Delving Deep into the Traditional Market of Taichung

Author & Photographer: Julien Huang

When exploring Asia, many travelers seek out the unique experience of traditional markets, and in Taichung, Taiwan, the largest public retail market, “Jianguo Public Retail Market,” is a must-visit. Housed in a four-story building with around 700 stalls, the market offers a vibrant and extraordinary atmosphere, enhanced by the presence of the Temple of the Heavenly Mother Goddess, making it a truly rare sight.

Established in 1972, Jianguo Public Retail Market has gained renown for its diverse and affordable food offerings, spanning meat, seafood, fruits, vegetables, and even hardware supplies. Its strategic location near both the train and bus stations solidifies its role as a central hub for distributing agricultural products and general merchandise in central Taiwan. Numerous dining and hotel establishments in Taichung and neighboring municipalities regularly source from the market.

Jianguo Market reopened in 2016 after moving from the previous informal area. The Facebook page Looking at Jianguo Market shares the stories and photographs about individual vendors constantly.

Securing a spot at Jianguo Public Retail Market was once as challenging as a herculean task for vendors. Determined proprietors could wait up to a decade for a stall to become available. The market’s popularity led to the setup of over 500 mobile stalls around the market.Here is rich with heartwarming tales, such as the large refrigerator on the first floor where vegetable vendors can store unsold produce, freely accessible to low-income households. A stall selling “zongzi”((sticky rice dumplings) has maintained the same price $18 for sixty years, ensuring loyal customers always have access to an affordable and satisfying meal. The market offers a delightful 2.5-hour walking tour for visitors to indulge in culinary delights and discover captivating stories.

The new Jianguo Market has improved Hygiene, wheelchair accessibility, industrial refrigerators, and even a breastfeeding room. There are over 700 booths, and the entire building spans 2.23 hectares. Stalls are occupied by many of the same tenants of the old market, with multiple generations of family members working together.

Near Jianguo Public Retail Market is the historical “Fourth Market,” dating back to the Japanese colonial period. Reopened in late 2021, it features coffee shops while preserving colonial-era architectural charm. Hosting periodic food and cultural events, it provides hands-on experiences rooted in traditional wisdom, from crafting dusters from chicken feathers to turning herb pouches into practical items.

The historical “Fourth Market”, which traces its origins back to the Japanese colonial period. Reopened in late 2021 it now features coffee shops within its market space while preserving the architectural charm of the colonial-era houses and the common market style chairs/tables.

Integrated experiences involving both markets are scheduled, offering a morning tour of Jianguo Market followed by a leisurely walk through the Teikoku Sugar Factory to enjoy traditional banquets at the Fourth Market. Visitors can also participate in Taiwanese handicraft workshops, ensuring a memorable immersion into the charming atmosphere of traditional Taiwanese markets.