Travel
Breathing New Life into Scrap Metal – A Steel World Between Water Alleys and Landscape Art
Life-sized, vividly shaped, and expressive iron figures stand on both sides of the pathways, forming what seem like "iron avenues" to welcome the bustling crowds and guide disoriented visitors. This unique sight is one of the artworks featured at the Taoyuan Land Art Festival, titled “The Fantastic Iron World,” created by environmental iron sculptor Zheng Binghe.
Culinary Delights of Northeast China: Manchu Banquets, Iron Pot Stews, and Korean Flavors in Jilin
Jilin Province in Northeast China, bordered by North Korea, Russia, and Inner Mongolia, is not only famous for natural attractions such as the "No.1 Peak under Heaven" — Changbai Mountain — and one of China's four major natural wonders, rime ice, but also boasts a diverse and unique cuisine shaped by its special geographical location and ethnic history. Among them, Manchu cuisine, Northeastern dishes, and Korean flavors are all highly representative local specialties. When visiting Jilin, don’t miss these three “flavors of China”!
Lowering overhead power lines – Starting the 30th, the little duck in Taoyuan will no longer have three overhead lines on its face
The adorable appearance of the Taoyuan little duck has attracted large crowds of visitors. However, those who don’t walk up onto the embankment may notice three to five overhead power lines appearing above the duck’s head in photos. In response to public demand, to avoid affecting the visual experience of the artwork and the surrounding power facilities, work to lower some of the overhead power lines in front of the duck’s face was completed after 5 p.m. on the 9th.
Will Taiwan’s first homegrown low-cost airline be launched by the end of the year? China Airlines: still undecided
Will a homegrown low-cost airline emerge in Taiwan? Over the past two years, budget airlines such as Peach Aviation, Scoot, and Spring Airlines have been expanding their markets, extending their routes to Taiwan. Meanwhile, there are reports that China Airlines may collaborate with Singapore-based Tigerair to establish a domestic low-cost airline. However, regarding the timeline for the launch of this low-cost airline, China Airlines internally stated that the plan is not yet finalized and is still under evaluation.
A bowl full of meatball soup for just NT$25 — the beloved Chekouluo Meatball from locals in Changhua
How much do you think this generous bowl of meatball soup costs? NT$50? NT$40? The answer is just NT$25!* This “Chekouluo Meatball” spot, located in the public Minsheng Market in Changhua City, is well known among locals — some have been eating here since childhood — making it a popular and iconic snack shop. After opening at 2 p.m., even on weekdays, the place is constantly bustling with customers. Although it stays open until 10 p.m., it’s possible they’ll sell out earlier.
“Overjoyed” Strolling Among Flowers – Taichung’s New Du Flower Sea Festival Kicks Off on November 9
The 2013 Taichung Xinshè Flower Sea Festival will be held from November 9 to December 8, offering a five-week floral feast. With the theme “Roam Among Flowers, Enjoy Leisurely Travel,” the event features a vast 30-hectare flower landscape, four major exhibition areas, and eight themed pavilions. This joyous flower festival aims to make Taichung “burst with joy” in November and December.
A bowl of ramen with “heartfelt dedication” at its core — the broth is rich but not salty, refreshing and smooth on the palate
In recent years, ramen shops have sprung up all over Taiwan, with major Japanese brands also entering the market, indicating that this ramen craze is here to stay. At first glance, most ramen may look similar, but one particular bowl in Banqiao District, New Taipei City, has won over office workers and local residents alike — all thanks to two words: heartfelt dedication.
TSUJIRI Tea Experience in Taichung – Make Delicious Matcha Products with Simple Steps
TSUJIRI? Richa is made from tea leaves carefully selected from Uji tea gardens in Kyoto, which are rich in minerals, so it’s authentic Japanese imported matcha. This time, I was invited to experience making my own matcha beverages at TSUJIRI? Richa’s Taichung Mitsukoshi store. There was an instructor to guide us, and all the materials were prepared for us — so thoughtful. Only after making it myself did I realize that matcha can be so versatile, and you can easily create incredibly tasty drinks and desserts with just a few simple steps~
Kids and teachers dress up for Halloween fun in front of the Rubber Duck; Taoyuan Land Art Festival draws huge crowds
Yesterday (28th), the Taoyuan Land Art Festival entered its third day, also the first weekday. Though slightly fewer than the weekend opening, visitor numbers by evening still exceeded 200,000.
Lunch for one / Enjoy a spicy hot pot all to yourself — “Lao Xianjue” clay-fired pot locks in freshness and sweetness
Worried about feeling too full with an all-you-can-eat hot pot or finding à la carte options too expensive? “Lao Xianjue Spicy Clay-Fired Hot Pot” in Zhonghe can completely solve your dilemma. The restaurant’s specially designed clay-fired pot instantly seals in the fresh and sweet flavors of the ingredients. The spicy broth is rich and aromatic, while also invigorating and nourishing; the dragon bone broth offers a fragrant herbal taste with a smooth texture that lingers on the palate.
