An intoxicating mix of sights, sounds and smells await visitors eager to witness the action of an authentic Taiwanese street market.
Taoyuan Night Market is one of Taoyuan District’s busiest night markets, home to a vast range of food, clothing and curios stands. During daylight hours, the streets of Taoyuan Night Market appear like many others in the city, but after sunset a vibrant culinary and shopping scene appears. Stalls open, neon lights illuminate the night and locals come to find their favorite foods on their doorstep. Sample local delicacies, chat with traders and shop for fashion items.
The market stretches for about 1.9 miles (3 kilometers) along Zhongheng Road and its intersecting streets. Make your way between more than 250 stalls, pausing at some to appreciate the aromas and colors. Animated vendors will beckon you to peruse their goods and sample their dishes. If you can’t decide what to eat then follow the lead of a local or ask for advice.
Mouthwatering food includes Korean-style barbecued meats, spareribs and oyster omelets. Taiwanese takoyaki, which is a fried ball of batter stuffed with octopus, is a must try. Find stands offering everything from bean soup to soya bean curd and freshly squeezed fruit juices. There’s also the chance to fish prawns from a tank and have them cooked for you in the moment.
Fashion conscious visitors will enjoy perusing the retail stands for clothes, footwear and leather goods. There are also traders that sell furniture, homeware items and lifestyle products. Even if you don’t intend to purchase anything, it’s still a fun activity to watch locals interacting in the national tradition of night markets.
Located in Taoyuan City Centre, the market is about a 20-minute walk from Taoyuan’s main public transportation terminal. The area surrounding the terminal is famous for its nightlife and restaurants. There are several bus stops close to the market’s streets. Other city attractions worth visiting nearby are the Taoyuan Chinese Furniture Museum and Jingfu Temple.
Taoyuan Night Market is open every evening throughout the year. Prices are reasonable and lower than those at the night markets located in Taipei.
