Travel
Thailand plans to impose a tourist tax, possibly starting as early as January next year
To prevent overstays and improve tourist quality, Thailand is preparing to start collecting a tourist tax from January next year. Authorities will charge approximately NT$30 or NT$500 based on the mode of entry and length of stay.
"Unassuming Takeout Shop" Serves Golden, Crispy Chicken Thighs with Intense Flavor — 300 Sold Daily
For 33 years since its opening, "Kinmi Chicken Thigh Rice," which sells only two types of bento — chicken thigh and pork rib — may look like an ordinary takeout shop, but it attracts long queues both inside and outside the store during mealtimes, proving the exceptional taste of its chicken thighs. The owner has secret techniques for marinating and frying the chicken thighs, with a record high of up to 300 thighs sold in a single day. Some customers even exclaim, "It's even better than KFC!"
Sea of clouds, night views, and paragliding all in one—must-visit hidden gems in Nantou
Nantou’s Huxiao Mountain Villa is a campsite that brings together sea of clouds, sunset, night views, paragliding, and camping—an off-the-beaten-path attraction you can’t miss when visiting Puli. With a 180-degree panoramic view, you can overlook the entire town of Puli. From the sea of clouds at dawn, paragliders soaring freely in the sky, the ever-changing sunset, to the breathtaking million-dollar night view, and when you’re tired, you can also enjoy the fun of holiday villa camping.
Lunchtime diners / everyday shops share their secrets The cat café owner invites you to explore and enjoy afternoon tea
The long-popular "Private Treasures, No Secrets" is tucked away in the alleys near Jhonghe Jing'an Station, presided over by the famously charismatic resident cat, Money, who freely roams the shop, captivating the lenses and attention of cat lovers. Popular afternoon tea items include the "German Sausage Pancake," which breaks the stereotype that "pancakes can only be sweet," and the "Smoked Chicken Private Roll," featuring a grilled wrap filled with cheese, smoked chicken, and tomato puree, offering a richly layered taste that’s truly unforgettable.
Taipei International Travel Fair / Visitor Numbers Hit Record High – 310,000 Flock in Over Four Days
The 2013 Taipei International Travel Fair concluded successfully on October 21, with the final day extended until 7:00 PM. Despite being a Monday workday, visitor turnout was enthusiastic, reaching over 69,000 on that single day. The total attendance over the four days exceeded expectations, surpassing the 300,000 mark to hit 315,240 visitors—more than 50,000 higher than last year’s 262,590, marking a significant 20.1% increase and setting a new record for fair attendance.
Light meals and afternoon tea for around NT$200 each, served on royal Danish porcelain
The third global café specializing in light meals and coffee from the 238-year-old Danish hand-painted fine porcelain brand, Royal Copenhagen—after locations in Denmark and Japan—has opened at SOGO Zhongxiao Department Store. Offering light meals, afternoon tea, or beverages for approximately NT$200 per person, the café may promote an affordable dining concept, but allows guests to enjoy their meal using tableware worth thousands of dollars without time restrictions, providing a leisurely experience of Nordic charm and little joys.
Stay in a nostalgic Machiya to experience the real charm of Kyoto
Kyoto, Japan, with its millennia-old culture, is home to countless historic landmarks, but nostalgic-style Machiya townhouses are especially beloved by travelers. Located on Gojo Street, Guest House Kazariya is a nostalgic Machiya from the Taisho era. Originally a pharmacy from the Edo period, it still retains the pharmacy sign “Kameda Risaburo Pharmacy” and the medicine sign “Rokushinmaru,” adding to its timeless charm.
Evergreen’s Second Star Alliance-Liveried Aircraft Arrives in Taiwan, Equipped with “Sharklets”
Evergreen Airline’s second Star Alliance-liveried A321-200 aircraft arrived in Taiwan today (23rd), personally welcomed by Chairman Chang Kuo-wei, who led a team to the assembly plant in Hamburg, Germany. This is also the first passenger aircraft in Taiwan equipped with “Sharklets,” which will be deployed on medium and short-haul routes after final preparations.
Wall Street anchor quits million-dollar salary to launch 'cheap flights website' in Taiwan
Among travel agencies in Taiwan, there’s a famous saying: "The travel industry is one that fulfills others’ dreams at the expense of your own." Huang Jieshi, a former news anchor on New York’s Wall Street, recalls her childhood as a “latchkey kid,” coming home every day to an empty house, which brought her to tears. Because of this experience, she says she once secretly vowed to herself: “I will never take over the family travel business.”
Improved operations: Far Eastern Air transports gives pay raises to 200 employees
In the more than two years since resuming flights, Far Eastern Air Transport has been committed to improving its corporate structure and boosting revenue performance. Recently, in addition to recruiting flight attendants, the airline has also hired 68 pilots, maintenance technicians, ground staff, and administrative personnel over the past four months. Far Eastern Air chairman Chang Kang-wei further announced that starting from November, frontline and other employees will receive salary increases, with the highest raise reaching up to 14%, benefiting over 200 people.
