Gongguan is Taipei City’s largest student district, which has the National Taiwan University (NTU) Gongguan Campus. It also has a small night market that I recommend visiting to indulge in Taiwanese cuisine.
Though there isn’t too much to the night market, it still helps to know what foods to try and nearby things to do.
Let’s dive in.
Important Information
| Is It Worth Going to? | Yes |
| Hours (As of 2024) | 3 – 11:45 PM daily |
| Number of Stalls | Unknown |
| Closest Rail Station | Gongguan Station (Taipei MRT) |
| Cost to Enter | Free |
| Opening Date | Unknown |
| City Located | Taipei City |
| Address | Lane 90, Section 4, Luosifu Road, Da’an District, Taipei City, Taiwan 100 |
| Chinese Name | 公館夜市 (Gōngguǎn yèshì) |
| Wheelchair-Accessible? | Yes |
Traveler Tips & Considerations
- * Inform vendors about allergies. Use translation cards with allergen information.
- The “best time to visit” depends on the hours the food stall you want to visit opens.
- Food stand hours will differ from the night market’s operating hours.
- Most stalls won’t accept other payment methods than cash. Some may accept LINE Pay.
Important information regarding food allergies.
Most Taiwanese people cannot read Simplified Chinese, DO NOT create chef cards with Simplified Chinese characters.
I recommend hiring a Taiwanese person to help you create an allergy card with Traditional Chinese characters. However, Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE) has interactive chef card templates. And even if you have this card, ensure you carry an Anapen or EpiPen (or something similar).
If you need such a pen in Taiwan, ask for a “艾筆腎上腺素注射筆” at a pharmacy. However, they will likely tell you that you need a prescription from a doctor. Find a doctor who will prescribe it to you. From there, you’ll need to pay NT$4,200 – 4,500 (2021 price).
Foods To Try
Here are various food stalls and restaurants you should try:
| Food | Restaurant/Stand | Chinese Name | Address |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taiwanese Hamburger (Gua Bao) | Lan Jia Traditional Taiwanese Snack | 藍家割包 | No. 3號, Alley 8, Ln. 316, Section 3, Roosevelt Rd, Zhongzheng District, Taipei City, 100 |
| Green Onion Pancake | Hsiung Chi Scallion Pancake | 雄記蔥抓餅 | Gongguan Night Market, 2, Lane 108, Section 4, Luosifu Road, Zhongzheng, Taipei, 110, Taiwan |
What is the difference between Taiwanese and American burgers? The Taiwanese burger consists of pork meat, cilantro, pickled cabbage, and peanut powder between fluffy white buns. Although it may sound unusual, it is actually delicious.
The Michelin guide provides an in-depth look at Lan Jia’s burgers [1].
However, I cannot distinguish between this burger and others I have tried in Taiwan. Perhaps my taste buds are not the best.
How To Get there
1. MRT / Subway: Take the Taipei Metro Green line to Gongguan Station. Upon departing, exit the station through Exit 1 or 2. And you’ll be around the night market area.
2. Bus: I recommend downloading the Bus+ app to make tracking buses easier.
Take one of the following bus numbers to Gongguan Stop:
- 207
- 11
- 254
- 275
- 284
- 625
- Green 11
Or take these buses to MRT Gongguan Station Stop:
| 0 South | 644 | 642 |
| 606 | 530 | 505 |
| 290 | 284 | 280 |
| 278 | 253 | 254 |
| 252 | 251 | 236 |
| 208 | 207 | 1 |
3. YouBike: There’s a YouBike station 2 minutes away (walking distance) from the night market.
4. Uber / taxi: The price for taking a taxi will vary by where you order it from.
- I honestly recommend downloading one of these apps to book a taxi:
- Find Taxi (English): Book a taxi ahead of time and know the driver’s ratings (like Uber…)
- 55688 (English): Same as Find Taxi, but with a reward point system.
What’s There to Do Nearby? (That, & Nightlife)
Here’s what I recommend doing nearby Gongguan Night Market:
| Attraction | To-Do |
|---|---|
| Gongguan Shopping District | Various shops & restaurants |
| Flea Market | Market to find cheap goods |
| Treasure Hill Artist Village | An old military village with beautiful sites |
| Guanyin Temple | Temple dedicated to the goddess, Guan Yin |
| Taipei Water Park (AKA Taipei Museum of Drinking Water) | Water rides and educational areas |
| NTNU Insect Museum | An insect museum |
| Gongguan Waterfront Plaza | Riverside w/ bars, cafes, and cycling/walking paths |
| Ningxia Night Market | Another night market. |
The Gongguan Shopping District offers many restaurants and shops for those seeking more food options. If you haven’t had enough to eat at the night market, consider checking out some of these establishments. I do not have any specific recommendations, however.
The Flea Market is typically open during the day and offers a variety of secondhand or unused items at affordable prices. If you’re looking to get a good deal, this is the best flea market I have found.
Aside from the one in Tianmu.
Treasure Hill used to serve as a military outpost during the Japanese Empire’s rule of Taiwan, but it eventually became a residential settlement. During the last week of March until early May, local residents display 20 – 30 art exhibitions and host a market.
There is also a temple located in the area.
Alternatively, you can visit the water park on a hot day, check out the bug exhibits at the museum, or explore the waterfront. This area frequently holds events and riverside markets.
If you’re looking for nightlife, there isn’t nightlife that’s super close by — despite what other sources may say. The nearest known bar is 89 LOOP Sports, which seems pretty popular.
But if you’re looking for actual nightlife (e.g., bars, clubs, etc.) head deeper into Taipei City toward Xinyi District.
Source
[1] Michelin: Behind Bib Lan Chia Guabao