Travel
The Yellow Rubber Duck hasn’t arrived in Keelung yet, but the Yellow Duck Sightseeing Passport is here first
The Yellow Rubber Duck’s exhibition in Taoyuan has been “anything but calm,” and its next stop will be Keelung. However, before the duck even arrives, Keelung City has launched the “Yellow Rubber Duck Sightseeing Passport” in advance. It features a collection of local food and entertainment hotspots, shop discounts, and transportation information. The city plans to release the first batch of 100,000 passports by the end of November, with each priced at no more than NT$50.
Record-breaking number of Taiwanese travelers to Japan; airlines open new routes
How much do Taiwanese people love traveling to Japan? From January to September this year, the number of Taiwanese visitors to Japan approached 1.7 million, and it is estimated that the annual total will exceed 1.8 million, setting a new historical record. Credit card companies have also reported that Japan is the most desired overseas travel destination for Taiwanese. Capitalizing on the public’s strong preference for Japan, Taiwanese and Japanese airlines are preparing to launch four new routes to attract more passengers, among which low-cost carriers are particularly favored due to their affordable ticket prices.
Business Weekly / Tokyo Station’s Centennial Legend: The Literary Hotel That Inspired World-Class Writers
When the Tokyo Station Hotel in Japan reopened in October 2012, it sparked widespread discussion and attention, enabling this locally owned station hotel to achieve an occupancy rate of over 80% in Tokyo, where it competes with multinational hotel chains. Both the architecture community and railway enthusiasts have shown great interest in this unique property—the only important cultural asset in Japan that remains open for stays.
“Too Expensive!” Thailand Plans to Impose 500 Baht Entry Tax Starting New Year’s Day Next Year
Travelers planning to visit Thailand during the winter break should take note: The Thai government is currently drafting plans to impose a 500 baht (approximately NT$470) entry tax on tourists staying in Thailand for more than three days starting from New Year’s Day 2014 (2014), while airport taxes will also be raised by 100 baht (approximately NT$95).
Transformed into a floral paradise！ Comparable to the Keukenhof Gardens in the Netherlands, multiple riverside areas are now blooming with vibrant flower seas
As the year draws to a close, come enjoy the breeze and flowers by the riverside！ To welcome 2018, the Taipei City Water Department has completed several flower sea zones in riverside parks. The first to debut is the Guandu Riverside Flower Sea, featuring 140,000 pots of seasonal flowers arranged into a romantic landscape. Additionally, beneath the overpass platform in the Hakka cultural area of the Guting Riverside Park, there is also a dazzling flower sea that rivals the Netherlands' Keukenhof Gardens, giving the city's green spaces a fresh new look.
A great winter escape: The Little Liuqiu Marine Pastoral Series kicks off
Looking for a cozy winter getaway? Head to Little Liuqiu (Liuqiu Island)! Pingtung County Government has launched the Little Liuqiu Marine Pastoral Series, kicking off with a driftwood carving competition — and it’s already in full swing. The series features a variety of activities, including food promotions, live music performances, and island cycling tours. Additionally, opening and closing night galas will be held on the evenings of the 9th and 16th, featuring performances by Golden Melody Award-winning artist Huang Fei and the Best Band winner Monkey Pilot, along with a spectacular offshore fireworks show.
Authentic Hainanese chicken with slow-braised thigh meat and chicken-fat-infused rice — Qincheng Hainanese Chicken becomes the office workers’ “ultimate indulgence”
Come mealtime, long queues form as everyone flocks here for the glistening, authentic Hainanese chicken thighs. Nestled in a lane near Nanjing East Road Station, “Qincheng Hainanese Chicken Rice” serves nothing but this Hainanese chicken rice set, described by customers as “absolutely addictive.” The delicious chicken thighs have become a sensation across Taipei, and every office worker nearby knows about it.
The cherry blossoms on Alishan are sick! The public fears there may be no blossoms to admire next year.
Alishan Forest Recreation Area’s renowned “Feast of Flowers” spring cherry blossom season is now under threat of fading away! This year, the Forestry Bureau discovered that some cherry trees in the area are suffering from aging trunks, internal decay, and attacks by leaf cluster disease, which may affect the number of blossoms next spring. The Chiayi Forest District Office has called in “tree doctors” to treat them, hoping to restore vitality to Alishan’s cherry blossoms.
Experience tribal life: Day 2 of the Hualien Jingpu Tribe Work Holiday
On the second day of our work holiday at the Jingpu Tribe in Hualien’s Sun Tribe, the schedule was still packed. As seed volunteers, we needed to undergo intensive training over these two days. In addition to experiencing tribal life, we had to learn skills like weaving and painting in advance so we could assist as teaching assistants, helping other volunteers get up to speed. Besides that, we also had to practice dancing in preparation for the campfire party on the fifth day. Phew—do they really have to keep the seed volunteers this busy? XD.
The wind is too strong – the yellow rubber duck will definitely not “greet visitors” on the 4th; no date set for its return to the water
The “duck” has turned into a “poached egg” again—but this time the duck wasn’t damaged, it was just deflated early by staff. And today (the 4th), with poor weather conditions, the Taoyuan County Cultural Affairs Bureau stated that the duck will definitely not be on display today, but the duck exhibition area remains open to the public.
