Travel
Surviving Cancer Together, a Couple Married for 50 Years Renew Vows in Guam with “I Do” Again
With the crystal-clear blue waters of Tumon Bay framed outside the floor-to-ceiling windows as their backdrop, the couple standing inside Guam’s Saint Victor Catholic Church yesterday (28th) to receive the priest’s witness and blessing were truly special — they are Mr. and Mrs. Chan, who have been married for 50 years. Recently, they were selected from the Guam Visitors Bureau’s “Say ‘I Do’ Again” campaign. This vow renewal ceremony celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary brought their six daughters, who live all over the world, together again for the first time in 17 years. A large extended family gathering of over 20 people spanning three generations witnessed this touching moment inside the church. Seizing this rare opportunity, the Chans also celebrated a romantic second honeymoon in Guam. The rarely reunited family also enjoyed a group trip around the island, creating sweet and unforgettable memories filled with delicious food and stunning scenery.
Romance off the charts！Hidden Mountain in South Korea is ablaze with autumn leaves, forming a “maple tunnel”
Summer is coming to an end, making way for the crisp autumn season, when the overseas maple leaf viewing period also begins. Among them, South Korea, with its distinct four seasons, is dyed in shades of red. Some areas feature maple leaves alongside historic architecture, some scatter across urban streets, while others sway in mountain forests and woods. Such breathtaking scenery not only attracts travelers from around the world to “chase the maple” each year, but is also deeply loved by Koreans themselves.
“A child’s childhood is the future of the world.” Taiwan, without concrete monsters
I vaguely remember when I was 8 years old, in the irrigation ditch of a paddy field, I was holding an American crayfish — brought to Taiwan by unscrupulous merchants as pets — which pinched me so hard I screamed. The girl I liked walked by, and trying to act cool, I said, “It doesn’t hurt!” But actually, I cried quietly after she turned away.
Arts & Culture Light Travel in Taipei’s East District – Stroll Through an Open-Air Gallery
Fashion and vibrancy seem to be synonymous with Taipei’s East District, but every summer, this urban enclave transforms into a grand stage for contemporary art, becoming an open-air “gallery without walls.” Along the walking paths, a diverse array of creative works—ranging from installation art and sculptures to paintings and digital art—are displayed. Both locals and visitors are likely to encounter an artistic moment in one of the over 30 exhibition spaces, making for a delightful light cultural journey.
The 2013 Tainan Creative Life Festival kicks off on September 6th – Open your Life!
Organized by the Ministry of Culture to promote Tainan’s cultural and creative industries, the “2013 Tainan Creative Life Festival” will officially open on September 6th. This year’s festival takes “OPEN” as its theme, emphasizing that “Creativity is in everyday life – Open your Life!”
Workers Turned Hidden Gourmet Chefs: Hong Kong Michelin-Starred “Fook哥” Brings His Cuisine to Taiwan
Foodies must have heard of the so-called Hong Kong “hidden gourmet chef,” known as Fook哥, the head chef of Celebrity Mansion—Zheng Jinfu. This renowned figure has attracted many who specifically travel to Hong Kong just to taste his unforgettable and magical flavors. But when it comes to Zheng Jinfu’s background, it’s sure to surprise many.
Last 3 days to go hot air ballooning in Hualien!
The final remaining hot air balloon event of this summer, the “2013 Hualien Soaring Season,” is entering its final countdown. To date, it has attracted over 700,000 visitors. On the closing day, September 1st, in addition to performances by indigenous dance troupes and local performing groups, the organizers will also distribute 800 souvenirs to visitors. Don’t miss your last chance to soar above Hualien in a hot air balloon.
Taipei’s “Star” Attractions: Tourism Bureau Unveils Revamped Celebrity Spotting Guide!
On the 29th, the Taipei City Tourism Bureau launched the sixth edition of the "City Star Discovery – Taipei Star-Hunting Journey" guidebook, featuring filming locations from Taiwanese domestic films and idol dramas, as well as celebrity-frequented restaurants in Taipei.
Transitioning from a café to Chinese home-style cuisine: kiki Kitchen’s spicy noodles paired with preserved radish omelet
This kiki Kitchen, located in Lane 216, Section 4, Zhongxiao East Road, was originally kiki Café, which, along with kiki Thai, was situated downstairs at Grandpa and Grandma Bear’s place (both are lifelong residents of the East District). Previously, every time we said we’d come try their brunch, it remained just talk without any real action. It wasn’t until about two months ago that Mama Bear suddenly picked up a flyer on the street, and that’s when I realized kiki Café had transformed into kiki Kitchen. So, taking advantage of a moment when the whole bear family was together (unfortunately, the kitty couldn’t make it), I decided it was time for us all to visit together.
How Fun Canteen – Super-modern-Style Communal Rice Dishes
“How Fun Canteen” specializes in hearty communal rice paired with delicious side dishes, along with bold, colorful interior and exterior designs that have caught the eye of many young tech professionals. The Gen Z owner, Chris, laughs and says, “I paid two years’ worth of tuition to get to this level.”
