Note: This post contains affiliate links. If you click an affiliate link or book through an affiliate program, I receive a small commission at no cost to you! See my Privacy Policy for more information.
Planning a solo trip to Taiwan? As a solo Latina traveler, I want to share my DIY Jiufen & Jinguashi day trip itinerary to help you easily explore Jiufen Old Street and Jinguashi Shrine in one day.
This trip is straightforward and safe, thanks to Taiwan’s efficient public transport system, and can feel like a guided tour without needing to book one. I navigated Taiwan and Jiufen during New Year’s solo relying on tools like Google Translate, navigation apps, and the kindness of locals to explore.
With practical tips and step-by-step advice, I’ll show you how to enjoy the charm of Jiufen, indulging in a tea-tasting session at Amei Tea House, and visiting the serene Jinguashi Shinto Shrine. Best part, all at your own pace and totally safe which was a big highlight for a female solo traveler like myself.
DIY Jiufen & Jinguashi Day Trip Table Of Contents
Plan Your DIY Jiufen & Jinguashi Day Trip
 Flight |  Stay |  Do |  Drive |
| Trip.com | Agoda | GetYourGuide | Rentalcars.com |
Read The Full Taiwan for Latina Solo Explorers (Coming Soon)
Practical Tips for Your Jiufen Day Trip
| Get an EasyCard | This contactless smartcard is invaluable for public transport and is also accepted at shops like 7-11. You can top it up at train stations or any convenience store across Taiwan. Purchase in advance your EasyCard using Klook. |
| Start Early | To avoid crowds and secure a spot on the bus back to Taipei, plan to visit Jiufen Old Street first thing in the morning. I started my journey at 8 AM from Taipei and returned around 4 PM. |
| Public Transport | Use Google Maps for bus/train schedules and directions. Buses arrive slightly early then indicated on google so it’s important to be there earlier to play it safe. When returning from Jinguashi to Jiufen, bus’ often fill up quickly, so plan accordingly and return around 3 PM. |
| Language Help | Don’t hesitate to use Google Translate or ask staff for assistance. Many locals in Jiufen are helpful and accustomed to tourists. |
| Bring Cash | Taiwan is still a cash-heavy country, so ensure you have enough for transport, food, and small purchases. |
| What To Pack | Wear comfortable shoes for walking to the shrine. I also carried snacks so that I could see more without making too many stops for food. |
Day Itinerary: Jiufen and Jinguashi
Depart From Taipei
Start your day early by departing Taipei around 8 AM to reach Jiufen by 10 AM. Buses from Taipei Main Station or Zhongxiao Fuxing MRT Station are convenient options. Use your EasyCard for seamless payments and follow Google Maps for navigation. The two-hour journey allows you to enjoy the scenic route to Jiufen.
TIP: Taiwanese aren’t bothered by you eating on their public transport so grab something from their over 14K convenience stores to hold you over before you can have a proper breakfast at Jiufen Old Street.
1st Part Of Day: Arrive Early At Jiufen Old Street
Once a thriving mining town during Taiwan’s gold rush, Jiufen Old Street now charms visitors with its bustling streets, Jiufen Qingyun Temple, and incredible views.
To beat the crowds, head straight to the iconic Amei Tea House, which opens at 10 AM. They offer a tea-tasting session for one, perfect for solo travelers. The experience includes a tea demonstration and tasty tea snacks, all while soaking in the breathtaking mountain views. I stayed for about 1.5 hours, and by the time I left, a line had already formed outside.
After tea, explore Jiufen’s narrow streets. Though packed, navigating solo is manageable, and you’ll find plenty of stalls offering samples and unique shops selling clothing and accessories.
2nd Part Of Day: Explore Jinguashi Shinto Shrine
From Jiufen Old Street, take a short 15 -20 min bus ride to Jinguashigong Station to visit the Jinguashi Shinto Shrine. The entrance is through the “Gold Museum” grounds when searching this on Google Maps and no ticket is required for the shrine itself.
Located near Teapot Mountain, the shrine provides serene views and historic ruins. On clear days, you can spot the teapot-shaped rock from the site. Take your time to appreciate the peaceful atmosphere and natural beauty before heading back.
Based on your time and interest you may also want to pair this with a visit to the Gold Museum too.
Return To Taipei
Plan to leave Jinguashi early to secure a seat on the bus back to Taipei. Since buses often fill up at later stops, boarding at Jinguashigong Station ensures a smoother return journey. I left Jinguashigong Station at 3 PM and the bus was empty which meant I could secure a seat for my journey back to Taipei and by the time we reached Jiufen Old Street our bus was packed and no longer taking passengers.
Alternate Option: Day Tours
For those who prefer not to use public transport, many day tours to Jiufen and Jinguashi are available. These tours often include convenient pick-up and drop-off services, saving you the hassle of navigating bus routes.
One thing to keep in mind is that tours can limit your flexibility in choosing where to go and how long to spend at each stop. If possible, I recommend splitting up Jiufen and Shifen, or opting for a 9-hour tour. Anything shorter may leave you with limited time at each location, especially when visiting both in one day.
Below are a few handpicked tours that cover the highlights of Jiufen, offer plenty of time at each stop, and have received high ratings and great reviews.
Final Thoughts
For this trip, I found public transport to be straightforward and ideal for independent exploration. In contrast, destinations like Shifen Old Street posed more challenges, even for an experienced traveler like myself.
Additional & Useful Taipei Content
Explore Taiwan and Taipei like a pro with these additional resources. These include a list of restaurants and food items you must try, attractions you can’t miss, and day trips to fill your own itinerary like Jiufen.
Read the articles & save the Google Map I include below for easy navigation during your own visit.
- Taiwan Tourist Google Map
- The Ultimate Taiwan Food Guide For Foodies
- Shifen Old Street Without A Tour
Want to add even more destinations in Asia during your trip?
Discover more destinations in my Travel Guides Section for destinations like Seoul , Tokyo and Laos.
Discover more from Girl Takes Mundo
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
3 thoughts on “DIY Jiufen & Jinguashi Day Trip”
Comments are closed.