Famed Taiwanese Night Market in Decline! Foreign Tourists Stunned by Rows of Closed Shops and Lack of Character

Shilin Night Market was once one of Taipei's most iconic tourist night markets, attracting large numbers of domestic and international visitors thanks to its proximity to the Jiantan MRT Station and its wide array of street food. However, in recent years, the market’s popularity has noticeably waned, with the bustling crowds of the past becoming increasingly rare.

Yojin, a Korean YouTuber who has lived in Taiwan for ten years, recently revisited Shilin Night Market alongside another long-term resident, Korean content creator and writer known as 'Mr. Kaillang.' Through on-site observations and interviews with shop owners, they investigated the current state of business operations at the market.

The glory days are gone — Yojin and Mr. Kaillang revisit Shilin Night Market and witness a wave of vacant shops seeking tenants

In a video uploaded to her YouTube channel 'Yojin Hey Yo 요찡,' Yojin recalled her first visit to Shilin Night Market upon arriving in Taiwan. She described being pushed forward by massive crowds, unable to walk on her own. Mr. Kaillang also reminisced about visiting almost monthly with friends and occasionally catching a movie at the nearby Yangming Theater.

However, their recent visit on a Sunday evening revealed a stark contrast to those vibrant memories. Foot traffic was visibly lighter, and even in popular sections of the market, multiple storefronts displayed rental signs. The duo counted at least six shops currently seeking tenants — a far cry from the days when securing a stall was nearly impossible.

Foreign tourists have sharply declined — a 50-year veteran vendor reveals operational struggles

Yojin noted that Shilin Night Market used to be a must-visit destination for Korean tourists, often said to be essential for any trip to Taipei. Yet now, the number of foreign visitors has clearly dropped. She questioned why, despite convenient access and abundant food options, the market’s appeal has faded.

To understand the real situation, they spoke directly with operating vendors. One owner, who has run an oyster omelet stall for 50 years, admitted that foot traffic has indeed decreased since the pandemic, with business feeling especially sluggish over the past six months. He attributed this partly to shifts in tourist demographics and spending habits, and also suggested that the weak yen may have reduced Japanese tourists’ willingness to spend in Taiwan, further impacting vendors.

Lacking a 'must-eat' signature dish? Experts highlight Shilin’s transformation challenges

Mr. Kaillang believes the decline in popularity doesn’t necessarily signal economic collapse but could instead indicate the market is undergoing transformation. As consumer habits evolve, shops that no longer meet demand may exit, making way for new operators and product types that could eventually draw crowds back.

However, he pointed out that one of Shilin’s biggest current issues is the lack of a unique, must-try culinary identity. Many stalls offer similar items, making it hard to differentiate from other night markets. If the market can reinvent a distinctive food culture uniquely associated with Shilin and promote it through tourism campaigns, it might regain its former vibrancy.

Are sky-high rents killing businesses? Netizens debate the root causes of Shilin’s decline

In the comments under the video, many users weighed in, with numerous voices citing exorbitant shop rents as a key reason for the dwindling number of vendors. Comments included: “Landlords are the real culprits — always raising prices! Who can afford that?”; “The pandemic isn’t the main issue anymore — it’s landlords arbitrarily hiking up rent. The same thing is happening in Fengjia (Taichung) and Xinjuejiang (Kaohsiung). Greedy landlords assume businesses will just pay, but shop owners aren’t fools. When rents go crazy, people leave, and entire commercial zones end up full of empty stores.”; “Rent is definitely the biggest problem.”; “Inflation and rent are the core issues — otherwise, why do Ningxia, Raohe, and Linjiang night markets still attract crowds?”

Others highlighted past controversies at Shilin Night Market: “There have been multiple incidents of ripping off tourists, especially with freshly cut fruit stands, creating a terrible reputation. Plus, everything is so expensive now — what used to be affordable snacks are now unaffordable, so fewer people come.”; “Greedy landlords + scam fruit sellers — we locals would rather go to other night markets.”; “Shilin’s reputation is bad. Scamming tourists repeatedly has slowly driven people away.”

Online reviews echo these concerns: “Now going there is just being scammed — paying hundreds for simple fruit, dice beef and grilled squid are outrageously priced with tiny portions. It’s no longer the affordable night market it once was.”; “Its decline isn’t baseless — products are highly repetitive. Every few steps there’s another taro ball or dice beef stand, with zero local character.”; “It’s so crowded you can barely move, and streets are littered with trash and bamboo skewers — poor layout and management.”; “The underground food court is suffocatingly smoky; in summer it feels like an oven, and cockroaches and rats sometimes appear — the dining environment is a major downside.”

Still, some hold positive views: “Shilin Night Market is actually huge and fun to explore, with tons of clothing, accessories, and game booths. Being right next to the MRT makes it super convenient for foreigners.”; “Prices are high, but this place truly captures the traditional Taiwanese night market vibe — eat, play, shop all in one. I’d still bring friends here when visiting Taipei.”; “I went recently and noticed the walkways are much cleaner, vendors are more orderly, and after renovations, the underground area is significantly improved in hygiene.”