Located on Bade Road, Sec. 1, Guanghua Market is the largest market for electronics and computer products in Taiwan. Whatever you need in computer equipment, be it hardware or software, or the latest electronics, Guanghua Market has it all. Prices are low and often negotiable, and from brand-new arrivals on the market to cheaper second-hand goods, the choice is yours!
Guanghua Market started off as a market for old books and toys. It was the preferred hangout for antique dealers and collectors. The old face of the market has now given way to a modern outfit with the second floor already entirely occupied by computer and telecommunications products. On the first floor are many stalls selling all kinds of media such as VCDs, DVDs, music CDs and sports equipment. The only part of the market that serves as a reminder of the past is the jade market held each weekend.
Originally, Guanghua Market and the surrounding areas consisted of many small shops and stalls crammed side by side. With the opening of two underground electronics markets and outlets of some of the bigger retail chains for electronic products, the area now has some easily recognizable permanent landmarks.
How to Shop at Guanghua
So you want to get yourself a bargain at Guanghua Market? You’re aiming to snap up the latest and cheapest? Buying a brand name computer system might be the preferred choice for beginners, but the really "hot" stuff at Guanghua Market is the individual computer components that allow users with some know-how to assemble their computer according to their own needs. Before deciding on a purchase, comparing the prices and products available at many shops is highly recommended. Prices fluctuate and shop owners are known for their high skills in convincing indecisive buyers. But even if you are a complete computer dummy, there’s no need to despair, since many of the shop owners are friendly and helpful. If you are not sure and want to avoid paying too high a price, you are advised to take along someone who is familiar with the market and can help you to make a good deal.
The prices for popular digital cameras can be compared to Japan's electronic Mecca, Akihabara in Tokyo. New products are introduced to the market in rapid succession, and many shops even offer guaranteed service for cheap imports, which are the preferred choice of many customers. The extremely competitive market for mobile phones also offers many chances for bargains, but don't forget to check the merchandise before paying, to be sure that you get what you pay for.
Why is it so cheap?
You might wonder why Guanghua Market offers such low prices and attracts so many people. One reason is that many shop owners don't issue any receipts, and paying by cash makes negotiating prices convenient. Many regard the market as a battleground where intense competition makes discount offers a common weapon. But others simply view it as a paradise, for a shopping spree! A five-minute walk from the Zhongxiao-Xinsheng TRTS Station, the bargains await you.