Taipei Beef Noodle Festival Kicks Off: A Culinary Showdown of Northern and Southern Masters & International Flavors
Beef noodles are also going "north vs. south" battle style！ The 2013 Taipei International Beef Noodle Festival has kicked off, launching the "Chefs' Championship" in September. This year marks the first time a preliminary round will be held in Tainan, and for the first time ever, chefs from 10 different countries have been invited to Taiwan to cook their own versions of international-style beef noodles. During the event period, the public can enjoy discounts at nearly 100 noodle shops across Taiwan by presenting a QR code. The organizers have also partnered with bus companies, allowing travelers holding bus ticket stubs to take advantage of buy-one-get-one-free deals at selected partner restaurants.
Beware of coming back disappointed—12 laws you might unknowingly break while traveling abroad
The UK’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has released a list of 12 common laws travelers might inadvertently violate in different countries—offenses that could lead to detention or fines, even though they may be perfectly legal back home. With many British tourists falling foul of such regulations in recent years, the FCO issued a warning on the 28th: “Don’t get caught again!”
China Airlines launches flights from Taoyuan to Busan Early bird tickets start at just NT$4,120
China Airlines has newly launched the Taoyuan–Busan route, which officially begins service on September 1. The airline is offering early bird fares with prices under NT$5,000 before tax. Travel time from Taoyuan to Busan, South Korea’s second-largest city, is less than two and a half hours, making it more convenient for travelers to visit well-known events in Busan such as the Busan International Film Festival and the Busan International Fireworks Festival. China Airlines has also introduced a curated “Refined Travel to Busan” package, which includes round-trip airfare plus two nights of accommodation at a special pre-tax price of just NT$9,990.
Breaking News / Non-stop rain! Falling rocks on TRA Pingxi Line force full suspension of service
Travel Center / Comprehensive Report The rain just won’t stop. Around noon, falling rocks rolled onto the railway tracks between Sandiaoling and Shifen stations on the Taiwan Railways Pingxi Line, blocking the route. TRA has urgently announced the immediate full suspension of Pingxi Line services. Service will resume only after the obstruction is cleared and safety is confirmed. The Pingxi Line has a total of seven stations from Jing Tong to Sandiaoling. Currently, the incident involves falling rocks in the direction from Shifen to Sandiaoling.
The Toucheng Guan (Lone Pole Climbing) Competition kicks off in 4 days, with 4 new high poles and 16 teams competing fiercely for the championship
The grand finale of the Central Taiwan Ghost Festival folk activities, the "Toucheng Guan," will take place on the evening of September 4. This year, the number of guan poles has increased from 12 to 16, allowing 16 teams to compete simultaneously, making the competition even more intense. Starting on the 3rd, there will be street parades, religious processions, and the release of blessing lanterns. On the night of the Guan, a high-altitude fireworks display will be held, with performances by the Chairman Band and singer Huoshan Liang, joining the public for a lively celebration.
The Great Barrier Reef in Australia — the world’s largest coral reef ecosystem, where visibility at Osprey Reef can reach up to 40 meters
Located on the northeast coast of Australia, the Great Barrier Reef boasts the world’s largest and longest coral reef system. It is truly a natural wonder beneath the sea and has become a premier diving destination for enthusiasts.
Reopening a 30-Year-Old Grandpa’s Old Ice Shop, But Selling Original “Wacky Ice”
Grandpa’s Ice Shop Gets a Wacky Makeover: After taking over his grandfather’s 50-year-old ice shop in Caotun Township, Nantou County, boss Li Zhongshu of “Donghai Ice Shop” has launched a variety of “wacky” ice treats—from bizarre mint chocolate and tiramisu shaved ice to spicy shaved ice. He even created therapeutic shaved ice flavors named “Calm” and “Depressed.” Not only are the names quirky, but the flavors also differ from traditional ice desserts, often surprising customers who walk in.
Yellow "Little" Duck Makes Early Debut
The yellow "little" duck makes an early debut！The real-life yellow rubber duck will be displayed at Kaohsiung’s Glory Pier in mid-September. The Kaohsiung City Government has specially prepared a 10:1 "miniature" version of the duck, which will appear at the city’s Sihwei Center after September 2. Meanwhile, the original 18-meter-tall duck may also begin testing earlier, as early as September 12, at Glory Pier.
Rebuilt every 20 years, Ise Grand Shrine has been passed down through over 1,300 years of tradition.
Dedicated to Amaterasu Omikami, the highest deity in Japanese Shinto, Ise Grand Shrine is located in Ise City, Mie Prefecture. This October, it will hold its once-every-20-years Shikinen Sengu ceremony, making it the Shinto shrine with the most relocation ceremonies—62 times so far.
International Whale Shark Day: The World’s First “Conservation Bus” Hits the Road in Kaohsiung
August 30th is International Whale Shark Day, established in 2008 by the Mexican Whale Shark International Conference. It aims to promote the sustainable survival of whale sharks through awareness, protection, and conservation education, while also awakening global consciousness and action for marine ecological protection. The 2013 Whale Shark Conservation Bus campaign made Kaohsiung its global starting point, jointly organized by the Kaohsiung City Government, Wildlife21, and the Life Conservation Association.