World Surf League ASP Makes Its Taiwan Debut for the First Time—One-Day Autumn Trip to Taitung for Just NT$699
The world-class surfing competition, the ASP (Association of Surfing Professionals), will make its Taiwan debut from November 15 to 17 for the first time ever. The World Tour organized by the world’s largest professional surfing organization, ASP, is regarded as the highest stage for all surfers around the globe. This is the first time the event will be held in Taiwan, and Taitung’s Jinzun has become the global 21st stop for the men’s shortboard surfing competition.
The Alishan Forest Railway's Zhushan to Fenchihu section is expected to reopen at the end of November.
The Zhushan to Fenchihu section of the Alishan Forest Railway was originally scheduled to open this year (2013), but due to remaining safety issues that needed to be addressed, the reopening schedule was delayed. Today, the Taiwan Railways Alishan Forest Railway Preparatory Office conducted a railway safety drill at Zhushan Station. Director Chang Chin-song stated that the Zhushan to Fenchihu section is expected to resume service before the end of November.
Northeast Corner Caoling Ancient Trail Miscanthus Season Kicks Off on November 16
As autumn winds blow and miscanthus flowers dance, the silver miscanthus blankets Yilan’s Caoling Ancient Trail, heralding the arrival of the annual miscanthus season. The “Caoling Ancient Trail Miscanthus Season” has entered its twelfth year. This year, the Northeast Coast & Yilan Coast National Scenic Area Administration, under the Tourism Bureau of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications, has chosen “Dancing Winds, Flying Miscanthus” as the theme. From November 16 to December 1, various activities including cosplay creativity and traditional tea-serving by “waiters” will be held on weekends.
Experience the taste of "victory"！ The Nantou Guoxing Seizing Success Festival kicks off with 7 days of excitement
As one of the 12 major Hakka festivals, the Guoxing Seizing Success series of events will be held from the 7th to the 10th at the Seizing Success Cultural Square in Guoxing Township, Nantou. In addition to the always exciting Seizing Success competition, this year’s event features a creative twist — flower lantern palanquins replacing traditional flower palanquins in the competition, in line with the upcoming Taiwan Lantern Festival in Nantou next year, making it a new highlight of the festival.
A "color-block" brunch spot tucked in an alley, where creative dishes come with a side of "elephant" company
The hectic rhythm of urban life can surprisingly give way to long-lost leisure—just by turning into a quiet alley. This brunch café in Yonghe District, New Taipei City, is hidden away in a lane, its bright, airy design creating a naturally stress-free vibe. Every dish on the menu is a brainchild of the owner, offering unique flavors you won’t find anywhere else.
The More Beautiful as the Night Falls – Three Popular Scenic Bridges in Taichung
In Taichung's Dakeng area, there are several incredibly beautiful bridges that have become some of the hottest attractions lately. Even we southerners made a special trip here just to see them. At dusk, the place is packed with people taking photos, strolling around, chatting, and waiting for the sunset. When night falls, the bridges are illuminated with soft, colorful lights, creating a trendy and romantic ambiance. Take a moment to truly appreciate the beauty of these bridges—sometimes a gentle breeze brushes against your cheeks, allowing you to enjoy the tranquility of the moment.
Taichung’s i-Bike system set to launch mid-next year; bike rentals no longer limited to EasyCard
The biking leisure trend is sweeping across Taiwan. Following Pingtung’s plan to introduce YouBike next year, Taichung City has now joined the movement, proposing to establish the “i-Bike” public bicycle rental system in major areas of Taichung by mid-next year. Unlike other systems, i-Bike will accept not only EasyCards but also Taiwan Cards, Kaohsiung MRT cards, and ETC cards for rentals.
Lunchtime diners / Daily limited-edition diced beef – your top choice for affordable hot pot meals
Qiaoyuan Seafood Restaurant, which emphasizes that “stir-fried dishes can be refined too,” offers great value and delicious food. The daily limited diced beef is cooked to a perfect medium-well—crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with aroma. The flavorful sweet and sour fish fillets and the slightly spicy diced chicken with leeks are both incredibly satisfying with rice. In addition to a variety of stir-fries, health-conscious diners can opt for the shrimp white rolls and evergreen pines, both refreshingly light and guilt-free.
Breaking News / Yellow Rubber Duck Won’t Be Inflated Before Saturday; Hofmann Understands Organizer’s Decision
Strong northeast monsoon winds in Taoyuan’s Xinzhuang area are expected to continue until the weekend. To ensure the safety of the Yellow Rubber Duck, the Taoyuan County Government team decided on the evening of the 5th that the duck will not be inflated and displayed for three consecutive days starting the 6th (Wednesday to Friday). Inflation will only take place when the wind eases over the weekend and ideal conditions are met.
Yes, luggage is thrown around—A baggage handler reveals what happens after your suitcase goes on the conveyor belt
After checking in at the airport, you wave goodbye to your luggage as it disappears onto the conveyor belt. Along with clothes, there might be some important items inside—do you know how it’s really treated? The UK’s Daily Telegraph spoke to former baggage handlers to uncover the truth about how luggage is handled, along with some essential packing tips.