Travel
Terraced rice paddies free of pesticides bring back frogs, dragonflies, and aquatic plants
The New Taipei City Agriculture Bureau held the "2013 New Taipei City Wetland Industry Experience Camp" today (the 26th) at the terraced rice paddies in Jilin Village, Gongliao District. Participants were seed teachers from Keelung City, Yilan County, New Taipei City, Taipei City, and Taoyuan County who are actively involved in wetland-related education. They observed the beautiful, layered scenery of the water after the restoration of the terraced rice paddies and also experienced the task of weeding in the fields.
Successful test flight in Luye Plateau; Taitung Hot Air Balloon Festival takes off beautifully on June 1
Following the new balloon unveiling press conference held at Taitung’s Chulu Ranch on May 25, the Taitung County Government’s hot air balloon team started early on the 26th to conduct the maiden flight of the new balloons at Luye Plateau. Five hot air balloons took to the sky one after another, weaving a beautiful scene together with the blue sky, white clouds, green land, and gentle breeze, officially announcing that the 2013 Taiwan International Hot Air Balloon Festival is ready and will kick off on June 1.
Travel Exhibition / Cool Race Car on Site Draws Crowd for Photos
This year’s summer travel exhibition, the “2013 Taipei International Tourism Expo,” featured something eye-catching: a race car parked in front of a red curtain, with race car videos playing nearby. Crowds rushed to take photos with the “cool race car,” which actually has an interesting backstory.
Seven Must-Dos: Hong Kong Disneyland’s “Mystic Point” Debuts
The last of the first phase of expansion projects at Hong Kong Disneyland, the world’s one-of-a-kind themed land “Mystic Point,” has officially made its grand debut. Visitors can explore the “Seven Unmissable” fantasy sensory hotspots in Mystic Point, be among the first to witness globally pioneering advanced technologies, and enjoy a wide array of handicrafts, cultural performances, cuisine, and souvenirs from around the world.
Track Down Wild Bears in the Green Wilderness & Experience Alaska’s Midnight Sun
As the peak summer travel season approaches, if you want to escape hot tropical islands, why not try a polar climate adventure for a unique experience? The U.S. state of Alaska is a classic polar tourism destination. Also located in the Northern Hemisphere, Alaska is now in the middle of summer, transforming its year-round snow-covered land into a vibrant burst of life. Natural wonders such as bears catching salmon and the midnight sun can all be witnessed in the summer.
Group-buying "Hanami" Journey: 59% Off Hualien Accommodation Package
Although the May Tung Blossom season has just ended, the Lily Flower Festival at the 5,000-square-meter Zhikaxuan Forest Park in Taroko National Park, Hualien, is currently in full bloom with lantana, starflowers, morning glories, and sage—no less stunning than the "May Snow." Riding on the floral enthusiasm, group-buying site 17Life has launched a Hualien accommodation package at a whopping 59% discount, along with several other spring outing and flower appreciation deals.
A Shocking Baptism in India: The Inconceivable “Dirtiest Capital on Earth” – New Delhi
I’m in New Delhi, India, and it’s as chaotic and dirty as the rumors say. The whole city is covered in dust, smells of urine, and is filled with honking horns. Every vehicle seems to be speeding through life, yet the metro is as clean as Taipei’s MRT. I love the vibrant colors of the women’s clothing. This trip has been exciting and thrilling, yet fraught with danger, and I’ve slowly come to love backpacking.
The “Dream Beach” Closest to Taiwan – Appears Only 6 Hours a Day
“Welcome aboard, everyone. I’m Maeda, who has sailed around the world. Today, we’re heading to Japan’s most beautiful dream beach.” Captain Maeda, with deeply tanned skin, stood on the deck and introduced the spot in a booming voice. The “Dream Beach,” just a 30-minute boat ride from Kobama Island, is arguably the most stunning beach in all of Japan. This beach, glittering under the sunlight, is almost flawlessly white — so much so that it has attracted numerous Japanese TV dramas to film here.
Summer family trips / Japan & Korea most in demand; visa-free Hawaii super popular
Summer is the peak travel season, with many parents taking their kids abroad to enjoy family trips. Travel agency data shows that the majority of overseas family trips during summer still focus on Northeast Asia, especially itineraries featuring amusement parks or themed attractions, which are the most popular. Coupled with the U.S. visa waiver program and travel fair promotions, long-haul destinations like Hawaii in the U.S. are also selling very well, unaffected by the economic climate.
Answer the call with the secret phrase & get a free 3-day, 2-night Hong Kong trip
Just sign up on Facebook and say the secret phrase when answering the call to win an immediate trip abroad? Starting today, China Airlines is hosting the “Surprise Flight, Lucky You!” online lucky draw on its “China Airlines Travel Channel” Facebook fan page. Participants can join until June 27, and when receiving a surprise call during the live show, just say the secret phrase “Surprise Flight” to win the grand prize: a 3-day, 2-night Hong Kong travel package for two.
