Travel
Showcasing aerial stunts in mid-air International surfing competition kicks off in Taitung
The annual Taiwan International Surfing Open is being held in Jinzun, Taitung from today (14th) to the 18th. This year, it has been recognized by the ASC International Surfing Organization as a stop on the Asian Tour, joining Malaysia, Vietnam, and other locations as one of the event’s key venues in Asia. Competitors’ performances will be evaluated for qualification to the ISA World Surfing Games—the highest-level (Ultima) surfing competition organized by the ISA—and it is also the only international surfing event in Taiwan.
Penghu Bay Selected as One of the “World’s Most Beautiful Bays,” Boosting Its International Status
Penghu Bay officially passed the review today and became a member of the “Organization of World’s Most Beautiful Bays.” It will receive the “World’s Most Beautiful Bay” certification plaque next year. Mr. Lü Qinglong, Taiwan's representative to France who has been actively promoting this initiative, stated that Penghu’s membership in the organization helps enhance the international
"Shimotsubo Coast," a stunningly beautiful Japanese shoreline — legends say women are forbidden at Kamui Misaki
In Hokkaido, besides Otaru and Niseko, Shimotsubo Coast on Shakotan Peninsula and Kamui Misaki, known for the legend of a women ban, are also highly recommended by locals. Shimotsubo Coast is even selected as one of Japan’s Top 100 Coastlines. Though the round trip takes about 20 minutes and leaves those who don’t often exercise panting for breath, it still attracts many visitors, including elderly people, to explore this serene spot.
Specialty Single-Origin Coffee at Kichijoji’s Own-Roast Café: A Craftsman’s Commitment to Pour-Over Only
Just ¥280 per cup of single-origin coffee? In the bustling city of Tokyo, this is almost unbelievable. This hidden gem is not part of any chain, but the passion project of veteran barista Mr. Takahashi. The rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee here carries the dedication and philosophy of true coffee artisans.
Vanishing upon check-in ! Sweden’s “Invisible Treehouse” Hotel – Almost Transparent and Extremely Hard to Find
Finding a hotel on the map when traveling to a new city is always a headache. Deep in the woods of Harads in northern Sweden, there is an “extremely hard to find” “invisible hotel.” This hotel is not only marvelously built on trees with tree trunks as support points, but also uses special mirrors to reflect the surrounding landscape, successfully “camouflaging” itself among the trees. No matter how you look, you can’t find it. Even those who stay inside are virtually “vanished” from the face of the earth !
Taiwan’s Most Disappointing Hotel for Men – A “Female-Focused Space” Created in an Alleyway Old House
Getting lost in the winding alleys of Tainan is a moving experience. Just about a 10-minute walk from Tainan Railway Station, as you weave through lanes surrounded by old houses and traditional tiles, when you think you’ve started to lose your way, the sign for “Jiajia Xiaonantian” suddenly catches your eye. With its simple yet design-savvy decor, it’s as alluring as if it had drawn in the colors of the entire alley. However, some have described this as the most “male-disappointing” hotel in all of Tainan.
Container House Becomes a Transparent Food Display – San Francisco’s Mobile Pizza Truck Is a Huge Hit
Where’s the best place to enjoy pizza? In San Francisco, USA, there’s a mobile pizza kitchen built from a shipping container that showcases its wood-fired oven through a glass window, baking authentic Neapolitan pizzas in just one minute. With its ultra-authentic flavors and ingredients, it has attracted a large number of customers who follow the “mobile pizza truck’s” route daily.
Have a brunch / Vintage modern vibe in a renovated old house – the aroma of industrial retro coffee
Tucked away in the alleys of Anhe Road, Duo Duo Café is a uniquely styled coffee shop housed in a standalone white building. The owner, who has a design background, incorporated many creative elements into the space. For example, the old walls and gate were removed to let in outdoor sunlight, camellias are planted outside, filling the air with their delicate fragrance from time to time. The front garden on the first floor was transformed into a glasshouse, furnished with nostalgic sofas and accented by a red brick floor that enhances the rich retro atmosphere.
“This is an open secret no more” – A forbidden eel pasta joint in Tainan
“This place is an open secret no more.” Legend has it that a veteran reporter once visited Tainan and accidentally tasted “A-Jiang Eel Pasta” before the shop had even put up its sign. The unforgettable taste left such a deep impression that he issued a stern warning to his peers: he couldn’t report on it, lest too many people swarm in. It could only remain an eternal “hidden gem” on every journalist’s private list.
Standing in the Middle of the Fields: Taiwan’s Most Beautiful "Rice Wave" Exhibition Interprets the Resilience of Farmers
“It seems only natural that farmers stand in the middle of the fields, but in today’s society, it’s no longer just farmers who do so—expressways and luxury mansions also ‘stand in the middle of the fields.’” On the raised paths of Xizhou, Changhua, the black-and-white silhouettes of farmers stretch along the road, their weathered faces exuding the scent of Taiwan’s soil and the sweat of labor. These are the images of Taiwanese farmers captured by photographer Chang Liang-yi over 14 years.
