Beyond the Mist and Lanterns: My Jiufen Experience
Anyone who's been to Jiufen knows the vibe: a perpetual mist hangs in the air, crowds surge through the streets, and red lanterns glow like scenes from Spirited Away. You instantly know you're in Jiufen.
I didn't go for the taro balls or the serene tea ceremonies, and I skipped most of the Instagram-famous photo spots. My trip was all about:
Unexpected Encounters
- Savoring a free pineapple cake sample offered by a truly lovely shopkeeper. I don't remember his name, but his smile convinced us to buy three boxes!
- Meeting the Vietnamese owner of a stinky tofu stall. She spotted our group and immediately said, "You're Vietnamese, right? Come try it!"
And yes, the stinky tofu... it was still stinky. 🫠
But eating it in the mist, holding it in my hand, chatting away, hearing Vietnamese voices, suddenly even the stinkiness felt a little charming. 😌
Simple Moments, Lasting Memories
That's it. Nothing too romantic, nothing too profound. For me, Jiufen isn't about taking viral photos; it's about meeting a few surprisingly kind people and making lasting memories in Taiwan.
The Story Behind the Name
Back home, I did some research and learned that "Jiufen" (九份) means "Nine Portions." Long ago, only nine families lived here, and whenever they went to the market, they'd ask for nine portions of everything to be divided equally. 😬
Later, they struck gold, and the village boomed. People flocked in, opened mines, and built houses. Then the mines dried up, and people left.
What remains are the winding slopes, the red lanterns, a few small shops... and an indescribable feeling of the past. That's just how it is.
Some places, you only need to understand, feel, and taste to fully appreciate them.
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