Xinzhuang Temple Street Night Market Introduction
Before the rise of Mengjia, Xinzhuang was a bustling hub of commerce, known by the saying "One Prefecture, Two Deer, Three Xinzhuang." However, it was later replaced by Mengjia due to sedimentation in the river ports. Although it is no longer a key waterway after generations of changes, the lively atmosphere remains intact. The Temple Street Night Market features many iconic food stalls that bring back a sense of nostalgia for traditional flavors. The night market is centered along Xinzhuang Road and primarily covers areas of Xintai Road, Xinzhuang Road, Bijiang Street, and Jingde Road. The most distinctive feature of the Xinzhuang Temple Street Night Market is that it transforms from a historically significant old street during the day into a vibrant night market filled with food at night. Among the popular food areas in the Xinzhuang Temple Street Night Market is Alley 214 on Xinzhuang Road, where you can find delicious sticky rice on one side and savory meatball soup on the other. After a hearty meal, you can enjoy some mung bean soup or frozen tofu pudding. There is also a delicious mushroom meatball soup next to the Wusheng Temple on Xinzhuang Road. Although the shop is small, it has been passed down through three generations, and its thick meatball soup is made with whole pieces of vegetarian meat, coated with sweet potato flour for a smooth texture. The meatballs remain extremely elastic and chewy with every bite, making it a dish you can never get tired of. The Ciyou Gong and Wusheng Temple within Xinzhuang Temple Street Night Market are both several hundred years old and are recognized as third-level historical sites by the government. They not only bless the livelihoods of the street food vendors but also witness the rise and fall of Xinzhuang over the century. While visiting the night market, it is worthwhile to light some incense and pray for family safety and good fortune.
