Travel
A Winter Fairytale: The Must-Visit Tallinn Christmas Market in Estonia for Christmas
The Tallinn Christmas Market in Estonia is a market set within a UNESCO World Heritage site. Unlike the ones we see in Finland, this market features wooden cabins, whereas Finland’s are more Scandinavian-style log houses, giving it a quite different vibe. The market opens in the morning, and while it may not feel as magical then, it’s definitely less chilly.
3,000 orders sold in a single day — fresh-killed and grilled eel from Narita’s old street
3,000 orders sold in a single day — fresh-killed and grilled eel from Narita’s old street
The Keelung Ghost Festival goes high-tech this year with its first-ever “cold light fireworks show”!
Keelung’s annual highlight, the “Keelung Ghost Festival,” takes place in the seventh lunar month. This year, the Xie family clan association is the main organizer. In addition to traditional rituals such as opening and closing the spirit altar doors and the Ghost Festival prayers, the event will also feature a “cold light fireworks show” and water dance light art. The water lantern parade will incorporate large “lotus lantern stands” and “lantern toppers,” while the grand finale will be the “Jumping of Zhong Kui” ritual.
Hsinchu’s “Ocean Music Festival” Kicks Off on the 27th — Star-Studded Lineup to Party All Night
The “New Moon Beach Ocean Music Carnival,” held annually in Hsinchu County for five consecutive years, has seen increasing attendance each year. This year’s “Colorful Hsinbei Beach Fun at New Moon” will kick off on the 27th, featuring performances by well-known Mandarin, Taiwanese, and Hakka artists such as Da Mouth, Universe, Zhang Xiuqing, and Mountain Dog & the Youngsters Band, who will take turns energizing New Moon Beach.
A spectacular display of fireworks lights up the Taipei night sky The Dadaocheng Music and Fireworks Festival kicks off in dazzling fashion on August 10
The annual Taipei Dadaocheng Music and Fireworks Festival is set to take place on August 10. The event will again be held at Yanping Riverside Park and around the Dadaocheng Wharf. The site will feature food stalls, cultural and creative booths, family-friendly games, as well as performances by renowned Cuban Latin and jazz bands. While waiting for the fireworks to begin, visitors can also explore the surrounding merchandise. As this year’s fireworks festival falls on the weekend just before Qixi Festival (Chinese Valentine’s Day), the Taipei City Government’s Department of Information and Tourism has specially organized the “2013 FU Datong – Love Tied by the Moon God, Dancing in the Spring Breeze” series of events, inviting people of all ages to celebrate the romantic occasion together.
Only the Ningxia Night Market has the “right vibe” — Mainland tourists: Shilin Night Market can’t compare to department store food courts
A must-do activity on the nighttime itinerary for foreign travelers visiting Taiwan is definitely a visit to a night market. The “Shilin Night Market,” once the top choice for tourists, has recently seen its status decline. Many Mainland tourist groups are skipping Shilin Night Market in favor of the Ningxia Night Market. Reasons include a simpler environment that reduces the risk of getting lost, a more diverse food selection, and the fact that it “truly feels like visiting a night market.”
“Two Leaves Fallen in the Mountains” — Japan’s Leaf Chapel, Beautiful Like a Fairyland
“Out of countless leaves blown from Mount Yatsugatake, two gently danced and landed here, one atop the other. One of them is covered with tiny holes arranged in the shape of a four-leaf clover.” This is the architectural story behind the Leaf Chapel at Risonare in Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan — symbolizing the over 400 couples each year who fulfill their dream weddings here. The romantic atmosphere of the Leaf Chapel becomes even more moving once you see it in person.
The height of summer in Busan’s Machu Picchu — Gamcheon Culture Village and my non-stop shutter clicks
2009, thanks to the Art Villages Project organized by South Korea’s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Gamcheon-dong shed its somber past as a settlement for Korean War refugees after six decades and transformed into a dreamlike Sky City — Busan’s Machu Picchu.
Under the summer moonlight and starry sky, the light sculpture on the BiTan Suspension Bridge shines brilliantly like a sea of stars.
Have you ever seen a suspension bridge dancing to the rhythm of music? On this breezy, moonlit summer night, the light sculpture on the BiTan Suspension Bridge sparkles like radiant stars in the night sky. Paired with the romantic notes of classical music drifting from the riverside, it weaves together a series of enchanting melodies. The "BiTan Suspension Bridge Light Sculpture Show" kicked off on the 27th, with performances at the top of every hour from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM. Each show lasts about 4.5 minutes, with a different theme each day from Monday to Sunday.
Late-night local delicacy at this new spot: traditional-style fried sticky rice selling 200 bowls daily
Packed with ingredients, rich in aroma, and featuring Q-textured glutinous rice—these are just a few reasons why many are hooked on fried sticky rice. The dish also exudes a strong traditional flavor, making it a nostalgic taste for many living away from home. Located in Xindian District, New Taipei City, “Guangming Street Fried Sticky Rice” not only boasts an intense traditional taste but also serves up an authentic northern-style “mushroom fried sticky rice.” The rice is glistening with oil, paired with an incredibly appetizing pork sauce that instantly brings back memories of grandma’s homemade version. The owner sells over 200 bowls a day.
