Jiufen

Country

Cost of Living: Moderate

Train Access: Yes (Taiwan Railways Administration (TRA) - Pingxi Line)

Bus Access: Yes (Keelung Bus, Taipei Bus - local and regional routes)

Weather: Jiufen experiences a subtropical climate with warm, humid summers and mild winters, with significant rainfall throughout the year, particularly during the monsoon season.

Jiufen is a historic hillside town located in New Taipei City, Taiwan, perched in the mountains southeast of Taipei. The town is renowned for its narrow, winding alleyways and traditional architecture that evoke the atmosphere of old Taiwan. Jiufen developed as a mining settlement during the Japanese colonial period and later became a tea-producing region, which shaped its cultural identity. The town's main street, lined with traditional red lanterns and historic buildings, creates a nostalgic ambiance that transports visitors to a bygone era. Today, Jiufen is famous for its vibrant street food scene, with vendors selling traditional snacks, tea, and local delicacies. The narrow lanes are crowded with small shops selling souvenirs, crafts, and traditional goods. The town attracts both domestic and international tourists seeking authentic cultural experiences and scenic mountain views. Jiufen's steep terrain and compact layout give it a distinctive character, with buildings stacked closely together on the hillside. The area maintains strong connections to its historical past while serving as a popular destination for those interested in Taiwanese heritage and traditional culture.

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Visa & Residency

Difficulty Obtaining: average

Popular Expat Visa/s: Alien Resident Certificate (ARC), Employment Gold Card

Popular Nomad Visa/s: Employment Gold Card, and it allows them to live in Taiwan for up to three years

Obtaining a residency in Taiwan involves several steps and can vary depending on the type of visa applied for. The most common residency visas for expats are the Alien Resident Certificate (ARC) and the Employment Gold Card. The ARC is typically tied to employment, family reunification, or study. To apply for an ARC based on employment, an expat must first secure a job in Taiwan. The employer then applies for a work permit on behalf of the expat. Once the work permit is granted, the expat can apply for the ARC at the local office of the National Agency (NIA) by providing the necessary documents, including the work permit, a health check report, and proof of residence. The process is bureaucratic and may require assistance from the employer or a legal professional, but it is generally straightforward for those who meet the criteria. The Employment Gold Card is a special visa introduced to attract high-level professional talent in various fields such as science, technology, education, and the arts. It serves as a work permit, residence visa, and ARC. Applicants can apply online through the Taiwan Employment Gold Card Portal by submitting the required documents, which include proof of expertise, such as advanced degrees, professional certifications, or significant work achievements. The Gold Card is valid for one to three years and can be renewed. It offers greater flexibility as it is not tied to a specific employer, making it popular among digital nomads and expats who wish to work independently or have multiple sources of income. For digital nomads, the Employment Gold Card is particularly attractive because it allows them to live and work in Taiwan for an extended period without being tied to a local employer. The application process is competitive, and the criteria for qualification are high, but for those who qualify, it provides a convenient way to reside in Taiwan. Overall, while the process of obtaining residency in Taiwan can be average in terms of difficulty, it is manageable with the proper preparation and documentation. The Taiwanese government has made efforts to streamline the process, especially for skilled professionals, to encourage foreign talent to live and work in Taiwan.

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Jiufen is moderate, with prices influenced by its status as a major tourist destination. Accommodations and dining in the main tourist areas command premium prices, though local shops and eateries away from the main streets offer more affordable options. Overall expenses are reasonable compared to central Taipei.

Weather

Jiufen experiences a subtropical climate with warm, humid summers and mild winters, with significant rainfall throughout the year, particularly during the monsoon season.

Healthcare in Jiufen

Jiufen is located in Taipei's Ruifang District with access to nearby hospitals and medical facilities in the greater Taipei area. The nearest major hospital is approximately 10-15 kilometers away, providing comprehensive healthcare services. Emergency medical services are available, though response times may vary depending on location within the mountainous area.

Restaurants in Jiufen

Jiufen is renowned for its vibrant street food scene and traditional Taiwanese cuisine, with numerous teahouses and restaurants lining the famous Old Street. The dining options range from casual street vendors to established restaurants, offering local specialties like taro balls, fish ball soup, and traditional snacks. Quality and variety are excellent, though some establishments cater primarily to tourists.