Taiwan prayer for Temple St market

A merchants' representative aims to make the night market in Yau Ma Tei's Temple Street as popular as the night markets in Taiwan with plans to add more than 20 cooked food stalls that will dish out servings from famous brands.

The government plans to start promotions of the night market next month.

Chan Kam-wing, head of the Yaumatei Temple Street Association of Hawkers and Shop Operators, said apart from the 100 retail stalls on the street now, the plan is for the cooked food operators to sell Hong Kong-style snacks from rent-free stalls.

Chan said the market would operate until 11 pm and was expected to run every night, not just on weekends, as tourists do not visit Hong Kong only on Saturdays and Sundays.

"I hope the Temple Street night market can be built up like Taiwan's famous Shilin night market, so that if you come to Hong Kong, you must visit it," Chan said.

Taiwan is renowned for its night markets, which are usually must-go tourist spots. Among the more notable ones are the Raohe, Shi Da and Shilin night markets.

Unlike the waterfront night market, Temple Street is located in a residential areas, so noise issues are a concern. Chan said that there will be two to three people responsible for keeping noise levels down.

"Starting at 10 pm, there will be staff patrolling, asking tourists and people eating to keep their voices down and not disturb residents upstairs," he said.

Regarding progress in preparations for the Temple Street night market, Chan said the details are being worked out with government departments.

He also said the Transport Department has requested stalls be removed every night after the market closes. However, storage is a problem.

The association suggests using lanes usually used for parking that are not heavily used to place the stalls.

Some malls are responding to the "Night Vibes Hong Kong" by launching various nighttime activities and promotions.

Hysan Development hosted the "We outside!" nighttime event early this month, attracting a large number of locals and tourists.

The event will bring a second wave of activities from October 20 to 23. It includes urban camping experiences and basketball performances, as well as a series of surprises such as free snacks and flash performances.

During the event, shops in the Lee Gardens mall will extend operating hours.