Travel
China’s First “Hot Air Balloon Wedding” — Romance Off the Charts
Whether it's an island wedding or a forest wedding, there are all kinds of celebrations for those seeking a unique and romantic experience. But have you ever thought about holding your wedding on a super-popular hot air balloon? Today (the 30th), at the Luye Plateau in Taitung, a couple took to a heart-shaped hot air balloon to host a romantic “hot air balloon wedding,” drawing crowds of onlookers and achieving romance levels that went through the roof.
Closest water park in the city center | 2013 Taipei Water Festival: splash fountains, family-friendly pirate ships
Amidst the scorching sun and hot summer days, you no longer have to travel far to cool off. The 2013 Taipei Water Festival kicks off on the 29th at the Gongguan Water Treatment Plant. This year, a new summer fountain play area has been added, featuring attractions such as a family-friendly pirate ship and fun, refreshing water buckets. The Water Museum is also transformed into a magical water wonderland, complete with adorable aquatic plants, baby clownfish, shell sisters, and little water droplet sprites—perfect for kids to splash around.
Croissants with beef, and Lu Rou Fan turned into Lu Beef Fan — domestic beef steals the show at food expo
If Taiwan’s famous Lu Rou Fan (braised pork rice) were made with beef, would it still be as popular? What if croissants were stuffed with beef — would they still be just as beloved? On the 29th, the Taipei International Food Show launched a creative beef cuisine competition, where renowned Chinese chef Zhang Lifeng developed Lu Beef Fan, and master baker Du Jiaying baked beef-filled croissants — all using fresh, delicious domestic beef.
The New Taipei Danfeng-Huilong MRT stations open on the afternoon of June 29 Visit Peony Heart Ecological Park
The Danfeng and Huilong stations on Taipei’s Xinzhuang MRT Line officially opened at 2:00 p.m. on June 29. Within one month of the opening, passengers using an EasyCard to ride the newly opened Danfeng–Huilong section will enjoy free fares. With the full opening of the Xinzhuang Line, an ecological day trip to Danfeng Youth Park (Peony Heart Ecological Park) is a great leisure option suitable for all ages.
Visit the backyard garden of Taoyuan City — explore and hike at Tiger Head Mountain
Regarded as the backyard garden of Taoyuan City, Tiger Head Mountain Park boasts enchanting scenery all year round, with the mountain displaying different hues in spring, summer, autumn, and winter. Strolling through it is truly refreshing, and especially rewarding when you reach the observation deck to take in a panoramic view of Taoyuan City. But this place isn’t just for quick visits — there are also picnic areas, play zones, and more, making it perfect for family outdoor adventures. Afterward, head to the nearby National Revolutionary Martyrs' Shrine to admire Taiwan’s only fully preserved Japanese shrine architecture.
First Hotel Opens on Qijin Island, Showcasing Sea Views, Sunsets & Seafood to Attract Summer Tourists
The first hotel on Qijin Island, a popular tourist destination in Kaohsiung, has officially opened. "Qijin Tao Hotel" launched this morning (28th), featuring sea views, sunsets, and Qijin’s fresh seafood cuisine, aiming to attract summer vacation travelers.
Yilan’s “Jimmy Liao Square” reminds travelers to cherish fleeting moments of life
The highly anticipated “Jimmy Liao Square” has finally officially opened in Yilan today after generating great excitement across various sectors. Located in the old dormitory area south of Yilan Railway Station, the county government team deliberately preserved historical buildings and old trees, making full use of abandoned spaces. By integrating installation artworks themed around Jimmy Liao’s picture books, the area around the station—once filled with a sense of departure—has been transformed into Taiwan’s first square featuring Jimmy Liao, becoming a new highlight of Yilan.
Free "Summer Love" shuttle buses start operation; 60 adorable conductors on board to provide service
To facilitate visitors’ enjoyment of the park, the Flower Expo Park will launch free shuttle services—Summer Love buses—every Saturday and Sunday from now until September 1, along with adorable conductors on board. The Summer Love buses feature eye-catching designs, friendly conductors offering commentary, and fun experience activities. Passengers can also receive surprise goodie bags, collect stamps for rewards, enter lucky draws, and purchase discounted tickets for the Naruto exhibition.
Super weird? Beef noodle shop only allows female customers—men can’t even get near the windows
A beef noodle shop that sparked heated online discussions among netizens last Friday (the 28th) drew attention because of a sign posted at the entrance that read “Female customers only, men please keep away.” It’s rumored that this new rule was put in place because the female owner is too beautiful—and has even been harassed recently—forcing the once-popular eatery to implement the restriction. ETtoday News Cloud reporters who visited the site found that not only does the owner turn away male customers, but men aren’t even allowed to approach the shop.
Is it food or decoration? A feast for the eyes that keeps you snapping photos nonstop.
Since the rise of transparent milk tea and blue cola, many shops have pushed the boundaries of dining, creating visually stunning treats that stop you in your tracks. Whether it’s drinks or desserts, as soon as they hit the table, everyone lets out a “WOW.”
