Travel
Spring Festival uncrowded attractions #3 / If you can jump up, you're a warrior – The Birdman Rock in the tea plantation
Perched above the Yawumas Ancient Trail, Birdman Rock spans among the massive stone revetments of the tea plantation. Legend has it that in ancient times, a brave warrior used this rock to showcase his jumping prowess, even outperforming the world’s top pole vaulter, Birdman Vanya, who admitted he couldn’t match it. Hence, it’s called “Birdman Rock.” Anyone who can leap onto this huge rock is truly a warrior.
18east: A New Gourmet Landmark in Eastern Taipei, Featuring Rare Celebrity Autographed Collections in Taiwan
In recent years, numerous new restaurants have opened near Exit 2 of Taipei’s Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall MRT Station. This area has gradually replaced Lane 216 in Eastern Taipei as the district’s top culinary battleground, where only restaurants with true strength can secure a spot. 18east, a newly opened creative Japanese cuisine restaurant, not only highlights fresh ingredients flown directly from Tokyo’s Tsukiji Market but also showcases rare celebrity autographed collectibles seldom seen in Taiwan—such as the highly popular signed poster of all the cast members from Star Wars: Episode VIII and the signed model car of Paul Walker from Fast & Furious.
Flight attendant shows off her legs, flashes half a boob—has the airline calendar gone too far?
Thailand’s low-cost airline “NOK Air” recently released its 2013 flight attendant calendar, featuring 12 stewardesses posing in bikinis in front of airplanes, even boldly “flashing half a boob,” which is enough to make anyone’s heart race. However, this move has caught the attention of international media outlet CNN, which published an article discussing whether “airline calendars are too ‘sexy’ for governments.”
Taoyuan’s “Fresh Fish Soup” Specialty Shop – Refreshing Ginger-Shredded Sailfish Porridge & Crispy Grilled Fish Rice
Lian Ge’s Fresh Fish Soup is, as the name suggests, primarily focused on fish dishes. Aside from being served as a soup, the fish can also be cooked into porridge or grilled. The prices are quite reasonable. The owner preps the fresh fish ingredients in advance, and each portion is just the right amount for one serving. I found the fish slices to be generous and made with quality ingredients. With some shredded ginger and rice wine added to make the soup, it’s refreshingly light and warms you up nicely.
Valentine's Day Stay Discount: Get 3.5 Off with a 9-Second Kiss
This year’s Western Valentine’s Day falls on Thursday, February 14, which coincides with the fifth day of the Lunar New Year holiday. Have you planned how to spend a sweet time with your loved one? Hotel operators have launched special Valentine’s stay packages. Starting now, book the Valentine’s package at Hanting Hotel for a stay on February 14. Upon check-in, if the couple passionately kisses for nine seconds and takes a photo to post on FACEBOOK, they can enjoy the romantic rate of NT$2013 + NT$299 (approximately 3.5 off the original price) to stay for one night in an elegant room.
Spring Festival uncrowded attraction #4 / Free scenic coffee spot — Baiyun Maple Forest Trail in Hualien
Located in Hualien, the Baiyun Trail, which connects to the Maple Forest Trail, offers stunning views of the majestic Qingshui Cliffs. Stretching from the north to the south, it provides panoramic vistas of Qixingtan, Hualien Port, Meilisha Mountain, and the entire cityscape of Hualien, creating a refreshing and uplifting experience. With completely unobstructed views, when the wind blows and you look down, the golden waves of rice fields sway — a truly enchanting sight.
Besides watching the Taipei 101 fireworks, you can also "enjoy the snow" at Mandarin Oriental during Taipei's New Year countdown.
Besides watching the Taipei 101 fireworks, you can also "enjoy the snow" at Mandarin Oriental during Taipei's New Year countdown.
Shanghai’s “Laochangfang” Has Transformed Successfully: From Slaughterhouse to Cultural and Creative Park
Do you still remember the backstage of the fashion show that everyone desperately helped Nanxiang complete at the end of the first episode of *Tiny Times*? That was the “1933 Laochangfang” in Shanghai. Just from the film’s camera work, you can see how intricate the set was. But you’d never have guessed that this vast square, with its maze-like layout and stark, cold concrete interior, was once a slaughterhouse that has now been transformed into a cultural and creative park.
Booking flights during the Spring Festival – Airlines offer up to 40% off
To celebrate the Year of the Dragon and welcome the New Year in high spirits, airlines have launched various themed promotional routes under the campaign “Spring Festival Flights Stay Open – Early Birds Welcome Spring,” as well as a Taichung-departure special “Experience Colorful Macau.” These deals also benefit travelers from northern, central, and southern Taiwan planning post-holiday trips, with minimum prices starting as low as 60% of China Airlines’ regular website fares.
