Northeastern Nostalgia. The term mining town likely conjures images of a wild west settlement or TNT blasted mountainsides. Try again! Join a Jiufen tour to discover the most vibrant post-mining region you’ll ever encounter - or could ever imagine! The area is so captivating that is has served as inspiration for the setting of two famous films, Hayao Miyazaki’s Japanese animation Spirited Away and Taiwanese auteur Hou Hsiao-hsien’s A City of Sadness. Come explore the “rich” history of the Northeast Coast, a region famed for its gold and coal deposits. A visit to Jinguishi will help you uncover the geological forces that brought about the Taiwanese Gold Rush. Then venture to the railway towns of Shifen and Pingxi for a magical DIY sky lantern experience. Witness the awe-inspiring mysteries of nature’s beauty as you explore the coastal erosion and seascapes at Yehliu Geopark. But perhaps the most famous of all is the Old Street of Jiufen. As you wander the alleys of this historic community, you’ll be tempted to try a little bit of everything, from the famous taro balls to the coffees and teas at the impressive mountainside cafes. Jiufen is where your imagination comes alive!