As the Taipei mayoral race heats up, Democratic Progressive Party candidate Puma Shen drew large crowds in Da'an District, a traditional Kuomintang stronghold — a positive sign for his campaign and a warning signal for the KMT camp.

• Shen canvassed for votes at Linjiang Street Night Market in Da'an District on Sunday evening, with supporters queuing up outside the market to take photos with him and the site packed at one point.
• Da'an District has long been regarded as a deep-blue stronghold, and this level of popularity suggests the electoral picture there may be loosening.
• Night market vendors said business has been difficult and that a number of stalls have already closed, but that evening saw the largest crowds in two years.
• "Yang Liu" (Ocean Current) posters made for him by supporters have spread online, generating a wave of spontaneous publicity.
• The blue-white camp has questioned whether the crowds were mobilised for effect, arguing they do not reflect genuine public opinion.

Outlook: Shen is expected to continue campaigning on the ground to build momentum, and ahead of the year-end election, KMT strongholds such as Da'an District will become a key battleground for both sides.