Travel
CommonWealth Magazine / Taiwan tops Asia in tourist growth rate!
Soft adventure experiences that allow travelers to explore different cultures have emerged in Taiwan. Visitors come here hoping to discover the local way of life, mindset, food customs, live a Taiwanese lifestyle, eat Taiwanese food, and immerse themselves in the local culture. In recent years, Taiwan has become a new favorite travel destination for people across Asia.
The Dark Side of the Force Hot Air Balloon Appears in Taitung – Its Massive Presence Amazes the Crowd
On a clear day at Taitung’s Luye Gaotai, a heavyweight mystery guest made an appearance today (the 15th) – none other than Darth Vader from the Star Wars movies. The Darth Vader hot air balloon, accompanied by the movie’s iconic soundtrack, made its grand entrance with its huge and cool presence, truly stunning everyone on-site.
Are Korean tourists dissatisfied? Taiwan tourism sees lowest satisfaction among them
In recent years, Taiwan has actively promoted tourism. The Tourism Bureau has vigorously pushed the “Travel in Taiwan ‘It’s Now or Never’” and “Tourism Excellence and Leadership Program” initiatives, achieving a 6.36% growth in 2012 (101 in the Republic of China calendar), setting a historical record. The Japanese and Chinese markets contributed the most economic benefits. Although tourist satisfaction from all countries reached 90%, the Korean market’s satisfaction with travel in Taiwan was only 84.8%.
Food and beverage businesses rush into the billion-dollar market: opening teahouses and establishing a "Bubble Tea Academy"
Today (15), Ding Wang Catering announced that it will expand its brand portfolio by first entering the global tea beverage market, which is worth 50 billion yuan annually. The company’s new brand, “V秃?思洳韫荨” (name partially obscured), will initially launch in Nanjing and Xiamen, with plans to further expand into other Chinese cities. It may also soon enter the coffee and light meal markets. Additionally, it plans to establish a “Bubble Tea Academy.”
Breaking News / Sea Music Festival to Resume on the 19th; Originally Closing Act Sodagreen to Perform Earlier
The New Taipei City Government Tourism Bureau announced today (the 15th) that the Gongliao Ocean Music Festival, which was postponed last week due to Typhoon Soudelor hitting Taiwan, will resume this Friday (the 19th) through next Monday (the 22nd). The band Sodagreen, originally scheduled to be the closing act on the final day of the festival, will now perform earlier on the evening of this Friday.
Typhoon Soulik's fierce winds create bizarre street scene: Taipei car "climbs a tree"
Typhoon Soulik hit Taiwan, and on the evening of the 12th, strong winds accompanied by torrential rain caused multiple sections of Taipei City to experience falling signboards and uprooted trees. At the intersection of Jinshan South Road and Jinhua Street, a century-old tree about four stories tall was uprooted by the typhoon’s powerful winds, which also lifted the road surface. Vehicles parked on the asphalt created a shocking “car-on-tree” spectacle.
Kaohsiung’s duck boats are super cute – two more to be added at Lotus Pond by year-end
Since its launch, Kaohsiung’s amphibious sightseeing duck boat has carried over 240,000 passengers. To show appreciation for the public’s enthusiastic support, the Kaohsiung Public Bus Administration has launched two special events: “The 250,000th Passenger Receives a Lifetime Taiwan Accommodation Discount Voucher Card” and “Duckling Family Week – Ride the Duck Boat and Win E-Da Theme Park Tickets.”
Seaweed Stinky Tofu vs. Seaweed Mochi – "Algae Fun" Delights Fill Peace Island Park
"Algae Fun!" Inside Peace Island Park in Keelung City, there’s a creative cuisine restaurant themed around "seaweed." Owner Xie Chenhuang uses locally sourced seaweed from Peace Island along with global seaweed dishes to create a variety of delicious meals. Paired with the park’s breathtaking sea-and-sky views and unique rock formations, it’s a place where travelers seeking “fun and flavor” will want to visit.
“Not being burned by ungiven warmth” — Did we really do the right thing by giving money to that begging granny?
At Chiayi Railway Station, while waiting for the train, a stooped granny shuffled over with faltering steps, reaching out her hands to every passenger, begging for a sliver of warmth. Her eyes were teary, saliva dripped from her mouth, and she moved at a pace that took her several dozen seconds to cover just 15–20 centimeters.
"My Siraya Micro-Trip" – Travel Dream Plan Essay Contest with Ten Thousand NT Dollars in Travel Grants
The Siraya National Scenic Area Administration has launched the "Tabe Siraya Micro-Trip" Travel Dream Plan Essay Competition, combining it with the current hottest travel trend—micro-travel. From now until August 31, participants can submit their most creative and flavorful travel plans for a chance to win a 10,000 NT dollar travel grant sponsored by the Siraya National Scenic Area. Those who upload their dream travel plans before July 31 may also receive hotel accommodation vouchers.
