Travel
Bring out the "Ojisan"? Bet big at the Hamana Lake hydroplane races
"Ojisans standing in a row—who will you pick today?" Don’t get the wrong idea—choosing an Ojisan here doesn’t mean taking one home. Instead, these Ojisans help tourists analyze the racers at Hamana Lake hydroplane races, including background info and recent performance, to serve as a “reference” when placing bets. Here, we call them the “Predicting Ojisans”!
Duchess of Cambridge Names New Cruise Ship “Royal Princess”
Princess Cruises announced today (the 9th) that Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cambridge will name its new ship, the Royal Princess. To celebrate the addition of the new vessel to its fleet, a week-long delivery celebration will be held, with the naming ceremony set to take place on June 13 in Southampton, UK, expected to be the highlight of the event.
Jet skis are causing ocean warming Kenting introduces authentic "underwater activities"
Kenting’s lesser-known "underwater activities". It is said that this activity not only allows you to witness the beauty of hidden beaches and experience the thrill of Pi’s sea adventure from Life of Pi, but also offers a glimpse into the purity of Kenting’s underwater world. However, having such an adventure is not easy—you must first give up using "water activity tools" like jet skis and banana boats, and paddle a canoe manually for over half an hour before you can reach the secret beach through the ocean waves and dive in to observe the fish.
Deepening Digital Marketing: Grand Formosa Regent Integrates Three Major Brands to Enhance Comprehensive Hotel Services
With the rise of digital sales in merchandise, traditional industries such as tourist hotels are also placing increasing emphasis on digital marketing. On one hand, they aim to find the most scientific methods to retain loyal customers, while also attracting new clients to generate more business opportunities. Unlike other hotel operators, Grand Formosa Regent can be said to be the fastest in the industry in terms of digitalization. Its digital marketing department has been established for as long as 10 years, utilizing digital marketing strategies to align with the internet-dependent habits and online booking behaviors of consumer groups.
The beach is like the foam on coffee — Australia’s deserted islands are “bubbling” with beauty
Looking down at this stretch of sea from high above, doesn’t it resemble the thick foam of coffee poured generously over the surface? Pristine white sands and crystal-clear blue waters — this breathtaking seascape is located on Whitsunday Island, one of the deserted islands in the Great Barrier Reef archipelago of Queensland, Australia. It is known as Whitehaven Beach.
Pick your live seafood fresh, then choose the charcoal-grilled way to cook it—beer is the perfect pairing!
As spring transitions into summer, the new dishes introduced by hotels and restaurants are starting to carry an early summer vibe. Indulge in all-you-can-eat charcoal-grilled dishes paired with beer, and explore the live seafood section—both bring out that vibrant summer feeling. Starting in April, Taipei’s Sheraton Taipei Hotel’s B-one Buffet launches the “B-One Cheers Season – Charcoal Grill Medley,” featuring top-tier grilled and charcoal-grilled dishes served daily, along with an Open Bar offering unlimited 2013 newly launched red wines, cocktails, and draft beers.
Tensions in Northeast Asia Tourism Bureau: Travelers to South Korea Can Change Groups or Postpone Trips
Tensions in Northeast Asia are rising. It is understood that, excluding the group returning from South Korea today (the 10th), there are currently 74 tour groups with over 1,400 travelers still visiting South Korea. To ensure the safety of these travelers, the Tourism Bureau has asked tour operators and tour leaders to maintain close contact. In the event of an emergency in South Korea, travelers should contact the nearest office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs — the Seoul Office (010-90802761) or the Busan Office (010-45377961) — for assistance.
May Snowfall Has Arrived: 15 Camellia Routes in Miaoli Covering Reservoirs, Ancient Trails & Farms
Since the beginning of spring this year (2013), temperatures have remained higher than usual. Although the Spring Equinox has just passed, the tung trees, which typically bloom from mid-to-late April, are blooming earlier than expected. Tung blossoms across Miaoli are gradually starting to flower, and the Miaoli County Government has specially recommended 15 camellia-viewing routes while coordinating with 28 Hakka community groups across the county to organize over 120 Hakka camellia appreciation events.
White asparagus from Northern Europe — naturally sweet and light, never overpowering
Spring is the peak season for white asparagus. In season, it is sweet, juicy, and crisp in texture, with a fresh flavor that makes it the most iconic spring ingredient. Some Western chefs who work with premium ingredients use it to create creative dishes, adding novelty to spring cuisine.
It’s okay if the little ones make a mess — even flipping tables isn’t a problem at this spot where Hamamatsu Gyoza celebrates moms everywhere.
"One Hamamatsu Gyoza shop on the left, another on the right." Whether in the city center or the outskirts, Hamamatsu is teeming with gyoza joints of all sizes that highlight just how beloved "Hamamatsu Gyoza" really are. But among them, one particular gyoza shop called "Wu Wei Ba Zhen" offers something more — a warm and cozy atmosphere — thanks to a single photo on the wall: a child with a face smeared with food but beaming with joy.
