HOME > CENTRAL TAIWAN > TAICHUNG > ARTICLES >

COMPASS MAGAZINE, JANUARY 2000. VOL. 7 ISSUE 1

About Town:

Taichung's most unhidden treasure

By Barbara Healy

It doesn't take Indiana Jones or any other seasoned sleuth to discover one of Taichung's most intriguing, unburied treasures. Shoppers usually get clues to this destination by word of mouth. It's pretty easy to find from there as it's hidden only by the multitude of vehicles parked just outside its tent-like awning, on any given Friday, Saturday or Sunday of the year.
A child of the older Lien Mei jade market (exquisitely hidden within a maze of shops near Taichung Park), the newer Wen Hsin Jade Market is also a fabulous place for jade hunting. Wen Hsin Jade Market, at the intersection of Chung Kang and Wen Shin roads, sits within one stadium-sized facility and hosts about 300 tables brimming with eclectic artistry.
A variety of jade, carvings and fascinating relics of past and present line the walkways. Wood carvings, tea and tea accessories, Buddhist products, ceramics, beads, crystals, other gems and practically anything one could find in a favorite Asian grandmother's attic.
Jack and Melody Lee, the owners of the Wen Hsin Jade Market, carefully selected the location about two and a half years ago for its accessibility and spaciousness. Melody, at the heart of the operation, enjoys her work and is no stranger to her trade. A licensed gemologist, she welcomes visiting guests as well as residents of Taichung to bring their own gems for her to assess, as a gratuity.
Melody says the secret to the success of her jade market lies not only in the items featured but also in her interest in seeing that people find what they like here. Jack is a materials director for a successful international company based in Taiwan. They have a 15-year-old son who studies in Australia, is already a seasoned golfer, as well as an artist. Melody proudly displays one of his paintings near her office at the Market -- a very sophisticated and beautiful work, far beyond the level of a novice. He makes teapots as well, she adds.
World travel has helped build Melody's philosophy about people and community. She spent three months in France and lived a year in Montreal so her French, as well as her English are very good. Recently, Melody hand-selected and donated some beautiful items from the jade market for the International Women's Association charity auction, of which proceeds went to earthquake relief in Taiwan.
Melody welcomes all who enjoy seeking their own treasures to come and explore at the "Wen Hsin Jade Market," open Friday through Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. She is often seen roaming the aisles herself, available to provide information and assistance, or just to get acquainted with her customers and their needs.
In the future, Melody hopes to provide educational activities for both adults and children who visit the market, including perhaps a kids crafts workshop and some informational talks about a specific type of item for sale at the market. The market provides an excellent venue to sample the multi-faceted and fascinating cross section of Asian culture, art, and history. So, put on your adventurer's gear, get out your Taichung map, and come explore. 651-1, Sec. 2, Wen Hsin Road, Taichung, telephone, (04) 254-3788.

* Thanks goes to Jim Hou of Taichung for assistance with interpretation during research for the article.

Learn about the History of Jade