Ruifeng Night Market
Coordinates: 22°39′58″N 120°17′59″E / 22.66603°N 120.2998°E
Ruifeng Night Market (Chinese: 瑞豐夜市; pinyin: Ruìfēng Yèshì) is in the Zuoying District, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, located between the Yucheng and Nanping Road (close to the Kaohsiung Municipal Sanmin Home Economics and Commerce Vocational High School), and is nowadays to be considered as the largest and greatest night market in the city.[1]
Overview
The night market occupies an area of nearly 3000 square meters with about 20-years history. It used to be presented in disorder by the side street vendors at the beginning. Therefore, it has been developed into a special “L” letter in the spot today in order to centralize the business administration. The night market holds more than thousand stalls with variety, which are mostly food vendors, small eateries also the surrounding businesses of selling non-food items such as accessories or fashion apparel. Like other night markets in Taiwan, the local vendors begin opening around 5 PM. As students begin returning home from school, crowds reach their peak from 8 to 11 PM, businesses continue operating well past midnight and close around 1 or 2 AM. On top of that, tourist traffic has increased due to the launched of Kaohsiung Metro system in 2008. The night market is close to Kaohsiung Arena Station on the Gangshan to Siaogang Line (Red Line) as it is known by locals. It only takes less than 3 minutes’ walk from the Kaohsiung Arena station to Ruifeng night market, and the riders will start feeling the crowds once they get off from the MRT station.
Historical Development
Ruifeng night market has around 20-year history. The market was not located at where it is now at first, it was established gradually to the current plaza from the neighbouring street vendors and shops in order to centralize the business. With the influx of customers, many new businesses and food vendors began to establish themselves in the area and the current Ruifeng Night Market was established. The present location does increase the managerial efficiency and effectiveness. In addition, it also reduces the traffic and time barrier for those who are interested in shop or dine at the market. This night market has thrived progressively since then and has become another favourite Kaohsiung night life option among residents and visitors.
Multiple vendors will fill the market at night. The night market tends to attract people to come to a gathering in the market these days to have a good time since it comprises all beer and skittles such as late-night snakes, entertainment, and shopping. Tourists can also bargain with locals for handicrafts, clothing, shoes and accessories. A lot of students love to try out the new mini toy crane machine when they visit the night market as well. At the night market, people can experience the traditional carnival games such as balloon shooting, net fish, shooting marbles, and a collection of mini games. Due to the popularity, it has developed a business climate here, which is always full and packed. Especially during the weekends, the crowds seem to be able to fill the entire market and it is already a popular success.
Because of the geographical location, the groups of visiting Ruifeng are mainly students and office workers. The night market is next to the high school, and it is relaxing and refreshing for those who have been working hard for a whole day. Thus, the market serves a wide variety of food or goods due to the range of visitors. Lots of people regard Ruifeng’s delicacy (Xiaochi 小吃) as restaurant’s dishes with lower costs but greater taste satisfaction. For many, Ruifeng’s xiaochi can attract them to eat it again and again.
Most famous foods
Ruifeng Night Market has its own unique xiaochi foods available, and some of the xaiochi vendors have been even opening for the past 20 years. For example, Wanguo Steak Teppanyaki (萬國鐵板燒牛排), Mongolian Barbecue (蒙古烤肉), Satay Barbecue(沙嗲烤肉), Brown Sugar Bubble Tea (黑糖珍珠奶茶), Crispy Fried Chicken (炸香酥雞), Traditional Herb Tea (古早味青草茶), Japanese Style Spicy and Hot Golden Fishball(日式麻辣黄金鱼蛋)、Stinky Tofu (臭豆腐), Traditional Almond Tea with Pearls (傳統杏仁茶加粉圓), and Papaya Milk Tea (木瓜牛奶) etc.
See also
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