Travel
The Brilliant Maple & Tung Blossom Festival opens registration — 50 free 4TN sky lanterns available each month
The New Taipei City Government’s Department of Tourism will launch the “Brilliant Maple & Tung Blossom Festival – Monthly Sky Lantern Release” and “Shihfen Showcases Talent – Monthly Highlights” events starting in March. Fifty 4TN sky lanterns will be provided free each month, along with performances by local groups including elementary and secondary school teachers and students from Pingxi. These initiatives allow every visitor to deeply experience the natural and cultural beauty of areas such as JingTong and Shihfen.
Alishan Flower Season Begins – Cherry Blossom “King Tree” Blooms at 60%
The Chiayi Forest District Office of the Forestry Bureau held the opening ceremony of the Alishan Flower Season on the 10th at Zhoupingshan Park within Alishan National Forest Recreation Area, officially marking the start of the season. However, the main highlight of this flower season — the Yoshino cherry blossoms — are not yet in full bloom. The earliest-blooming Yoshino cherry blossom “King Tree” is only about 60% in bloom, with many areas still featuring buds. As for the classic scene of trains passing through seas of blossoms, visitors may have to wait until late March to catch a glimpse.
Watermelon might be the new Viagra? 9 aphrodisiac foods you should know about
It’s common knowledge that chocolate and red wine can act as aphrodisiacs, but they come with high calories and price tags. But have you ever thought that everyday ingredients like bananas and almonds could also be considered aphrodisiacs? According to a report by the Los Angeles Times, there are nine common foods that can serve as affordable yet effective aphrodisiacs due to their ability to boost sperm production or stimulate female hormones.
Celebrate Thai New Year at Songkran Festival – 4 Key Tips
The annual "Songkran Festival" is just around the corner. Songkran is actually Thai New Year (also known as Songkran due to its pronunciation), and cities across Taiwan also hold water-splashing events to join in the fun. As such, this grand and crazy festival is definitely no stranger to Taiwanese. Here are four "Songkran Festival tips" for travelers heading to Thailand.
Top 10 Places to Avoid on a First Date — Steer Clear of All-You-Can-Eat Restaurants
March 14 is White Day, and choosing a date spot becomes a tricky question—especially if it’s a first date, when picking the right place is crucial to avoid derailing a budding romance. A matchmaking agency conducted a survey and released a list of the “Top 10 Places You Should Never Go for a First Date,” with all-you-can-eat restaurants ranking first, as overeating can ruin one’s image. Hot springs and amusement parks came in second and third, respectively.
Sign up quickly—the Tainan Cassia Festival Marathon registration closes on the 15th!
2014 [Taiwan’s First Reservoir Cassia Festival Marathon] registration will close this Saturday (the 15th). Those interested should seize the final opportunity!
Traveling Through Time: A 1930s Shanghai-Style Café Appears in Taipei’s Alleys
Today’s café interview started with a studio photoshoot... This beginning may be quite unusual, but it was very real. The stars were members of a Japanese underground visual kei band who looked like Korean idols. Surrounded by a crew of staff, they shot rolls of film in this seemingly frozen-in-time scene. Mysterious Café has that kind of charm—drawing people in.
Cold wave alert issued as temperatures plunge at night — lows to dip to 10°C on the 13th
Good weather will last only two days before turning chilly again. According to the Central Weather Bureau, the latest frontal system is approaching. After nightfall on the 12th, heavy rain is expected in northern and eastern regions, especially from late night through the early morning of the 13th, when significant rainfall may occur in areas north of central Taiwan. Starting from the evening of the 13th, low temperatures around 10°C will hit the north as well as Kinmen and Matsu. Travelers are advised to dress warmly.
Romantic Spring Flower-Viewing Season – Bid Starts at NT$1 for Stays at Hanpin & Zhàopǐn Hotels
To show appreciation to female travelers, Yunlang Tourism Group has partnered with its seven Hanpin and Zhàopǐn hotels across Taiwan to launch the “Spring Fun & Romantic Flower-Viewing Season” promotion from now until May 11 (Mother’s Day). Enjoy up to 67% off regular rates, and receive a complimentary Shu Uemura February-launched Sakura Hydrating Cleansing Oil, best-selling Green Tea Antioxidant Cleansing Oil, and seasonal flower-themed desserts with your stay. Only 55 rooms per hotel are available for this offer.
News Flash / Outbound Tour Prices to Rise in April; Only Thailand and Malaysia See a Drop of NT$1,000
The Travel Quality Assurance Association of the Republic of China announced on March 12th the reference prices for tour groups from April to June 2014. Prices for most destinations have increased, except for Thailand and Malaysia, where weak demand has led operators to offer promotional packages to boost sales, resulting in a drop of about NT$1,000 compared to the same quarter last year.
