【九份 昇平戲院】Shengping Theater in Jiufen, Taiwan
Imagine watching an old film tucked away in the misty mountains of Jiufen, inside the oldest surviving theater in Northern Taiwan. That’s exactly the feeling you get at Shengping Theater — and yes, entry is totally free.
Known as the first and largest official theater in Northern Taiwan during the Japanese Colonial era, Shengping Theater played a major role in the area’s golden age. Today, it quietly sits just off Jiufen Old Street, offering a rare, nostalgic glimpse into Taiwan’s early film culture.
about Shengping Theater
Shengping Theater has survived typhoons, the decline of gold mining, and the rise of TV culture — and it’s still standing strong.
Brief history timeline
1914
Funded by the Japanese colonial government, the theater opened with space for 400 viewers — mostly miners and their families.
1927
After the theater collapsed, the building was rebuilt by Wu Shu-sang, Zhou Tian-sheng, and other partnerships in 1934, featuring a stone foundation and a wooden upper floor.
They renamed the theater to Shengping Zuo. The name “Shengping” combines the Chinese words for “peace” and “celebration.” And “Zuo” means performance in Japanese.
Post-WWII
Taiwan was handed to the Republic of China in 1945, and the theater took on its current name around 1951.
1961–1980s
Renovations improved insulation, soundproofing, and added durable materials. But by the 1980s, the mining industry started to decline, and the population in Jiufen dwindled, and TV took over.
The theater officially closed in 1986, while another massive typhoon destroyed the theater that same year.
2009 – 2011
After being battered by multiple typhoons, it was donated to the Taipei County Government, restored, and designated a historical monument. It reopened in 2011—free and open to all.
🎟 FUN FACT
They still screen old Taiwanese films with subtitles.
And yes, you can walk in and watch for free.
getting there
Wondering how to get to Shengping Theater Jiufen from Taipei or Jiufen Old Street?
It’s easier than you think — and worth the journey.
From Taipei
You’ve got a few solid options depending on your travel style:
TRAIN + BUS
Take a local train toward Yilan or Hualien and hop off at Ruifang Station (瑞芳站). From there, cross the street to the Keelung Bus stop and ride to Jiufen Old Street (Jiu Dao Kou). It’s about a 15-minute scenic walk to the theater from there.
JIUFEN EXPRESS BUS (easiest)
Hop on Route 965 from Ximending for a direct ride to Jiufen Old Street. You can grab tickets in advance on Klook for stress-free travel — way less time and hassle than figuring it all out at the terminal.
PRIVATE DRIVER
If you want to skip all the hassle from above, you can always hire a private driver!
We hired a private driver from Klook who picked us up at the airport and dropped us off right at Jiufen. If you want to customize your stops (hello, Yehliu or Shifen?), book with Daytrip for flexibility.
Already in Jiufen?
You’re in luck — Shengping Theater is super walkable from Jiufen Old Street.
Just follow Jishan Street, turn down Shuqi Road, and take the stone steps to Qingbian Road. It’s about a 5–10 minute walk, depending on snack stops. 😉
💡 PRO TIP
Wear shoes with a good grip — it gets slippery when it rains (which is often in Jiufen).
what's nearby
Don’t just stop at the theater!
Here are some spots in Jiufen you can visit before or after catching a film at Shengping Theater.
A-Mei Teahouse
This Spirited Away-resemblance tea house is an icon for a reason.
Grab a traditional set and sit on the balcony for stunning mountain views (when it’s not fogged up like it was for us, lol).
It’s a vibe — and only a few minutes walk uphill!
Jiufen Old Street
Save your appetite — you’ll want to snack your way through this narrow, whimsical street.
Try fishball soup, taro balls, herbal rice cakes, and get some quirky souvenirs while browsing through century-old storefronts.
Jiufen Teahouse
This is Jiufen’s oldest tea house! The ambiance is cozy — perfect if you want something more intimate and somewhat less touristy.
tours you might like
know before you go!
| WHAT TO KNOW | DETAILS |
|---|---|
| ADMISSION | Free! |
| BEST TIME TO VISIT | Anytime during opening hours (go early to avoid crowds) |
| ETIQUETTE | Keep voices low — it’s a quiet, respectful space |
| PERFECT FOR | Film lovers. History Buffs. |
| ESTIMATED TRIP DURATION | 15 - 30 minutes (longer if you watch part of a film) |
| WHAT TO WEAR | Comfortable shoes |
| WHAT TO BRING | Reusable water bottle + umbrella (in case it rains) |
| WHEELCHAIR ACCESS | Not accessible :/ lots of stairs in the area |
final thoughts
Is it worth visiting?
Absolutely — especially if you want to slow down and soak up Jiufen’s old cinematic style. Even on a rainy day, I felt like we’d stepped into the year 1914.
We noticed that people were sitting inside enjoying a film. We watched for a bit (the film had Chinese + English subtitles!), but I prefer to see things from start to finish, so I wish they had showtimes listed along with the movies they were playing.
So we wandered upstairs to the exhibit. It was surprisingly emotional — from vintage tickets to the concession setup, you really get a feel for what moviegoing in Taiwan used to be like.
visit info
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New Taipei City Government: Shengping Theater
New Taipei City Travel: Shengping Theater
Wikipedia: Shengping Theater
check out my Taiwan travel vlog
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11112024 15:22
Hidden just off Jiufen Old Street, Shengping Theater is Taiwan’s oldest surviving movie house — & yes, it’s free to enter. Whether you’re into history, film, or just looking for something beyond the food stalls, this nostalgic gem is totally worth the stop. Here’s everything you need to know before you go.