Can hot air balloons reach space? U.S. space company unveils 'near-space' trips
Exploring the mysteries of the solar system is no longer just for astronauts. Even though space tourism comes with a hefty price tag, many wealthy individuals are still eager to spend large sums to secure a spot for a rocket-powered space adventure. Recently, a U.S. space tourism company introduced a 'near-space' travel experience, which doesn’t rely on rockets but uses hot air balloons to take you high above Earth to admire its beautiful curvature.
Trans-Pacific warmth: Hong Kong girl donates seashells, hermit crab on Green Island finds a home
The issue of Green Island’s hermit crabs “not finding homes” is severe. Taitung County Government is actively promoting the “Shell Releasing” initiative to help these creatures find warm shelters. A shell labeled No. 2, released by a girl from Hong Kong named A’zhe, was recently discovered by a visitor from Kaohsiung with a hermit crab already living in it. The organizing team specially wrote a postcard on behalf of the hermit crab to thank both parties, expressing gratitude for this heartwarming act that spanned three locations.
National airline offers midweek deals: Taichung to Macau for just NT$3,400
Autumn is the season to indulge in gourmet delights. Macau boasts seven restaurants listed in the 2013 Michelin Guide for Hong Kong and Macau, and is just a 1.5-hour flight from Taiwan, making it one of the top choices for planning a trip and savoring delicious food. From now until December 27, the national airline is launching the Macau 25 Special Sale, with flights from Taichung to Macau starting at NT$3,400. Furthermore, round-trip tickets from Taoyuan to Macau every Friday are offered at a 36% discount, just NT$4,500 for a round trip.
The Rainbow Glass Suspension Bridge in Nantou’s Xinyi Deep Mountains Lets You Gaze Down at the Heart-Stirring Valley Below
Walking on a suspension bridge is already nerve-wracking for many, but when the bridge deck is made of transparent glass, offering a crystal-clear view of the valley and river below, you might break into a cold sweat just a few steps in. Located in Xinyi Township, Nantou County, the newly completed Rainbow Glass Suspension Bridge stretches 60 meters in length. With rainbow decorations on the bridge piers and pink railings, it has been named the Romantic Rainbow Bridge. The head of Xinyi Township says this is the only suspension bridge in the country with a completely glass deck.
Promoting Low-Carbon Green Cycling Tours — “Beautiful Beijing Taiwan Tour” Visits Sun Moon Lake
To invite Taiwanese people to visit Beijing and promote “Green Beijing,” the “Beautiful Beijing Taiwan Tour,” organized by the Beijing Municipal Commission of Tourism Development, invited a hundred-member green environmental cycling team to Taiwan for promotional activities. After a six-day island-wide tour, the final stop was Sun Moon Lake, where participants not only came to appreciate the beautiful scenery of “green hills embracing clear waters” but also introduced unique tourist attractions in Beijing to Taiwan.
LPGA Taiwan Championship kicks off on the 24th – Dongsen Mountain Forest Hotel offers 50% local guest rate
The 2013 LPGA Taiwan Championship will be held from the 24th to the 27th at the Yangmei Golf Course in Taoyuan County. Dongsen Mountain Forest Hotel in Yangmei provides local services and, from now until November 30, is offering a 50% discount on selected room types for those presenting a tournament ticket stub. The offer starts at just NT$3,400 for two people.
Taiwan is the “culprit” behind this “poop” concept restaurant — the first toilet-themed eatery in the U.S. opens in L.A.
Last year, Taiwan’s toilet-themed restaurant was named the world’s weirdest by CNN. This year, it’s back in the spotlight as the first-ever toilet-themed restaurant in the U.S. — Magic Restroom Cafe — opened on the 18th in Los Angeles. The toilet concept was inspired by Taiwan’s famous MARTON Theme Museum.
Top 10 Scenic Landscapes of Taiwan Voted on – Yehliu Ranked No. 1, Guishan Island No. 5
Yehliu is "superb" ! The Forestry Bureau has announced the results of Taiwan’s Top 10 Scenic Landscapes vote. New Taipei City’s Yehliu, bolstered by the iconic “Queen’s Head” erosional landform, received 3,145 online votes, standing out among 91 unique landscapes across Taiwan to claim first place. The top five are, in order: Yushan Main Peak, Sun Moon Lake, Jinguashi, and Guishan Island.
Once you step in, you won’t want to leave！ The afternoon tea café “Private Treasures Unveiled” is like a fairytale cottage.
Near the bustling Jing’an MRT station in Zhonghe District, New Taipei City, a turn into an alleyway reveals a cozy little nook that looks like something out of a fairy tale. Nestled quietly in a residential area, it may seem a bit out of place at first glance — this is “Private Treasures Unveiled,” a place with cats, collectibles, and old friends.
Tigerair Taiwan launches Kaohsiung-Fukuoka route: 3 flights per week initially, increasing to 5 from March 25, 2018
The fifth international route from Kaohsiung operated by Tigerair Taiwan: the Kaohsiung-Fukuoka route launched on the 18th, also marking the airline’s fourth Japanese route from Kaohsiung. Initially, there will be three flights per week, increasing to five per week starting March 25, 2018. To celebrate the inaugural flight, Tigerair Taiwan is offering exclusive postcards and voucher redemptions for Don Quijote Fukuoka Tenjin Main Store lucky bags and JR Kyushu ramen to passengers on the first flight.