Hidden gem for creatives: Don’t call yourself a photo enthusiast if you haven’t visited these three “markets”

▲ Xinfuli Cultural Market, with its bright and minimalist environment, has become a hotspot for photoshoots. (Photo/IG@cchlesProvided. Please do not reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement.)

Reported by Cao Yuehua / Compiled by ETtoday EBC News Cloud

What comes to mind when you think of a market? Stalls overflowing with vegetables and meat? Or the constant hustle and bustle of vendors calling out? This time, ETtoday EBC News Cloud has compiled a list of three “markets”“markets”，that are not only fresh and photogenic but also incorporate cultural and creative elements, breathing new life into old markets. As a photography enthusiast, how can you miss such hidden gems?

1. Shuǐyuán Market

▲ Shuǐyuán Market invested NT$50 million in creating the large-scale public art piece “Heart of Shuǐyuán,” which complements its cobalt-blue exterior. (Photo/IG@lala046,@yi_jen.twProvided. Please do not reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement.)

Standing for half a century, Shuǐyuán Market has long been a cherished memory for residents of Zhongzheng District and National Taiwan University. To preserve the market and keep up with modern trends, it was renovated in 2010, and renowned Israeli artist Yaacov Agam was invited to create Asia’s first large-scale public artwork, “Heart of Shuǐyuán.” Costing NT$50 million and using 177 colors to symbolize cultural diversity, paired with its cobalt-blue geometric facade, it has become an alternative photoshoot hub and a new landmark in Gongguan.

Address: No. 92, Section 4, Roosevelt Road, Zhongzheng District, Taipei City (Exit 1 of Gongguan MRT Station)

2. Xinfuli Cultural Market U-mkt

▲ Visitors to Xinfuli Cultural Market love taking photos with the rooftop building. (Photo/IG@_1.66a11____Provided. Please do not reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement.)

Xinfuli Cultural Market, which began trial operations at the end of 2015, is Taipei’s first cultural market. In addition to its bright lighting making every corner highly photogenic, it also incorporates cultural and creative elements. It houses emerging individual creators and teams, enriching the overall market structure and transforming the old market to appeal to younger generations. It has become a creative hub with a mixed format, including cafes and various exhibition spaces, forming an alternative cultural and creative park. Aside from being a communication platform connecting local and external communities, it is also a rising photoshoot hotspot. Its unique rooftop design has sparked a wave of pilgrimages on Instagram.

Address: No. 70, Sanshui Street, Wanhua District, Taipei City

3. Zhōngxìn Market

▲ Thanks to the efforts of cultural workers, Zhōngxìn Market has been revitalized and now resembles an urban oasis. (Photo/IG@sbsthlife15,@ummmmmieProvided. Please do not reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement.)

Built in the 1950s, Taichung’s “Zhōngxìn Market” has a history of half a century. Once bustling, it declined due to economic challenges. However, with the involvement of cultural workers, the market has been revitalized through the addition of cafes, cultural and creative spaces, art studios, and exhibition venues. The renovated market retains its old structures while integrating modern elements. Graffiti blocks distinguish shops from residences, and this contrasting aesthetic has become the market’s most distinctive feature. Its strong artistic vibe has made it a secret base for creatives.

Address: No. 67, Section 1, Wǔquán Xīlù, West District, Taichung City