 |
| The Japanese animated film Spirited Away was inspired by the unique architecture of Jiufen's numerous small alleys and lanes that snake around the area and sometimes even run beneath buildings. |
 |
| The beautifl view overlooking the mountains (and sea - just not in this shot) |
 |
| Entrance |
 |
| The map |
Most of the attractions are concentrated along the cobblestone steps of Shuqi Road (豎崎路) between Jiufen Elementary School and the Jiufen police precinct; there are many of shops, restaurants, cafés, and many unique teahouses. with the beautiful ocean view of Keelung outer sea!
Those looking for something a little more retro, there are shops who offer the rental of the Qipao (旗袍) / Cheongsam for women, men, and children.
As we visited JiuFen Old Street (九份老街) on a day tour from Klook, we only had about 1 hour and 20 minutes to explore the place but it was sufficient. We managed to take some obligatory photos, tried loads of food, and did some souvenir shopping as well. If given more time, I think we would have shopped a lot more and eaten even more food.
[Read more about the day tour here]
 |
| Streets of Jiufen |
 |
| Winding alleyways and staircases |
It was an event time of feasting and shopping. JiuFen Old Street is full of delights and delicious snacks: there are shops selling the famous local snacks, such as Glutinous Rice Cake, Taro Glutinous Rice Cake, and cold / hot Taro Balls, etc... 😋
Here is a list of all the food we ate and saw that day:
JiuFen Taro Ball
 |
| Price: NT$50/bowl |
JiuFen Taro Ball is a representative local snack (the name of the town is in this snack name). The Taro Balls orientated in the 1940s and were the creation of a Madam Lin who was assisting her in-laws in managing their provision shop. The Taro Balls were created to accompany the shaved ice dessert that was sold at the shop, and ever since they have been a Jiufen staple.
 |
| Handmade Taro Balls |
 |
| Cooked Taro Balls 😋 |
Although Jiufen Taro Ball is available (almost) everywhere (even in Singapore), they do not have the same flavor and texture found in Jiufen. You have to taste it to know the difference (its light yet chewy at the same time).
Peanut Ice-Cream
Peanut shavings are ground off a huge block of compressed peanuts before adding 2 scoops of ice cream and parsley, which is then wrapped into a roll of yummy goodness. The combination might seem a little weird but the flavor was absolutely yummy!
Price: NT$40/pc
Just watching the ice-cream getting prepared right in front of you by the the staff at A-Zhu is quite satisfying.
Meal at 九份小師父
 |
| A set meal of chicken, braised pork, xiao long bao, egg, vegetables. a bowl of meat encased fishballs (Fuzhou balls) soup, and a bowl of braised pork rice |
We were a little famished so we shared a meal at this eatery to have a little more substantial "taste-test). Apparently for those who have a big appetite the portion is not enough. The menu includes some stir-fry green vegetables, roast duck, xiao long bao etc... They also have set meals if you do not know what to order, which was what we did.
Other Foods
 |
| Stinky Tofu |
 |
| Traditional Fishballs |
 |
| Sausages |
Souvenirs
 |
| The many adorable and unique types of souvenirs |
 |
| Fans of Spirited Away can find relevant souvenirs too! |
Tip: If you want to see what promo codes there are for Klook, you can check out TravelBytez Promo Codes. Do take note of the validity of the promo codes. Happy Travels! If you are not yet a member at Klook, sign up here and get S$4.30 off your first transaction! 😊
0 comments :
Post a Comment