Stores, Malls or Markets in Taiwan

Taiwanese are fierce business/salespeople. They could talk a monk into a new sailboat i think.

They often keep on going until you buy something, learn to say no. really, its hard sometimes. when i am really stuck i just pretend i cant speak mandarin and i dont understand them, they soon give up.

Hsin Tung Yang is a popular store with branches around Taipei. It is a food service company originating in Taiwan. HTY specializes primarily in meat and pork products. In recent years the company have expanded production into dried mullet roe and various Chinese tea snacks. We bought the famous pineapple cake requested by our relatives back home at their Ximending branch. Pineapple cake costs NT$150 per box with 12 pcs. This is better quality than the other NT$49 8 pcs that we also bought. We had noodles for dinner in their airport branch for NT$48 each. Free hot water is available for the noodles.

What to buy: Pineapple cakes.

What to pay: NT$150 for 12 pcs. This is better quality than the NT$49 for 8 pcs.

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Wulai Aboriginal Shop sells various Atayal products that includes colorful Atayal costumes, pottery and carvings, musical instruments & craftworks. Atayal ethnic smock costs NT$150. You can also watch cultural performances for NT$200. Take tram to waterfall viewpoint where shops are located.

What to buy: Colorful Atayal costumes, pottery and carvings, musical instruments & craftworks.

What to pay: Atayal ethnic smock costs NT$150.

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Jade Store in Hualien sells products of various designs ranging from jewelries to home decors. We had time to visit the store since our train trip back to Taipei from Hualien is past 8PM. My mom bought a nice jade bracelet for NT$1500. The store lady is very nice & accommodating. She even gave us snacks.

What to buy: Jade jewelries & home decors.

What to pay: Jade bracelet NT$1500.

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Taipei has several notable shopping district.

Shihlin Night Market is one of the largest night markets in Taipei City. Many people come to Shihlin Night Market to enjoy the delicious snacks, such as large pancake enfolding small pancake, hot pot on stone or Shihlin sausage. The Shihlin Night Market is located in Taipei City's Shihlin District. Shilin Night Market is in Shilin District and accessible from the MRT Shilin stop.

Ximending (Hsimenting), another main attraction of Wanhua, serves as a counter-culture, trendy shopping center and as Taipei's main movie theater district.

Tienmu, the district has become a trendy place in Taipei for clothing and cuisine. In addition, the export apparel shops on Chungshan North Road, north of Tienmu Square, are a big attraction. There are also many brand-name boutiques on Tienmu East Road and Tienmu West Road. Hidden in the alleys are restaurants with foreign flavor, large chain restaurants, pubs and coffee shops. Tienmu is located in Taipei City's Chungshan North Road.

Snake Alley (Hwahsi Jie) Snake Alley should be billed as a legitimate night market or a bizarre tourist attraction. Snake Alley is in the Wanhua District. Take the MRT to the Lungshan Temple stop.

In the Department stores and most of the larger stores there are set prices with no bargaining however it is possible to bargain at markets and any of the street side stalls and smaller shops. Nothing ventured nothing gained

Close to Taipei's Chientan tube station, a visit to Shi Lin is the way to throw a novice into the hustle and bustle of the night market. The energy and friendliness of the vendors makes a visit to this market worthwhile. While certainly the place to try new foods, purchase cheap clothing and other items, the availability of quality cultural items unique to the market was less than expected. Know how to bargin (pen and paper helps) or bring a local friend - expect to pay more as a tourist. Though it is safe and the locals are friendly, keep your money close to you, as with everywhere the crowds are ideal for pickpockets.

What to buy: Food items
Various seemingly useful knick knacks

What to pay: $5US

7/11 Stores can be found on virtualy every street corner and are open 24/7. They are able to offer the following services besides the normal.

Services provided by local 7/11`s

Convenient Services

Photo development
Digital image printing
Water bills, electricity bill, gas bill, cablevision bill, parking tickets, motor-bike liability insurance, and mobile phone bill.
Takkyubin
Facsimile transmission
Direct marketing shopping service
Duskin rental service

Retail Service

International calling cards
Telephone cards
Booklet for College Examination Center
Booklet for entrance exam to technological college
Bus fare cards
Stamps
Envelops
Post cards

Others

Pre-ordered purchases, photocopying, worldwide express service, free calls for ringing up radio taxi etc...