On this excursion, we’ll visit an unusual geological park with striking rock formations on the northern coast of Taiwan, a small village built on an old Japanese and Jiufen gold mine, a picturesque mountain village that inspired Hayao Miyazaki to create the world of Spirited Away.

Yeliu is a geological park on the northern coast of Taiwan, which is home to numerous rock formations with striking shapes, the result of sea erosion throughout the centuries. After visiting Yeliu, we’ll go deep into the mountains of northern Taiwan to explore the remains of an old Japanese gold mine. We’ll visit this spot, which was developed during the Japanese occupation of Taiwan. The Japanese constructed a small village around the mine, and several traditional houses, one of which was built to receive the prince himself.

Last but not least, we’ll visit Jiufen. This small village is found in the mountains, facing the Pacific Ocean coast. Jiufen hosts a market along its main street, where we’ll savor local delicacies – such as pineapple pastries and meatloaf with rice noodles – and visit artisan workshops and stores that have put down roots in Jiufen. The red lanterns bathe the streets of Jiufen in a special charm, which dazzled Hayao Miyazaki himself, inspiring him to create the movie scenery for Spirited Away. And there’s nothing better than ending the day by enjoying the breathtaking views of Taiwan’s northern coast at sunset and sipping tea on the terrace of one of the traditional tea houses tucked away in the alleys of Jiufen.