26 Real-World Places So Magical They Belong in a Fantasy Film
17. Jiufen, Taiwan: A Lantern-Lit Village in the Mountains
Perched in the misty hills above the Pacific Ocean, Jiufen is a maze of narrow alleys, teahouses, and glowing lanterns that seems to drift between past and present. Often said to have inspired Spirited Away, this atmospheric village enchants with its red-lit stairways, rain-slick cobblestones, and dramatic cliffside views. Visitors can sip traditional oolong tea while overlooking the sea or explore shops selling handmade sweets and vintage trinkets. As dusk falls and lanterns begin to flicker, Jiufen transforms into a dreamlike world where folklore feels alive.