Win an iPhone at the Ping’an Salt Festival’s “Cup Throwing” Game – Throw the Most Holy Signs to Take It Home
Every year during the autumn and winter seasons, in the coastal salt-producing regions of Yunlin, Chiayi, and Tainan, besides welcoming the arrival of winter migratory birds, the King Kunshen Ping’an Salt Festival will officially kick off on November 17th and 18th. Having been held for nine years, this year’s salt festival introduces the White Yunlin-Chiayi-Tainan Tourism Series and incorporates innovative elements such as street dance and kite shows, aiming to invite visitors from all over to deeply experience a unique religious and cultural celebration and enjoy the one-of-a-kind charm of the “Salt Country.”
Holiday resort recommends booking app — Get a NT$1,000 shopping voucher & chance to win an iPad mini
With the cold weather here, why not plan a relaxing hot spring trip? The Eastland Resort is the first hotel to launch its own booking app. From November 15, 2012 to January 31, 2013, simply download the “Eastland Resort Booking App,” and the first 400 customers will receive a NT$1,000 shopping voucher from SenSen Mall.
Mirage and micro techniques to discover Kaohsiung – Hotel anniversary celebrates with an art journey
Hotel operators in Kaohsiung have, for the first time in southern Taiwan, invited artists from various fields to reside in the hotel to stage an art exhibition and musical performance, blending the design hotel with art and music as part of their anniversary celebration. Additionally, they have planned a month-long birthday celebration with dining and room discount packages, as well as lucky draw activities to reward customers.
With streams and waterfalls as the natural stage, the Taroko Gorge Music Festival kicks off tomorrow
The Taroko Gorge Music Festival, which blends with nature, will hold its second performance tomorrow (the 17th). This year’s theme is “Sonata of Mountains and Waters.” The performances will take place in the Liwu River Valley at Changchun Shrine, with the morning session from 10:15 AM to 11:30 AM and the afternoon session from 2:30 PM to 4:00 PM. Cellist Chang Cheng-chieh serves as the music director, assembling the Beyond Sound Chamber Ensemble and other renowned domestic musicians for the event.
Switzerland’s Air-raid Shelter Turned “Zero-Star Hotel” with Morning Wake-up Calls Beside Your Bed
The world’s first “Zero Star Hotel” has appeared in Switzerland. Promoting the idea of treating each guest as “the only star,” the hotel offers rooms for less than NT$500 per person, with the raw, dark, and chilly feeling of an original air-raid shelter as the main experience. Combining affordability, uniqueness, and safety, it is regarded by backpackers from many countries as one of the “best hostels for travelers.”
Have brunch here / "This is real coffee!" An Aussie warehouse relocated to Taipei
Rugged and minimalist, the Woolloomooloo Xinyi branch has an interior that resembles a warehouse, making it a highly designed, industrial-style restaurant. Woolloomooloo was originally the name of a harbor area near Sydney, Australia, where many naval forces were stationed and numerous warehouses stood. These became memories for the owner of Woolloomooloo, which later brought its presence to the streets of Taipei.
Hidden Paradise on Earth: Delicious "Trash Rice" at the Foot of Gyeongju's Namsan Mountain
Located in North Gyeongsang Province, Gyeongju is South Korea’s historical capital. In addition to preserving royal tombs from the Silla Dynasty, Gyeongju’s Namsan Mountain is renowned not only for its breathtaking scenery but also as a mountain forest filled with “world heritage.” Moreover, in the vast fields at the foot of Namsan, there is a “hidden” restaurant whose signature dish, “trash rice,” is an unforgettable treat for hikers.
Travel Weekly / Come on and be a "flower fanatic"! Weekend flower appreciation season begins across the country
As autumn transitions into winter, flower appreciation fever is sweeping across Taiwan, with a series of floral and butterfly-themed events kicking off this holiday weekend from north to south. Through meticulous arrangement, the beautiful flower seas display various fun patterns, making their vibrant colors even more eye-catching. This weekend, why not plan a nature-interacting trip and wander through the fields of blossoms?
"The sea view in Taitung is truly stunning!" A moment of golden brilliance at the Taiwan International Surfing Competition
On the third day of the Taiwan International Surfing Competition, the official contests kicked off this morning (16th) at 7 AM with the mixed board paddle race. Just as the referee blew the whistle to signal the start of the wave riding, several beams of sunlight pierced through the clouds, bathing the entire sea surface in a golden glow. Combined with the towering waves and the surfers' battles against the surf, both domestic and international competitors as well as the spectators couldn't help but exclaim, "The sea view in Taitung is absolutely gorgeous!"
"Red Beef Soup" Spotted in Tainan – A Legendary Delicacy Known Only to Locals
Starting the day with a bowl of beef soup in Tainan seems to be the general public’s basic impression of the city’s culinary scene. However, among the hundreds of beef soup shops, each has its own unique cooking and serving methods. So, what kind of beef soup is the most creative and delicious? The "Red Beef Soup" shop in Anping, where the broth and fresh meat turn redder the longer they’re cooked, might be worth a try.