About This Resource
Jiufen is a hillside town in northeastern Taiwan built around former gold mines. The town's steep terrain means most streets are actually staircases winding between traditional buildings, teahouses, and shops. The narrow stepped alleyways create an atmospheric setting that inspired the film 'Spirited Away'. Jiufen's stairs offer views over the Pacific Ocean and surrounding mountains. The town has become a popular tourist destination where visitors explore the stepped streets, sample street food, and experience traditional tea culture. Jiufen demonstrates how entire communities can be organized around staircases rather than vehicle streets.
