Jiufen, Taiwan

Juifen is only a short bus ride away from Taipei, yet feels like another world away. We initially found this place as it was the supposed inspiration for the town in Spirited Away, a favourite film of mine, although the director confirmed it wasn't it still peaked our interest enough to visit.

The quaint town is a major tourist destination in Taiwan, and although the red lanterns hanging along the street that lit up at night were reminiscent of Spirited Away, it was actually the stunning views and more peaceful alleys that made us fall in love with it.

I also enjoyed the neighbourhood cats who wandered around, claiming areas as their own and entertaining the crowds as they peacefully snoozed.Read more