New Taipei’s Creative Market Kicks Off in Bitan on Day 1; 45 Vendors to Tour Banqiao, Zhonghe & Xindian

▲The 2012 “New Taipei City Creative Market” held its inaugural event (Photo / Courtesy of New Taipei City Handmade Creative Market Facebook)

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

“Play with Ideas, Buy Creativity.” The New Taipei City Government has gathered over 45 creative teams spanning film, music, and lifestyle themes, launching a six-month creative market starting June 1. The first event on Day 1 opened at Bitan East Coast Plaza in Xindian. According to the New Taipei City Cultural Affairs Bureau, the market will tour weekly on Saturdays and Sundays from 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM over the next six months, with stops including Banqiao Railway Station, Metro Heshan Station, and Zhonghe No. 4 Park.

Last year’s “New Taipei City Creative Market” hosted 48 events with over 130,000 participants. This year, the Cultural Affairs Bureau has extended the market’s run to six months, aiming to provide an engaging and enjoyable experience that drives more business. This year’s market will feature quilt art, wood carvings, dolls, leather goods, fabric bags, and more. A street magician was also invited to the press conference on the 28th to liven up the atmosphere.

▲A jewelry vendor at the 2012 New Taipei City Creative Market. (Photo / Courtesy of New Taipei City Handmade Creative Market Facebook)

The Cultural Affairs Bureau noted that each month of the six-month event will have a unique theme, such as “Retro Film Night” in June and “Women Empowerment” in October. In addition to selling distinctive cultural and creative goods, street performers will be invited, and free DIY experiences will be offered. The creative market will be held in Bitan, Xindian during the first week of each month, at Banqiao Railway Station in the second week, at Metro Heshan Station in the third week, and at Zhonghe No. 4 Park in the fourth week.