New Christchurch Attraction "Wall of Smiles" Created by Taiwanese Backpacker’s Street Performances
“I hope to collect a thousand smiles.” Terry, a 32-year-old young man from Pingtung, hitchhiked over 5,300 kilometers, traveled through 30 towns, and after spending a year working and holidaying in New Zealand, witnessed the lingering sorrow in Christchurch following the earthquake. He decided to start a journey collecting smiles to paste around Christchurch streets, allowing more people to see hope.
When Seafood Meets White Chocolate? Taiwanese White Asparagus Joins the Menu
Spring is the season for "asparagus," and the white asparagus produced in Taiwan is tender, juicy, crisp, and sweet. Hotel chefs have taken advantage of the inherent deliciousness of Taiwanese asparagus and its ability to retain moisture without being affected by air transport. By "using local ingredients," they have incorporated it into a series of creative dishes, adding a touch of local familiarity to the menu.
South Korea Travel Warning Remains Yellow – Tourists Must Pay Cancellation Fees to Drop Tours
Recently, Korean pop culture has surged in popularity across Taiwan, with South Korea now ranking as the fifth most popular travel destination for Taiwanese. However, amid rising tensions on the Korean Peninsula, the tourism industry has been hit hard. Tour bookings have dropped by 50% recently, and thousands of travelers have requested to cancel or change their tours. Yet, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs currently maintains a “yellow” alert level for the country—signaling caution rather than outright danger. Travelers who wish to cancel their trips must compensate travel agencies, sparking public discontent.
Taipei International Spring Travel Fair Kicks Off: Nine Major Travel Carnival Themes with Special Offers
As the weather warms up, it's the perfect time to travel and explore the world. The 2013 "7th Taipei International Spring Travel Fair" will be grandly held from April 26 to 29 at Hall 1 of the Taipei World Trade Center, with nearly 500 booths from 250 renowned domestic and international travel agencies. They offer travel planning and a rejuvenating travel carnival.
Will your phone stop working upon entry and long lenses be banned? Is traveling to North Korea really “that safe”?
Known as a “mysterious country” by travelers, North Korea sees few visitors due to its international isolation. For Taiwanese travelers, flights to Pyongyang are only available from Beijing or Shenyang, departing on Saturdays and returning on Wednesdays as part of a fixed five-day, four-night itinerary. Including transfer time within mainland China, the entire trip takes around eight days and costs approximately NT$50,000 — the standard package for North Korea travel.
Spring Scream hands over the baton!“East Coast Music Festival” kicks off at dawn in late April
With events in North Gongliao, South Spring Scream, and Kaohsiung’s Big Port, the “Hello Taitung！2013 East Coast Music Festival” greets the nation with the power of music. The Taitung County Government and the Eastern Coastal National Scenic Area Administration under the Tourism Bureau of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications (hereinafter referred to as the East Coast Administration) jointly organize the “2013 East Coast Music Festival.” This year (2013), the main events of the music festival will take place on April 26 and April 27 at the Seaside Park in Taitung City.
Stars on the Grassland: Taiwan’s Top 10 Firefly-Watching Spots — Alishan’s Aowanda Mystical Realm Takes the Crown
How long has it been since you last saw a firefly? The results of the Taiwan Top 10 Firefly-Watching Locations poll, jointly organized by the Xianglin Cultural and Educational Foundation, the Council of Agriculture’s Endemic Species Research Institute, and the National Museum of Natural Science in Taichung, were announced on the morning of the 11th. Conservation efforts across various regions have yielded remarkable results, with many people’s go-to spot for autumn leaves — “Nantou’s Aowanda National Forest Recreation Area” — emerging as the top choice for firefly viewing after a decade of dedicated habitat maintenance and conservation.
Benches Transformed into 3D Bookshelves—Publisher Creates a “Sushi Bookstore”
The bookstore “Yuanliu Biejing” (Farflow Alternative Space), located in Taipei’s Huashan 1914 Creative Park, has assembled benches of varying lengths and shapes into a wall-mounted bookshelf. “We hope that everyone who walks in can easily pick up a book and sit down in a relaxed mood to get close to reading.”
Edible Jewels!"Golden Splendor" Adorns the Lips
Afternoon tea was originally a simple way of drinking tea, but in modern times it has become a trendy culinary fashion; and afternoon tea gives off an impression of leisure and elegance, much like a noblewoman gently lifting a coffee cup on a white porcelain saucer by a sunlit window in the afternoon, savoring it with relaxed delight.
Free ride if your name has “Turtle” or “Whale”! Hiking Whale Watching Season on Guishan Island Officially Begins Now
Could having the right name earn you a free boat ride? As spring and summer approach, so does whale-watching season. The “2013 Whale & Turtle Spectacular Voyage” kicks off today (the 13th). Travelers whose names contain the characters for “turtle” (龟) or “whale” (鲸) can enjoy a complimentary whale-watching cruise. Those eager to see whales or visit Guishan Island should seize the opportunity to set sail and uncover the mysteries of Taiwan’s surrounding isles.