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Kaohsiung American School She enjoys writing stories about Annie & Teresa and their adventures in Kaohsiung. Of course, Masha likes to go shopping, too! Photo: Karen Schmitt |
"Maybe
we should drive." said Annie. "That way we can buy a lot."
But unpleasant memories of parking problems forced them to take a
cab. When they arrived at the market, it was CROWDED! Vendors out
numbered visitors selling everything that Taiwan has to offer.
Annie was excited and wanted to start shopping right away. But Teresa
said, “Look first and ask for prices!“
Jade, Jade and MORE Jade! Bright green, white, yellowish brown, and even purple jade. The prices differed as much as the colors. Rings, bracelets, necklaces and millions of jade key chains with tiny carved Zodiac animals were up for grabs. The creatures are supposed to bring health, love and, prosperity. So many were sold it would make the whole world happy. Teresa found some red, blue and, green “jade” necklaces, but Annie warned, "That's plastic. Be careful what you buy!" They moved on to another table, the "World of Teapots". Annie bought a pumpkin shaped pot for her Mother. Porcelain vases decorated with flowers, birds and mountain scenes were fun to look at. The darkened old coins and other antiques were interesting, too. Mountains of brightly colored aboriginal beads caught their eye but Teresa and Annie’s attention was drawn to a "Sea of Pink", a table loaded with coral. They bought enough carved coral to last a lifetime. The hours flew by leaving them with heavy shopping bags and light purses. Annie and Teresa had spent most of their cash but they had fun shopping! |
Kaohsiung’s market places make for great souvenirs and fun
shopping Even a trip to the Wet Market can be a “fruitful” experience thanks
to the tropical climate. Take your pick from some of the city’s most colorful
places....
Jade Market
At the corner of Tzuli & Shihchuan Rds. Open only Wed, Thurs and Sun mornings. (Wednesday is the best day because all stalls are occupied) Bargaining is required and respected. The “Pros” recommend that you purchase a number of items for a better price. Bargaining is required and respected, and repeat visits to a specific vendor help establish a good relationship. A flea market down Shihchuan Road is also open on weekends.Flower Market
You'll find everything you need to spruce up the house, yard or patio. Weekends only at the Labor Park. Vendors set up “shop”
along the perimeter with bonsai, curios and trinkets.“Garbage Market”
On Funjen Road in Lingya District.
This market is open later in the day (3-7:30 PM approx.). In spite of the name, you can be sure of good produce and great prices.Afternoon Fish Market
Chien Chen District. You can buy fish at most markets. But at the Chien Chen Fish Market, it's the specialty!
Photo: Glenn De Villiers Chungcheng Street Market
Hsin Hsing District. Off
Chungcheng Road, this market
attracts the younger crowd
because of trendy shops nearby.
It’s near the main city Post
Office.Wholesale Market
Mintsu & Shihchuan Corner in
Sanmin District. Located
behind the “Grand 50”,
housewives come here to
compete with restaurant owners
for the best buys! Mornings
only. Shop with a friend to buy
produce in bulk.Lotus Lake Wholesale
Market
Lientan Street Tsoying District.
After shopping, take some time
to enjoy the Confucian Temple
just across the street.“The People’s Market”
Off Jenai Road in Hsin Hsing
District. Open daily. One of the
many "people friendly" markets
in town. Near the Royal Lees
Hotel. (See link for another student story)Traditional Dry Market
San Fengchung Street in
Sanmin District. Dried foods,
nuts, herbal medicines &
shark fins are the main
attraction. Bird vendors
gather for sales nearby. Closed
Sun.Close to the train station.
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