Swinging memories of life in the heart of the lake — ripples of art spread through the alleys of the Land Art Festival
Once, strolling through the countryside of Xinyi, known as the “Rice Capital” of the water town, residents lived by the water, surrounded by farmland and irrigation ponds that sustained their livelihoods. Everything in Xinyi seemed closely tied to the irrigation channels and ponds, even the air one breathed carried a faint hint of salinity. However, this scene has gradually faded with the march of urbanization. The once murmuring streams have been paved over with asphalt, causing the people of Xinyi to grow further and further away from the irrigation channels and ponds.
"Stone Hot Pot" with Real Stones Inside – Indigenous Flavors of Hualien
Located in Guangfu Township, Hualien County, the "Red Tile House – Old Place Cultural Cuisine Restaurant" is most famous for its stone hot pot and salt-grilled fish. The restaurant also offers other uniquely flavored indigenous dishes. Even the architecture and decor are rich in indigenous style. When you visit Guangfu Township in Hualien, you absolutely must not miss the "Red Tile House – Old Place Cultural Cuisine Restaurant"！
Second price hike this year for Xiaoyeliu, Sansiantai, and Baxiandong – entry fees rise on November 1
Your wallet will take another hit again soon. Following the increase in campground fees earlier this year, the East Coast National Scenic Area Administration will raise the entrance cleaning fees for three of its scenic spots—Xiaoyeliu, Sansiantai, and Baxiandong—from November 1. Fees for large vehicles will go up by NT$50, and those for small vehicles by NT$10. Meanwhile, the stunning Shitiiping Scenic Area has charged fees since June 30, 2014.
Production exceeds 100,000 fish — head to Hsinchu’s Mullet Festival for a taste
“This year’s production has exceeded 100,000 fish!” said the Hsinchu County Government. As the weather turns colder and mullet enter peak season, this year’s Hsinchu Mullet Festival kicks off on November 2 at Zhubei’s Baizi Cave. The event will feature sales of the “Three Treasures of Mullet” — mullet maw, mullet stomach, and mullet roe. The county government will also offer 1,000 free servings of mullet rice noodles for visitors to try, along with a mullet-themed souvenir lucky draw, ensuring attendees get both a taste and a takeaway.
Smoking banned in Alishan Forest Recreation Area from December; violators face fines of up to NT$10,000
To create a fresh, healthy, and smoke-free environment, starting December 1, smoking will be completely prohibited in the Alishan Forest Recreation Area, except for designated smoking areas between the main gate toll station and the first control post, within the residential area of Xianglin Village, and in outdoor smoking zones. Lin Yih-kwang, director of the Chiayi Forest District Office under the Forestry Bureau, stated that properly separating smokers and non-smokers helps maintain air quality and protect visitors' health in the park.
Wander through mountains and rivers Ride a bike in Guam and enjoy the gentle sea breeze
In recent years, the trend of "sports tourism" has been thriving, and cycling overseas has become especially popular. Besides experiencing local culture and scenery, cycling allows you to broaden your travel horizons. One of the newest hotspots is Guam — only twice the size of Taipei City. Cycling around the southern part covers about 100 kilometers, with mountain views on one side and the ocean on the other. The rolling roads and gentle sea breeze make for a very comfortable ride.
Ride horses and bikes — Taichung’s Two Horses Tourism Season kicks off
Taichung has two kinds of “horses”: “fine steeds” and “iron horses”! Entering its 10th year, the Taichung Two Horses Tourism Season kicks off on November 2 at Houli Horse Ranch. In addition to cycling through the mountainous city and exploring the Houfeng Bicycle Greenway, visitors can enjoy equestrian performances and receive guidance from equestrian experts for horseback riding. For those who prefer not to ride, they can also experience the comfort of a horse-drawn carriage ride. Admission is free during the “Two Horses” event period.
Uncovering Surprises in the Urban Jungle: Taichung Launches Its "Urban Amusement Park"
To help visitors better immerse themselves in local culture and discover more of Taichung’s charm, the Taichung City Department of Economic Development invited 12 of the city’s most representative tourist factories to collaborate on the 29th. Through this partnership with local industries, Taichung is being transformed into an “urban amusement park” where the public can play and experience a variety of unique local industries within this large-scale attraction.
The 110,000-ton ultra-large "Sapphire Princess" cruise ship will visit Taiwan for the first time in 2014
Another large luxury cruise ship is making its way to Taiwan. The world's largest cruise line, Carnival Corporation's Princess Cruises, will deploy the ultra-large 110,000-ton "Sapphire Princess" in Taiwan for the first time in May 2014, using Keelung Port as its home port to operate routes between Keelung and Japan. Together with Royal Caribbean International and Costa Cruises, which are already operating in Taiwan, there will be three major luxury cruise lines serving passengers in Taiwan starting next year.
Feel like you’re staying in Hogwarts Castle！ The Park Front Hotel at Universal Studios Japan — just 1 minute to the entrance
Universal Studios Japan introduces new attractions and experiences every year. To be among the first to enjoy them, many travelers arrive early and queue up before the park opens. But if you want to sleep in a bit more while still reaching the park as quickly as possible, check in at “The Park Front Hotel at Universal Studios Japan”! This hotel is just a 1-minute walk from the park entrance and also offers direct bus service from Kansai Airport — its prime location makes it a favorite among many visitors.