Travel
Aliens were here?! Four Major Filming Landmarks from "My Love from the Star"
The Korean drama "My Love from the Star" became a massive hit in Korea, sparking an “alien” craze in Taiwan as well. The series not only broke impressive viewership records in Korea but also swept across Asia, achieving unprecedented success for a Korean drama. The fashion accessories worn by the lead actors, as well as the filming locations, all became focal points for fans. Visiting the actual shooting spots allows you to experience the romance both on and off screen.
Kaohsiung’s “Free Bus Rides with an Easycard” Promotion Extended Until End of June
Easycard promotion extended again: The Kaohsiung City Government announced on the 25th that the free bus ride promotion using an Easycard will continue until the end of June this year. In addition, holders of a one-day pass for sightseeing and cultural buses can also ride city buses for free.
Sea voyages will continue to trend hot Taiwan and Hong Kong sign the "Asia Cruise Project"
The Tourism Bureau of the Ministry of Transportation and the Hong Kong Tourism Board signed the "Asia Cruise Fund" on February 26, declaring that both sides will continue to work together to implement joint promotional plans, marking a new milestone in the cruise tourism industry. This move has given international cruise operators more confidence, driving continued robust growth in the Asian cruise market.
Easing Crowd Pressure During the 228 Holiday: Additional Trains Added on the Alishan Forest Railway
The Alishan Forest Railway Administration announced that to accommodate the increased passenger flow during the 228 consecutive holiday period, additional passenger trains will be operated on specified dates. On February 28, one additional round-trip Alishan train will be added. On March 1 and March 2, one additional round-trip Zhongxing train (an air-conditioned local express train without assigned seating) will be added each day. Reservations for the Alishan train on February 28 are fully booked—please consider using the Zhongxing trains on March 1 and 2 instead. Detailed departure times are as follows:
HowToTrip’s New Brand "Lexiuxuan" Grand Opening at LEXIUXUAN – A New Landmark at Nangang Exhibition Hall
Recognizing the off-premise dining business potential around Nangang Exhibition Hall and the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) catering market driven by 1.6 million annual visitors, the HowToTrip Group has launched a new banquet hall brand, “HowToTrip Lexiuxuan,” leasing space on the 3rd floor of Nangang Exhibition Hall to create a large banquet hall that can accommodate 70 tables, as well as three multifunctional banquet private rooms.
1,600 paper pandas make their debut on February 28; enhanced version allows closer public interaction
After appearing in multiple pop-up events across different locations, the "1600 Pandas World Tour – Taipei" officially kicked off its public exhibition on February 28 and will run until March 9 at the Civic Plaza in front of Taipei City Hall. Taipei Mayor Hau Lung-pin stated that this paper panda exhibition not only includes an additional 200 paper-mache Formosan black bears to raise awareness about Taiwan’s endangered species, but also features an “enhanced version of the paper pandas,” giving the public the chance to get up close and personal with them.
Sampling Local Cuisine at 30,000 Feet: China Airlines Collaborates with Four Renowned Chefs on Creative Dishes
Enjoy Taiwanese local dishes in the sky too. The national airline has partnered with four master chefs from Taiwan to bring the island’s local cuisine onto the world stage. Starting April 1st, the culinary legacy of four renowned chefs—Chen Zhao-feng, Liu Heng-hong, Wu Jian-hao, and Qiu Qing-ze—will be infused with creative flair, using local ingredients to offer passengers distinctive Taiwanese dishes at an altitude of 30,000 feet.
Stroll through Christmas-themed university campuses: A 2017 Collection of Christmas Tree Lightings Across Taiwan’s Universities
As Christmas approaches, the festive atmosphere grows stronger. In addition to the dazzling Christmas trees set up in major department stores and popular attractions, many university campuses also go all out every year with festive decorations and Christmas trees to create a joyful and romantic holiday ambiance.
Five cruise ships enter Asia — Carnival Corporation: Bullish on future market potential
The future of the Asian cruise market looks promising. Alan Buckelew, the newly appointed CEO of Carnival Corporation, the world’s largest cruise company, expressed strong optimism about the significant growth potential of the Asian cruise market. Carnival Corporation’s Princess Cruises and Costa Cruises currently operate a total of five cruise ships with Asian homeports.
ANA recruits flight attendants; TOEIC score of 650+ & salary starts at NT$60,000
All Nippon Airways (ANA) plans to recruit over 20 new flight attendants in Taipei from March 1 to 3. According to ANA's requirements, applications will be submitted on-site, and candidates will be evaluated through group discussions. The recruitment emphasizes whether applicants align with the company’s image and requires strong foreign language skills, with TOEIC scores needing to be 650 or above. In terms of employee benefits, staff can enjoy 18 days of annual leave, and monthly salaries plus allowances start from around NT$60,000–70,000.
