Travel Guide: 老松的家民宿 (Lǎosōng de Jiā Homestay), Jiufen, New Taipei City

Introduction

Tucked into the misty hills of Jiufen, one of Taiwan’s most beloved mountain coastal towns, 老松的家民宿 (Old Pine Homestay) delivers exactly what travelers seek when escaping Taipei’s bustling city center: warm, unpretentious hospitality, sweeping panoramic views, and a front-row seat to Jiufen’s iconic foggy magic. Perched along the winding Qingbian Road, this family-run homestay turns a quick day trip into an unforgettable overnight retreat, letting you experience Jiufen’s quiet magic after the day crowds leave.

Hotel Overview

Located at No. 268, Qingbian Road, Jiufen, Old Pine Homestay is a cozy, smoke-free property designed to feel like a home away from home. Spacious family rooms are available for groups and multi-generational trips, with all rooms featuring hardwood flooring, air conditioning, and basic amenities including clothing racks and hangers for longer stays. Free WiFi is available across the entire property, ideal for posting photos of Jiufen’s sunsets or planning the next day’s itinerary.

Shared bathing facilities are kept immaculately clean, with complimentary toiletries, a hair dryer, fresh towels, slippers, and toiletries provided for all guests. Common areas include a shared lounge and TV zone, plus a sun-drenched terrace where you can sit with morning tea or a late-night snack and soak in the views. A 24-hour front desk offers flexible check-in for travelers arriving on late trains, and the team speaks fluent Mandarin for seamless communication. Note that there is no on-site parking, and the property is accessed only by stairs, so pack light if you have mobility concerns.

Nearby Attractions

Three unmissable local spots are all within a 15-minute walk of the homestay:

• Jiufen Old Street: Just a 10-minute downhill stroll from the homestay, this iconic winding alley is packed with street food stalls, teahouses, and traditional souvenir shops. Don’t miss sampling taro balls and pork apam balik while browsing handmade tea and jade crafts.
• Jishan Observation Deck: A 5-minute walk uphill from the homestay, this is the best spot in Jiufen to watch the sunrise over the Pacific Ocean, with unobstructed views of the coast and rolling green mountains. On clear days, you can even see the distant Yilan Coastline.
• Golden Waterfall: A 15-minute walk from the homestay, this dramatic rust-colored waterfall gets its unique hue from natural mineral runoff from the old gold mines that once defined Jiufen. It’s one of the most photographed natural landmarks in the area, easy to combine with a walk through the nearby abandoned mining trails.

Travel Tips

Most visitors reach Jiufen from Taipei via a 1-hour train to Ruifang Station, followed by a 20-minute bus ride up the mountain. Get off at the Jiufen Qingbian Road stop, which is just a 2-minute walk from the homestay’s entrance. If you plan to eat dinner and explore Old Street after dark, visit on a weekday to avoid massive weekend crowds. The homestay’s mountain and sea views are best enjoyed early in the morning, before the mist rolls in, so set your alarm for a pre-sightseeing coffee on the terrace. Finally, pack comfortable walking shoes—Jiufen’s hills and staircases mean you’ll be doing plenty of walking during your stay.