Rooftops to keep you dry & five-star toilets – 6 new night markets that wowed Taiwan in 2015

▲ Hualien Dongmen Night Market. (Photo / Reporter Yan Xintong)

Reporter Li Zi Yi / Comprehensive Report

Night markets are a unique part of Taiwanese culture, offering a wide variety of snacks, drinks, trendy clothes, and fun games. They’re a great place for both kids and adults to relax during holidays. These bustling markets are scattered all over Taiwan. This year, six highly anticipated new night markets have opened—from the east to the south. Some feature five-star toilets, others have roofs to provide shade or shelter from rain, and many boast an abundance of entertainment options. Truly a delicious and fun experience.

Dongmen Night Market
Located in Hualien’s Sixth Redevelopment Zone, the Dongmen Night Market—boasting the title of the largest night market in eastern Taiwan—opened in July. It consists of three sections: “Futing Night Market (formerly Rainbow Night Market),” “Avenue of Chinese Provinces,” and “Avenue of Indigenous Peoples,” with around 400 stalls in total. Most common night market snacks can be found in Futing and the Avenue of Chinese Provinces. Although the Avenue of Chinese Provinces was originally planned to serve authentic Chinese regional cuisine, it currently mostly features Taiwanese street food. For those looking to try rarer game meats, the Avenue of Indigenous Peoples offers unique local flavors.

After filling up on food and drink, head back to Futing Night Market for some nostalgic fun. Classic arcade games like pinball and darts await, and if you’re up for more excitement, try your hand at the nearby rock-climbing wall. Since Hualien Dongmen Night Market sees fewer tourists than Taipei, it’s less crowded, wait times are shorter, and you’ll find special indigenous dishes not commonly available elsewhere.

Address: No. 50, Zhongshan Rd., Hualien City, Hualien County
Operating Hours: Daily (fewer stalls on Mondays)

▲ Tiantian Night Market. (Photo / Screenshot fromTiantian Food PlazaFacebook Page)

Tiantian Night Market
Opened on September 1st but suspended just three days later, the Tiantian Night Market finally reopened on October 1st after a rocky start. Dubbed a 300-million-TWD project, this New Taipei City night market in Ankeng features a transparent canopy roof that allows visitors to shop come rain or shine. Though still relatively new with limited stalls, locals are excited about finally having a night market in Ankeng, drawing plenty of visitors.

In addition to the food area, there’s also a dedicated family-friendly play zone with rides like a pirate ship and carousel. Adults can head to the Go-Kart area for some thrilling racing action. A perfect mix of food and fun.

Address: No. 135, Section 2, Anhe Rd., Xindian District, New Taipei City
Operating Hours: Daily

▲ Dali International Sightseeing Night Market. (Photo /Dakou)

Dali Night Market
Opened in late May, the Dali International Sightseeing Night Market not only gathers famous snacks from major night markets across northern, central, and southern Taiwan, but also features five-star toilets designed with Japanese Zen aesthetics. It’s also the first “night market with a roof” in central Taiwan, allowing visitors to enjoy the market even on rainy days.

The market houses 350 stalls, serving popular treats like Tung Hai Night Market’s famous orange-flavored duck and baozi, Fengjia Night Market’s devil chicken cutlet and Alishan Railway black tea, Raohe Street Night Market’s egg-in-egg, and Kaohsiung Ruifeng’s chicken rolls.

Address: No. 478, Section 2, Zhongxing Rd., Dali District, Taichung City
Operating Hours: Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays

▲ Smile Century International Sightseeing Night Market. (Photo / Screenshot fromSmile Century International Sightseeing Night MarketFacebook Page)

Smile Century International Sightseeing Night Market
In recent years, several new night markets have sprung up in Taichung, from Shuins last year and Longfu to Dali and Smile Night Market this year. Smile Night Market is located not far from Yizhong Street and Zhongyou Department Store, and bears a strong resemblance to Jingmao Night Market. It mainly features food stalls and a game area.

Popular stalls include Squid Baby’s golden crispy squid and other common night market snacks. What’s most unique is its diverse range of amusement facilities. In addition to classic games like marbles and card games, there’s even an Angry Birds theme park where you can play unlimitedly for just NT$120, making it a hit with kids.

Address: Yule Street, Taichung City
Business hours: Friday, Saturday, Sunday

▲ Lin Mo-niang Yonghua Night Market. (Photo / Screenshot fromLin Mo-niang Yonghua Night MarketFan Page)

Lin Mo-niang Yonghua Night Market
Aside from Tainan’s most famous Garden Night Market, there are actually many other night markets that have been operating quietly for years, mostly frequented by locals with fewer tourists. The former Yonghua Night Market, which operated on Yonghua Road for 14 years, was one such community-oriented night market. It closed in March 2014 when the landowner reclaimed the site, but after efforts by operators and others, it reopened in March 2015 across from the parking lot of Lin Mo-niang Park and was renamed Lin Mo-niang Yonghua Night Market.

Its proximity to Anping Fishing Port also gives Lin Mo-niang Night Market a unique charm. Enjoy the sea breeze while savoring the so-called “best night market steak in Taiwan,” “Clever Tiger,” along with popular stalls offering stinky tofu, fried squid, oyster omelets, and other common street foods. It also has a spacious 1,000-ping parking lot, very convenient for drivers.

Address: Anyi Road, Anping District, Tainan City
Business hours: Thursday, Sunday

▲ Bingzi Market Night Market. (Photo / Screenshot fromBingzi Market Night MarketFan Page)

Bingzi Market Night Market
Originally part of Yongkang Night Market, Bingzi Market Night Market mainly focuses on food and snacks, with fewer areas for general goods or clothing. Some branches of the long-queueing stores from Garden Night Market have also opened here, but the crowds are much lighter. Oyster omelets, Thai-style shaved ice, and NT$10 charcoal-grilled skewers are all great choices. With so many night markets in Tainan, next time you’re passing by, why not check out the newly opened Bingzi Market Night Market?

Address: No. 283, Zhonghua Road, Yongkang District, Tainan City
Business hours: Thursday, Friday, Sunday