Jiufen: Taiwan’s Golden Tourist Attraction Faces Growing Pains
Staff Editor
2 min read
Jiufen’s Tourism Boom Overwhelms Residents, Transforms Former Gold-Mining Town
Jiufen, Taiwan – Once a quiet gold-mining town, Jiufen has transformed into a bustling tourist destination, drawing nearly 4 million visitors in 2023. Located just an hour’s drive from Taipei, this small town has become overwhelmed by tourism, presenting both opportunities and challenges for its 1,600 residents.
The town’s popularity surged following its alleged resemblance to the setting of the acclaimed animation “Spirited Away.” However, this boom has come at a cost to the local community. Mickey Tseng, a 36-year-old lifelong resident, expressed concern over the loss of community spaces to tourism.
“Many shops that once catered to our daily needs have closed,” Tseng noted. “Even our local shoe shop and teahouse have been replaced by a ghost lore museum.”
Jiufen Old Street, the main tourist attraction, is now filled with shops selling tea, snacks, and souvenirs. Locals avoid the area during peak hours due to overcrowding. The influx of visitors has led to a common refrain among salespeople: “Sorry, but I just work here, I don’t live here.”
The town’s rich history as a gold-mining hub has been overshadowed by its newfound fame. Tseng, whose family has lived in Jiufen for six generations, recalls a time when the town was known for its vibrant nightlife. “It was like Las Vegas,” she reminisced. Today, most shops close by 7 p.m., leaving the evenings eerily quiet.
In response to these changes, Tseng has launched a night tour business, aiming to revive some of the town’s nocturnal energy while sharing its authentic history. Starting from her family home, which houses a gold ore museum founded by her grandfather, the tour offers visitors a glimpse into Jiufen’s past beyond its current tourist facade.
As Jiufen grapples with over-tourism, residents like Tseng are working to strike a balance between economic benefits and preserving local culture. “We have a love-hate relationship with tourists,” Tseng admitted. “While tourism has rejuvenated our town, it’s also taken over our daily spaces.”
Despite the challenges, Tseng remains committed to her hometown, guided by traditional practices and a deep connection to the community. Her efforts represent a growing movement to reimagine authenticity in Jiufen, hoping to inspire businesses to align more closely with the area’s rich heritage.
As Jiufen continues to evolve, the question remains: Can this former gold-mining town find a sustainable balance between its past and its future as a tourist destination?
