Shilin Night Market has two major elements – the local cuisine and general retail. The alleys and side streets within Shilin Night Market are lined with storefronts and roadside stands, where you can buy everything from souvenirs to clothes to electronics! This is a market after all, so don’t forget to barter with the store owner to try to find the best deal!

Shilin Night Market also has plenty of services available, one of which being massages. If your feet are tired after a day of walking around, make sure to stop in for a Taiwanese foot massage. Don’t let the name fool you – these massages are PAINFUL. These traditional massages have been around for centuries, and follow the ancient Chinese belief that “qi” or “vital energy” flows through your body. When you are feeling tired, sick, or stressed, your “qi” can be knocked off balance. These massages aim to keep “qi” flowing properly by kneading, pinching, and rubbing pressure points on your feet that correspond directly with a part of your body. If soreness is felt in a particular part of the foot, the theory is that the corresponding part of your body has a problem.