Jiufen is a classic day trip destination,it is found in the mountains east of Taipei and is steeped in Taiwanese culture and history. This former gold-mining town is packed with alleyways, but one you’ll want to head straight for is Jiufen Old Street. Lined with teahouses, street-food stalls, and souvenir shops, the alley manages to feel exceptionally old-fashioned despite how busy it is. Meander through the alleys of Jiufen to find your next stop, the ever-popular A-Mei Teahouse which many people remark looks like it came straight out of the beloved anime Spirited Away. If Jiufen seems a bit too crowded, you can head over to Jinguashi, an even smaller town with similar background and character.