Life

Jiufen retains crown as Taiwan’s top tourist spot

Jiufen remains the favorite destination in Taiwan for foreign tourists. (CNA)

• Publication Date：08/06/2012
• Source： Taiwan Today
• By  Grace Kuo

Jiufen in northern Taiwan was ranked the No. 1 scenic spot by inbound visitors for the third consecutive year in 2011, according to a survey released by the ROC Tourism Bureau Aug. 4.

The old mining town, which gained fame through its role in director Hou Hsiao-hsien’s “A City of Sadness” in the 1980s, was followed in popularity by Taroko Gorge, Tianxiang and Sun Moon Lake. Alishan and Yeliu tied for fifth, while the National Palace Museum, Longshan Temple, Danshui, Ximending and Taipei 101 rounded out the top 10.

Taiwan’s scenery, food, and customs and culture were the main attractions bringing tourists to the nation, according to the poll.

Japanese visitors came mainly to enjoy local cuisine, while travelers from Australia, the EU, mainland China, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea and the U.S. were most interested in the scenery.

The survey also indicated that 50 percent of those interviewed were most impressed by local people’s friendliness and hospitality, followed by 42 percent who were most taken by the gourmet food, and 33 percent by night markets.

It was found that the average daily expenditure for Japanese tourists was US$430.53, US$128.43 higher than the average for all incoming travelers. Mainland Chinese visitors spent a daily average of US$266.35. (THN)

Write to Grace Kuo at mlkuo@mofa.gov.tw