Kweilin Street Night Market facts for kids
Kweilin Street Night Market (Chinese: 桂林夜市) is a lively place in Sham Shui Po, Hong Kong. It's a special market where people set up mobile food stands and stalls. They sell yummy local street foods and other items on Kweilin Street.
Usually, Kweilin Street has many shops and restaurants for residents. But during the first three days of Chinese New Year, most shops close. Also, government officers who usually stop these street vendors are off duty. This is when the hawkers (street sellers) take the chance to open their businesses. Lots of people come to visit! However, the Hong Kong government keeps an eye on the market because of worries about safety, traffic, and noise.
What Makes Kweilin Street Night Market Special?
The Kweilin Street Night Market only happens for the first three days of the Lunar New Year. This is a time when many restaurants are closed. So, street vendors set up their stalls at night to sell food because many people are looking for something to eat.
These vendors don't have official licenses from the government. This means they operate without permission. Government officers from the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department sometimes try to stop them.
At night, you can find many kinds of traditional and local cooked foods. These include steam rice noodle rolls, stinky tofu, curry fish balls, sausages, and other snacks. Some stalls also sell things like clothes, groceries, toys, and even second-hand items.
The market is close to Golden Computer Plaza, a popular spot for electronics. This makes Kweilin Street a favorite place for young people to hang out. Many residents set up stalls because so many people visit the street. This creates the busy night market. For older generations, it brings back special memories of how things used to be.
Why People Like and Dislike the Market
Good Things About the Market
The market helps keep old traditions alive. Selling goods on the street has been a part of Hong Kong's culture since after World War II. It's a big part of local history and memories for many people. Keeping the night market helps save this important part of Hong Kong's past.
The night market could also bring more visitors to Hong Kong. If managed well, these markets can become fun places for tourists to explore. Having unique spots like this can make Hong Kong even more attractive to people visiting from other countries.
Also, the market can help people who need to earn money. Some older people or those without special skills might find it hard to get regular jobs. Becoming a street vendor allows them to earn an income, even if it means taking a risk. If the night market became a permanent thing, it could offer a steady way for them to make a living.
Challenges of the Market
One worry is about food safety. Since the vendors don't have licenses, there's a chance the food might not be as clean or safe as it should be. Also, the stalls are often near busy roads. Car fumes could get into the food.
Another problem is traffic. During those three days, the streets can get very crowded. This can cause traffic jams and even accidents because so many food stalls are set up close to the road.
Environmental cleanliness is also a concern. Some customers might leave their trash, like used skewers or plastic cups, on the street. This can make the area messy. Also, cooking certain foods, like deep-fried intestines, can create smoke and strong smells. These smells can spread to nearby homes and bother residents.
Finally, the market can be noisy. Some people living nearby have complained about the noise to their local leaders. Since the market starts in the evening, the loud sounds can make it hard for residents to sleep.
What's Next for the Market?
In 2015, government officials talked about ways to handle the issues with unlicensed food sellers. Here are some ideas they suggested:
New "Dai Pai Tong" Licenses
The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department might start giving out new "Dai Pai Tong" licenses. These licenses allow people to sell cooked food or snacks from fixed spots on the street. This would happen if local district councils agree to it.
Using Empty Public Markets for Food
The department also suggested using public markets that aren't very busy. These could become special food centers for street vendors. These centers could be run by groups that focus on community projects. This way, they could be more flexible and better managed than typical public markets.
Creating Official Outdoor Markets
The government is open to supporting new outdoor markets and night markets. This would happen if local councils agree, if suitable locations are found, and if food safety and cleanliness standards can be met.
