Dongdamen Night Market, which translates to “Big East Gate Night Market,” is situated at the eastern edge of Hualien City near Zhongshan Road. Open daily, this sprawling market is a feast for the senses, combining culinary delights with cultural exhibits and entertainment. Its proximity to the Pacific Ocean adds a refreshing breeze to its lively atmosphere, making it an ideal spot to unwind after a day of exploring Hualien’s natural wonders.
History of Dongdamen Night Market
Dongdamen Night Market opened in July 2015 on land that was once home to Hualien’s old train station. The market was part of a rezoning initiative designed to revitalize the area and create a space for tourism and local commerce. Despite suffering a fire in 2019 that damaged 32 stalls, the market has since recovered and continues to thrive as one of Hualien’s premier attractions.
Attractions at Dongdamen Night Market
- Futing Night Market: This area specializes in traditional Taiwanese cuisine, featuring classic dishes like stinky tofu, coffin bread, and grilled mochi.
- Aboriginal Street: Dedicated to indigenous Taiwanese cuisine, Aboriginal Street showcases dishes made with local ingredients like bamboo rice and Maqaw pepper fried noodles. It’s a great place to explore Taiwan’s aboriginal heritage through food.
- Zhiqiang Night Market: Known for its diverse offerings, Zhiqiang Night Market features international cuisines from China, Japan, Thailand, and beyond.
- Chinese Food Street: Adorned with red lanterns, this section focuses on regional Chinese dishes such as dumplings and noodle soups.
- Center Plaza: The central area hosts live performances by singers, dancers, and musicians. Carnival-style games like dart throwing and ring toss add to the festive atmosphere.
- Ecology Pond and Lookout Tower: For those seeking a quieter moment amidst the hustle and bustle, visit the ecology pond or climb the lookout tower for panoramic views of the market.
Things to Do at Dongdamen Night Market
Food Tasting: Sample iconic Taiwanese street foods like stinky tofu, coffin bread (a hollowed-out bread filled with soup), gua bao (Taiwanese burger), bamboo rice, and grilled mochi.
Cultural Exploration: Learn about Taiwan’s indigenous heritage through Aboriginal Street’s unique dishes.
Live Entertainment: Enjoy performances by local artists ranging from traditional aboriginal songs to modern pop covers.
Games: Try your hand at carnival games like crossbow shooting or ring toss.
Photography: Capture the vibrant colors and bustling energy of the market under glowing lanterns.
Dongdamen Night Market – Entry Eligibility and Open Timings
Dongdamen Night Market is open daily from 6:00 PM to midnight. It welcomes visitors of all ages, making it an excellent destination for families, couples, solo travelers, and groups. However, parents should supervise young children closely due to crowded conditions during peak hours.
The best time to visit is between 7:00 PM and 8:00 PM when most stalls are fully operational and the market’s energy is at its peak.
How Long to Spend at Dongdamen Night Market
Visitors typically spend 2–3 hours exploring Dongdamen Night Market. This allows enough time to sample various dishes, enjoy live performances, play games, and soak in the lively ambiance. For food enthusiasts or those interested in cultural exploration, spending up to 4 hours is recommended.
How to Get There
From Hualien Train Station:
Walking: The market is approximately 2 kilometers from Hualien Station (30–35 minutes). Follow Zhongshan Road straight toward the coast.
Taxi: A taxi ride takes about 8 minutes from Hualien Station.
Bus: Take Bus 1139 from Hualien Station directly to Dongdamen Night Market (approximately 15 minutes). Note that evening bus frequency decreases significantly.
Cycling or Scooter: Rent a bike or scooter in Hualien City for a scenic ride (10–15 minutes).
From Taipei:
Train: Take a train from Taipei Main Station to Hualien Station (2–3 hours). From there, follow one of the above options.
Car: Drive along Taiwan’s east coast highway for approximately 3–4 hours.
Eateries Nearby Dongdamen Night Market
If you’re looking for additional dining options near Dongdamen Night Market:
Salt Lick Smokehouse: Western-style barbecue with smoked meats.
Dai Ji Wonton Soup: Famous for its flavorful wonton soup.
Chun Fa Beef Noodles: Known for hearty bowls of beef noodle soup.
Hualien Night Markets: Smaller markets nearby offering Taiwanese snacks.
A-Zone Creative Park Café: Trendy café serving coffee and light meals.
Fengchao Restaurant: Specializes in aboriginal cuisine.
Other Attractions Nearby Dongdamen Night Market
Qixingtan Beach (15 minutes by car): A serene pebble beach offering stunning ocean views.
Taroko National Park (30 minutes by car): Famous for its marble gorge and hiking trails.
Liyu Lake (40 minutes by car): Ideal for boating or cycling amidst tranquil surroundings.
Hualien Cultural Creative Industries Park (10 minutes by car): Features art exhibitions and local crafts.
Dongdamen Night Market is one of the most popular and lively night markets in eastern Taiwan, located in the heart of Hualien City. Known for its wide variety of street food, local snacks, and fun carnival games, Dongdamen Night Market attracts both tourists and locals looking to enjoy a vibrant evening experience.
Spanning a large open area, dongdamen night market is divided into different sections representing Taiwanese, Indigenous, and Mainland Chinese food cultures. Visitors can savor delicious treats like grilled mochi, oyster omelets, bubble tea, fried chicken, and more. The market also features stalls selling handmade crafts, souvenirs, and fashion accessories.
Aside from food, Dongdamen Night Market offers a festive atmosphere with live music, colorful lights, and traditional game booths that add to the family-friendly charm. With a monthly search volume between 1K – 10K, dongdamen night market is becoming a must-visit destination for anyone exploring Hualien. It’s the perfect place to experience local flavors, culture, and entertainment all in one spot.