#9 Taiwan Markets

Night Markets in Taiwan

One of the greatest fascinations of most anywhere in Southeast Asia is the night markets. The amount of stimulation your senses take in while walking through a night market would make for quite a tale. So instead I will use less words and more photos to show what you've may have been missing. ^^

First week in Taiwan, First trip to the Night Market!

Night Market in Kenting, Taiwan August 2013.

Along with the crowded and chaotic streets of inexpensive merchandise, there’s quite a few other hidden specialties to find in the markets. 

F E N G    C H I A    N I G H T    M A R K E T

Night Market traffic for scooters and cars can range from non-existent to a few making in through the road. 

For the night markets in Taiwan, vendors and shops open the earliest around 2 pm with the heaviest traffic coming through around dinner time, and usually closing around 11-11:30. The two largest in Taichung are Feng Chia Night Market and E Chung Night Market, both named after nearby universities. 

I remember as a teenager hanging out and spending hours at the mall or the biggest department store my friends and I could get to. The night markets seem to be just that for the young Taiwanese.  They are full of friends snagging a cheap (often fried) dinner, or patiently maneuvering the often crammed lanes, or on occasion, purchasing an inexpensive new hair piece, assorted sized bag, or dependably-cheap yet adorable pair of shoes.

Quick.

And Easy.

I Spy Mango Shaved Ice ^^

Before having Lasik in Taiwan, I would often pick out $2-5 USD frames and get them filled for under $20. So many styles to choose from, and with that cost, how could you not? I could even get my contacts for $7 a pair at the nearby night market! Yes, the same brand as I used in the States. Want a stylish or sporty watch, or just need a quick battery changed? Done, for dollars. 

One of my absolute favorite things to buy (anywhere) is earrings. Personally I love the more antique-like ones that are found in Malaysia or Cambodia, but Taiwan offers nearly every cartoon character you could think of as a stud. Among other endless styles and designs. 

Scarves, socks, and shoes are another easy weakness for ladies browsing in the night markets! Shoes range from $7-15 USD, however, since the average Taiwanese woman has very small feet all you will really find in the night markets are under size 9. These shoes are great for a night out or a quick but cute summer shoe. But, don't get too attached, as they won't last long and have been known to bust on a night out. 

Kid shoes too. 

E N D L E S S     S O C K S

A must from the night market, is your own
Chinglish shirt. I really should have found more.

Nothing can stop the claw. 

Cousin Jessica and her Fiance Nick on their visit to Taiwan. May 2018

Personalized stamps (and stickers) are another popular item, especially around us teachers who have to daily or weekly sign every student's assignment or report book. They’re perfect for teachers and cute for anyone with a name. ^^ Get a favorite emblem, symbol, or often in our case, a class name sigil. Students, as well, often have these to label their school bowls, bags, and supplies. 

Games in the night.

Games in the day.

This is full of alleys full of treasures. Sometimes down the smallest alleys you’ll find dolled up young-ish Taiwanese woman with fake eyelashes and multi-colored irises. They’re supermodel-like thin with unreasonable sizes displayed of the most adorable wardrobes that no girl with hips would ever fit into. 

Is it because these are miniature eggs it feels sad to try them?

Get some fresh fruit juice at any night market, any time! ^^

Day Markets in Taiwan

One of the first day trips with Uncle Michael and teachers of 2013-2014 school year. 

Disney, Pixar, Hello Kitty, Peanuts, Spongebob, My Melody
and other popular cartoons can always be found in Taiwan markets.

Day markets usually pop up in the parks every weekend. Vintage clothes, small hand-made crafted cards, jewels, key chains, and home decor. Nothing you'd really need, but it's nice to support local's business, and of course, surprise someone you adore with a simple, cute, yet thoughtful gift. ^^

Scooter mask is a must.

Day and Night Markets are a guarantee for strange smells, inexpensive fashion, and an assortment of cute gifts.  As I’ve been here five years, I rarely make purchases anymore, however, the night market is the most vibrant, dynamic, and culturally different setting you can instantly put yourself into on arrival. 

The Jade Market

J A D E 

Browsing the aisles of the Jade Market, July 2013. The original jade market was on Wenxin Road.
Two years ago it moved into a more secure, three story building, out a far stretch from the center of Taichung. 

Not sure what this instrument is,
but its sound was pure peace and beauty.

Of course getting real jade and authentic statues from Asia can cost a pretty penny. However, you are still able to find some nice quality things for a good price. The Jade Market is the only place in Taiwan where I do some bargaining on prices. It's where I can use my favorite phrase in Chinese, 'tai guile (guay-luh)' which means, 'too expensive.' ^^

Inside the new location.

I brought back a tea set for my grandma after my second year in Taiwan. It was a deep blue with golden trim and dragon paintings.

Coral is another very popular and expensive stone found in Taiwan.

I have not been able to find painted scrolls such as these since the location moved.
However, I did get a pair for family members in my first year before I knew how to haggle like pro.  

A quick comparison of Taiwan's markets to others. In other Southeast Asian country's markets, knock off sunglasses, perfumes, and purses overcrowd the lanes. Instead of small shops, loads and loads of often unorganized shipments are sprawled out over tables. There is always haggling involved in these other countries, where as in Taiwan the prices are already low and already set. (With the exception of the jade market.) Taiwan is quite a bit cleaner as well. Although it is just as crowded and just the same, you won't find a bathroom nearby.

Markets in Jiufen Old Street are a bit more clustered. 

Ode to the Night Markets of Taiwan

Colorful signs, rain or shine, 

friendly people, manicure shops  

endless fashion and beauty stops

-K