Miaoli’s “Hakka Tung Blossom Wedding” – Vow Eternal Love Beneath a Snowfall of Blossoms
Every April when the tung blossoms bloom, Miaoli’s renowned “Hakka Tung Blossom Wedding,” known for its adherence to ancient traditions, returns once again. In honor of the 103rd year of the Republic of China, Miaoli County has invited 103 couples to register and gather at the Miaoli Tung Blossom Eco Park on April 26th. Hand in hand, they will step into the next chapter of their lives amidst a flurry of blossoms like dancing snowflakes.
Seasonal Special: A Classic Delight of Pink Condensed Milk Ice Mountain Topped with Strawberries
When strawberry season arrives, I always have to talk about this beloved spot of mine—Huajianji (Flower Collection), a place I must visit every year to indulge in a plate of their signature strawberry milk snowflake ice. It’s actually the pioneer of strawberry snowflake ice and has been around for at least ten years now!
Foreign Gothic Charm – Tamsui Church Becomes a Popular Spot for Wedding Photos
Many travelers visiting Tamsui often stroll along the Old Street and waterfront areas to shop and sightsee. However, due to Tamsui’s rich cultural and historical background, a short walk can easily uncover lesser-known delights. Nestled in a small alley on Mackay Street, Tamsui Church is where Reverend Mackay first began his missionary work. Both its exquisite stained glass windows and its towering bell tower exude a strong Western ambiance.
Yongkang Revival Veterans' Cultural Park — A Vanished NT$1,000 Banknote Appears on the Wall
Has Taichung’s Rainbow Village popped up in Tainan? At Yongkang Revival Veterans' Cultural Park, a vanished NT$1,000 banknote appears on the wall — and no one’s worried about it being stolen. There are charming designs of hot air balloons, whales, fireworks, snowmen, and gingerbread houses shaped like reindeer.
Shumai with plain congee and instant noodles served on the tray — 10 of the most disappointing in-flight meals
Aside from enjoying food, drinks, and activities at their travel destinations, many passengers also look forward to the meals served by airlines during the flight. However, the in-flight meals that end up on their trays aren’t always satisfying—some are even laughably bad. The travel website Thrillist has compiled a list of the “10 most disappointing in-flight meals,” hoping passengers can hold back their frustration and enjoy these “delicacies” anyway.
Thailand’s Annual “Elephant Day”: Today They Party and Feast Without Work
When traveling to Thailand, many people make it a point to experience elephant-related activities. For elephants that usually work almost non-stop all year round, today (the 13th) is their one “day off.” Every year on March 13th is Thailand’s “National Elephant Day,” when all elephants in the country get a one-day holiday and are treated to delicious fruits and vegetables.
Hidden Beauty of Zhuzihu: The "Heart" of Black Forest & the Ethereal Sulfur Smoke of Xiaoyoukeng
After the start of the Calla Lily Season in Zhuzihu, Yangmingshan, many tourists flock to admire the flowers. However, there are several lesser-known scenic spots around Zhuzihu that rival the beauty of the calla lilies. One such spot, the popular wedding photo location known as the "Black Forest," has recently added a new "heart" installation art piece, adding even more romance. Walking along the riverside trail in the top lake area of Zhuzihu also offers a distant view of the ethereal sulfur smoke rising from Xiaoyoukeng.
IN N OUT Makes the List！19 American Restaurants That Netizens Agree Deserve to Go Global
IN N OUT burger shop caused a sensation with its pop-up event in Taipei’s East District on March 11. A U.S. forum, BuzzFeed, selected 19 restaurants that are worthy of going international based on discussions among netizens. IN N OUT is one of them, along with milkshake shops, submarine sandwich spots, and more—altogether 19 well-known and delicious local eateries.
Hey there！Nine high school student couples kissed passionately on the street to express their love — the White Day event was super hot!
Do you still remember the feeling of having an awkward first love at 18? Sweet yet with a hint of slight bitterness — that’s exactly the taste of chocolate. Taiwan’s handmade chocolate brand Feeling 18, which has been around for seven years as of this year, held sweet couple mini-games and romantic message activities on the 13th to celebrate White Day. They even invited couples to wear high school uniforms and kiss to express their love, helping chocolate lovers relive the bittersweet taste of first love at 18!
The Baking Olympics UIBC Kicks Off on the 14th – Two Taiwanese Girls Take on 18 Countries
This year’s baking exhibition is not only the largest in history but also marks the first time Taiwan is hosting the “UIBC World Youth Pastry Cup.” On the opening day, pastry chiefs from as many as 18 countries attended the event. To align with this year’s exhibition theme, the organizers specially mimicked the Olympic flag-bearing entrance, and Taipei City Government’s Bureau of Tourism and Communications Director Sun Ting-long, along with the Chairman of the Taipei Pastry & Bakery Industry Association Wu, led the distinguished international guests in the ribbon-cutting ceremony.