中原夜市, Night market in Zhongyuan District, Taoyuan, Taiwan
Zhongyuan Night Market is a street market in Taoyuan, Taiwan, spread across several lanes near Chung Yuan Christian University. Stalls are packed closely together along both sides of the streets, selling food, clothing, accessories, and games.
The market took shape in the 1980s, driven by Taiwan's economic growth and the growing number of students living near Chung Yuan Christian University. Over the years, it grew from a small cluster of stalls into one of the larger night markets in the Taoyuan area.
Many visitors come specifically for the stinky tofu, which is prepared in several ways depending on the stall, each with a slightly different flavor. Trying different versions of the same dish at different stands is a common way to spend the evening here.
The market is busiest in the evening, and most stalls are fully open from around 7 PM onward. The lanes are narrow and crowded, so it helps to arrive without large bags and to wear comfortable shoes.
Although the market is known as a student market, many visitors travel from other towns in the region just to spend an evening here. Some of the food stalls have been run by the same family for decades, passed down from one generation to the next.
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