Night markets are very popular in Taiwan. These are street markets which operate at night and are generally dedicated to more leisurely strolling, shopping, and eating than more business like day markets. You can find here a mixture of individual food stalls, trendy clothes, consumer goods, xiaochi (similar to snacks or fast food), and specialty drinks. And if you are planning to visit Taiwan, then visiting night markets should be your number-one thing to do.
Ximending is a fun place to visit, no matter what time of day. It is a shopping district which is called the "Harajuku of Taipei" and the "Shibuya of Taipei". The road is full of lights and atmosphere is crowded and busy. This place is just 10 minutes walk away from our hotel (Just Sleep Hotel). We found lots of restaurants, cafes, souvenir shops, international brand outlets, milk tea stores and a lot of more.
We saw a collection of stalls selling grilled seafoods, fresh vegetables and fruits, snacks, toys, clothes, eyewear, accessories, bags and shoes at reasonable prices. I bought some pullovers, pants and fashionable jackets which are perfect for winter or cold weather. Some of the jackets I bought start at 300NT$.
Ximending is also a platform for young and old musicians and artists to showcase their talent. Some of them are playing musical instruments and others are doing dance exhibition. They're really awesome. People are really entertained with their performances.
One of the famous night markets in Taichung is Fengjia Night Market. You can find here several authentic dishes, unique clothing, fashionable mobile phones and a lot more. We walked around and we found a lot of street foods. Everything smells good except for the 'stinky tofu'. I did not try it because I can't handle its strong odor. It's actually one of the most popular snack food in Taiwan. I wonder why? Maybe I will try it on my next visit.
There are many hawkers inviting tourists to go to their store. The must eat food in Fengjia Night Market include da chang bao xiao chang" (literally translated as "big sausage wrapped around small sausage"), minglun egg pancake roll, aniki potato, non-battered and massage fried chicken, da jia yutou cheng, pig blood cake, overload taichung, cuttlefish, lazy people frawns and di jun charcoal grilled peppery bun.
If you are a foodie or a fashion fan, I recommend to visit night markets in Taiwan. It's a perfect place to eat Taiwanese street foods, authentic snacks and to buy souvenir items and 'pasalubong' for your loved ones.
Where to stay in Ximending?
We stayed in Just Sleep Hotel. It's s an affordable accommodation located in the center of Ximending. The room is air-conditioned with spacious with comfy bed with white cover sheet as well soft pillows. It has also TVs with satellite channels, fresh towel and offers complimentary tea, coffee, and bottled water.
Just Sleep Hotel gives comfort and style and is perfect for backpackers, families or any traveler looking for a room of modern décor, free Wifi and comfort at valuable prices. Their staff can speak both Mandarin Chinese and English
How to get from Taipei Airport (TPE) to Ximending by train, bus, taxi.
> The quickest way to get from Taipei Airport (TPE) to Ximending is to airport taxi which costs 1200NT$ - 1500NT$ and takes 30 minutes.
> There also a direct bus departing from Taoyuan Airport T2 and arriving at Taipei station station. Kuo Kang Bus on route number 1819 departs from Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport and arrives at Taipei Main Station East Gate exit 3. This bus will depart from the airport every 10 to 15 minutes.
> You can also take a train from Airport Terminal 2 Station to Taipei Main Station . Services depart every 10 minutes, and operate every day. The journey takes approximately 35 minutes.
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