My Dream Trip to Jiufen’s Magical Teahouse
Back in 2012, I stumbled upon a breathtaking photo of a multi-story teahouse glowing with lanterns. I had no clue where it was, but I knew I had to visit someday. Fast forward to this year—I finally made it happen in Taiwan! ♥️
How It All Came Together
- For years, I wasn’t sure if I’d ever get the chance to go.
- While living in Taiwan (an amazing place—you need to visit!), I kept delaying the trip because planning overwhelmed me.
- My husband, Silas, pushed me: “You’ll regret not seeing Jiufen before we leave. Go soon!”
- After some quick research and booking a spot at the famous teahouse, I was set!
The Journey There
A comfy 1.5-hour bus ride took me through scenic views—rivers, small towns, temples, and hillside cemeteries (yes, you can see them below!).
Why Blogging Changed Everything
I never thought I could blog full-time or earn money traveling. Silas believed in me when I didn’t. But once I took the leap, a whole new world opened up. No more just daydreaming about places—I could actually go!
And there I was, climbing the steps of the village I’d fantasized about for years. Only now, it was real.
Perfect Timing
Luckily, I visited during the pandemic’s early months. Taiwan had almost no cases, so while locals weren’t traveling much, tourists like me had Jiufen all to ourselves. No crowds, no photo-bombers—just peace and magic. 👌
The Famous Teahouse
The place I’d dreamed of? A-MEI Tea House. I worried it might be a tourist trap, but it was the opposite:
- Amazing service and a seat with a stunning view.
- Delicious tea (sorry for all the photos—I couldn’t pick just one! 😂).
- A traditional tea ceremony where I learned to serve myself properly.
I stayed an hour, sipping tea and soaking in the ocean and village views.
Exploring Jiufen
After the teahouse, I wandered the village’s main street, tried famous sweet potato balls (so tasty!), and met lovely locals. The hidden paths and neon-lit alleys felt straight out of a movie—which makes sense, since this place inspired Spirited Away!
What I Missed (Next Time!)
Jiufen has even more to offer:
- Hiking Keelung Mountain.
- Visiting the Golden Waterfall.
- Exploring Chuen Ji Hall & Jiufen Qingyum Temple.
But I ran out of time and headed back to Taipei. Still, I’m already planning my return—maybe staying overnight to dive deeper into this magical place. Until next time, Jiufen! 👋
