Travel
Strolling through the serene and idyllic town of Uji – Visiting the Millennium Heritage Phoenix Hall
Before embarking on a trip, comparing the planned itinerary with the actual experience can lead to changes in how much you enjoy a place—whether due to the weather, travel companions, or your mood. For this trip, the top destination I was most looking forward to was Fushimi Inari Taisha, but upon arrival, I found that the place my heart truly longed for was this small town: Uji.
Keep admiring the creations of “Rainbow Grandpa”! Taichung’s Rainbow Village transforms into an art park
Taichung’s cultural and creative attraction “Rainbow Village” is filled with vibrant murals, all hand-painted by 92-year-old amateur artist Huang Yung-fu. Originally facing demolition due to urban redevelopment, the site gradually gained attention through online promotion. Recently, the Taichung City Cultural Affairs Bureau invested tens of millions to transform it into the “Taichung Rainbow Art Park,” which officially opened to the public. Not only have Grandpa Huang’s colorful artworks been preserved, but the park also now includes public restrooms and recreational facilities, giving the area a completely renewed look.
Spring Festival Panda Shuttle & Super-Cute "Yuan Zai" Red Packets
Ride the Yuan Zai bus to see Yuan Zai and get a Yuan Zai red packet too! The giant panda cub Yuan Zai’s “cuteness level” continues to soar, attracting large numbers of visitors. To encourage the public to take the free shuttle bus “Panda Shuttle Route 123,” the Taipei City Government will randomly distribute limited-edition Yuan Zai red packet envelopes on the shuttle buses from New Year’s Day to the fifth day of the Lunar New Year. Let Yuan Zai keep you company for a joyful festive season.
The pork cutlet is tender and juicy, and the curry is refreshing without being greasy — a delicious Japanese-style eatery in Taitung
Following the “Exploring Snacks with Shu Guozhi” series up to today, aside from the first eatery in Guting, “Kangleyi Snacks,” which didn’t allow photos, I’ve visited 67 places and finally encountered a second one. Fortunately, though photos inside the shop and of people weren’t allowed, I could still take pictures of the food I ordered myself — otherwise this article would have been tough to write.
Direct access via “Taiwan’s most beautiful railway branch line”! Keelung National Museum of Marine Science & Technology opens
The highly anticipated Keelung National Museum of Marine Science & Technology officially opened this morning (26th)! Designed with a nautical concept, the museum, after undergoing trial operations of its themed exhibits and temporary closures for maintenance, was inaugurated today by Premier Jiang Yi-huah with a whistle-blowing ceremony. He also unveiled the plaque for the museum’s completion and led 30 indigenous children in an interactive visit to the SOS Globe Theater in the Marine Science Hall, themed “Seeing the Earth.”
Limited release！Fried sweet glutinous rice balls to-go from a five-star hotel
Immersed in the joyful atmosphere of welcoming the New Year, we celebrate the Lantern Festival, also known as the "Little New Year." Each year, after savoring the warm and round sweet glutinous rice balls that symbolize reunion, it marks the official start of a fulfilling new year. Amidst the festivities of lantern carrying and riddle solving, these rice balls have become an essential seasonal treat. This year, the Sichuan Cuisine Restaurant at Taipei’s Ambassador Hotel has specially launched a takeout version of golden fried sweet glutinous rice balls in three festive flavors: sesame, peanut, and red bean cheese.
Travel News / New Year’s Blessings: Beitou Meiting to Give Away Spring Festival Couplets on the Afternoon of the 26th
The Taipei City Government’s Department of Information and Tourism has specially organized a spring couplet giveaway event on January 26 from 14:00 to 16:00 at Beitou Meiting. Calligraphy teachers from the China Standard Cursive Script Society will be invited to write couplets on-site for the public. In addition to classic auspicious phrases and couplets related to the “Horse” this year, customized couplets will also be available for visitors to take home.
The Joyful Yilan Year Kicks Off – Grandmas and Moms Rock Out to the “Broom Health Dance”
The Joyful Yilan Year event officially began yesterday (24th) after the lighting ceremony, and the first activity of the week was “Sweeping Away the Old to Welcome the New,” held at the Luye Cultural Factory. The site featured performances by dance troupes, who also led the public in a lively “broom health dance.” Various art groups and the Cup Theater joined in the fun under the bright sunshine, entertaining the crowds.
Excellent！Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and never gets stuck in your teeth – this crispy fried chicken cutlet has been a lifelong favorite for locals.
The year fried chicken cutlets became all the rage, eating two or three slices a week was non-negotiable. This time, on my way back to Taichung, I happened to pass through Shenkang feeling a bit peckish. Out of nowhere, I stumbled upon [Ah Guo Fragrant Chicken Cutlet] online, a shop highly recommended by locals who swear by it. Seeing how many people praised it as a childhood favorite, I decided to find it even though there was no address online.
Top 10 Bus Routes Offer New Year Discount Packages – Pingxi Enjoy Unlimited Rides
The "Take the Bus, Go Travel: Top 10 Exciting Route Itineraries," jointly organized by the Directorate General of Highways, Ministry of Transportation and Communications, the National Association of Public Transport Operators, Republic of China, and bus operators nationwide, has recently announced its latest New Year discount packages. The Directorate General of Highways stated that the selected top 10 exciting routes are all uniquely charming “hidden gems,” and the New Year discount packages offer diverse benefits, with promotions kicking off one after another before the Lunar New Year.
