Guanghua Market was originally named after Guanghua bridge, because the market was located right under this bridge. It was a public market established by the city government. At the beginning, it was just a shabby place for selling used books and toys. The market was the preferred hangout spot for antique dealers and collectors. After US military forces had left Taiwan in 1979, great amount of electronics and electronics parts were being sold in the market. Later, the sellers also started to sell hardware, software, stereos, and computers when Taiwan started to produce electronics. Taiwanese often say that this Taipei market is equivalent to the Akihabara shopping area in Japan. These two places both have numerous electronics shops and sell otaku (obsessive fan) goods such as animation and model kits. However, the bridge became old and dangerous so the whole market was dismantled with the bridge in 2006. The stores in Guanghua Market have been relocated to this whole new building on Bade Road, and they have been reopened for business since mid July 2008.
Guanghua Market is located near Taipei Main Station, Mitsukoushi Department Store, and Ximending. Various stores and restaurants open around the Taipei Main Station. It is a great shopping area for people, especially for white-collar workers and students.