Travel in Macau / Oldest Tea Restaurant: Nambing Yaxu’s Charming Retro Atmosphere
If you want to experience the old-school vibe of a traditional tea restaurant in Macau, “Nambing Yaxu” is your best bet. This small shop on “Rua de Cinco de Outubro” may have an unassuming façade, but it’s actually the first ice cream parlor in all of Macau to have air conditioning. It serves breakfast early in the morning until evening, and it’s always packed with people.
Top 5 Less-Crowded Spots to Visit During Chinese New Year V / Narrower Than “Grope the Breast Alley”: The Gorge in Monkey Cave
The approximately 800-meter-long Monkey Cave Trail is said to have been named after a monk built a stone water tank to provide drinking water for the monkeys in the mountains when they couldn’t find any. Hence the name “Monkey Cave.” The most famous attraction in Monkey Cave, the “One-Line Sky” (一线天), can only be reached by entering from beside Guanyin Zen Temple, climbing a steep uphill path to reach Golden Turtle Rock, and then entering the gorge.
Seriously though!! A two-Michelin-star Chinese restaurant is making its debut in Tainan, using Taiwanese pears to make soup
Seriously though!! A two-Michelin-star Chinese restaurant is making its debut in Tainan, using Taiwanese pears to make soup
Gourmets’ Hidden Menu – This Melon Tastes Like Shark’s Fin!
Gourmets’ Hidden Menu – This Melon Tastes Like Shark’s Fin!
Planning an island-wide trip during Lunar New Year? Taitung unveils the “Eight Blessings” travel perks
In response to the anticipated influx of tourists during the nine-day Lunar New Year holiday, Taitung County Government stated that it hopes to provide returning locals and visiting travelers with more convenient transportation, better access to information, and a wider range of travel services while enjoying Taitung’s natural beauty. The public is also encouraged to report any instances of price gouging by accommodation providers.
Seven uncrowded attractions to visit during Chinese New Year VII / Qixingling Scenic Trail – where you might even spot a mysterious military harbor?
The 4,750-meter Qixingling Trail was once an ancient path used by early settlers to cross the mountains. Walking along the trail, you can enjoy breathtaking views all around. Below lies the Su’ao Cold Spring, to the east is Su’ao Harbor, to the north is the Lanyang Plain, and to the south is the urban area of Su’ao. Most tourists visiting Yilan only go to the Su’ao Cold Spring, making this stunning scenic spot relatively unknown and giving it a sense of being a hidden paradise.
Handing out red envelopes during the Spring Festival? The amusement park gives away 250 gifts daily
Still wondering where to go during the winter vacation? E-DA Theme Park has launched a brand-new giant float parade performance — “Giant Fantasy Parade.” To allow more visitors to enjoy the park’s float parade, the park invested millions to create a brand-new 5-meter-tall giant puppet float. Performers also wear stilts, bouncing stunt gear, ultra-tall giant puppets, and exaggerated, luxurious costumes, plus they’ve gathered world-class stunt performers to compete in skills during the parade.
Spring Festival uncrowded attractions VI / Ultra-homely elementary school & the elephant slide that survived the 921 earthquake
Known as "the most homestay-like school in all of Taiwan," Qingshui Elementary School was completely destroyed in the 921 earthquake and later rebuilt, featuring a distinctive blend of European and Japanese architectural styles. Many people even call to ask, "Do you still have rooms available tonight?"—a testament to the school’s strong vacation-like, relaxing vibe, making it a highly worthwhile destination for a holiday visit.
Eating four-color glutinous rice balls is “so comforting” – Hotel offers Lantern Festival warmth
On a cold day, nothing beats a warm, not overly sweet bowl of glutinous rice balls. Hotel operators have launched “Four-Color Glutinous Rice Balls,” combining four flavors: matcha, red bean, original, and raindrop stone (a colorful variety blending red, white, and green), merging innovation with tradition.
Top 8 uncrowded holiday spots for Chinese New Year VIII / A diamond-grade Villa Elementary School full of maritime charm
With its Mediterranean architectural style, sloping roof with wave-like design, high arched floor-to-ceiling windows, and elegant blue-trimmed details, Taitung City’s Fengyuan Elementary School is hailed as a “diamond-grade villa elementary school.” The wave-like eaves and surfboard-style roof exude the vibrant blue hues characteristic of Taitung.
Celebrity-Owned Shops / Mayday’s Ashin’s “Stayreal Café” Blessed by Masters
One day, Mayday’s Ashin and illustrator Ikko Tanaka were strolling leisurely in Taipei’s East District when they spotted a nice-looking storefront for rent. “Let’s rent it!” And then? What next? Ashin opened up the idea to all employees of his fashion brand “Stayreal,” and the most common suggestion was: “I really hope to own a café in my future life!” Thus, the fashion brand’s extension — “Stayreal Café” — was born.