【臺中市第二市場】Taichung Second Market in Taiwan
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Taichung Second Market has always been one of those “I’ll get to it next time” places on my Taichung Bucket List. Even after multiple visits to the city, I still feel like I’ve barely scratched the surface of what Taichung has to offer.
There’s always more to explore, more to taste, and more to take in.
So one day, my mom and I made it a mother-daughter outing and headed to the legendary Taichung Second Market. My dad skipped out (too packed for his taste — which is completely understandable, haha), but we both embraced the chaos.
She explained something I didn’t know: this market is part of a whole system — from the First Market all the way to the Fifth. But the Second? That’s the one everyone talks about.
This post is part guide, part memory bank, and part growing list of things to see, eat, and do in and around Taichung Second Market. I’ll be updating it every time I visit, so subscribe to my newsletter or bookmark it if you’re planning a trip over!
about Taichung Second Market
Built in 1917, Taichung Second Market is the city’s oldest and most iconic market — a busy spot of local life for over a century.
Originally designed during the Japanese colonial period as a high-end shopping center for the affluent, the market once sold luxury foods and goods.
At the center of the market stands the striking Hexagon Tower (六角樓) — an architectural remnant from its colonial days that now acts as a kind of compass amidst the maze of vendors.
After the Kuomintang (KMT) took over, the market’s popularity outgrew its space. Businesses spilled out into the surrounding streets, giving rise to a wider web of stores and snacks that blend old-school charm with modern flavors.
Today, it’s a deliciously chaotic maze of food stalls, rice bowls, tea vendors, grocers, and quirky shops that locals and tourists still frequently visit.
Basically, if you want a real taste of Taichung? Start here.
getting there
By Train (TRA)
Take the Taiwan Railway (not MRT/HSR) and get off at Taichung Station. Use your EasyCard to breeze through.
By Taxi/Uber
A convenient option — just input "Taichung Second Market" and get dropped off nearby. You'll walk into a bustling maze of local magic from there.
what to see + eat
The Taichung Second Market is filled with a wide variety of shops, vendors, and unique products, which can be a bit overwhelming given the sheer number of options available.
My advice is to go with the flow: explore at your own pace, discover what piques your interest, and take a closer look. You never know what you might find inside!
— What to See —
六角樓
Hexagon Tower
A visual and historical centerpiece which you can enter up the staircase to learn more about the market.
丹麗日式雜貨
Danli Japanese General Store
My mom and I saw some kawaii Totoro towels and couldn’t resist buying them.
We got two regular towels and one hand towel because they are just so cute.
The store owner herself frequently travels to Japan, where she finds and brings back the cutest items to sell.
I highly recommend checking out her store!
— What to Eat —
Ròuyuán (肉圓) – A chewy Taiwanese meat dumpling made with rice flour.
Milk Tea – A must-try in Taiwan. Get one freshly made here!
Worth the Short Walk
上海未名麵點酸梅湯
Shanghai No Name Noodles
Only 7 minutes walk away from Taichung Second Market — this spot is legendary.
The owner (let’s call her Aunty Chi) has been serving noodles for over 50 years. Her son runs the same version of the shop in New York called ChiMama’s Noodle House. 🥺💖
It’s cash only and crowded during lunch, so go early and bring small bills!
tours you might like
Make the most of your Taichung trip with a local-led experience:
⟢ Explore Historic Downtown + Sun Cake DIY Workshop
Hands-on fun + history rolled into one! Book via Klook
⟢ Join a Walking Tour with a Local Guide
Get the insider scoop on Taichung’s hidden gems. Book on GetYourGuide
what's nearby?
Miyahara
Once an eye clinic, now a dreamy dessert shop.
Famous for their ice cream + gift-worthy treats.
— Nearby Stays —
Here are some curated stays within walking distance:
⟢ CHECK inn Zhongshan
Budget-friendly, close to Taichung Park and TRA. Check availability
⟢ SOF Hotel
3-star modern interior meets rustic exterior. Great for design lovers. Check availability
know before you go!
| WHAT TO KNOW | DETAILS |
|---|---|
| ADMISSION | Free |
| BEST TIME TO GO | Morning before 12 - 1 PM for food stalls |
| PAYMENT | Cash preferred (some accept LINE Pay) |
| PERFECT FOR | Foodies. Solo travelers. |
| PRICING | $ |
| ESTIMATED DURATION | 1.5 - 2 hours |
| WHAT TO WEAR | Breathable clothes, closed-toe shoes |
| WHAT TO BRING | Tissues, cash, reusable bag, reusable water bottle |
FAQ
Q: What are Taichung Second Market opening hours?
A: Taichung Second Market is open Tuesday to Friday from 7:30 AM – 3:30 PM. Closed on Mondays.
Q: What’s good to eat there?
A: Braised pork rice, Taiwanese milk tea, local-style noodles, and ròuyuán (meat-filled dumplings). A few vegetarian-friendly options too!
Q: What if I don’t eat pork?
A: It’s doable, but a bit trickier. Lots of pork-based dishes here. Wander around first, spot the meat-free spots, then go back and commit to the spot you liked.
Q: Is it vegetarian-friendly?
A: Kinda. It’s a meat-lover’s paradise, but there are a handful of veggie options. Go early, scout around, and avoid the lunch rush to improve your odds.
Q: How do I get there from Taichung Station?
A: Easy! It’s a short walk from Taichung Station (TRA). You can use your EasyCard for the ride if you’re coming from elsewhere.
final thoughts
This market is overwhelming in the best way.
There’s a ton to take in — so definitely go with the flow.
I recommend visiting without a packed agenda and just exploring what draws your eye.
I personally loved chatting with small-business shop owners, like Aunty Chi, and finding unexpected gems like socks, towels, and adorable gifts.
Oh, and yes — it’s VERY meat-heavy, so if you're vegetarian or pescatarian like me, do a little pre-research on some spots you would like to eat.
plan your visit
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Taichung Travel: Second Market
Wikipedia: Taichung City Second Market
check out my Taiwan vlog!
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