Taipeis Jianguo Holiday Jade Market is famous as being boasted as the largest such market in Asia, and is a magnet drawing true jade aficionados from all over the island. Its also the epicenter of jade wholesale and retail sales in Taiwan, with some claiming that 90 percent or more of all transactions, both in volume and value, originate here.

The Jianguo Jade Market is nestled under the elevated section of Jianguo South Road between Renai and Jinan Roads. Currently, the market is home to over 800 vendors selling Taiwanese jade, Myanmar jade, crystals, jade statues and artwork, antique Chinese jade, feitsui jade, coral, agate, pearls, antiques, coins and bills, Chinese knotting, and much more. The variety is stunning to the eye and is literally almost too much to take in.

Lovers of jade need look no farther for lucky pendants, charms against evil, and all manner of adornments and decorations. Those born in the Year of the Pig will find many pigs for their perusal, as the motif is especially popular this year, with this year being the Year of the Pig on the Chinese calendar. There are veined green jade pigs, pigs of pure white stone, crystal pigs, and more, selling for anything from a few hundred to tens of thousands of NT dollars. Its a great chance to get some bargains with those New Year bonuses!

Wang Yu-pin, the person responsible for running this amazing market, says that this years lucky color is yellow, and indeed, lucky charms in yellow and yellow carvings of the "kunlin," （a mythical bear-like creature said to represent prosperity） are popular just now.

If you feel like turning over a new leaf with your luck, then Chen Sen-lin, chairman of the Taipei Jade Objects Association, says that a jade ornament designed to change your luck would be a good choice. Vendors here can help you to select a "money mother" or some jade money representing increasing fortune can be placed in your drawer or money vault to help the money "be fruitful and multiply."

Chen Ching-ming, chairman of the Jade Market, says that regardless of whether people are buying for themselves or purchasing gifts for others, before making a purchase, they should consider some basic issues. The key to this is how much you are willing to spend and how much you can spend. Second comes the type of jade you seek, for example, ice jade, blood jade, green beans, white based green, glass types, or one of many others, since different types of jade occupy different tiers on the pricing scale. Lastly, consider the type and style of piece you want to buy. You could choose a Chinese chop, a pendant, bracelet, circlet, ring, or an art piece.

Chen says that the value of jade varies from person to person. Whether you like a piece of not is highly subjective, and both buyer and seller must have a certain "connection" before everyone will be satisfied with the transaction. Buyers should inform themselves as much as possible before setting out for the market so as not to throw caution to the winds when they are intoxicated by the bright colors and beautiful forms on offer.

Vendors are offering sales on their grade-A products （pure natural jade products） and treasure boxes. Now, after the New Year holiday, the next high point for the trade will be Mothers Day, when hordes of buyers will flood the market seeking that special something to present to their mothers for the holiday.