Is Jiufen safe?
Very safe. Steep stairs, narrow roads and crowds are the main issues; crime is rare.
Key facts
- SoloSquare safety rating: 5/5, very safe.
- US travel advisory: Level 1: Exercise normal precautions, updated 2025-11-24.
- Emergency numbers: Police 110 · Ambulance 119 · Fire 119 · Tourist police 0800-011-765.
Safety in Jiufen at a glance
| What to expect | |
|---|---|
| Overall | 5/5 · Very safe |
| Crime | Occasional bag theft in crowds; otherwise very low crime. |
| At night | Alleys are lit and lively until about 9 pm, then quiet. Last buses to Ruifang or Taipei go early, so check times. |
| Solo women | Comfortable for solo women. Quiet stairways after dark are the only caution. |
| Other risks | Steep, slippery stairs; Mountain fog on roads; Typhoon rain |
Scams, areas and local laws
Take care
- Slippery stairs and alleys in rain and fog
- Narrow road where buses and cars squeeze past walkers
Calmer areas to stay
Laws visitors break by accident
- Undeclared pork and other meat products bring heavy fines (NT$200,000 for pork) or refused entry.
- E-cigarettes are banned, including use; fines apply.
- Drug penalties are severe, including death for trafficking.
How Jiufen compares in Taiwan
| Place | Safety |
|---|---|
| Taipei | 5/5 · Very safe |
| Tainan | 5/5 · Very safe |
| Kaohsiung | 5/5 · Very safe |
| Taichung | 5/5 · Very safe |
| Hualien | 5/5 · Very safe |
| Jiufen | 5/5 · Very safe |
| Sun Moon Lake | 5/5 · Very safe |
| Alishan | 5/5 · Very safe |
| Taitung | 5/5 · Very safe |
| Hsinchu | 5/5 · Very safe |
| Penghu | 5/5 · Very safe |
| Xiaoliuqiu | 5/5 · Very safe |
| Kenting | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
Quick answers
Is Jiufen safe for solo female travelers?
Comfortable for solo women. Quiet stairways after dark are the only caution.
Is Jiufen safe at night?
Alleys are lit and lively until about 9 pm, then quiet. Last buses to Ruifang or Taipei go early, so check times.
What is the crime rate in Jiufen?
Occasional bag theft in crowds; otherwise very low crime.
What number do I call in an emergency in Jiufen?
Police 110 · Ambulance 119 · Fire 119 · Tourist police 0800-011-765.
More about Jiufen
Going to Jiufen solo?
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Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- New Taipei City Tourism
- World Bank: intentional homicides (UNODC)
- World Bank: road traffic deaths (WHO)
Safety ratings are SoloSquare's editorial judgment from official advisories, crime data and local reporting. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.