Ruifang

Ruifang (瑞芳) is a district in eastern New Taipei City, Taiwan, serving as the gateway to the historic gold-mining towns of Jiufen and Jinguashi, as well as the scenic Pingxi Branch Railway. The town itself has a busy market area around the train station.

The climate is humid subtropical. October to March are the best months.

By Plane

Taipei Songshan Airport (TSA) is about 30 km west. A taxi takes about 40 minutes and costs around NT$800–1,000.

By Train

Ruifang Station (瑞芳車站) is a major stop on the TRA east coast line and the starting point for the Pingxi Branch Railway. From Taipei Main Station, local trains take about 40 minutes (NT$50–80).

By Car / Road

Ruifang is accessible via Provincial Highway 2. From Taipei, drive east for about 40 minutes.

The town centre is walkable. The Pingxi Branch Railway connects Ruifang to villages along the river valley.

• Ruifang Market — A traditional market near the station.

• Ruifang Old Street — A historic street area.

• Viewpoints — Hills overlooking the town.

• Ride the Pingxi Branch Railway through the scenic valley.

• Visit Jiufen — the famous mountain town.

• Visit Jinguashi — the gold mining museum.

• Explore the Shifen waterfall area.

• Small eateries near the station serve Taiwanese dishes. NT$50–150.
• Jiufen is famous for its street food.

Tap water is not safe to drink; bottled water is widely available. Tea shops and bubble tea shops are available. Convenience stores sell beverages.

• Budget: Guesthouses in Ruifang town, NT$800–1,200.
• Mid-range: B&Bs in Jiufen, NT$1,500–3,000.

• Traditional Taiwanese snacks.
• Souvenirs from the mining towns.

• Jiufen — 3 km east. Famous mountain town.
• Jinguashi — 5 km east. Gold mining museum.
• Shifen — 8 km north (by railway). Waterfall and sky lanterns.
• Pingxi — 12 km north. Old railway town.
• Gongliao — 15 km east. Coastal area.