
Dongmen Night Market Yilan
A bustling Yilan night market offering a vibrant mix of local street food and shops, perfect for an evening of culinary exploration.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Market buzz and full stalls

Dongmen Night Market Yilan
Best Time
Market buzz and full stalls

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A bustling Yilan night market offering a vibrant mix of local street food and shops, perfect for an evening of culinary exploration.
"Nice market, seems to start setting up around 7.pm. Good mix of retail and food."

🎯 Arrive after 7 PM
Most stalls open and the atmosphere picks up after 7 PM.
🚶♀️ Explore side streets
Don't just stick to the main path; hidden food gems await!

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Savory Skewers
Various stalls
Juicy, grilled skewers are a must-try. Order what you like, but be patient as they can take a while to prepare.

Scallion Pancakes
Near the entrance
Crispy and flavorful, these are a popular snack that's worth seeking out.

Grilled Fried Chicken
Middle of the market
A tasty and satisfying option, this grilled chicken is a local favorite.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for the Best Bites
Navigating the Market Maze
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive after 7 PM
Most stalls open and the atmosphere picks up after 7 PM.
🚶♀️ Explore side streets
Don't just stick to the main path; hidden food gems await!
🗣️ Language barrier
Some vendors may not speak much English, but many have English menus.
💰 Cash is king
While some vendors might accept cards, it's best to have cash on hand.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive after 7 PM
Most stalls open and the atmosphere picks up after 7 PM.
🚶♀️ Explore side streets
Don't just stick to the main path; hidden food gems await!
🗣️ Language barrier
Some vendors may not speak much English, but many have English menus.
💰 Cash is king
While some vendors might accept cards, it's best to have cash on hand.
👟 Comfortable shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and standing, so wear comfy footwear.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Dongmen Night Market in Yilan offers a decent selection of local street food and retail shops, conveniently located near the train station. While some visitors find it average compared to Taipei's larger markets, it's praised for its tasty skewers, scallion pancakes, and grilled chicken. Some food items may not meet expectations, and language barriers can occur, but it remains a worthwhile stop for a casual evening stroll and a taste of local life.
"It was very average compared to other night markets in Taipei. The fried gyoza and zhajiang noodle shop with inside seating was one of the better homemade ones! The wintermelon tea at the street tasted diluted and made of syrup... no tea fragrance. The smelly tofu and big intestine vermicelli was really below expectations and not worth the price.... But as a night market for the area, it sufficed....."
JP
"Small night market in Yilan center but has many different options to eat."
Sinan POYRAZ
"Small and not much variety, comfortable to casual walk. Scallion pancakes at the entrance of the market and grilled fried chicken at the middle of the market are a must, so good and tasty"
HW
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Dongmen Night Market is conveniently located near the Yilan train station, making it easily accessible by public transport. If you're arriving by train, it's just a short walk from the station.
Parking can be challenging in the vicinity of the night market, especially during peak hours. It's recommended to use public transportation or consider a taxi if you're driving.
Yes, cycling is a popular way to explore Yilan, and you can easily cycle to Dongmen Night Market. There are often bike rental services available near the train station.
The fastest way to reach Yilan from Taipei is by taking the High-Speed Rail (HSR) or a regular train to Yilan Station. Buses are also a more budget-friendly option.
One TikTok creator mentioned 'exit 7' as a good starting point for exploring Dongmen, suggesting it leads to a vibrant area with food and shopping.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Dongmen Night Market is a public space and does not have an entrance fee. You can freely wander and enjoy the atmosphere.
The market typically starts setting up around 7 PM and is most active in the evening. It's best to visit after dark to experience the full vibrancy.
As there is no entrance fee, advance ticket purchase is not necessary for Dongmen Night Market. You pay for the food and items you wish to buy.
Dongmen Night Market operates daily. However, Wednesday evenings are particularly special due to the additional Qinggou Night Market, which is highly recommended.
Yes, it's a comfortable market for a casual walk and can be enjoyed even on a shorter visit, though exploring fully might take longer.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You'll find a variety of local Taiwanese street food, including skewers, scallion pancakes, grilled chicken, and more. Some reviews mention diluted wintermelon tea and disappointing smelly tofu.
Yes, besides food, Dongmen Night Market also features indoor and outdoor shops selling various retail items.
It can get crowded, especially on weekends and Wednesday evenings. Arriving after 7 PM will give you a more lively experience but with more people.
The meat skewers and scallion pancakes are frequently recommended. Grilled fried chicken is also a popular choice.
The vibrant atmosphere, colorful food stalls, and bustling crowds can make for great photo opportunities, especially at night.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While some reviews suggest certain items were disappointing (like wintermelon tea and smelly tofu), the meat skewers, scallion pancakes, and grilled fried chicken are consistently praised.
You can likely find some vegetarian-friendly options like scallion pancakes and various fried snacks. It's always best to ask vendors directly about ingredients.
Food prices are generally reasonable, offering local dishes for decent amounts of money. However, one review noted that some items might not be worth the price.
Yes, you can find various Taiwanese drinks. However, one reviewer found the wintermelon tea to be diluted and syrupy, lacking tea fragrance.
One reviewer specifically mentioned this shop with inside seating as one of the better homemade options available at the market.
📸 📸 Photography
The market truly comes alive after dark, with neon lights and bustling activity, making evenings the prime time for vibrant photography.
Capture the colorful food displays, the lively crowds, vendors in action, and the general atmosphere of the night market.
While no specific spots are highlighted, the main thoroughfares and areas with concentrated food stalls offer the most dynamic scenes.
A camera with good low-light performance and a versatile lens (like a 24-70mm equivalent) would be ideal. A fast prime lens can also be great for capturing details.
Use flash sparingly to avoid disturbing vendors and patrons. Natural light from the stalls and ambient lighting often create a more authentic feel.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Keep in mind that some food items might be spicy, so inquire about ingredients if you have concerns. The general vibe is casual and welcoming, making it a pleasant place for families to explore and enjoy local Taiwanese street food together.
💰 Budget Travelers
To maximize your budget, consider sharing dishes with travel companions and trying a variety of smaller snacks rather than one large meal. Having cash readily available will also help you navigate the market efficiently and potentially snag better deals. The market is free to enter, so your expenses will primarily be on the food and any shopping you decide to do.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Culinary Delights of Dongmen
It's worth noting that some vendors may not speak fluent English, but many provide English menus to assist visitors. The market is a great place to sample a variety of Taiwanese street food at reasonable prices, making it an essential stop for any foodie visiting Yilan.
Beyond the Staples
While the skewers and pancakes are popular, don't be afraid to venture out and try other offerings. The grilled fried chicken is another highly recommended dish. For those seeking a more substantial meal, one review highlighted a fried gyoza and zhajiang noodle shop with indoor seating as a particularly good find. Remember that popular stalls can have queues, so patience is key to enjoying the best of what Dongmen has to offer.
Navigating Dongmen: A Local's Perspective
Many visitors find the market to be conveniently located, almost next to the train station, making it an easy addition to an itinerary. The atmosphere truly comes alive after 7 PM, with most vendors setting up and the energy picking up. If you're visiting on a Wednesday, you're in for a treat as the weekly Qinggou Night Market also takes place, which some consider the best in Yilan.
Practical Tips for Your Visit
When exploring Dongmen, comfortable shoes are a must, as you'll likely be doing a lot of walking. While cash is generally preferred, some vendors might accept cards. Be prepared for crowds, especially during peak times, and don't hesitate to explore the smaller side streets for unique finds. The market is a great place to experience local life and sample authentic Taiwanese snacks.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit