Travel
Top 10 Food Industry News of 2017 — Ichiran Ramen’s Taiwan Launch Sparks Huge Buzz
As 2017 nears its end, many media outlets are reviewing the year’s top ten news stories or topics. Beyond politics and economics, ETtoday News Cloud has also rounded up the top ten food industry events in 2017 for all the foodies out there.
It’s not a big place, but it’s definitely not a “small country”! Remember to feel proud of Taiwan.
Lately, Taiwan has been especially united. I’ve actually been thinking—when Taiwanese people meet someone abroad who knows about Taiwan, they get really excited and surprised, saying, “You know about Taiwan?” as if people shouldn’t know, and knowing is some kind of surprise. A few years ago when I was in Europe or Southeast Asia, I used to say the same thing. When someone knew where Taiwan was or even mentioned Taipei 101, I’d get super excited. But later I realized—
Spring Music Festival Kicks Off in April – Kenting Hotels Offer Holiday Stay Deals
Kenting’s biggest annual event, the Spring Music Festival, is set to make a lively return this April. Since its inception in 1995, Spring Scream has become a mecca for music lovers to showcase their talents and connect through music. Many notable Taiwanese bands have performed at Spring Scream, and making a pilgrimage to the festival has long been synonymous with “youth” for many.
Online Spring Travel Fair – Grab Discounted Travel Deals & Food Vouchers
The first wave of this year’s Taipei International Spring Travel Fair won’t kick off until next month, but the online spring travel fair has already started early. GOMAJI is launching a two-week Spring Food & Travel Fair starting today, featuring travel packages for food, flower viewing, and farm experiences, with renowned eateries such as Hutong Yakitori and Taichung Evergreen Laurel Hotel also joining in. Meanwhile, 17Life is offering discounts of up to 70% on popular travel destinations across Taiwan, with limited-time daily flash sales at noon starting March 20 for tickets to well-known hotels, theme parks, and dining options.
Like a hidden paradise on Earth—the three remote islands of Ishigaki, a must-visit destination in Japan
Okinawa Prefecture is the Japanese region closest to Taiwan and is often referred to as the "Hawaii of Japan." Many people choose to visit Okinawa for sightseeing. The prefecture centers around the Okinawa Islands and also includes the Miyako Islands, Yaeyama Islands, and a total of 160 islands. Among them, Ishigaki Island in the Yaeyama Islands is relatively well-known. In fact, these scattered pearls across the sea boast well-preserved natural beauty, and the islanders enjoy a slow, relaxing pace of life, making it feel like a heavenly realm.
Highly recommended: Scenic spots for beautiful photos & romantic displays of affection on White Day
As Valentine’s Day approaches, have you decided where to spend it with your loved one? Visiting New Taipei City is a great choice. The New Taipei City Government Tourism Bureau recommends scenic spots along the Northern Coast, perfect for couples who love taking photos to visit on White Day and capture beautiful memories together.
The fish that’s all the rage in Japan this winter: It transforms into an extraordinary hot pot dish that’s incredibly delicious
The fish that’s all the rage in Japan this winter: It transforms into an extraordinary hot pot dish that’s incredibly delicious
Fullon New Year's Eve Special: Unbeatable Low Prices!
Fullon New Year's Eve Special: Unbeatable Low Prices!
Taiwan’s Top 10 Hong Kong-Style Dim Sum Restaurants Revealed – Renowned Eatery Beats Chef Ah Ji
Hong Kong-style dim sum has been popular in Taiwan for about 30 years, establishing a unique status in the food scene. Each restaurant has carved out its own niche and distinctive characteristics. Recently, online platform yam蕃薯藤 held a two-week voting campaign that sparked a fierce competition among Taiwan’s Hong Kong-style dim sum restaurants. On March 15, the results were announced, combining public votes and ratings from “secret foodies.” In the end, Chao Jiang Yan Restaurant, famous for its Cantonese cuisine, claimed the top honor.
Cherry blossom viewing / Yen depreciation – a great time to book hotels for a trip to Japan!
March is already a season of blooming flowers, and with the Lunar New Year Tomb Sweeping holiday approaching, many people have started planning flower-viewing trips both domestically and abroad. With the Japanese yen recently hitting a new low, spring is a great time to visit Japan. Agoda.com, an online hotel booking service, is also offering discounts of up to 60% on Tokyo and Osaka hotels for cherry blossom viewing in Japan.
Alleyway Cafés / Psychedelic Visual Experiences – A Dreamland for Independent Creators
This place is magical. The walls are adorned with whimsical black-and-white line drawings reminiscent of children’s artwork. At “26th Lane · Somebody Cafe” on Taipei’s Ximending Tattoo Street, the walls, ceilings, and even the chairs, cushions, and tables are infused with playful style, creating a surreal space full of delightful visual surprises.
