If you’ve just visited the Beer Museum, the next must-visit destination is Taidong Night Market. It’s the largest night market in Qingdao, brimming with diverse street foods loved by locals.
With its energetic crowds, mouthwatering dishes, beer stands, bubble tea shops, and sweet tanghulu (candied fruit skewers), this lively spot guarantees an unforgettable experience.
Personally, I still find the smell of stinky tofu (choudoufu) hard to tolerate. Every time I pass by, its strong aroma overwhelms me. However, being in China, I decided to try it out for the first time during a visit to Changsha. I tried the black stinky tofu, and it took me several attempts to muster the courage to take a bite. Once I finally did, I was pleasantly surprised by its nutty flavor. The sense of accomplishment and pride I felt was unparalleled.
It was a small yet significant challenge that taught me a valuable lesson: experiences, no matter how small, offer opportunities to learn. Tasting stinky tofu gave me insight into Chinese culture and helped me confront personal biases. It was a unique reminder that we should look beyond surface impressions to discover hidden qualities—a seemingly clichéd lesson that became meaningful through firsthand experience.
Back to the topic, Taidong Night Market is more than stinky tofu. You’ll find an array of unique dishes perfect for exploring China’s culinary culture. My personal favorites include grilled squid, lamb skewers, roasted lamb leg, and stir-fried clams, all seasoned with the signature spicy La Jiang sauce. If you’re not a fan of spicy flavors, you can request the sauce to be omitted, but I recommend keeping it for the full experience.
Be sure to try kao liangmian, a grilled noodle dish, while you’re there. And remember, although beer used to be served in plastic bags, you’ll now find it conveniently bottled in PET containers. If you were expecting the classic bagged beer like I once did, keep this in mind.
In a previous post, I mentioned essential apps for traveling in China. Here, as well, using Alipay is much faster and more convenient than cash. Make sure to download it before your trip to avoid unnecessary hassle. I’ve linked that post below for reference.
Getting There:
1. From the Beer Museum: Search for “Taidong” on the Auto Navi app and follow the directions. It’s just a 10-minute walk. You can also type “台东夜市” in the app.
2. From other locations: Use the DiDi app and input “Taidong” or “台东夜市” as your destination.
3. By Metro: Take Line 1 or Line 2 to “Taidong” station. Exit through Gate E. Note that Chinese subway systems include baggage checks similar to airport procedures, so don’t be alarmed.
Taodong Night Market operates from 4:00 PM to 11:00 PM, making it an ideal stop to end your day. Combining a visit to the Beer Museum and Taidong Night Market is a great way to maximize your itinerary and make efficient use of your time.
Compared to other tourist spots, this market is filled with locals, giving you an authentic taste of China’s vibrant atmosphere.
Curious about the travel apps mentioned above? Check out the link below for more details:
Discover China’s Hidden Wonders with These Essential Travel Apps