Chiayi City East Public Retail Market

The East Market was the first marketplace for farmers living in the mountains after they transported their mountain produce down, hence its nickname 'Grass Market.' During the Qing Dynasty, officials and their families from the county yamen within Zhuluo City, along with pilgrims visiting the City God Temple, gathered in large numbers, gradually forming a temporary market. During the Japanese colonial period, the East Market was reorganized and officially opened for business in Taisho 3 (1914 AD), making it over a century old today. The building was constructed with a large amount of cypress wood and features high ceilings. It has endured multiple fires, earthquakes, and war damage, with some partial modernization and concrete additions in 1987. Nevertheless, in terms of market architecture, it remains the oldest and most traditional large market left in Chiayi City. Older generations of Chiayi residents have vivid impressions and memories of the East Market's hawking calls, the bustling crowds, haggling, bargaining, selecting goods, and exchanging greetings. Gao Ji-rong, Secretary-General of the Chiayi City Mother Tongue Association, states that the East Market is like the 'big kitchen' for Chiayi residents. It provides locals with daily necessities both inside and outside the market, from everyday fruits, vegetables, fish, and meat, to wedding gifts, and even pastries and utensils for worshipping deities – everything can be found at the East Market. Beyond daily necessities, the East Market also serves as Chiayi people's 'big dining hall,' filled with long-standing classic delicacies such as rice cakes (migao), beef offal soup, star fruit juice, crispy spare ribs (paigu su), spring rolls, and more – all must-try foods for locals and tourists alike upon entering the market. The area surrounding the East Market includes attractions such as the City God Temple, Chiayi City's first ancient temple (Shuangzhong Temple, also known as Yuanshuai Temple), Zhennan Shenshen Temple (Wenchang Temple), and Hongmao Well (Lan Well), preserving the rare characteristics of the old city district. Therefore, whenever the city government or private organizations organize heritage tours, the East Market always serves as an important site for guided tours and educational activities.