Cherry Blossom Viewing / Large Temperature Swings: Flowers "Reluctant" to Bloom? Youyuan Temple’s Cherry Blossoms Might Need More Time
The cherry blossoms at Youyuan Temple, which usually bloom in full around mid-March, are currently only about 10% open. Originally, New Taipei City Mayor Eric Chu said during the opening ceremony of the “Yoshino Cherry Blossom Festival” at Tamsui Youyuan Temple last week that this week would be the peak blooming period; however, our reporters have found that most of the blossoms are still reluctant to bloom this week.
Malaysia Airlines Celebrates Launch of A380 Superjumbo with Discounts to Europe
Starting in March, Malaysia Airlines will deploy its A380 aircraft on the Kuala Lumpur–Paris Charles de Gaulle route, making Paris the second international destination after London to be served by the A380. To celebrate the upgrade, the airline has launched a special Europe promotion, with round-trip flights from Taipei to London starting as low as NT$13,499 for selected flights.
Fly to Osaka for under NT$2,000 – budget airline offers White Day special
March 14 is the romantic White Day, and since this year’s Western Valentine’s Day fell during the Lunar New Year holiday, many people are choosing to make it up to their loved ones on March 14. To celebrate this special day for couples, Japanese budget carrier Peach Aviation is launching exclusive Valentine’s-themed deals.
Flower viewing / "Meet love with taro flowers!" Yangmingshan Zhuzihu – Romantic Calla Lily Season
Just as the cherry blossom season in Alishan has amazed the people of Chiayi, the calla lily season in Yangmingshan up north will also romantically kick off this Friday (March 22)! Currently, the calla lilies in Zhuzihu have all blossomed into their pure and enchanting white forms, waiting for visitors to come and admire them.
Crazier than Spring Festival Eve parties！ A two-kilometer beach “Full Moon Party” that makes the ocean waves tremble
There’s a saying in Koh Samui, Thailand: “On the night of the full moon, remember not to take a boat after midnight, or you might end up in a collision caused by dizzy boat drivers.” On Koh Phangan, just a 20-minute boat ride from Koh Samui, lies what’s said to be the most beautiful full moon in the world. When the moon is full and you step onto the island, you can see moonlight spilling onto the sea, swaying along the waves all the way to the shore. Put on some music, open a few bottles of booze, and the entire shoreline will dance to the beat.
Flower Viewing / Fragrance Fills the Air — West Lake’s “Pomelo Blossoms” Have Bloomed Too
March is already a month of blooming flowers, and the pomelo trees in West Lake Township have also begun to flower. The pomelo trees lining the rural roadsides are gradually entering their flowering season, with their delicate white blossoms dotting the hillsides, filling the air with a refreshing fragrance that soothes the soul. Pomelo trees are a specialty of West Lake Township, and the blooming period lasts from March to April. With over 167 hectares planted, this distinctive fragrance can be enjoyed across the township every year during this time — a unique and beautiful local phenomenon.
Free Entry All Month for "Children's Month" – Domestic Theme Parks Launch Promotions
The annual month dedicated to children is about to arrive. This year, Children's Day on April 4th coincides with Tomb Sweeping Day, creating a four-day long holiday. Have you decided where to go for an outing? Domestic theme park operators have launched special promotions for National Children’s Month. From April 1st to April 30th, children under six can enter for free and enjoy a joyful time designed just for them.
Cherry Blossom Viewing / Alishan’s Cherry Blossoms in Full Bloom – A New Highlight: The “Cherry Blossom Skyway”
Alishan’s flower season officially kicked off this week, with cherry blossoms across the park now in full bloom, attracting large numbers of visitors who take advantage of the weekend to head up the mountain. A variety of cherry blossom types are blooming together, including Yoshino cherry, Edo higan, single-petal cherry, and Oshima cherry, among others. The mountain forest is accompanied by the sound of melodious music. In addition to the original steam trains, the new cypress-scented train also carries the fragrance of cypress as it passes through the cherry groves, offering a true feast for the eyes, ears, and nose.
Maiden flight launched for new route to Bangkok — round-trip fares start at just NT$7,300
TransAsia Airways launched its maiden flight to Bangkok on March 15. Two brand-new A330-300 aircraft have been put into service, connecting Northeast Asia and Southeast Asia through this transit hub. The airline currently operates six routes to Japan. Passengers from Osaka can transfer in Taiwan to fly to Bangkok and arrive by evening, while other routes allow transfers to Singapore.