Travel
From 00:00 on February 24, AirAsia's big sale offers flights from Taoyuan to Sydney starting at NT$5,490
AirAsia announced that from 00:00 on February 24 until March 2, it will begin selling early-bird promotional tickets for travel between October 1 and April 30, 2015. This sale covers Asian and Australian destinations within the AirAsia network, including fares from Taoyuan to Malaysia starting as low as NT$2,000, and from Taoyuan–Kuala Lumpur–Sydney starting at just NT$5,490, making it ideal for those planning their trips well in advance. For more information on AirAsia’s special offers, please visit the official website.
“Most Dreamlike Cycling Route” Challenge – Scenic East Coast Views & In-depth Tribal Tours
Voted by global cyclists as the “most desired dream route,” Taiwan’s East Coast is the place to be! The Tourism Bureau’s East Coast National Scenic Area Administration has specially launched the “East Coast Sports Tourism” brand, with the first event being the “2014 Brave the East Coast Cycling Challenge” in March. In addition to enjoying the stunning coastal scenery along the way, the administration has also planned tribal tour packages, inviting cyclists and travelers to embark on an in-depth journey.
An old apartment transformed into a cozy café — the Hu family invites you for a delicious cup of coffee
Between my last and this trip back to Yilan from Taipei, another new café, Tiger Coffee, has opened in Yilan. Tiger Coffee is managed by a couple, along with their energetic Boston Terrier, Hudou. These three are currently the café’s members. Usually, the couple runs the place, while Hudou’s part-time job is seeing guests out at closing time, and his main job during the day is to play to his heart’s content.
Rare Fusou cherry blossoms bloom across Taiwan; Aowanda becomes a “snow-white world”
Early spring marks the peak of the cherry blossom season, with peach and pink blooms adorning various parts of Taiwan. Unlike other regions, the unique white cherry blossoms—Fusou cherries—native to Aowanda in Nantou have also entered full bloom. Walking into Aowanda feels like stepping into a “snow-white world.” Many visitors even say that when a gentle breeze drifts by, the white Fusou cherry petals fall softly, resembling a snowfall, creating a supremely romantic and beautiful scene.
Enjoy gourmet food and fireworks Year-end dinner tickets at TGI Fridays Xinyi and Miramar branches go on sale
Watching New Year's Eve fireworks is the most anticipated event for people across Taiwan. TGI Fridays' Xinyi and Miramar branches offer views of the Taipei 101 and Miramar fireworks respectively. This year, they will once again serve as prime fireworks-viewing restaurants, specially launching “New Year’s Eve Fireworks Dinner Tickets.” These allow diners to enjoy an ultra-luxurious, store-exclusive New Year’s Eve set menu while experiencing the breathtaking fireworks show up close. The dinner tickets are priced at NT$1,800.
Breaking News / Replacing Humans? 1,600 Pandas Make a Flash Appearance, Taking Seats in the National Theater
The final stop of the panda flash event appeared at the National Theater & Concert Hall as an audience member. The 10-stop, 1,600-panda flash mob appeared this evening (24th) at the National Theater, where more than 1,500 audience seats were filled for the first time by “non-humans.” The black-and-white pandas sat in various poses in the audience seats, looking extremely adorable.
Five signature Hong Kong-style dim sum unchanged for 35 years at Plum Blossom Hall of Brothers Restaurant
Since its opening in 1979, the Hong Kong-style dim sum at Plum Blossom Hall of "Brothers Hotel" has a history of over 30 years. With affordable and refreshing dishes since its inception, it has won over many food enthusiasts. The crispy and delicious char siu pastry, the fresh and sweet bamboo shoot tip shrimp dumplings, along with a variety of approachable and diverse Hong Kong-style dim sum, never get tiresome to enjoy again and again.
Last year, Taiwan visitor numbers grew by 2%; Macao Tourism Board continues to promote "Multi-Destination Trips"
Macao boasts exciting and diverse festivals and events all year round. Under the promotional theme “Experience Macao – The Moment of Emotion,” the Macao Tourism Board has added the “Joyful Moments” sub-theme to further reinforce Macao’s image as the “City of Events.” Macao Tourism Board Director Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes stated that Taiwan is Macao’s third-largest source market, and the number of Taiwanese visitors staying overnight in Macao has continued to grow annually.
20 Cross-Strait Flight Points See Increased Services, Total Flights Rise to 828 Weekly
The Civil Aeronautics Administration (CAA) of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications reached a consensus on February 24, 2014 (103 fiscal year) to increase regular cross-Strait passenger flights by 79 per week. After a comprehensive assessment, of the additional 72 weekly flights proposed for 22 mainland airports not requiring time slot coordination, two points—Lanzhou and Harbin—had no airline demand. For the remaining 20 points, airlines were allocated a combined total of 52 weekly flights, while 7 irregular chartered tourist flights per week were converted into scheduled services.
New H7N9 cases reported in mainland China; Jilin Province listed as yellow travel alert zone
The Mainland Affairs Council added Jilin Province in mainland China to the yellow travel alert zone on February 24. The Central Epidemic Command Center also confirmed eight new H7N9 cases in Hunan, Guangdong, Anhui, and Jilin, indicating that the risk and threat of the disease outbreak remain ongoing.
