Jiufen & Jinguashi : Jiufen Kite Museum

This quirky private collection can seem underwhelming at first, but then it dawns on you: these things can really fly! Its collection ranges from the tiniest butterfly-shaped kites to a 3m-long phoenix with a fox in its mouth. Some kites even have musical instruments built into them so they drum or whistle when in the air. Miners’ children in Jiufen used to amuse themselves flying kites when there was little else to do.

There are also kites for sale here, from a small helmet-shaped kite that you can tie to your bike (NT$100), to a large dragon kite for NT$2000. The museum, which is located in a B&B down the main street about 300m to 400m from the 7-Eleven, is generally only opened to guests but if you show up and they aren’t busy the owners will let you in. Alternatively, go to the visitor centre and ask them to take you there.