Travel
Activities throughout the first to the fifteenth day of the Lunar New Year | A complete guide to Tainan’s New Year celebrations
From Liuhe Jixiang to Qixi Chunman, the new year is just around the corner. Taiwanese people still observe many traditional customs during the Lunar New Year. As a cultural ancient capital, Tainan is filled with a strong festive atmosphere and the ambiance of a city rich in culture. The Tainan City Government has planned a series of “2014 Tainan Zhenyou Chun” (Tainan Really Has Spring) events, which not only showcase the city’s cultural and historical roots but also highlight the unique everyday life and vibe of Tainan.
Sesame pancakes, soy milk, and meat buns are generously stuffed—all for just 12 NT. Travelers flock here for them.
Lailai Breakfast is a well-known Chinese-style breakfast spot in the Zuoying military dependents’ village. At the start of the new year, my husband and I rose early and headed to the village in search of authentic Chinese breakfast. We arrived at Guomao Community, home to many local snacks, including several must-visit breakfast shops—Lailai Breakfast being one of them. The long queue speaks volumes about its popularity. Both tourists and locals come here specifically for its fame.
Salmon roe, as much as you can eat—must-try izakaya gourmet in Hokkaido, Japan!
A seafood lover’s paradise—don’t miss this famous izakaya “Umi wa Hachikyo (Hachikyo Rausu Cuisine)” when traveling in Hokkaido, Japan. Known for its fresh seafood, its most jaw-dropping and must-order dish is the “Tsukko Meshi (salmon roe rice),” where the chef dramatically piles spoonful after spoonful of salmon roe into your bowl right in front of you until it’s nearly overflowing.
The God of Wealth and Flying Panda Cub Climb Taiwan’s Largest Bamboo Shoot to Celebrate the New Year
On the eve of Lunar New Year, Santa Claus at New Taipei City’s Happy Christmas Town dons festive attire to transform into the God of Wealth, while the Flying Bear Cub becomes an adorable Flying Panda Cub. Together, they present the “super cute, bear-bringing fortune” Lunar New Year light show every hour from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM, continuing to celebrate with everyone from Lunar New Year all the way to the Lantern Festival.
Lantern Festival Tour to Penghu – Get a 2014 Limited-Edition Lucky Turtle Plush Toy
Right after the Lunar New Year comes the Lantern Festival, when the festive atmosphere fills the air across Taiwan. In celebration, the Penghu National Scenic Area Administration is hosting the “Most Beautiful Bay’s Wish-Making Lantern Festival Tour to Penghu – Get a Lucky Turtle Plush Toy” event, giving every visitor to Penghu a 2014 edition lucky turtle plush toy.
The calm waters of Sun Moon Lake create “double reflections” — a serene and elegant scene reminiscent of poetry.
In the early morning, Sun Moon Lake resembles a maiden veiled in mist. As the first rays of dawn gradually lift her veil, her true beauty is revealed to all. Early-rising photographers hold their breath, waiting for the winter sunrise to slowly emerge from Shuishe Mountain. In an instant, the soft sunlight drives away the chill of the night, heralding the start of a new day...
50-year-old coconut trees sway in the breeze | A cozy old-house café opened with just a hundred US dollars
While cafés in Taipei that incorporate elements of old houses are relatively common, those that fully utilize an entire historic building are rare. Right across from Yongkang Street, there’s a café with a small front courtyard where a 50-year-old coconut tree gently sways in the wind. Stepping inside feels like traveling back in time, immersing you in the nostalgic and dreamy aura of old Taiwan.
Airline from China launches Xiamen–Jiuhuashan route starting March four flights per week
Starting March 2, Xiamen Airlines will operate the sole Xiamen–Jiuhuashan flight every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday. The outbound flight departs at 07:20 and arrives at 08:35, while the return flight leaves at 09:20 and arrives at 10:40. This facilitates travel to religious sites such as Mount Putuo, Jiuhuashan, and Meizhou Mazu Temple. Xiamen Airlines also offers passengers transiting to Jiuhuashan or Mount Putuo an airport cash voucher worth RMB 50.
Indigenous-style resort offers Lunar New Year discounts & free stay coupons through challenge games
This Lunar New Year, the Atayal Resort has specially themed its celebrations around the stories and customs of the Seediq culture, organizing a series of New Year blessing ceremonies and Seediq-themed challenge games. Participants can not only experience indigenous culture firsthand and enjoy a unique Lunar New Year celebration, but also stand a chance to win free accommodation vouchers.
Five-day Spring Festival celebration: Yizai Fortress hosts grand international drum festival to ring in the New Year
The 2014 Tainan Spring Festival Series, planned by Tainan City Government’s Cultural Affairs Bureau, will take place over five consecutive days from January 31 to February 4 (the first to fifth days of the Lunar New Year), featuring an annual large-scale international drum music festival at Yizai Fortress. Seven performance troupes from four countries have been invited to perform.