Seasonal Exclusive: Relaxed Stroll Along Brolly Rice Field Boulevard Amid a Carpet of Golden-Yellow Blooms
Just before the Lunar New Year, we visited the rapeseed fields beside Brolly Rice Field Boulevard in Chihshang and witnessed the first-ever hot air balloon launch here. This year, spring arrived early, and some farmlands have already transitioned from rapeseed flowers to paddy fields. It’s likely that after the Lunar New Year, this golden-yellow, carpet-like sea of blooms will turn back into lush green rice paddies. Though we arrived when it was already late and a light drizzle had begun, seeing this vast golden expanse still filled us with excitement… time to take photos.
Push WeChat mobile communication services!* China Airlines gives away 2000 tickets starting at NT$2014
To provide the public with more convenient mobile services, the national airline has launched an official WeChat account and designed 16 sets of Q-version character stickers featuring pilots, flight attendants, ground staff, and maintenance crew, all available for free download. To celebrate the new WeChat service, they are also launching the “Four-Square Lucky Grid” game, which will give away 20 free round-trip tickets to Asia, as well as 2000 discounted tickets starting from NT$2014, plus discount coupons of up to 7%.
Mystical spices at work！This egg-fried rice is moist, not greasy, and utterly addictive
The Fengjia Night Market, coming alive as the lights go up, is almost always bustling with noise and excitement at night. It’s gone from a place I looked forward to visiting in my first year here to somewhere I can’t be bothered to push through the crowds in my fifth. Though there are still a few snack stalls I enjoy, on the other side of Wenhua Road—yes, still Wenhua Road—but the opposite, less crowded side, the shops there see fewer visitors, mostly frequented by local students.
Did McDonald’s exist in the Han Dynasty?! 8 Little-Known Secrets About Fast Food
Everyone has probably eaten at fast food chains like McDonald’s, KFC, and Burger King, and most assume that fast food culture originated abroad. But few know that as early as the Han Dynasty, there were 24-hour noodle stalls similar to the concept of McDonald’s, and some speculate that the idea of fast food may have originated from there. Not only that, McDonald’s is now present in 119 out of the world’s 196 countries. Below are 8 secrets about fast food culture you might not know.
Hike the Dragon Bone Trail and Pick Strawberries at Baishihu Mountain in Neihu – Witness Romance Under the Couple’s Tree
As spring returns, more and more people are taking advantage of the sunshine to visit nearby natural attractions and enjoy a relaxing outdoor lifestyle. Located in Bishan Li, Neihu District, Baishihu Mountain boasts pleasant scenery and is close to the city, making it a popular weekend hiking destination for many residents in northern Taiwan. One of its most famous attractions is the Baishihu Suspension Bridge, which is designed in the shape of a dragon’s spine.
The fiery red camellias of Snake Island — Experience the most romantic proposal site from “My Love from the Star”
The Korean drama “My Love from the Star,” which captivated all of Asia with the charm of “Professor Do,” is set to conclude this week. Since its premiere, almost every location featured in the show has become a popular tourist attraction. In Episode 19, Do Min-joon teleports Cheon Song-yi to an island free of police, reporters, and any disturbances — this is the “Snake Island Marine Park,” an offshore park located south of Geoje Island in South Gyeongsang Province, South Korea.
New Taipei City offers authentic indigenous-flavored meals—Q-textured Maqaw-garlic salt-baked Taiwanese sea bream
Besides millet wine and festivals, there are also delicious dishes~ The skills of our indigenous friends are really impressive, which is why you can find so many indigenous dishes in tourist areas~~~ Alright, enough chit-chat~ Let me introduce today’s star right away: the Hunter’s Field Indigenous Cuisine, located in New Taipei City.
Flying to Malaysia for the Lunar New Year’s Day holiday? Malindo Air offers direct charter flights to Penang and Sandakan during the Spring Festival
Have you decided where to go for this Lunar New Year? Malindo Air has partnered with travel agencies to launch direct charter flights departing on the first day of the Lunar New Year from Taipei to Penang and Sandakan in Sabah. Whether you prefer a laid-back city escape or an eco-adventure, you can choose from brand-new five-day, four-night itineraries tailored to your interests.
Limited Time Only！Crayon Shin-chan Themed Restaurant Opens, Focuses on Takeaway Meals
Crayon Shin-chan is an anime cartoon that has accompanied many people through their childhood. Recently, aside from releasing the promotional video for the latest movie, Taiwan’s first Crayon Shin-chan themed restaurant also opened on December 13 at the B2 Food Street of San Chung Life Hub. However, the restaurant is only available for a limited time until May 31, 2018, and mainly offers takeaway meals — dine-in is not available. Main dishes include pasta, beef curry rice, and fried chicken meals, while desserts feature cupcakes, ice cream, and adorable Shin-chan-shaped manju.
A Blend of Modernity and Tradition – Embark on a Korean Cultural Journey in Insadong
Seoul’s No. 1 Traditional Culture Street [Insadong] Exit 6 of Anguk Station. Just a few steps straight ahead from Exit 6 of Anguk Station, you’ll see the “Tourist Information Center.” Pick up a detailed Insadong guide map (in Chinese!) there and you’re all set to explore Insadong properly.