Crowds pack historic Taipei New Year market

A vendor hands out samples to passerbyes. [Photo by Eric Jou/chinadaily.com.cn]

Every year, for the one month leading up to the Chinese New Year, the 550 meter Dihua Street in Taipei becomes the place to be. Both becoming a street market and a night market, Dihua Street, the home of Taipei's oldest businesses, is transformed literally overnight into the New Year market. Vendors from the street itself and all over Taiwan gather to sell Nian Huo, or new year's goods. Everything from dried fruits,candy,toys and clothing are sold on Dihua Street. These Nian Huo are meant to be lucky food, food that will bring luck and joy into the new year.