Shen visits night market, proposes 'mountain trail plan' to boost tourism

Taipei mayoral candidate Michael Shen visited the Linjiang Street Tourist Night Market, where vendors lamented the slowest business in two years. Shen, a member of the Democratic Progressive Party, aims to boost tourism and revitalize the city's night markets.

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The 'ocean current' of people has swept through the night market! Vendors lament it's the liveliest in two years.

Shen proposed his "Taipei Mountain Trail Plan" as part of his "Habitat" vision. This initiative seeks to connect the city's surrounding mountain trails, creating Asia's premier hiking destination. He envisions integrating sports rest stops to drive tourism and benefit surrounding businesses, thereby increasing global recognition for Taipei. The plan also includes improving trail access, facilities like restrooms and showers, and promoting sustainable trail development.

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Improving tourist crowds is very important. Previously, I proposed the 'Taipei Mountain Trail Plan' to connect surrounding mountain trails, making Taipei Asia's No. 1 hiking city. Combined with sports rest stops, it will drive tourism and surrounding business districts, allowing the world to know Taipei better.

Beyond hiking, Shen emphasized optimizing night market layouts to encourage deeper exploration by visitors, which would increase sales for vendors. He also highlighted the need for a "Night Market Mayor" to mediate conflicts between residents and stall owners, a role falling under his "Resilience" vision. This position would streamline communication and address issues like noise and sanitation, aiming to restore the vibrant atmosphere of the markets.

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If the night market's flow is better, people can explore deeper, bringing more business to vendors.

Local councilor Lin Yen-fen previously raised concerns about public transportation to hiking spots like Fenggui-tsui, noting insufficient bus services and difficulties with return journeys. Shen acknowledged these issues, stressing that convenient transportation, regular bus schedules, and adequate rental equipment are crucial for making Taipei an attractive hiking destination. He believes that by improving these aspects and integrating services like sports rest stops, Taipei can leverage its 152 trails to draw both domestic and international tourists.

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This is why proposing a 'Night Market Mayor' is important. Night market economy involves resident-business communication, environmental sanitation, and other diverse aspects managed by different departments. Establishing a Night Market Mayor to integrate民間 forces to interface with the city government will improve administrative efficiency.