Travel
A 60-Year-Old Tainan Mansion Reborn: Transformed into a Café and Cultural Space
“If you can’t take the beauty of Tainan with you, why not take the time to enjoy its slow living. Wander through the stories of this old house, listen to music, savor delicious food, and appreciate the cultural and creative artworks brought by Anping artists — take the beauty and memories of this place home with you.” — From the official website introduction of Anping 49.
Axi Transforms into an Anti-Illegal Short-Term Rental Ambassador to Help Travelers Find Safe Accommodations
In recent years, illegal short-term rental apartments have been heavily promoted online. Many people, tempted by convenience or low prices, have stayed in them, unknowingly putting themselves at risk. These illegal rentals often have complex comings and goings and lack proper management, leading to numerous consumer disputes, scams, and becoming hotbeds for drugs and illicit activities, raising concerns over travel safety and the well-being of building residents. To address this, the Tourism Bureau of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications launched an anti-illegal short-term rental campaign in November, inviting celebrity Axi to serve as the Anti-Illegal Short-Term Rental Ambassador.
Taiwan Cycling Festival: Female Rider Wei Huaxuan Leads the “Ultimate Cycling Tour Around Taiwan”
To promote cycling leisure activities, this year the Tourism Bureau of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications has expanded the “2013 Taiwan Cycling Festival.” In addition to the three main events to be held from November 9 to 17, there will also be a series of cycling activities across Taiwan. A 4-day, 3-night “Ultimate Cycling Tour Around Taiwan” itinerary has been planned, and “Cycling Expert – Little Monkey Wei Huaxuan” has been invited to serve as the event ambassador, helping more people easily realize their dream of cycling around Taiwan.
Japanese tourists flock to Taichung: Cross-border district exchanges boost gift packaging aesthetics
Japanese tourists flock to Taichung: Cross-border district exchanges boost gift packaging aesthetics
The landing spot of Jimmy Liao characters！The vibrant and beautiful Taitung Chenggong Town Sailfish Festival and Navel Orange Festival
The 102nd Taitung Sailfish Festival and Navel Orange Festival event—“Sail & Citrus 'Journey Begins'” will officially kick off on November 16 for a nine-day celebration. This year, the Taitung County Government is marketing two major local agricultural and fishery industries—the “sailfish” and “navel oranges”—together for the first time, and has combined them with scenic spots in Chenggong Town to launch a series of themed activity routes. The aim is to attract both domestic and international travelers during the autumn and winter seasons when sailfish are at their fattest and navel oranges at their sweetest.
Hsinchu Dong'an Ancient Bridge Music Festival: Yin Zhengyang & Lim Sheng-shiang to Perform on the 10th
The Dong'an Ancient Bridge Riverside Music Festival will take place from 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM on the 10th along the Niulan River in Guanxi. Numerous singers, including Golden Melody Award-winning artist Yin Zhengyang, will perform. Visitors can enjoy coffee by the classic, old-world bridge while taking in music, experiencing a feast for the eyes, ears, and taste buds. The event will also feature a creative market, inviting local artists and offering on-site sales of regional delicacies.
A homely eatery in Kaohsiung: Irresistible sesame oil fried rice with egg and fish-flavored eggplant
Xiaofang Kitchen is Huli’s go-to dining spot — she’s been eating here for about four or five years now. The place originally operated in front of the Dafang Supermarket near the Art Gallery before relocating to Cuihua Road, where it continues to thrive. It’s conveniently located near the Guomao community in Zuoying. Here, the must-try is the sesame oil fried rice with egg — its rich, aromatic flavor makes you fall in love at first bite. It’s practically a staple on Huli’s order every time, and she could eat it three days in a row without getting tired of it (laughs).
No competition with Taoyuan County Government—Zhongli City cancels its New Year's Eve event this year and switches to a Christmas party
The Zhongli City New Year’s Eve celebration, held for over 10 years, has been canceled this year. Last year, residents criticized the Zhongli event for being more extravagant than the one hosted by the Taoyuan County Government, putting the Zhongli City Office in an awkward position. This year, they’ve decided not to “compete” with the county government and will instead hold a Christmas party.
World Taxi Service Rankings: Taipei Ranks 18th
What detail do you care about the most when taking a taxi? A well-known international online hotel booking website has released its latest global taxi service survey for 2013. The results show that London’s taxis have claimed the title of the world’s best taxi service for the sixth consecutive year with 22% of the vote, closely followed by New York and Tokyo, which received 10% and 9% of the votes respectively. Taipei’s taxi services also earned high praise from many travelers, ranking 18th this year.
A Day as a Local: The Anpanman Museum in Sendai, Japan
Everyone has the urge to travel. When once foreign places gradually become familiar, what you need for Japan is a spiritual reboot. This time, step away from Tokyo—gently shift from the big city to smaller towns and rural areas. Journey to Sendai, Aomori, Miyazaki, Hiroshima, Saga, Ise, and more. Immerse yourself in the true essence of Japanese culture and discover the simple joys of life.
