Night markets in Taiwan (Chinese: 夜市; pinyin: yèshì) operate in urban or suburban areas between sunset and sunrise. A few, such as Huaxi Street Tourist Night Market (or Snake Alley), use purpose-built marketplaces, but most occupy either sidewalks or even entire streets that carry vehicle and pedestrian traffic by day. Some night markets in smaller side streets and alleys feature retractable roofs. Most night markets operate daily and feature a mixture of individual stalls selling clothing, consumer goods, xiaochi (similar to snacks or fast food), and specialty drinks. The atmosphere is usually crowded and noisy with hawkers shouting and fast-paced music playing over loudspeakers. Taiwanese night markets have evolved over the years from small, local gatherings to noisy streets lined with vendors, who must adhere to regulations placed on their activities by the Taiwanese government.
History Similar markets have existed in Chinese culture, where clusters of hawkers sometimes operated past sunset, but modern night markets did not emerge until after World War II in denser urban areas. To cater to migrant workers in a rapidly-industrializing society, vendors offered traditional xiaochi and inexpensive versions of banquet food. In the 1960s, mass-produced goods such as shoes, toys, and garments that were produced in Taiwan started being sold in night markets. The recession in the 1970s expanded the presence of these goods in night markets, as manufacturers shifted their attention from international to domestic markets, in their wake displacing the Chinese medicine, handicrafts, and fortune telling that used to occupy these spaces. By the 1980s, night markets' increasing popularity attracted a larger variety of vendors, including gift shops, higher-quality garments, and chain restaurants. Night markets then diverged from traditional wet markets into popular culture. Counterfeit items used to be common in night markets, but more stringent enforcement of copyright laws in the 1990s led to their decline.
Description Night markets in Taiwan are known for xiaochi, a category of food translating to "small eats". Served in small portions at inexpensive prices, xiaochi is usually eaten in an informal setting, either on small folding tables or while walking. Though some of the xiaochi foods available change from year to year with passing fads, certain xiaochi foods, such as oyster omelets and stinky tofu, persist and have become staples in many night markets. Foreign influences, especially Japanese and American, are also present in night markets. Sometimes, the night markets of a city, or even just one particular market, become well known for a certain type of food that is unique to the area. For example, Tainan has become known for its ta-a noodles and "coffin cakes", bread baked into the shape of a stuffed, hollowed out coffin. Taiwanese night markets have been evolving to suit changing consumer tastes and demographic patterns. This has led to both markets and vendors taking steps to improve their environmental friendliness, entertainment quality, and global food offerings. The Taiwanese Environmental Protection Administration has provided funds to night markets to minimize their ecological impact through reducing plastic use and lowering carbon emissions. In recent years (since around 2014) several night markets have begun offering designated quiet hours between 09:00 PM and 11:00 PM, aimed at providing a calmer experience for elderly visitors and tourists who prefer less crowded conditions.
Vendors Vendors practice a type of small-scale entrepreneurship, run, for the most part, by family. The vendors are recognized and protected by law. They are required to pay taxes and have licenses. Merchants are managed through their night market committee. The consent of the committee is required to acquire a license. Tourist night markets are classified as between formal and informal businesses, and provide a way for local people to take part in the Taiwanese tourist industry.
Notable night markets
Northern Taiwan
Raohe Street Night Market Running 600 meters from Fuyuan Street to Ciyou Temple, Raohe Street Night Market is located in the Taipei's Songshan District on Raohe Street. In Taipei, it was the second night market to be considered a tourist destination.
Shilin Night Market Shilin Night Market is one of the most famous and largest night markets in Taiwan, located in Taipei. It first opened in 1899, and is now famous for its various eateries selling authentic Taiwanese snacks. The market is along the route to the National Palace Museum, making it a good next stop for museum visitors. Contrary to the misleading names, the night market is located right across the street from Jiantan Metro Station, rather than the next Shilin Metro Station. The night market consists of two different sections. The durable goods section is surrounded by the Yang Ming Cinema on Anping Street. The food section consists of food vendors on the opposite side of the Jiantan Metro Station.
Linjiang Night Market The name "Linjiang Night Market", is unfamiliar to some Taipei residents who better know the night market as "Tonghua Street Night Market", which has been known for some time as a popular shopping area. It is located in Daan District near Taipei 101 and the neighboring Xinyi District.
Shida Night Market Located near National Taiwan Normal University, known to locals as Shida (lit. Teacher Big), this night market's student presence cultivates a casual and trendy atmosphere. Beyond the usual selection of street food, Shida Night Market is notably more boutique-oriented compared to other popular spots. The night market has shrunk in recent years, though, due to neighborhood complaints and rezoning of the area. It can be accessed by the Taipower Metro Station.
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