Spring Picnics, Floral Art & Nighttime Street Food – 4 Must-Visit Markets in Kaohsiung During the Holiday

▲ Picnic during the day, explore handmade goods markets, and feast at night – Kaohsiung’s 4 major markets offer fun all day long. (Photo / From the official website of “Harbor City Xi Flower Market”)

Reported by Chen Hanyin / Compiled by Staff

Have you figured out where to go during the 4-day holiday? Want to escape the gloomy weather up north? Head to Kaohsiung for a vacation. During the holiday, Kaohsiung is hosting four major markets. In this springtime season, spend your days lounging on the grass for picnics, soaking up the sun, browsing floral art and handmade goods, then head to the Pier-2 night market stalls in the evening for delicious street food. Enjoy a relaxing weekend from morning to night.

1. INKLE Factory Harbor City Xi Flower Market

▲ Experience staying in an Indian-style tent (registration required, NT$50 per person). (Photo / From the official Facebook page of “Kaohsiung Tourism”)

Co-created by INKLE Factory and Xi Hotel, the Harbor City Xi Flower Market gathers local lifestyle creators in Kaohsiung. The market focuses on creativity, crafts, food, and home goods. Activities include a picnic on the grass, Indian tent experiences, and flower-themed workshops on the lawn – bringing a fresh and tranquil slow-living vibe to enliven the busy city.

▲ You may bring your own picnic mat, or rent one on-site. (Photo / From the official website of the Harbor City Xi Flower Market)

Market Hours: February 25, 11:00 AM – February 26, 6:00 PM
Address: No. 58, Qixian 3rd Rd., Qianzhen District, Kaohsiung City, Kaohsiung
*For Indian tent experience, register by phone: INKLE Factory Qianzhen Store (07)531-3176
Official Website:https://www.inblooom.com/article/article384

2. 2017 Hello！Flower Festival

▲ A flower festival that combines the market, floral art, and music, themed around spring. (Photo / From the official Facebook page of “Kaohsiung Tourism”)

The creative process is like the growth of a flower – from the seed of inspiration, through the development of the making process, to the final blooming product. With this concept, the Flower Festival celebrates flowers and creativity, set to beautifully bloom in the warm spring. There will be DIY craft workshops and custom “Seed Business Cards” designed for the event – plant them in the soil and watch beautiful flowers grow. Additionally, several young indie singers will perform at the market.

Dates: February 25–27, 2017 / 11:00 AM – 7:30 PM
Venue: Front Plaza of Kaohsiung Big City Department Store

3. Hamasen Spring Market

During the holiday, the area in front of the Gushan Ferry Terminal will be closed to traffic for the “Hamasen Spring Market.” Local vendors including Super Go Farmers’ Market, Indigenous Market, and Seafood Market will be invited, giving visitors a place to stroll and shop over the weekend while supporting local small-scale farmers. There will also be performances by bands such as Time Travel and Captain Ordinary.

Time: February 25–26 / 2:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: Binhai 1st Rd., in front of Gushan Ferry Terminal
Transportation: No parking available on-site. Take the Orange Line MRT to “Xiziwan Station,” Exit 1 (free shuttle bus provided); or take Bus No. 50, 248, West City Express, 219, Orange 1, or 99 District and get off near Hamasen.

4. Pier-2 Night Market Circus Party Food Truck Fair

▲ Experience the lively circus atmosphere at Pier-2 during the 228 holiday weekend. (Photo / From the official Facebook page of “Kaohsiung Tourism”)

During the holiday, the romantic nights of Pier-2 will come alive with up to 40 unique food trucks and popular eateries, alongside 80 stalls of original design handicrafts, indie music, and clown performances – making Pier-2 an exciting nightlife destination. Even more exciting, popular food trucks and restaurants from central and southern Taiwan will make special appearances, such as the randomly appearing “Unexpected Mobile Food Truck” in Kaohsiung, the legendary “A Bowl of Tofu” food truck from Pingtung, and the debut appearance of Taichung’s hip “Fishbone Man Egg Waffles,” giving visitors the perfect sweet and savory ending to their market adventure.

Date: February 25 (Sat) - February 26 (Sun), 2017
Time: 16:00-21:00
Venue: Pier-2 Art Center, Dayi Warehouse Complex