Chiufen Walking Tour
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Port
Keelung (Taipei), Taiwan
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Activity Level
Moderate Activity
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At (prices in USD)
$130
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 4½ Hours
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Meals Included
Meals not included
Glimpse a piece of Taiwan's past on a guided walking tour of Chiufen -- a former gold mining village nestled on a mountainside. The gold is long gone, but the village remains, offering breathtaking scenery and intriguing glimpses into a bygone era to those willing to explore on foot.
A motorcoach will transport you along winding roads, through lush, rolling mountains often draped in a mantle of wispy clouds. Chiufen greets you with its closely-packed houses that cling to steep mountainsides facing the sea. Chiufen means 'nine portions' in Mandarin, and refers to a time when only nine families lived in this village during Ch'ing Dynasty.
Accompanied by your guide, set off on foot to explore the crooked alleyways and steep cobblestone steps of this former mining town. Marvel at the plentiful Japanese-style architecture that can be found along its maze of winding streets. Spend time perusing Old Street, lined with paper lanterns and teeming with vendors selling a variety of items. Sample wonderful delicacies from peanut brittle to squid balls. Shop for crafts created by local artisans. Marvel at the sights, sounds and aromas of this vibrant market and imagine a time when gold miners and their families traded here.
Take a break from exploring to visit the Chiufen Tea House. Relax and enjoy a pot of tea and a snack. Your rest doubles as a lesson in the art of preparing and pouring tea -- no quick dipping of teabags here! Tea drinking in Taiwan is a ritual to be experienced and savored -- delicious and educational.
As your excursion draws to a close and you head back down the mountain, contemplate the simplicity of this quaint mountain village, steeped in the tradition and senescent beauty.
Please note: Wear comfortable walking shoes. There is over 100 steps to climb on this tour.