NT$ 300 Parking Fee at Fengjia Market is Exorbitant: Public|逢甲夜市"墾丁化"? 停車一次300被嫌貴

A tourist recently complained about being charged NT$ 300 for parking at the Fengjia Night Market in Taichung City. Local residents say the night market is already losing its luster, with the added factor of difficulty in parking, it will just make it even less attractive.


Massive crowds are seen in Taichung City's Fengjia Night Market during holidays, making parking difficult for many. Some members of the public spotted signs at the market's parking lots that advertise a one-time fee of NT$ 300. Some took to the internet to complain about the exorbitant price.

They have to run their business here. I do think they (parking lot owners) sometimes charge way too much for a parking spot. I suggest people come here by scooter or by bicycles.

Many have said that it's difficult to find parking space near the Fengjia Night Market. Some choose to take the bus instead of driving their own cars. Visiting tourists believe that they wouldn't need to park unless they are staying the night, therefore it doesn't make sense for parking lot owners to charge a one-time fee.

The real estate price (in the down town) are is quite expensive, therefore the parking fee is higher. If people park their vehicles (in the parking lots near) Fengda Road or (the relatively farther) Henan Road, it'd be less expensive. (Those parking lots) charge between NT$ 20 to NT$ 40 per hour, and it won't cost more than NT$ 80 per day.

Officials managing the night market defended the parking lot owners and said that parking fee varies in different parking lots, and that it's based on the distance between the parking lot to the night market, as well as on the real estate price of the given area. On the other hand, Taichung City's Transportation Bureau said that, according to current regulations, parking fee is limited to NT$ 50 per hour, or NT$ 300 for a one-time fee. Some members of the public believe that, on top of difficulties in parking, the night market itself is losing its attraction.

I recently went to the Yizhong Night Market (also in Taichung City). There are many newer shops in that market, and their merchandises are more geared towards younger buyers.

The shop owners in the Fengjia Night Market said that, compared to holidays, they only see about half of the customers during weekdays. Members of the public said that they hope the merchandises sold in the night market could be more affordable and more creative, otherwise the night market might lose its attraction over time as there's no longer anything new and exciting.