As an export-oriented nation, Taiwan is famous for its quality products in the international market. For visitors, shopping in Taiwan can be a great pleasure with reasonable prices and good quality. You can buy almost anything at the department stores'; return true;" onmouseout="window.status=''; return true;">department stores, boutiques, and small shops at reasonable prices from designer names, antiques, electronics, jewelry, hand-painted'; return true;" onmouseout="window.status=''; return true;">hand-painted scrolls to fragrant tea and toys. Prices at boutiques, small shops and night markets are usually negotiable and less expensive than department stores. For visitors from Europe and America, a pleasant surprise is the long business hours. Shopping is not confined only to a daytime activity. Many shops and department stores remain open until 9:30 in the evening.

There are two basic approaches to budget shopping in Taiwan: night markets and small shops. The major night markets in Taipei for both shopping and eating are the ones at:

Shihlin night market

Huahsi Street

Kungkuan (near National Taiwan university)

Tunghua Street (not far from TWTC)

Jaoho Street (in Sungshan, eastern Taipei)

Ching Kuang (a short walk from the pubs on Shuang Cheng Street)

Shi Ta (around the National Taiwan Normal University)

Colorful night markets can also be found in :

Keelung (at Miaokou)

Taichung (at Chunghua Rd.. and Sanmin Rd.)

Tainan (at Min Tsu Rd.)

Kaohsiung (at Liuho 2nd Rd., and Chungshan 1st Rd.)

Small shops with reasonable prices on clothing and shoes are found in :

The Hsimending area

The alleys around Ding hao (Chunghsiao E. Rd. Sec. 4)

Szuping St. (Ladies Street, near the corner of Nanking E. Rd. and Sung-chiang Rd.).

Shops on both Yuanling St. and Chung hua Rd. are as interesting as well as the streetside vendors on Tienmu West Rd. Electronic items, semi-precious stones'; return true;" onmouseout="window.status=''; return true;">semi-precious stones and jewelry can be found at the Kuanghua Market (Pateh Rd., Sec. 1), while the Holiday Jade market (under the overpass at the intersection of Jenai Rd., and Chienkuo S. Rd.) offers everything from simple jade pendants'; return true;" onmouseout="window.status=''; return true;">jade pendants to intricate carving and sculptures on Saturday afternoons and Sundays.