Gaozhuang Night Market

Gaozhuang Night Market, in Jinghong City, is one of the top places to experience when travelling to Xishuangbanna.

Located between the JinHong Golden Pagoda and Mekong River, the market occupies a huge square. You will fund hundred of stores and shops selling everything from fresh food, toys and handicrafts to exclusive tea sets made by famous artists.

Xishuangbanna, known as "Little Thailand," is renowned for its unique Dai culture. The Gaozhuang Night Market, also called Starlight Night Market is located at the foot of the iconic Hongjing Grand Golden Pagoda, the epitome of Dai architecture. Here, you can capture the religious ambiance, architectural beauty, and local cultural elements all in one place.

The majestic Pagoda stands at a height of 66.6 metres, symbolizing the connection of six countries: China, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam.

The bustling Gaozhuang Night Market（Starlight Night Market）sits just behind the pagoda and is the largest and most distinctive night market in the Golden Triangle. Every corner of the market holds surprises waiting to be discovered.

As you enter the market, you'll be greeted by a large platform adorned with colourful umbrellas, reminiscent of Thailand's "Train Night Market." The market is divided into several sections, located to the east and west of the grand pagoda.

As evening approaches, sellers and tourists fill the market, and as night falls, the vibrant display of goods under the colourful paper umbrellas becomes more pronounced, creating an atmosphere of festivity.

With a cool breeze blowing from the river, you can indulge in delicious food and tropical fruits and check out clothing, jewellery and handicrafts.

Small boats laden with fresh vegetables, fruits, and flowers crisscross the Mekong River's Six Countries Floating Market（it’s another small market in Gaozhuang Night Market）within the scenic area. Dai women dressed in ethnic costumes greet visitors with sweet smiles and friendly gestures, adding to the joyful atmosphere. The excitement of the bustling water market unfolds as the boats gently sway.

In the Gaozhuang night market, you'll find a wide variety of delicious food at reasonable prices. The enticing flavors will make your taste buds crave for more. When you feel tired from strolling around, you can sit by the banks of the Lancang River, admire the beautiful night scenery, and soak in the vibrant atmosphere created by the colourful lights.

As they say, "Fireworks in the human world touch the hearts of mortals." Well, the night market in Gaozhuang not only offers fireworks but also boasts a magnificent night view.

Every year, Gaozhuang holds a water lantern festival, which has grown increasingly grand in recent years, attracting numerous visitors. Here, you can witness the grandest Miss Water Lantern Beauty pageant, enjoy float parades, and explore the floating market. You can experience the atmosphere of a water lantern festival without leaving the country.

The Starlight Night Market opens at 6:30 PM and continues until midnight. It is recommended to arrive at Gaozhuang Xishuangjing around 5:30 PM. Then, walk along Wanxiang Avenue, and you will see the majestic Hongjing Grand Golden Pagoda.

You can snap a photo in front of the pagoda and walk three rounds around it to pray for blessings. From the stairs at the rear, you can capture the initial appearance of the illuminated Starlight Night Market.

The pagoda will give you a different feeling during the day and under the lights. When you approach the southern side of the pagoda and look down towards the Lancang River, you'll see the bustling Starlight Night Market, illuminated and teeming with people.

As you explore the night market, you can not only indulge in various culinary delights but also experience traditional ethnic costumes and capture memorable photographs. The food in the night market may not be the cheapest, but it offers the widest selection and reflects the local flavours. You'll also find many unique items and specialties here.