Things To Do
in Jiji
Jiji is a small historic town in Nantou County, Taiwan, set among green hills and tea fields. It is famous for the Jiji Old Street along the narrow-gauge railway line that once ferried coal and passengers. Cobblestone lanes, traditional tea houses, and walnut pastries give the town a nostalgic, slow-paced charm.
Surrounded by rural scenery, Jiji serves as a gateway to nearby farms, temples, and scenic overlooks.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the Jiji Old Street, where you can admire traditional architecture and browse local shops. Try some freshly brewed Taiwanese coffee from a quaint café while soaking in the morning atmosphere. Don't forget to sample local snacks like the famous Jiji rice cakes.
After lunch, head to the Jiji Railway Station, a beautifully preserved historical site adorned with vintage trains. Take a ride on the old railway line to experience the scenic countryside views that Jiji offers. Spend some time at the nearby Jiji Paper Factory, where you can learn about the paper-making process and even create your own.
As the sun sets, stroll along the lake at the Jiji Green Tunnel, a beautifully lit pathway lined with trees. Enjoy a local dinner at one of the traditional restaurants serving authentic Taiwanese dishes. End your evening with a visit to the local night market, where you can enjoy street food and shop for handmade crafts.
Begin your day with a scenic drive to Sun Moon Lake, just a short distance from Jiji. Enjoy a leisurely walk along the lake's picturesque shores, taking in the stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Stop by the Wenwu Temple, a beautiful structure dedicated to Confucius and Guan Gong.
After lunch, rent a bicycle and explore the scenic cycling paths around Sun Moon Lake. Make sure to visit the Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village, where you can experience the rich heritage of Taiwan's indigenous people. Take a chairlift ride for breathtaking aerial views of the lake and its surroundings.
As evening approaches, find a cozy lakeside café to enjoy a cup of tea while watching the sunset over Sun Moon Lake. Consider taking a boat tour to experience the serene beauty of the lake from the water. Conclude your day with a delightful meal at a local restaurant featuring fresh fish caught from the lake.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍜Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $6-12 |
| ☕Coffee/tea at cafe | $2-6 |
| 🥟Street snack | $1-5 |
| 🏨Budget hotel per night | $25-60 |
| 🚆Local train fare (within region) | $1-3 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich heritage and photo-worthy streets
- Relaxed pace and friendly locals
- Steeped tea culture and tasty local snacks
- Compact town that’s easy to explore on foot
- Limited nightlife and fewer large-scale attractions
- Some sites may have limited English signage
- Public transport can be infrequent outside peak hours
- Hilly terrain can be tiring for some walkers
- "你好" - Hello
- "謝謝" - Thank you
- "請問洗手間在哪裡？" - Where is the bathroom?
- "多少錢？" - How much is this?
- "我想點餐。" - I would like to order.
- "可以刷卡嗎？" - Can I pay by card?
Places to Visit in Jiji
Visit one of these nice places.
Cobblestone lanes and a railway crossing lend themselves to nostalgic, candid street photos, especially during golden hour.
Historic narrow-gauge platform with vintage rail cars and signage—excellent for architectural and documentary shots.
Rises above the town with terraced tea fields and morning mist; ideal for wide landscape and detail shots of tea plants.
Quiet rural streets and traditional stone walls provide intimate portraits of everyday life.
Food in Jiji
Jiji Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Flaky pastry filled with sweet walnut paste; a signature treat to try fresh from a Jiji bakery along Old Street.
Must-Try!
Soft rice cake with a light green tea aroma; commonly found at local teahouses.
Cool, refreshing jelly made from果粉 seeds, often served with juice or syrup.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Vibrant stretch of stalls offering walnut pastries, fried snacks, soy products, and local teas.
Seasonal produce stalls where you can sample fresh fruit, local vegetables, and snacks from nearby farms.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Stand in line patiently; avoid loud conversations in temples and public spaces; be mindful of personal space.
Dress modestly, remove hats when inside temples, and follow local customs when offering prayers or lighting incense.
A polite greeting goes a long way; handle monetary gifts with both hands in formal settings; visitors commonly bow slightly as a sign of respect.
Safety
Tipping in Jiji
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not customary in Taiwan; rounding up the bill is common in some spots, but not required. Leave a small tip only if service was exceptional.
Cash is widely accepted; many places also accept credit cards and digital payments (Apple Pay, LINE Pay, etc.). Have some cash on hand for markets and small eateries.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures and blooming fruit trees; carry a light jacket and a compact rain shell for occasional showers.
Warm to hot, with high humidity and possible afternoon rain. Hydrate, wear sun protection, and plan outdoor activities in the morning.
Pleasant, cooler days with clear skies; excellent visibility for photography and outdoor strolls.
Cool to chilly; mornings can be misty or foggy. Layered clothing is recommended; evenings can be cool.
Jiji at Night
Hiking in Jiji
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A gentle 2–3 hour loop through tea fields, orchards, and village lanes with occasional lookouts.
Shaded pine forest path with mild elevation gain, suitable for a half-day walk near the Guguan area.
Seasonal trails weaving through terraced tea plantations offering close-up views of cultivation and harvests.
Airports
How to reach Jiji by plane.
Closest major airport to Jiji, with regional flights and easy onward travel by bus or rail into Nantou County.
Major international gateway; about 2–3 hours by train/bus to Jiji depending on connections.
City airport with domestic and some regional flights; typically used for short domestic hops or connections via Taichung.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Mostly Han Chinese with strong tea-farming and small-business traditions; the area is also home to a small number of Indigenous communities and migrant workers.
A mix of domestic travelers and foreign tourists drawn to traditional streets, tea culture, and rural scenery.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A widely popular sport across Taiwan, with local teams and recreational leagues common in towns and parks.
Flat to rolling countryside makes Nantou a pleasant area for short to medium-length rides.
Nearby hills and forest trails attract hikers seeking scenic viewpoints and quiet nature.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Jiji.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Look for veggie dishes at teahouses and markets; ask about broths and stock and consider ordering simple vegetable dishes and tofu-based options.
Many street snacks use corn or rice flour; request no wheat-based sauces and chips; carry a small snack kit if needed.