Top 30 Finalists Announced for Ocean Music Festival; Pre-Competition Kicks Off in Tamsui This Sunday
The annual music extravaganza "2013 New Taipei City Gongliao International Ocean Music Festival" will take place from July 10 to 14. This year’s "Ocean Independent Music Awards" attracted 234 acts from various backgrounds to compete, and the list of 30 finalists was unveiled today (May 28). The first pre-competition event will be held this Sunday (June 2) in Tamsui. Organizers are calling on all music lovers to come together and cheer for music, creativity, and dreams.
Summer family trips / Yen depreciation pushes up airfares, no savings on Japan tour packages this holiday season!
Summer vacation is approaching, and many parents are busy planning family trips. This year, with the Japanese yen continuing to depreciate, travel to Japan has become even more popular—just look at the hot sales of Japan tour packages at the recently concluded summer travel expo, the "2013 International Tourism Expo."
Guam Summer Camp “Interacting with Kids from Around the World” Opens Up Children’s Global Perspective
“Sunshine, beaches, and azure coastlines” — the hot summer is approaching, which also means the summer vacation is just around the corner. Many parents plan overseas trips for their children, and if learning can be combined with fun, the “summer trip” becomes even more meaningful and memorable.
A Stage for Books and People — “Yongle Theatre” Brings the Joy of Reading to Life
With curtains rising and falling, people coming and going, the owner of “Yongle Theatre,” Shi Fangyu, named the space after the once-renowned theater and cinema in Dadaocheng, hoping it would be more than just a bookstore — it could also serve as a hub for art and culture, an underground salon, or even a small theater.
Customized Europe & America Tours Trending – Pineapple Cakes and Fortune Sticks Catch the Eye
In addition to participating in overseas exhibitions, Taiwan also attracted the attention of international buyers with its most distinctive offerings such as pineapple cakes, tea, and temple fortune sticks, while collaborating with travel agencies to provide real-time travel information on the spot for foreign consumers interested in visiting Taiwan. Xu [illegible], Chairman of the Taipei City Travel Agents Association, stated that they can offer incentive travel plans for 100 to 200 people, as well as 500-person corporate group tours.
Play New Taipei City with "Monopoly" – Get Likes on Your Travel Photos and Win Prizes
In recent years, social media platforms such as Facebook have become extremely popular, and with the increasing prevalence of smartphones, sharing life moments through photos has become a global trend. To allow travelers to capture and share their wonderful moments with family and friends in New Taipei City at any time, the New Taipei Travel Fans Group has pioneered the "Travel Around New Taipei 365: Explore New Taipei Every Day, Have Fun Every Day" travel diary campaign, providing fans with a space on Facebook to record their travel experiences.
The texture is incredibly chewy — try the "cold noodles with dipping sauce" to experience the unique flavors of ramen.
Nestled in the bustling alleys of the East District, the shop’s fresh Japanese-style wooden decor stands out, creating an atmosphere of serene uniqueness. This ramen spot on Section 4 of Zhongxiao East Road has only been open for a month, yet it’s packed every evening, with customers lining up for a bowl of authentic, distinctive Japanese ramen.
Chen Bolin and Korean star Ku Hye-sun lend star power to Taipei’s Korea travel expo, drawing in “gold”
To attract more Korean travelers to Taipei for independent trips, the Taipei City Government’s Department of Information and Tourism participated in the 2013 Korea International Travel Fair and held a pre-event press conference in Seoul on May 29. In collaboration with airlines, travel agencies, and renowned tourist attractions, the department launched special independent travel packages for Korean visitors, offering up to 40% off on 2–4 day Taipei travel itineraries, plus a special “Fan & Star Chase Tour” that gives fans a chance to meet Chen Bolin in person in August.
Checheng Police Station Goes the Extra Mile: Doubles as Nighttime Tourist Service Center
Taiwan’s first cross-governmental alliance to provide services, the “Checheng Nighttime Tourist Joint Service Center,” was officially unveiled on the afternoon of the 30th at the Checheng Police Station in Shuili, Nantou. Starting from the 30th, every evening from 5:30 PM to 10:00 PM, the Checheng Police Station will also serve as a tourist service center, offering services such as public announcements for lost persons, tourist information, free bicycle inflation and minor repairs, and car charging.
Classic "Michelin-style" cuisine from the ancient capital of Tainan, now relocated to Taichung while preserving its authentic flavors
The Tainan City Government Tourism Bureau is hosting the 13-day "Michelin-Style Tainan: Local Delicacies & Cultural & Creative Goods Exhibition" at Shin Kong Mitsukoshi Taichung Zhonggang Store from now until June 9. The event gathers 34 Tainan-based businesses—selected from the 2011, 2012, and Jing Zhan three-year traditional food and souvenir lists—as well as cultural and creative product vendors. It showcases the authentic flavors of Tainan’s local cuisine, allowing central Taiwan consumers to easily enjoy Tainan’s delicacies without the hassle of traveling.