Beware of King Kong sightings！A hyper-realistic “King Kong” at Taipei Zoo breaks through a wall, looking just like a real gorilla.
How did a “King Kong” appear? Some visitors walking through the African animal area at Taipei Zoo were startled by a “wall-breaking” gorilla right in front of them—but it turned out to be one of four 3D gorilla mural artworks designed by the zoo. Due to their striking three-dimensionality, many visitors rushed to take photos with them, making it look as if they were standing shoulder-to-shoulder with a real gorilla.
The Floral Carpet Festival in Taichung Unfolds a Sea of Blooms, a Beauty That Feels Like Wonderland
It’s like stepping into Alice in Wonderland！The Taichung Xinshe International Floral Carpet Festival kicks off on November 9th. This year, organizers have used vibrant flowers to create a “Magic Castle” and a “Magic Bean Tree,” blending elements from Alice in Wonderland, Jack and the Beanstalk, and Peter Pan. They’ve even recreated scenes from the movie Life of Pi using vast floral landscapes—stepping into the park feels like entering a fairy tale.
The White House reopens to visitors, with the Obamas and their dogs welcoming guests
On November 5th U.S. time, after an eight-month budget standoff, the White House finally reopened to visitors yesterday. Surprisingly, U.S. President Obama, along with First Lady Michelle and their beloved dogs "Bo" and "Sunny," personally welcomed guests in the Blue Room on the first day of reopening.
"Gourmet" Stir-Fry in Beitou: Qiyuan Seafood’s Crispy-Outside-Soft-Inside Diced Beef
The common impression of stir-fry restaurants is that they are noisy and bustling places, but this one in Beitou offers a very different atmosphere. Qiyuan Seafood Restaurant’s official website states: “Stir-fry can also be gourmet!” This is the philosophy of founder Chef Chen. One of their signature dishes, diced beef, is made by cutting boneless beef short ribs into cubes. Not only is the presentation refined, but the texture is also exquisite—with a slightly charred exterior and tender interior—making it the restaurant’s standout dish.
One new confirmed case of H7N9 flu reported; Guangdong added to yellow travel alert zone
The Central Epidemic Command Center announced on November 5 that there was one new confirmed case of H7N9 flu in Guangdong Province, mainland China. The center has raised the travel epidemic advisory level for the province to the second tier — Alert — the same as for Zhejiang Province. Based on the decision of the Central Epidemic Command Center, the Mainland Affairs Council has included Guangdong Province in the yellow travel alert area.
Magical！Ancient landmarks bathed in a "romantic apple glow"！Artist "Shiguang" illuminates Tamsui
Magical！Ancient landmarks bathed in a "romantic apple glow"！Artist "Shiguang" illuminates Tamsui
"Taiwan's Only" Two Naples Certifications Approved — Plus Strawberry Pizza & Lasagna
Located in Kaohsiung, Posido Naples Pizza was formerly a brunch spot but transformed into a pizza specialty store in August this year. Owner Chen Jianwen has been making pizza for eight years, once represented Taiwan in international competitions, and won third place at the Asian Cup in Tokyo, Japan. He is the only pizza chef in Taiwan certified by both the APN and APPN, two prestigious Naples pizza associations.
It feels like stepping into a Dutch landscape painting—tupelo trees turn red along Yunlin’s irrigation channels!
A cold front has hit, turning all of Taiwan’s tupelo trees bright red in an instant. The Yunlin Agricultural Water Conservancy Cultural Exhibition Hall is a popular mid-Taiwan destination for tupelo viewing. Rows of tupelo trees planted alongside the irrigation channels create a stunning scenery. Recently, netizens captured photos of their leaves changing color, set against golden waterwheels and canals, making it look as if you've been instantly transported to Amsterdam in the Netherlands.
New Taipei’s Happy Christmas Town Lights Up on the 22nd – Main Tree to Grow 0.5 Meters Taller
As the gates open, Hello Kitty, SpongeBob SquarePants, Transformers, Santa Claus, little bears, and the New Taipei City Government team joyfully appear, bringing early festive cheer for Christmas. The 2013 New Taipei Happy Christmas Town — a month-and-a-half-long series of Christmas events — will kick off with the lighting ceremony on November 22. Highlights include costume parades, children’s strolling activities, and exciting Christmas concerts.
Sky Garden Light Sea & Magical Christmas Tunnel – Taichung National Theater Transforms into a Dreamy Photo Spot
Designed by renowned Japanese architect Toyo Ito, the National Taichung Theater’s beamless, pillar-less curved-wall construction is recognized in the industry as one of the “world’s most challenging buildings to construct.” In celebration of the upcoming Christmas season, the theater has been transformed into a romantic tunnel, with projection lights emitting festive Christmas vibes onto its white walls. Christmas trees, snowflakes, and stars are scattered across every corner, creating the illusion of stepping into a mesmerizing and mysterious Christmas wonderland.