Travel
Irresistible Bubble Tea Charm: Three Popular Taiwanese Brands Conquer Japan
Taiwan’s bubble tea is world-famous, and many foreign visitors make sure to try a cup when in Taiwan. Now, you don’t have to be in Taiwan to enjoy it—recently, three well-known Taiwanese bubble tea brands have landed in Japan. If you’re traveling in Japan and craving a taste of home, keep an eye out for these shops and treat yourself to a rich, flavorful bubble tea to soothe your homesickness.
North Taiwan’s Tallest Bridge: Zhongzheng Bridge Becomes a Stunning Landmark
The Zhongzheng Bridge, which connects the transportation of towns and cities such as Zhubei, Xionglin, and Zhudong, officially opened to traffic on the 17th. In addition to significantly shortening travel time between the three areas, the bridge, standing at a height of 83.5 meters, has also become the tallest bridge in northern Taiwan...
A UNESCO World Heritage ancient city in Syria destroyed: IS bombs millennia-old Temple of Bel
Another World Heritage site lost. The Temple of Bel, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was bombed and destroyed by the Islamic State (IS) on August 23. The Temple of Bel held significant...
Climb up to the Fugui Cape Lighthouse at Taiwan’s northernmost point, now open for visits
Taiwan’s northernmost lighthouse, the “Fugui Cape Lighthouse,” has been opened to visitors starting August 29, becoming the 11th lighthouse in Taiwan to be open to the public. The North Coast and Guanyinshan National Scenic Area Administration will also host an event titled “At Taiwan’s Northern Tip – Fugui Cape, Where Views Await...” at the lighthouse on the same day.
The Alishan Forest Railway's tea-themed cruise train tour is now on sale
In the fourth quarter, the Alishan Forest Railway is launching a tea-themed cruise train, which officially went on sale on September 9th and will begin service in October. The forest railway will take passengers to "Liyuanliao Station," the only one located in Meishan Township, where they can enjoy the views of the acacia tree...
Like an angel spreading its wings, an ultra-rare fire rainbow appears
Recently, Taipei has experienced frequent afternoon thunderstorms, and beautiful rainbows often appear in the sky afterward, lifting everyone’s mood. Meanwhile, in South Carolina, USA, a rare “fire rainbow” phenomenon was spotted, with cloud formations resembling wings...
These old houses have a special charm — five popular old-house cafes
Each café has its own unique story and flavor. In this moment with a cup of coffee, we relax, open our closed hearts, and lazily lounge on the sofa to fully enjoy the aroma of the coffee and the beauty this space brings...
Fly to Bangkok for just 2,000 – budget airlines launch limited-time promotions
Good news for travelers planning to visit Thailand during the Qingming holiday or summer vacation. Thai budget airlines are offering promotional deals, with a three-day limited-time sale from January 30 to February 1. Not only are round-trip tickets available for as low as 1,818 yuan including taxes and fees...
Huge mascot figures that fans must photograph — the limited-time-only Chibi Maruko-chan pop-up store
The innocent and laid-back cartoon star Chibi Maruko-chan is a nostalgic figure for many, beloved not only by children but also by adults who can’t help but smile at the heartwarming interactions and conversations between Maruko and her grandfather. Now, the Chibi Maruko-chan...
Childhood in Ruins: Graffiti Master Builds a Dark Disney-Style Park
The world-renowned anonymous graffiti artist Banksy collaborated with multiple artists to create a theme-park-style art amusement park in the UK called “Dismaland” (with "dismal" meaning gloomy, bleak...).
Not just flying high – China’s most beautiful water highway steals the spotlight
China has a vast territory, and to adapt to its ever-changing natural obstacles, in addition to building highways in the clouds, the Guxian-Zhaojun Highway, recently dubbed “China’s most beautiful water highway,” was officially completed and opened to traffic on the 9th. ...
A Blood-Colored Pond Appears in Nara Park, Creating a Bizarre and Striking Sight
When visiting the ancient capital of Nara, a must-see destination in Kansai, the majestic Tōdai-ji Temple and the deer regarded as messengers of the gods are both iconic sights. However, recently, Nara Park has unexpectedly featured a bizarre blood-colored pond, which has amazed many visitors...
The fourth Tim Ho Wan outlet opens at Hankyu Department Store
Just months after the third branch in Taichung, Dayeh Takashimaya, opened in June, Tim Ho Wan is now set to launch its fourth store in Taipei at Uni-President Hankyu Department Store. Renovation signs have already gone up in the basement food court on the second underground level, with the new outlet expected to open...
Yayoi Kusama’s Dotted High Heels Debut at TRA Yuanlin New Station
As part of the Yuanlin Urban Railway Viaduct Project, to enhance the local character and diversity of the new Yuanlin Station, internationally renowned artist Yayoi Kusama was specially invited to integrate local features of Yuanlin into her creation of a new public art piece for the station — “I Set Off in My High Heels to Meet My Boyfriend.” The artwork was unveiled on the 24th, allowing the public an up-close experience with the master’s work.
Nearly 1000FT Waterslide Takes the World by Storm!SlideTheCity Debuts in Yilan
Is summer almost over and you still haven’t played in the water? The globally popular “Slide the City” waterslide event will hit Toucheng, Yilan from September 25 to 27, giving everyone a chance to challenge Taiwan’s most exciting giant slide and enjoy a unique Mid-Autumn holiday.
A must-visit in a lifetime! Top 10 filming locations of Studio Ghibli animations
Studio Ghibli cartoons have become popular worldwide, captivating both adults and children. Through these animations, we discover different worlds. Here is a list of ten filming locations featured in Studio Ghibli animations—see how many you recognize as a fan...
See here for intel on the 10-kilometer pink flower sea where the King of Cherry Blossoms is in full bloom
Pingtung’s Wutai Township is a popular flower-viewing destination in the south, with cherry blossoms planted since the Japanese colonial period. The annual Wutai cherry blossom season kicks off around spring and winter each year. This year’s Wutai cherry blossom season has already begun, with cherry blossom trees stretching 10 kilometers from Kilometer 38 to Kilometer 48 along Provincial Highway 24...
New Highlight in Street Art: French Artist Visits Taiwan for "Color, Way of Love" Project
French street artist Mr. C (Julien Seth Malland) has been traveling around the world since 2003, immersing himself in local life and creating artworks rich in local character...
The three-day non-stop 2015 Summer Jazz Outdoor Party
The 2015 National Theater & Concert Hall Summer Jazz Party will kick off on September 18. This year, the event has been specially expanded, featuring six performances over three consecutive days outdoors and three performances in the indoor concert hall. In addition to top Taiwanese jazz musicians...
Japan’s popular mascot Kumamon keeps making blunders, winning even more hearts
Kumamon, the mascot of Kumamoto Prefecture in Japan, is definitely one of the country’s most beloved mascot stars. With his adorable appearance and hilarious, nonsensical behavior, he has a huge fan base in both Taiwan and Japan. Recently, his series of online blunders...