East Public Retail Market, Chiayi City. The East Market was the first market for farmers living in the mountains after they brought their mountain produce down. Therefore, it is also known as the 'Grass Market'. The East Market was the first market for farmers living in the mountains after they brought their mountain produce down. Therefore, it is also known as the 'Grass Market'. During the Qing Dynasty, officials and their families from the Zhuluo City yamen, as well as pilgrims visiting the City God Temple, gathered in large numbers, gradually forming a temporary market. The East Market was reorganized during the Japanese colonial era and officially opened for business in the 3rd year of Taisho (1914 AD), giving it a history of over a century. The building uses a large amount of cypress wood and has a high ceiling. After suffering damage from multiple fires, earthquakes, and wars, a partial cement modernization and extension was added in 1987. However, in terms of market architecture, it remains the oldest and most traditional large market in Chiayi City. Older generations of Chiayi residents have strong impressions and memories of the calls of vendors, the crowds, bargaining, haggling, selecting, and greeting in the East Market. Kao Chi-jung, the Secretary-General of the Chiayi City Mother Tongue Association, stated that the East Market is like the 'big kitchen' for Chiayi residents, providing daily necessities for locals both inside and outside the market, from everyday fruits, vegetables, fish, and meat, to gifts for weddings, and pastries and utensils for religious offerings – everything can be found at the East Market. In addition to daily necessities, the East Market is also the 'big canteen' for Chiayi residents, filled with classic delicacies that have a long history, such as rice cakes, beef offal soup, star fruit juice, pork rib soup, spring rolls, and more, all of which are local.
Address: 嘉義市東區忠孝路光彩街
Hours: 00:00–23:59
Chiayi