Things to do in New Taipei, Taiwan: The Best Sights & Landmarks

Reviewed By 1flytheskies - Los Angeles, United States

Jiufen is a foodies paradise. Taste the amazing variety on offer. Onigiri, konpeito, taro balls, tea eggs, pineapple cakes, stinky tofu, king mushrooms, red bean cakes, amazing teas, peanut ice-cream roll, Japanese foods, Taiwanese cuisine—the list is endless. The smell of good cooking permeates the narrow lanes, drawing in unsuspecting visitors, as it did Chihiro’s parents in the movie Spirited Away. Come also to pay homage to Miyazaki’s anime Spirited Away. The parallels between town and movie are many: A Mei Teahouse, which is the inspiration for the bathhouse in the movie. The streets and staircases in the movie, so similar to the architecture of Jiufen. Food in all its wondrous variety. House of Ghost Masks. Remember the three bodiless heads in Yubaba’s living room? Gold. Jiufen was a gold mining. In the movie gold nuggets abound: payment, enticement, everywhere. Tunnels. Remember the opening scene where the family walks through a tunnel? There are many tunnels from the old mining days, most closed to the public. The main street strung with red lanterns. Tips Weekdays will be quieter. 2. Carry an umbrella. Unexpected showers happen. 3. You will enjoy recognizing the parallels between Spirited Away and the town if you watch the movie beforehand.