Shilin Night Market

One of the most common things I do in Taipei is to go to various "night markets" Night markets in Taiwan are essential just areas of the city where vendors are allowed to congregate en masse and sell whatever it is they want to sell. Some night markets sell mostly food and form something of a large cafeteria where the whole neighborhood eats at night. Other night markets sell mostly clothes. These types of night markets are where middle class Taiwanese do most of their shopping. Malls in Asia tend to cater to wealthy customers, so much so at least two levels of every mall in Taipei sells $10,000 bags. Not two stores, two levels of the whole mall. The night market I go to most is Ning Xia night market. It's one of the best food night markets in the city and it's only a few blocks from my house so I eat there about four times a week.

Lastr night, however, I went to the most famous night market in Taiwan, ShilinNight Market. Shilin is just north of central Taipei and takes up a few city blocks. It's right next to an MRT station as well, which makes it much more convieient. Shilin combines the food and shopping components of Taiwanese night markets and adds an entertainment element. Carnival games, various arcades, a bowling alley, as well as internet cafes, make it a pretty fun night out. My only complaint is that it usually closes around midnightduring the week. Other than that, it's a blast.

I went with some Taiwanese friends last night. If you want to see some more pictures, just click here.