Felix the Cat makes a public appearance at the Colorful Qingjing Lake Hot Air Balloon Festival!
Hot air balloon fever sweeps across Taiwan again — not to be outshined by Taitung’s Angry Birds balloons, Kaohsiung has imported a Felix the Cat hot air balloon from the U.S., joining colorful balloons from Slovenia to kick off the “2013 Kaohsiung Take Off – Urban Hot Air Balloon Carnival.”
Taiwan’s Only “Jasmine Flower Garden Dream Museum” Opens – Come Experience the Fragrance of Jasmine
With its dense fields of jasmine flowers, Huatan Township in Changhua County has long been known as the homeland of jasmine. The Huatan Township Farmers’ Association has repurposed an idle old grain barn next to its offices, incorporating Taiwanese cypress beams and pillars over 70 years old, to create Taiwan’s one and only “Jasmine Flower Garden Dream Museum.” It invites the public to explore the enchanting allure of "overnight-scented" jasmine.
The Straw Man Art Festival at Wangao in Tianzhong, Changhua, drew huge crowds and will continue until January next year.
The Straw Man Art Festival at Wangao in Tianzhong, Changhua, drew huge crowds and will continue until January next year.
The whale pool at Dongshi Fishing Port attracts 5,000 visitors in 2 days; pets banned from pool with fines up to NT$15,000
The whale pool at Dongshi Fishing Port in Chiayi saw its first rule violations just two days after opening, with visitors bringing pets into the water. The Chiayi County Government’s Cultural Affairs and Tourism Bureau issued a stern warning, stating that anyone caught bringing pets into the pool could face fines ranging from NT$3,000 to NT$15,000.
Sun Princess Adds Northeast Asia Route, Covering Kaohsiung and Keelung in Taiwan
As summer vacation begins and holiday seasons kick off around the world, Princess Cruises, the largest cruise line under Carnival Corporation & plc, has officially announced its entry into the Asian market. With 17 world-class ships offering 115 unique itineraries that visit over 350 ports globally, this year marks the debut of the “Sun Princess”’s new Northeast Asia route, covering destinations including Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, and Russia.
Trains galore and crazy hot air balloons Stay one night in Nantou and ride a national treasure steam train for free
Nantou Train Mania is setting off again Up！This year’s event runs from July 14 to August 11, themed “Travel with Building Blocks,” combining railway culture with Nantou sightseeing through a series of LEGO exhibits. Staying overnight in Nantou also allows you to ride the national treasure steam train DT668 for free to explore Jiji, plus there's a chance to win a hot air balloon ride to enjoy breathtaking aerial views of Nantou.
New Summer Fun in Hsinchu: Mayday’s “2013 Just Love It” Concert Kicks Off on the 5th of May
Mayday’s “2013 Just Love It” charity concert will take place on July 5th at the plaza in front of Hsinchu County Government. The event is free and open to the public, but entry to the mosh pit requires exchanging five donation receipts. For safety reasons, wristbands will be distributed in advance based on the queue situation, and access to the mosh pit will begin at 4:00 PM on the day of the event. Large 300-inch screens will be set up around the venue so those who don’t make it into the mosh pit can still enjoy the concert.
A Thousand People Formed an “MANGO” — Only 7 Days Left for the Tainan International Mango Festival, Come Taste the Champion Mangoes
On a hot summer day, cool off with mango shaved ice — it’s simply “the perfect match”! The 2013 Tainan International Mango Festival held a “Thousand People Come to Eat Mango Shaved Ice” event on June 30. A total of 1,000 visitors wore hats in five different colors to collectively form the shape of the word “MANGO” (mango), which was then captured from high above by a remote-controlled helicopter, setting a historic first for the festival.
Island getaways are booming！Revival Airlines reopens Taipei-Taoyuan to Palau route with direct flights to the non-toxic “Jellyfish Lake”
Summer is here, and island vacations are all the rage！According to summer booking statistics released by domestic airlines, flight bookings to Okinawa, Ishigaki Island, and domestic routes to Penghu all exceeded 95% in July, clearly showing that islands are the top vacation destination for Taiwanese travelers during the summer. To meet the travel demand, domestic airlines will not only increase flights between Taoyuan-Okinawa and Kaohsiung-Okinawa through additional services in July, but will also launch a new Taoyuan-Palau route starting July 6.
Sauce oozes out from the seams — the nameless alleyway stinky tofu joint that’s “just awful”
Located in a lane off Tong’an Street near Guting Station in Taipei, there’s an ultra-popular hidden gem of a food spot. With no official name, no precise operating hours, and only five items on the menu — stinky tofu, vermicelli, vermicelli soup, meatball soup, and rice balls — it’s always bustling with customers year-round. Once everything sells out each day, whether you’re a regular or a first-timer, the boss lady will bluntly declare, “Sold out, come back tomorrow!” This opening line leaves many sighing that this place is truly “just awful.”