Travel
The tribesman with the smallest eyes in all of Taiwan specially descended from the mountains to offer spring travel deals in Hualien
The tribesman with the smallest eyes in all of Taiwan has arrived. Zheng Mingkang, the village chief of Shan Yue Village in Hualien, led young warriors and girls of the Truku tribe. Yesterday (27th) early in the morning, they rushed from the mountains of Hualien to Taipei. Amidst singing and dancing, they brought Taiwanese people a series of exciting spring travel discounts and good news about Hualien.
2012’s Most Popular Check-in Spots Around the World: Times Square and Disneyland Rank High
If you were to take a trip around the world, where would you most want to check in and declare “I’m here”? Recently, the social networking site Facebook released a list of the “most popular check-in spots” in 11 countries including the United States, France, the United Kingdom, and South Korea. Among them, U.S. Times Square, France’s Eiffel Tower, and South Korea’s Myeongdong shopping district all made the list.
Japan Launches New Budget Airline 'Cherry Airlines' – Actress Inoue Yuki to Serve as Flight Attendant?
Rumors are swirling about yet another new low-cost airline in Japan, set to rival Peach Aviation. This new budget carrier is named “Cherry Airlines,” and like Peach, it will also be based at Kansai Airport. Not only that, but the flight attendants of “Cherry Airlines” are said to be super-attractive actresses, with even company executives handpicked to be handsome hunks. It seems this “airline rivalry” is heating up, prompting travelers in both Taiwan and Japan to wonder what kind of impact Cherry Airlines will have on the skies.
Countdown for the Taolin Railway: The last coal train bids farewell on December 31
In the early days, Taiwan Railways (TRA) established the Linkou Branch Line specifically to transport coal from Taoyuan to the Linkou Power Plant. However, in just four days—on the last day of 2012 (Republic of China Year 101)—the Taolin Railway and the Linkou coal trains will retire after fulfilling their mission, officially becoming history. Fans of railways should seize this final opportunity to take photos, as the Taolin Railway has had a long "coal-driven" run, and once this year is over, there’ll be no more time.
Tainan’s Madou: Popular Beef Soup Spot with All-You-Can-Eat Pork Fried Rice & Thick Scallion Egg!
The weather has turned really cold, so it’s time to write about some hot soup dishes that fit the season. When it comes to soup, my top choice is definitely beef soup. One day during lunchtime, I passed through Madou and decided to stop by Ah Rong Beef Soup on my must-try list. It was better than just always eating at Niu Zhuangyuan — that was getting a bit too repetitive and uninspired!
Travel Weekly / 2013 Taiwan New Year’s Eve Fireworks Shows – Top Picks Across North, Central, and South Taiwan
After your last day of work, it’s time to kick off your vacation days with a bang (pun intended)! With just three days left until 2013, have you decided where to ring in the New Year and soak up the thrilling joy of a brand-new year? From north to south, there are spectacular fireworks shows with various themes—Taipei 101, Miramar, Janfusun Fancyworld, Sun Moon Lake, and Dream Mall—just to name a few. If you haven’t picked your spot yet, check out these options, pack your bags in the final two days, and get ready to welcome 2013 in style!
42 international flagship events unveiled – A year-round celebration in Taiwan’s Tourism Calendar
The 2013 “Taiwan Tourism Calendar” has been released, featuring a diverse array of popular events across northern, central, southern, eastern Taiwan and the outlying islands. Acting like an expert tour guide, it provides complete details on timing, locations, and event themes — ensuring that both domestic and international travelers don’t miss out on the most exciting festivals and activities. It's essentially a practical travel guidebook in itself.
Japan’s Hidden Gems, Photography Tips, Skiing Techniques – 12 Free Travel Expert Lectures
Japan’s Hidden Gems, Photography Tips, Skiing Techniques – 12 Free Travel Expert Lectures
Not for the faint of heart try this out！ China’s Pingshanhu Grand Canyon — Climb out of the valley via a “vertical ladder”
Whoa?~ Hikers, this one’s for you！ Have you taken on the challenge of the “Pingshanhu Grand Canyon,” often compared to America’s Grand Canyon? This canyon in China’s Gansu Province is arguably the closest natural wonder to an urban area, and is known for being “thrilling, amazing, and perilous.” To fully appreciate this jaw-dropping natural beauty, you’ll need to be in top physical shape!
Jeju Island’s Mysterious ECO Land: Discovering a Fairytale World Like a Snowy Wonderland in Winter
Jeju Island in South Korea is often perceived as a warm and tropical destination, but did you know that it actually gets snow in winter? Centered around an eco-friendly concept, ECO LAND features European-style architecture and handcrafted steam trains, with snow-covered landscapes that make you feel like you’re in a fairytale.