The most crowded New Year’s Eve dinner ever—Yilan sets up 120 tables for a grand community reunion
Lunar New Year is a very important festival for Chinese people. Those working away from home return to reunite with their families and enjoy warm moments together. However, in this era of industrialization, commercialization, and fast-paced living, the traditional festive atmosphere has gradually faded. To preserve the culture of traditional New Year celebrations, Yilan County Government launched the “Happy Yilan New Year” event in 1994 (the 83rd year of the Republic of China). This year marks its 21st edition, and for the first time, it includes a “Community Reunion Dinner” event.
Valentine’s Day “Love You Forever” – Hotel Promotions to Woo Couples
This year’s Western Valentine’s Day coincides with the homophone “2014 Love You Forever,” adding an extra layer of romance to the occasion. Hotels have jumped on the bandwagon early, rolling out room and package deals to attract couples. Whether in guest rooms or on-site restaurants, they’re creating sweet atmospheres to capture lovers’ hearts.
Shop 3C at Guanghua & Win a Lucky Red Envelope Worth NT$20,000 for the Lunar New Year
Guanghua Digital Plaza, a popular destination for Taipei’s 3C enthusiasts, has scheduled its “Prosperity in the Year of the Horse – Grand Opening Celebration” event on February 4th (the fifth day of the Lunar New Year). On that day, 104 “Year of the Horse Prosperity Red Envelopes” will be given out, each containing a cash voucher worth over NT$100, with the top prize being a NT$20,000 cash voucher.
The nostalgic and retro vibe of Xia Mu Homestay evokes fond memories for those who grew up in the 1960s and 1970s.
I often tell people that I’m not passionate about photography, meaning I don’t spend much time learning how to take great photos—I just snap pictures casually, even if they rarely turn out as I envision. But if there’s anything that instantly inspires me to shoot, it might be trains and old houses. That’s how I came across this Tainan homestay called “Xia Mu.”
Kochi’s “YOSAKOI Night Parade Festival” Participates in Taiwan Lantern Festival for the Third Time; Award-Winning Group Visits Taiwan for the First Time
The “2014 Taiwan Lantern Festival,” held in Zhongxing New Village, Nantou County, will begin trial lighting on February 7 and officially illuminate the main lantern “Soaring Dragon Colt” on February 14. In addition to the intricately designed lanterns of the Taiwan Lantern Festival itself, the YOSAKOI Night Parade Festival from Kochi, Japan, will participate for the third consecutive year to help more Taiwanese learn about Kochi.
Layover in Tokyo en route to Abu Dhabi — Enjoy Japanese and Arabic In-flight Meals Before a Grand Trip to Rome
After arriving in Tokyo, ground staff quickly gathered the five passengers transferring to Abu Dhabi. Besides my travel companion and me, there was also a family — a son traveling with his parents to London via Abu Dhabi. China Airlines is located at Terminal 2 of Narita Airport; just follow this sign.
1,001 Inventions: Witnessing How Islamic Civilization Shaped the Modern World in Kuala Lumpur
The exhibition "1001 Inventions: Discover the Muslim Heritage of Our World," which has toured countries including the UK, the US, and Turkey, sparking an Islamic cultural wave at each stop, is currently on display at the National Science Centre in Kuala Lumpur.
Ancient sites in Macau don festive outfits for Spring Festival — Two-meter-tall galloping horse celebrates the New Year on the streets
Experience the festive New Year atmosphere even in Macau during the holiday season. From now until February 16, 2014, The Cotai Strip Resorts presents the “Fortune Shines at The Cotai Strip” Lunar New Year celebration at the outdoor artificial lake area of The Venetian Macao. Highlights of the event include exquisitely decorated fiberglass horse sculptures, a 3D light projection show, a colorful carousel, a New Year archway, and a massive 40-ton peach blossom tree.
Matsu’s Culinary Treasure “Red Yeast Rice” Transformed into Meat Buns and Ice Cream!
The origins of red yeast rice date back to ancient times, with records of its use existing as early as the Three Kingdoms period. In China, red yeast rice is primarily used in the regions of Zhejiang, Jiangsu, Fujian, and Jiangxi, and spread to Japan, Korea, and Southeast Asia during the Sui and Tang dynasties. The ancestors of Matsu mainly came from Lianjiang and Changle in Fujian, where the tradition of brewing wine with red yeast rice has existed since ancient times. As a result, almost every household in Matsu knew how to make traditional rice wine in the old days.
Tender and melt-in-your-mouth pork ribs, slow-cooked to perfection — a sweet and savory broth that’s even better with a touch of sugar
At the bustling intersection of Xifeng Street and Harbin Street, no spot is livelier than Zhangji Pork Ribs. Despite its long history and the decline of Xifeng Night Market, business here remains unaffected. Come mealtime, it’s always packed with a steady stream of customers.