It takes just 2 hours from Taipei to Hualien — “Puyuma” trains now run every 30 minutes
The Puyuma is a hit!* Following the addition of 74 weekly services on the “Shulin–Hualien” Puyuma line starting July 19, Taiwan Railways Administration (TRA) announced that the number will further increase to 108 trips after September. On holidays, a train will depart roughly every 30 minutes, with services available every day of the week. There will also be four direct Taipei–Hualien trains daily, reducing travel time to within 2 hours.
News / A Singing and Dancing Suspension Bridge: The Colorful and Enchanting Beauty of Bitan Suspension Bridge at Night
Taiwan’s first singing and dancing suspension bridge is unveiled! On the morning of the 24th, the New Taipei City Government’s Tourism and Travel Bureau announced that the nighttime light sculpture on Bitan Suspension Bridge has been renovated and relaunched, and introduced the “Bitan Suspension Bridge Light Sculpture Show.” The light show will officially kick off on the 27th, featuring seven different themes each week.
Back to the Blowing Horn Era – Grandpa-Level Yongfu Ice Cream’s Timeless Charm
In the days when all you heard was the “blowing horn,” that familiar sound meant delicious ice cream was coming—and to this day, it remains an irreplaceable childhood taste for many. Yongfu Ice Cream, with a legacy as old as your grandparents, still draws crowds of locals and tourists every day, whether on weekdays or holidays. The charm of these Taiwanese blowing-horn treats—flavors like red beans and taro—lies in their simplicity, staying true to the pure, rustic flavors of the past.
Korean seniors transform into knockoff F4 as variety show “Grandpas Over Flowers” films in Taiwan
Being a backpacker isn’t just for the young—seniors can also embark on challenging independent trips too. To attract Korea’s mature demographic, the Tourism Bureau assisted the recently popular Korean TV variety show “Grandpas Over Flowers” in coming to Taiwan, designating Taiwan as the filming location for the show’s second season. Major attractions such as the National Palace Museum, Yehliu, Taroko Gorge, Sun Moon Lake, and Alishan all provided the cast with firsthand experiences.
Having hiked the Tatachia Trail over 1,000 times in 7 years, Yin Limin illustrates "Blush at Dawn"
Having hiked the Tatachia Trail over 1,000 times in 7 years, Yin Limin illustrates "Blush at Dawn"
Uncovering Taipei’s Hidden Gems: Celebrities Guide You Through Alleyway Beauties
The Taipei City Government’s Department of Information and Tourism announced on the 25th that this year it has collaborated with Changde Cable Television Co., Ltd. to produce the program “Vibrant New Taipei,” uncovering many hidden spots in the city—such as a once-dreaded large drainage ditch in Songshan District that has been transformed into an aquatic ecological pond, and a long-established rice food factory in Datong District that holds an annual Rice Food Culture Festival on the eve of the Dragon Boat Festival. These will all be featured in the show premiering on July 27.
Girls, take note！A lazy guide to magical Christmas spots with stunning bows
Next Monday is Christmas—make the most of the weekend for a romantic date with your loved one！Wishing under the Christmas tree and exchanging gifts is super heartwarming. 《ETtoday News Cloud》 has specially selected two Christmas attractions featuring huge, dreamy bows. As a bow enthusiast, you now know where to head this weekend！
No need to rely on the Suhua Highway conditions to visit Hualien – taking the Lina Ferry is also an option
Setting sail on the Pacific "Blue Highway" from Su’ao to Hualien by ferry takes only about an hour, so the Hualien authorities have been actively promoting related collaborations. The high-speed passenger and cargo ferry Lina Ferry is set to make its maiden voyage on August 7 and officially begin carrying passengers on August 8. Travelers heading to Hualien will no longer have to depend on the condition of the Suhua Highway.
The world’s quietest adult pool — “18+” with a hidden twist
As we grow up and realize how mundane the world can be, don’t you sometimes wish to find a place to hide away — ideally somewhere so quiet you can’t hear the hustle of the city or the noise of traffic on the streets? At Club Med in Cherating Bay, Malaysia, there is a pool that claims to be the quietest in the world. Not only does it offer breathtaking views of the South China Sea, but it also provides an exclusive “18+” adult experience.
First "hug" to travel the world National airline network gives away free tickets with a like
The Jimmy Liao craze sweeps across Taiwan, and the national airline has also launched the Jimmy Liao "Hug Machine," generating strong public response. In response to the Hug Machine trend, the airline is holding the "HUG & WISH China Airlines Gives You Free Tickets to Travel Abroad" like-and-win campaign, giving away 30 free tickets worth NT$2 million.