Ruifang Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, food and drink options, where to stay, and travel tips in Ruifang, Taiwan.


Introduction to Ruifang

Ruifang is a district in New Taipei City, located in the northern part of Taiwan. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Taiwan due to its close proximity to Taipei City and its stunning natural landscapes.

Ruifang is home to numerous breathtaking natural attractions such as waterfalls, hot springs, and beaches. Alongside natural beauty, the district is steeped in history, with several historical buildings and museums preserving its rich cultural heritage.

In this comprehensive travel guide, we will introduce you to the best places to visit, food and drinks to try, where to stay, and how to have the ultimate adventure in Ruifang.

List of Places to Visit in Ruifang

Are you ready to explore the wonders of Ruifang? Here’s a list of the top places to visit which will leave you amazed:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. Jiufen Old Street - This old street is famous for its traditional Taiwanese architecture and narrow alleys filled with shops and eateries.

  2. Houtong Cat Village - Founded over a century ago, Houtong was once a thriving coal mining town. Today, it is home to hundreds of cats and a popular attraction for cat lovers.

  3. Yin Yang Sea - A unique geological formation, the Yin Yang Sea is a body of water that contains two distinct colors – yellow and blue, formed from the mix of freshwater and seawater.

Natural Attractions of Ruifang: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Jiufen Teapot Mountain Trail - Teapot Mountain Trail is a popular hiking trail that offers panoramic views of Jiufen and Keelung.

  2. Golden Waterfall - The Golden Waterfall is a natural phenomenon where water runs down a hillside that results in natural oxidation, giving the water a golden color.

  3. Yehliu Geopark - The Yehliu Geopark is home to unique and intriguing rock formations such as the famous Queen’s Head.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Ruifang

Ruifang is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise, with endless scenic routes to explore. Here are some of the best routes:

  1. Pingxi Crags Trail - A 10-kilometer hiking trail that takes you through secluded greenery and scenic vistas, famous for its cliffs and crags.

  2. Shifen Waterfall Trail - This trail is only 20 minutes away from Pingxi Station and boasts a stunning waterfall perfect for swimming and picnicking.

  3. Jioufen Ridge Trail - The Jioufen Ridge Trail offers mountain views of the entire town and is a challenging hike that seasoned hikers will enjoy.

Best Things to Do in Ruifang: Activities and Tours

  1. Taipei 101 and Night Markets Tour - This tour will take you to Taipei 101’s observatory and introduce you to some of Taipei’s most popular night markets such as Raohe and Shilin Night Markets.

  2. Hot Spring Adventures at Wulai - Enjoy a soak in hot springs, a gourmet lunch, and Aboriginal cultural performances surrounded by the beautiful scenery of Wulai.

  3. Taipei Cultural Experience and Sightseeing Tour - This tour will take you on a cultural and historical journey through Taipei’s most popular attractions, such as Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall and the scenic North Coast.

Week-Long Itinerary for Ruifang

Here is a sample week-long itinerary for Ruifang:

Day Activity
Day 1 Arrival in Ruifang, explore the city center, and night market
Day 2 Visit Houtong Cat Village and Jiufen Old Street
Day 3 Trekking in Pingxi Crags Trail
Day 4 Trip to Golden Waterfall, Yehliu Geopark, and Keelung
Day 5 Visit the area of Jinguashi
Day 6 Relax in Wulai hot springs
Day 7 Departure from Ruifang

Food and Drink Scene of Ruifang

No visit to Ruifang would be complete without experiencing its food and drink scene. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Taiwanese Beef Noodle Soup - A popular Taiwanese dish consisting of beef broth, noodles, vegetables, and meat that varies in spiciness.

  2. Lu Rou Fan - Another Taiwanese favorite, Lu Rou Fan is essentially braised pork over rice and served with pickled vegetables.

  3. A Gei - A popular street food made with a mixture of soft noodles, dried tofu, peanuts, and a special sauce.

Local Beverages

  1. Bubble Tea - Known as “Boba” in the Western world, Bubble tea is a famous Taiwanese drink made with tea and milk, usually with small tapioca pearls.

  2. Milk Tea - A popular Taiwanese drink made from black tea mixed with sweetened condensed milk.

  3. Taiwan Beer - A popular beer found in the country, particularly Taipei, with a slightly sweet yet refreshing taste.

Where to Stay in Ruifang: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  1. Chika Lodge - A beautifully designed Japanese style hotel with elegant architecture, perfect for those looking for a luxurious stay.

  2. Lothlorien Hostel - A comfortable and affordable hostel located near Jiufen Old Street with an on-site café that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

  3. Astar Hotel - Perfect for families and larger groups, Astar Hotel is a serviced apartment that provides a range of facilities such as a gym, meeting rooms, and a washing machine.

What to Buy in Ruifang: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  1. Jiufen Oolong Tea - This tea has a fruity and floral aroma and is one of the most famous teas in Taiwan.

  2. Handmade Gifts from Jiufen Old Street - Jiufen’s bustling old street is full of artisanal craft shops that sell one-of-a-kind pieces.

  3. Taiwanese Pineapple Cakes - These cakes are a popular souvenir and made from a buttery crust filled with sweet pineapple jam filling.

Local Culture and Customs of Ruifang

Pay attention to cultural customs while traveling in Ruifang, such as taking off shoes before entering a home or temple. Try to respect local customs, and you’ll get a sense of the Taiwanese warmness.

Best Time to Visit Ruifang

You can visit Ruifang throughout the year, but for those looking for beautiful weather, the best time to visit is from October to December.

Do’s and Don’ts of Ruifang

Do:

  1. Try the local street food and beverages.
  2. Be respectful of the local customs.
  3. Take advantage of the great opportunities for outdoor activities.

Don’t:

  1. Litter or pollute the environment.
  2. Ignore local customs or cultural practices
  3. Don’t forget to negotiate prices while shopping.

Safety and Health

Safety in Ruifang

Ruifang is a safe destination, but be sure to take precautions when traveling. Keep your valuables safe and be aware of your surroundings in crowded areas.

Health in Ruifang

Taiwan has excellent health care facilities, and Ruifang has several hospitals and clinics that provide expert medical care in case of an emergency.

Getting to Ruifang: Transportation Options and Logistics

Ruifang is easily accessible and has several transportation options, including:

Airports Near Ruifang

The closest airport to Ruifang is Taipei Taoyuan International Airport, which is about 50 km away.

Bus Stations Near Ruifang

You can take direct buses from Taipei Main Station to Keelung and connect to Ruifang by train.

Other Options

Alternatively, you can take a taxi or rent a car to explore Ruifang.

How to Get Around in Ruifang

Ruifang is a small district, and most of its sites are concentrated in one area, making it easy to explore on foot. Trains and buses are also available to transport you to nearby areas.

Where to Go Next from Ruifang: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Ruifang is well connected to other parts of Taiwan, so it’s easy to plan trips to nearby destinations to suit your interests. Here are some popular destinations:

  1. Taroko National Park - Known for its stunning geological wonders, Taroko National Park is a must-visit destination for nature lovers.

  2. Beitou Hot Springs - Located in Taipei, Beitou Hot Springs is a popular destination for relaxation and pampering.

  3. Yangmingshan National Park - This national park features mountain ranges and hot springs, with views of cherry blossoms in spring.

Conclusion

Ruifang is undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in Taiwan, offering a unique blend of history, culture, and stunning natural scenery. With this comprehensive guide, we hope you are now well-equipped to start planning your Ruifang adventure.

Ruifang TRA station Ruifang TRA station Lungyen Temple Lungyen Temple Golden waterfall Golden waterfall