If you’ve ever watched the Ghibli film “Spirited Away,” you’d be surprised to know much of its setting was inspired by the beautiful Jiufen.

Like Japan, Taiwan is also an island country surrounded by beautiful mountain ranges and vast blue oceans. Combined with magical Chinese architecture, mesmerizing sculptures of tigers and dragons, and big red lanterns, it’s no wonder this mountain town of Jiufen had inspired the setting of the award-winning animated film Spirited Away by Hayao Miyazaki.

Street Food, Souvenirs, and More!

The streets of Jiufen are packed with visitors from all over the world. Some are here for the scenery, some for the food, some for the Spirited Away vibes, and some for all of the above! On the food streets, you could try many of Taiwan’s most iconic dishes, including beef noodle soup, steamed buns, bubble tea, and pineapple cake.

Breathtaking Views of Jinguashi Mountains

My favorite thing about Jiufen is the awe-inspiring scenery of the mountains of Jinguashi – a town known for gold and copper mining in the 20th Century. These thick green forests keep you nice and oxygenated even at the high altitudes of Jiufen village. I happened to visit during the summer when all of Taiwan was soaking in sweaty humidity, but the breeze at the top of the mountains helped alleviate this discomfort.

Soaking in the Yin Yang Sea

It might sound cliché for this vast piece of the Pacific Ocean to be called the “Yin Yang Sea,” but the reason for this goes beyond its Chinese ownership. In fact, the Yin Yang Sea is named such for its blue and yellow colors that occur as a result of the ocean contrasting with natural iron-rich minerals, mainly pyrite, from the Jinguashi mining mountains flowing through to the Shuinandong Bay. From its breathtaking mountain-ocean scenery to its traditional lantern decorations to its soulful food stalls and energetic crowds, Jiufen truly offers an experience that’ll have you spirited away!