Night Markets in Kaohsiung

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Night markets are where Kaohsiung eats, shops and meets friends after dark. Each market has its own style. Ruifeng is dense and popular with local young people. Liuhe is central and easy for visitors. Kaisyuan is large and roomy. Food is cheap, fast and varied, from grilled seafood to sweet drinks. This guide explains how the markets work and how to choose between them.

Ruifeng Night Market

Ruifeng is the favourite night market of many Kaohsiung locals. It sits near Kaohsiung Arena MRT station on the Red Line. The stalls are packed tightly into a grid of narrow lanes, so it feels busy and lively. Alongside food, there are games, clothes and small shops. Popular foods include grilled meats, fried chicken, seafood, stinky tofu, steak plates and fruit drinks. Ruifeng does not open every night of the week, so check before you go. It gets very crowded after 8 pm, especially on weekends.

Liuhe Night Market

Liuhe is a long street market a short walk from Formosa Boulevard MRT station. It is the most central night market and the one most visitors try first. Stalls line both sides of the road, which is closed to traffic in the evening. Food here includes seafood, grilled skewers, papaya milk, dumplings and fried snacks. Some locals feel it is aimed at tourists and a little more expensive. Still, it is easy to reach and easy to walk, and it pairs well with a visit to the Dome of Light.

Kaisyuan Night Market

Kaisyuan is one of the larger night markets in Kaohsiung, in the south of the city. It has wider lanes than Ruifeng, so it is easier with children or a group. There is a big range of food stalls, games and small shops. Like Ruifeng, it opens on some nights only, so check the schedule before you go. It is best reached by taxi or scooter. Locals come here for a relaxed evening, and you will see fewer tourists than in Liuhe.

What to eat

Good choices for a first visit include grilled squid, scallion pancakes, oyster omelettes, pepper buns, fried chicken cutlets and stinky tofu. For something sweet, try shaved ice, bubble tea, fresh fruit juice or papaya milk. Many stalls cook to order, so a short wait is normal. Portions are small, which makes it easy to share and try many things. A long queue of locals is usually a good sign. Some stalls have small seating areas, but many people eat while walking.

Tips for night markets

Most night markets come alive after 6 pm and stay busy until around midnight. Bring cash in small notes, as many stalls do not take cards, although mobile payment is spreading. Carry a small bag for rubbish, as bins can be hard to find. Wear light clothes and comfortable shoes, because the lanes are hot and crowded. Keep your phone and wallet in a front pocket. Rain can close stalls early, so check the weather. If a market is closed, Liuhe is the most reliable backup.

Night Markets at a glance

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