In a 2013 interview, director Hayao Miyazaki publicly refuted any relationship between Jiufen and his 2001 Japanese animated fantasy. Many visitors often dine at a teahouse to relax after a long day of walking and shopping, as well as to capture the amazing views from Keelung Mountain.Īlthough previously denied, it is often purported that the A-Mei Tea House and Jiufen Old Streets served as inspiration for the town featured in cult-phenomenon Spirited Away. Located in the middle of Jiufen Old Street, A-Mei Tea House is surrounded by beautiful architecture and quaint teahouses that are spread throughout the market. This unique characteristic of Jiufen Old Street has helped turn it into the popular tourist hotspot it is today. Due to rotting brought on by rainy humid weather, A-Mei Tea House is often refurbished however has always maintained its traditional architectural style. The east wing being used exclusively for tea tasting while the west wing is used for dining and includes a gift shop. The interior is broken into east and west wings. The building spans several levels with the infamous building facade being wrapped in wooden walls decorated with lush greenery and traditional ornaments. After the height of the gold rush Jiufen turned from a gold mining town into a market, during which time Amei transformed the spacious shop into the beautiful teahouse is resembles today. During this period Jiufen was undergoing considerable economic growth due to a gold mining rush in the area with blacksmith serving as an important shop and repairer for tools used in the surrounding gold mines. Its beautiful architectural exterior has made Amei Tea House Jiufen’s most recognisable landmark and is often used as a backdrop for Instagram photos and on Taiwanese travel brochures.Ī-Mei Tea House has a long and interesting history, originally being built as a blacksmith by Amei’s grandfather in the early 20th century. The teahouse gets its name from it’s original owner and operator, A Mei.

A-Mei Tea House is a popular teahouse located in the heart of Jiufen Old Street market.

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