"Green Expo" Teams Up with "Agricultural Expo": Visitors Enjoy 20% Discount on Park Entry
The upcoming "2014 Yilan Green Expo," scheduled to be held on March 29, has something new this year. Yilan County Magistrate Lin Tsong-shyan and Yunlin County Magistrate Su Chih-fen jointly signed the "Green Taiwan, Sustainable Agriculture" declaration yesterday (26th), announcing an alliance between the "Green Expo" and the "Agricultural Expo." The goal is to work together toward environmental and ecological balance and sustainable development. Both expos will also collaborate on ticketing—visitors holding an Agricultural Expo ticket stub can enjoy a 20% discount on full-price tickets at the Green Expo.
Aviation News / Latest Singapore Airlines Transit Deals to Australia with Free Universal Studios Tickets
To allow travelers to enjoy both the convenience of transiting through Singapore and the fun of exploring the city, Singapore Airlines has launched special promotional fares for flights to Australia between February 15 and May 31, 2014. Fares to Adelaide, Brisbane, Darwin, Melbourne, Perth, and Sydney start from NT$25,688. Passengers who choose to make a stopover in Singapore can also receive complimentary tickets to Universal Studios Singapore (limited quantities available, while stocks last).
Santa Claus Turns into the God of Wealth to Welcome the New Year – Flying Tiger Bear Returns to New Taipei Christmas Town
The New Taipei City Christmas Town, which brought endless joy in 2013 with its main lights featuring Santa Claus and the flying teddy bear, has transformed just before Lunar New Year’s Eve. Santa has become the God of Wealth, and the adorable flying teddy bear has turned into a flying panda cub. From 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. every day, at every full hour, they continue to present a “super cute and bear-bringing” Spring Festival light show, keeping you company from Lunar New Year all the way to the Lantern Festival.
3.5-meter-tall "Sleeping Dragon King of Aomori" giant lantern to return for Lantern Festival in Hsinpu, Hsinchu
The massive "Sleeping Dragon King of Aomori" lantern, which caused a sensation at last year's (2013) Taiwan Lantern Festival and boasts over 250 years of history in Japan, will make another appearance on February 14 and 15 this year in Hsinpu Township, Hsinchu County.
No need to fear "raining upon arrival" – The Weather Bureau launches 6 major travel weather forecasts
Travelers often dread the weather "not cooperating" – departing under clear skies only to be met with storms at their destination. Starting today, the Weather Bureau’s website has introduced six major categories of “Recreational Weather” forecasts. These cover popular activity spots such as cycling, hiking, and seaside water play, with weather conditions updated every three hours. For the Lunar New Year holiday period, a special Lunar New Year weather report section has also been launched, allowing travelers to stay updated on weather conditions while on holiday.
Topfresh 101 View Restaurant’s Sweet Valentine’s Lunch
Still torn between a Valentine’s Day dinner and the dazzling lantern displays? Topfresh’s value-packed midday Valentine’s set meal lets you enjoy a romantic lunch at Topfresh in the afternoon. After your meal, take a stroll through the Xinyi District and admire this year’s Taipei Lantern Festival’s 2.9-kilometer-long “Happy Taipei Lantern Sea” hand-in-hand with your loved one. This way, you can have a sweet meal with your partner and still join in the lively Lantern Festival celebrations.
Seoul designates public transport zones; Seorae Village becomes Korea's first 'pedestrian paradise'
Seoul now has its own 'pedestrian paradise' too. South Korea has decided to designate Seorae Village’s “Yonsei-ro” and “Myeongmul-gil” as the country’s first public transport-only zone starting January (2014), turning the entire street into a pedestrian-only area during specified weekend hours. Both locals and international visitors can enjoy shopping in a more comfortable space.
Be the first to try it out！The "Steak Godfather" creates Taichung’s top-tier steakhouse
Since developing an unbreakable bond with beef, Mi’er has traveled across Taiwan, the US, Australia, and New Zealand to savor steaks, co-authored the steak book “21 Days of Secrets” with Chef Chen Zhongguang, and of course, Chef Deng Yougui—who is known as the “Steak Godfather” in Taiwan—has always been a chef she deeply admires.
Travel News / Hsinchu Eighteen Peaks Mountain Entrusts Operation of Mobile Coffee Cart
The Hsinchu City Government plans to entrust the operation of a mobile coffee cart at the entrance of Bo’ai Street, where it can sell coffee, desserts, hot and cold beverages, and other light meals (meals that do not require complicated cooking processes and are convenient for the public, such as crepes, burritos, sandwiches, pancakes, hot dogs, oden, etc.), as well as coffee, tea, ice cream, and non-alcoholic drinks in designated areas. This provides tourists with new options for sightseeing and relaxation.
Selling the warmth and simplicity of locals – a snack shop with portions so generous they’ll make you scream
But one day, I suddenly saw a netizen on the Taichung board of PTT sharing a small eatery (misclassified), which is actually a noodle shop. They claimed to have been eating there for over ten years, which means it’s been open for at least that long!! The address given was only approximate — the intersection of Park Road and Jiguang Street, next to a building called Park Building. It’s faster to just look for that intersection. The name of the place is “Jiuliu Snack Shop.”