Japan’s only “beach highway” Easily drive to a “seaside cape”
No 4WD needed for off-roading—drive straight to the ends of the earth? In Japan’s central Noto Peninsula region, there’s such a “cape” that’s easy to reach, where vehicles can drive onto the beach without any special modifications. Visiting this “beach highway” in winter also offers the unique spectacle of snow, sand, and sea blending together, and when sunlight filters through the clouds, it creates an almost magical glow.
Sharing a Flight with “Big-Ren” Chen Bolin: China Airlines Hosts a Special In-Flight Screening of the Drama "In Time with You"
Want to soar through the skies with “Big-Ren” on a romantic journey? Starting January 1, 2013, China Airlines will screen the popular idol drama "In Time with You" on board. To show appreciation to long-time fans, China Airlines has specially organized an in-flight screening event, inviting Golden Bell Award-winning actor “Big-Ren” Chen Bolin to attend. Lucky fans will get to enjoy the drama together with him in the new cabin of China Airlines’ B747-400 aircraft.
Traveling in a hotel room / The entrance gate turns into a magic cube – a surreal scene from science fiction
The Puerta America hotel is a dreamlike destination, interpreting architectural design through diverse cultures. With varying materials, colors, and shapes, it breaks the conventional boundaries of hotel space. Without even mentioning the astronomical construction costs, just the number of architects and designers involved—nineteen in total—is unprecedented in the hospitality industry. Each one is a world-class master.
Stay overnight at a shrine / Surrounded by forest, Ise Grand Shrine serves incredibly fresh seafood
Enjoying a delicious dinner made with fresh fish from Ise-Shima is a delightful experience. At the same time, it’s highly recommended to join the “Early Morning Shrine Visit Tour” hosted by the lodge. Departing from in front of the lodge at 6:30 AM every day, the approximately one hour and forty-minute tour is led by staff from the shrine lodge and even takes you through the less-crowded inner sanctuary of the Inner Shrine — an experience only possible when staying within the grounds of Ise Grand Shrine.
A pilgrimage must-visit spot: a "heavenly" bookstore where even the living can go — a Dutch church transformed into a stylish bookstore
This is a temple of books visited by pilgrims from all over the world. Sip coffee in the Altar Café while immersing yourself in the joy of reading. The Maastricht branch of Selexyz Bookstore is located within a 13th-century former Christian church of the Dominican Order (Ordo Dominicanorum), and is one of the Netherlands' largest bookstore chains.
Expert-guided trip / Explore ancient sites & hang out with alpacas～Beibu in Hsinchu is super fun
As 2012 draws to a close and you're struggling to find a relaxing getaway without taking long leave, why not take a short trip to Beibu Township in Hsinchu County? Enjoy a mini adventure filled with cultural charm, local snacks, and lush greenery.
Fresh, affordable, and hearty — an incredible seafood feast in Jeju Island
When visiting Jeju Island in South Korea, besides trying the famously delicious oranges, you definitely shouldn’t miss the “cheap and hearty” seafood dishes that are much more affordable than those in Seoul. In Dongmun Market located in the Dongmun-ro shopping district, there are seafood restaurants known for being “generous with portions, delicious, and incredibly fresh.” If you’re tired from exploring the Jungangno Underground Shopping Street or Dongmun Market, why not take a break here, rest your legs, and treat yourself to a satisfying meal.
Beef noodles doing tai chi? Creative, delicious flavors that even Americans fly in for
Beef noodles doing tai chi? Creative, delicious flavors that even Americans fly in for.
Before-and-after? Taipei's unconventional "When in Rome" ad in South Korea
Taipei City plans to promote "weekend getaways" in South Korea, but seemingly aiming to stand out among the abundance of plastic surgery ads in subway cars, it has gone native by using a "Before and After" theme as its promotional hook, hoping to catch the eye of commuters.
Vietnam’s “Crazy House” Is Wildly Unusual — Exclusively for Quirky Travelers
When visiting Vietnam, one attraction you absolutely can’t miss is the “Crazy House.” But the “Crazy House” isn’t home to lunatics — it’s designed for adventurous travelers from around the globe. Selected as one of the world’s top ten bizarre buildings in 2009, the Crazy House hotel blends wild imagination, merging concepts like Disney, giraffes, and caves into a single structure. It’s like a house gone mad, overflowing with all kinds of whimsical ideas.