A relaxed pace and stunning beaches – 20 million visitors flock to Queensland, Australia
The adorable koala, an iconic symbol of Australia, especially in Queensland, draws travelers from around the world who often fly directly into the Gold Coast or Cairns airports. The laid-back lifestyle here has become a dream destination for global tourists. According to statistics, in September 2013, Queensland welcomed a total of 20 million visitors from around the world, who spent approximately 18 billion Australian dollars during their travels.
High-value pesto thick-cut toast & chips piled almost to the brim
Shark Bite Toast expanded rapidly last year, with several new branches popping up in Kaohsiung alone. Each location was doing brisk business, and some even had lines at opening. Last year was truly their golden year. Perhaps with more branches now spreading out the crowd, there's no need to queue anymore, and almost every visit guarantees a seat—making us eager to give it a try.
No need to leave the country—enjoy an early spring getaway with a fantastic weekend holiday in Southern France
Located at the Howard Springs Mountain Resort Hotel in Yangmei, Taoyuan, the resort features a series of European-style mountain town buildings, each adorned with pairs of Greek mythology statues, presenting a dreamy European ambiance. To fully immerse visitors in this romantic and leisurely festive atmosphere, from March to June, the Howard Springs Mountain Resort hosts a series of events themed around Southern French flair, transforming the resort into a joyful town reminiscent of Southern France.
TransAsia Airways is recruiting 80 "new and improved" flight attendants — applications now open
TransAsia Airways’ low-cost subsidiary, V Air, has announced plans to recruit 80 flight attendants. Applications are being accepted from now until March 14. In addition to basic educational and language requirements, TransAsia stated that as V Air’s operational model differs from traditional airlines, the selection process will focus on the company’s core values of being "newer, bolder, and more vibrant." The final selection rounds are scheduled for March 26 and April 2–3.
The world's must-try ice creams: Taipei Yongkang Street’s 8% ranks 10th
About three-quarters of the world’s population is currently in the grip of freezing cold, yet there’s one food whose charm remains irresistible — ice cream. Like love, it first offers an intense, lingering sweetness, lifting you into a blissful trance, only to leave you shivering afterward. But the next time you pass its shop window, you’ll find yourself stepping in for another scoop.
Forget-Me-Not Valley is back – Dannaigou in Alishan regains its former glory
Dannaigou in Alishan, long known as “Forget-Me-Not Valley,” was devastated by Typhoon Morakot in 2009, leaving the area in ruins. Now marking its third anniversary of reopening, community residents and the development association say that the natural landscape and facilities have largely been restored. Dannaigou has risen from the ashes, and visitors are welcome to come and enjoy the splendor of Greater Alishan.
Limited to 10 days only: Kobe’s must-see winter light sculpture show this winter – a stunning 270-meter corridor of light that’s simply breathtaking
Across Japan, as the year comes to an end, cities are illuminated with millions of LED lights, creating a romantic winter atmosphere. In Kobe, just a 30-minute drive from Osaka, the must-see winter light sculpture event every December is “Kobe LUMINARIE.” With over 400,000 LED lights adorning the streets, the event features a spectacular light corridor stretching hundreds of meters — a dreamy scene so magical that visitors can’t bear to leave even after taking countless photos.
Performers from music groups take turns to entertain; the paper panda exhibition adds a cultural touch
Starting February 28, the “1600 Pandas World Tour” has debuted at the Civic Plaza in front of Taipei City Hall. To make the exhibition even more engaging, the Taipei City Cultural Affairs Bureau has invited the Taipei Municipal Symphony Orchestra and Chinese Orchestra, as well as four groups of street performers from Taipei, to present a series of cultural and artistic performances around the exhibition area from February 28 to March 9.
InterContinental Hotels Group’s boutique brand makes its debut; expected to officially open in Taipei’s Eastern District in 2018
The luxury boutique brand of InterContinental Hotels Group, Kimpton Hotels, is set to make its official debut in Taiwan ! Targeting the premium Asian traveler market, Malaysia-based D&C Group has teamed up with IHG to establish a high-end hotel and restaurant in Taipei’s Da’an District. The project is expected to launch in 2018.
"Taiwan Da" and "Taiwan Oh Bear" hold hands Netizens: Adorableness level off the charts
"Taiwan Da" has a new friend again！Following Taiwan Blue Magpie and the Purple Crow Butterfly, this new friend isn't a Taiwanese specialty, but a locally designed mascot of Taiwan— "Taiwan Oh Bear", created by the Tourism Bureau of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications. The hope is that through the collaboration of these two beloved mascots, the friendly relations between Taiwan and Japan will be deepened, and both will work together to promote Taiwan.