It’s even cheaper this time! Taipei to Busan round-trip flight for two people at just 5,666 TWD
The long-awaited buy-one-get-one-free airfare deal is back again！For travelers who haven’t yet visited South Korea to explore the filming locations of K-dramas—Busan—this is your chance to experience this laid-back and delightful city with friends. Air Busan will once again launch its buy-one-get-one-free promotion this week. The flight from Taipei to Busan takes just two hours, making it the second most popular travel destination in South Korea after the capital, Seoul.
“1, 2, 3, jump!” Jump for photos and win an iPhone at the North Coast
“1, 2, 3, jump!” Jump photography (jumping while taking pictures) has become the hottest trend in photo-taking. The North Coast & Guanyinshan National Scenic Area Administration, Tourism Bureau, MOT, invites the public to participate in the “Summer Jump” photo upload campaign at the North Coast and Guanyinshan from now until August 15. Travelers can not only capture beautiful memories with the stunning North Coast scenery but also stand a chance to win big prizes such as an iPhone 5 or iPad mini.
The "little shop on the corner" that older generations fondly remember serves pure white Meinong clear ice.
"I remember when I was a kid, I used to go with my mom to that little ice shop on the corner, and we’d have a bowl of that white clear ice. After walking all day in the scorching heat, taking that first bite of ice was something you’d never forget!" The sweet yet distant childhood memories of the older generation always stir vivid imaginations of the past. In Meinong, Kaohsiung, there is an ice shop that has fully preserved this kind of "old-time flavor." The clear ice here has a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture and is filled with a strong sense of nostalgia.
A "half-warm salad" topped with three meats, four vegetables, and a poached egg becomes even more delicious.
French cuisine in Asia often gives off an impression of luxury, but in reality, it can be more affordable without sacrificing taste—just like home-cooked meals. Using the simplest ingredients, it delivers approachable and delightful flavors. This summer, a classic French bread brand launched "15 Traditional French Dishes" in Taiwan, blending the "Four Greatest Elements" into its menu offerings.
Can you "ride a horse-drawn carriage" on the streets of Hong Kong? A city sanctuary where private cars are banned
There is an area in Hong Kong rarely known to tourists but regarded as a "city sanctuary" by locals, where environmental protection and fresh air are top priorities. Once you enter this zone, no one is allowed to drive private cars—everyone must take public buses. And if you ever tire of buses and want another mode of transport, there’s an unusual alternative: "riding a horse-drawn carriage."
A 30-meter-high blasting device makes HowToTrip’s Ocean Park “Splash Party” rival Disney
When you hear “HowToTrip Ocean Park,” the image that may come to mind is that of adorable dolphins and sea lions, each with their own name—a childhood memory for many. Located in Shoufeng Township, Hualien, HowToTrip Ocean Park is Taiwan’s first theme park that “combines the ocean with a natural landscape park and a five-star hotel.” Nestled against the eastern region’s breathtaking mountains and sea, the park offers a fun-filled amusement area full of parent-child interaction.
The hotter, the better it tastes – say goodbye to processed ice treats and enjoy fresh, refreshing fruit-based icy delights!
On scorching summer days, icy treats are perfect for cooling off, but concerns over processed frozen desserts have left many uneasy. For those craving something tasty yet fresh, the Taipei Expo Farmers’ Market has specially organized an extra-cool and refreshing “Taipei Fruit Ice Festival.” Featuring a wide array of fresh, agricultural-inspired ice desserts from around Taipei, such as Neihu strawberry ice cream and Muzha Tieguanyin ice cream, as well as lychee and mulberry popsicles from Daxu in Kaohsiung and sweet, juicy pineapples from Nantou.
Beauty queen Liu Yixin dons a handmade wedding gown — experience a British-style wedding under a million-dollar crystal chandelier
It's already July and summer vacation is in full swing. Although you might have missed out on becoming a beautiful June bride, don't be discouraged — there's still hope for 2014, and you can even attend an “Outdoor Wedding Experience Fair” this year. Not only will beauty queen Liu Yixin showcase a million-dollar diamond crown and exclusive handcrafted floral wedding gowns, but various wedding vendors, bridal companies, and diamond ring businesses will also be present, offering engaged couples a pre-wedding experience. There will also be tastings of celebratory cakes and wedding banquet dishes worth ¥25,800 — it’ll be hard not to want to get married after this event!
Scull boat races, canoeing experiences — Penghu Beach Carnival goes wild for three months
Summer is the perfect time for island getaways, and Penghu in Taiwan, blessed with beautiful bays, has this year combined its beaches and fishing harbors for the first time to launch a series of beach carnival activities. The three-month event kicked off on July 27th, with a different theme each week. The Penghu National Scenic Area Administration invites travelers to come and experience Penghu’s sunshine, beaches, ocean, and the warmth of the local people.
"Mushroom Cultivation Research Lab" Appears on the Jiji Line – Become a Train Conductor
Steam Train Departure！This year’s theme is "Travel with Building Blocks." The series of events includes the most popular free steam train rides for those staying in Nantou, along with themed exhibition halls where master LEGO builders use their versatile blocks to create stunning displays of railway culture and Nantou’s tourism appeal. For the first time, there's also a free hot air balloon ride experience—participants who make purchases in Nantou during the event period have a chance to win a ride and enjoy the beautiful scenery of Nantou from a unique perspective.