The Taipei Jianguo Jade and Flower Markets (建國假日玉花市) are a must-see for anyone in Taiwan. Located next to each other on Jianguo South Road, the two markets stretch for nearly a kilometer (1/2 a mile) under the elevated highway. They are only open on weekends and can make for a wonderful escape from Taipei’s often dreary rain. But even on a sunny day, the Jade and Flower Markets (along with the adjacent Daan Forest Park) make for a nice afternoon walk for tourists and locals alike.
A big, beautiful lily for sale at the Taipei Flower Market.
The Jade Market
The Taipei Jianguo Jade Market starts just south of the intersection at Zhongxiao East Road and Jianguo South Road. It is one of the biggest jade markets in all of Asia and many great deals can be found. The jade comes in many styles and colors. From hundred dollar trinkets to multi-thousand dollar sculptures, just about any kind of semi-precious stone art can be found here.
A woman tries on a jade ring at the Taipei Jade Market.
Jade jewelery and handi-crafts for sale at the Taipei Jade Market.
The friendly vendors seemed to be accustom to tourists, but few seemed to speak English, so if you’re really there to bargain, it might be best to take someone who speaks mandarin.
The Flower Market
Just south of the Jade Market and across Renai Road is The Taipei Jianguo Flower Market. A vast array of flowers, tropical plants, bonsai trees, cacti and garden supplies can be found here at unbelievable prices. It’s one stop shopping for all you flora needs and quite a contrast to the concrete laden city.
But what the market is best know for is its incredible variety of orchids. Blossoms of white, lavender, and pink are around every corner. Small pots with a few blossoms can be found here for only NTD$100. That’s about US$3 for flowers that cost $15-20 in the US!
A woman shops for orchids in the Jianguo Flower Market (建國假日花市) in Taipei, Taiwan.
The Jianguo Flower Market (建國假日花市) in Taipei, Taiwan is well known for great deals on many kinds of flowers.
Many other items besides flowers are available at Jianguo Flower Market (建國假日花市) in Taipei, Taiwan.
A couple shops for orchids at Jianguo Flower Market (建國假日花市) in Taipei, Taiwan.
The Taipei Flower Market can get very busy with people looking for good deals on beautiful flowers.
Open only on weekends, the Flower Market can get quite crowded, especially on rainy days. But fear not! I noticed a very strange socialistic happening here: People seem to be really happy when they are buying flowers! Everywhere I looked, I saw happy people with big smiles on their faces. Apparently, getting great deals on beautiful flowers can be an uplifting experience!
The Artist Market
Just south of the Flower Market is yet another market… This one is the Taipei Jianguo Artist Market. It’s a bit smaller than its two more famous neighbors, but the Artist Market has some very interesting handi-crafts. Here you can see artist hand paint traditional Chinese paper lamps, blow glass figurines, write in traditional calligraphy, or hand carve furniture for your home. They also often have local street performers playing songs and have a few food carts around so you can eat some local Taiwanese snacks.
An Artist makes hand made glass figures at the Taipei Artists Market in Taipei, Taiwan.
A man looks at landscape painting at the Taipei Artist Market in Taipei, Taiwan.
You can find more information on visiting the The Jade Market and Flower Market on Taiwan Adventures Travel Guide.
The Jade, Flower and Artist Markets are found under the Jianguo over pass on Jianguo South Road. The most northern point is the Jade Market just south of Zhongxiao Road. It is best accessed by walking east from the Zhongxiao Xinsheng MRT stop and then south on Jianguo until you come to the entrance. The Flower Market is located between Renai East Road and Xinsheng East Road. The Artist market is just south of the Xinyi East Road and Jinaguo South Road intersection. This end of the three markets can be accessed from the Daan MRT stop by walking west on Xinyi East Road.
See more photos at: Taipei Flower and Jade Markets – Images by Neil Wade
-Neil
Beautiful work. Digged.
I like to go to the Flower Market. It really feels like people are getting ready for the Lunar New Year!
Thank you two. I think the flower market is one of my new favorite places.
I like the light in these photos. The flowers and the jade seem to glow. Will keep checking back with the site!
Thank you!
[...] Neil Wade visits Taipei’s Jade and Flower Markets. [...]
my company is making our own calendar for next year, and would like to see if you have available flower photos to use. Need about 12 photos – how does it usually work?
Send me an email at nw.photo(at)yahoo.com
[...] Weekend Jade and Flower Market: The largest flower market I think I have ever laid eyes on. You can find anything from different plant seeds, to potted orchids, to intricate bonsai trees, to large fully-grown trees. Jianguo Flower Market [...]
[...] Flower Market: This market in Taipei (and the Jade Market, see below) are only held on the weekend. The plants [...]
May I know whether it is on Saturday or Sunday and what time does it starts and end? Thank you.
It’s Saturday and Sunday (and I think holidays, too) from 9:00 to 6:00.