Taipei mayoral hopeful Puma Shen pulled unusually big crowds on a market walkabout, an early sign of momentum for his campaign.

• Shen worked Nanmen Market in Taipei on Saturday morning, and the turnout was far bigger than a normal campaign stop.
• People lined up for photos and autographs, with the queue snaking around several corners and no end in sight.
• Staff had to warn those waiting that there might not be time for everyone to get a photo.
• Video of the crowd spread online, with commenters calling it a sea of people and saying Shen has a real shot at winning.
• Shen is running for the DPP in a race that will test the party's strength in the capital.

Outlook: Expect rival camps to push back on the hype as the Taipei mayoral race heats up.