice (竹筒飯)
Rice steamed inside a bamboo stalk, absorbing a subtle earthy aroma. Sometimes stuffed with mushrooms, meat, or even sweet red beans.


🥟 Atayal-style Dumplings
Wrapped in leaves or bamboo, these dumplings contain sticky rice, pork, and beans. A mountain take on the zongzi, with a native twist.


☕ Herbal Tea and Wild Ginger Drink
Don’t miss trying local herbal drinks, especially wild ginger tea, believed to have health benefits and a warming effect—perfect for Wulai’s cool, damp climate.



During our Wulai trip, we stumbled upon a humble restaurant with no English signage. The friendly owner, though she only spoke Mandarin, recommended their house specialties:

  • Scallion egg omelet
  • Beef sautéed in black pepper and onions
  • Bamboo tube rice
  • Pork rib pops (like Taiwanese-style chicken)

All of this paired perfectly with a cold bottled Coca-Cola—the ideal meal after a long walk.

A nice view of Nanshi River from the restaurant

The restaurant also boasts the overlooking view of the Nanshi River, a perfect way to enjoy your stay while making your tummy full.


Shops and Souvenirs

Wulai Old Street isn’t just about food. You’ll also find:

🧶 Handwoven Textiles and Beaded Jewelry – Made by Atayal artisans, these crafts often use traditional geometric patterns passed down for generations.

🎨 Aboriginal-Inspired Artwork – Murals, carvings, and paintings often depicting the Atayal lifestyle, hunting scenes, or facial tattoo designs.

🍯 Honey, Mushrooms, and Mountain Herbs – Local products harvested from the forests around Wulai, sold in jars or dried packs—great gifts for friends back home.

Dried Strawberries on yogurt


Cultural Highlights Along the Street


🎭 Atayal Cultural Museum (烏來泰雅民族博物館)

Located just a few steps from the Old Street, this free-entry museum offers exhibits on Atayal traditions, clothing, tools, and even a short film about indigenous life in the area. A must-visit if you want context behind what you’re seeing and eating.

Wulai Atayal Museum

🛤️ Wulai Log Cart Station

At the far end of the street, you’ll find the starting point for the famous Wulai Log Cart—a narrow-gauge mini-train that brings passengers through the forest to Wulai Waterfall. The cart ride is short but magical.

Wulai Log Cart Old Street Terminal in the morning

🌸 Riverside Walks and Hot Springs

Right beside the Old Street is the beautiful Nanshi River (南勢溪). You can stroll along its banks, enjoy the sounds of nature, and even dip your feet in a riverside hot spring if you're feeling adventurous.

Scooter in Taiwan is so common

When to Visit and What to Expect

Wulai Old Street is open year-round, but weekdays are quieter. If you prefer a peaceful stroll and shorter lines, visit in the morning or on non-holiday weekdays.


Spring and autumn offer the most pleasant weather, while winter makes the hot springs more inviting. Expect a lot of tourists on weekends, especially during cherry blossom season (February to March), when the nearby riverbanks bloom in pink.


Final Thoughts: Why Wulai Old Street Is Worth the Trip

While it might not be as famous as Jiufen or Shifen, Wulai Old Street stands out for its blend of indigenous culture, mountain cuisine, and natural beauty. It’s a place where history is still alive, where food tells a story, and where the forest feels just a few steps away.


Whether you’re here to feast on boar skewers, ride a vintage log cart, or learn about the Atayal people, Wulai Old Street is more than just a stop—it’s a highlight of any trip to northern Taiwan.

Visit my Ultimate Taiwan Travel Guide to know more about the country.


Quick Travel Tips


🚆 From Taipei: Take MRT to Xindian Station, then Bus 849 to Wulai

🍴 Must-Try: Wild boar sausage, millet mochi, bamboo rice

🎨 Don’t Miss: Atayal Cultural Museum for free insight into local heritage

🚶 Best Experience: Walk the street, ride the log cart, enjoy riverside views

Planning to spend a day in Wulai? Check out my day tour Wulai itinerary that includes Old Street, Log Cart, Waterfall, and the cable car to Yun Hsien Resort!

Visit my list of Frequently Asked Questions in Taiwan (FAQs) to learn more.


WULAI OLD STREET: A Taste of Taiwan’s Indigenous Culture and Mountain Flavors

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