Travel
Typhoon Morakot disaster serves as film backdrop; "Boar Hot Spring" screened for locals before release
Directed by Golden Horse Award-winning documentary filmmaker Ko Chen-ti, "Boar Hot Spring" was shot in areas such as Baolai, Xinkai, and Qishan in Kaohsiung City. The story is set against the backdrop of post-Typhoon Morakot reconstruction, with the resilience of the characters embodying the indomitable spirit of wild boars. Each individual story becomes an outlet for life, serving as a farewell to the past and a step toward the future.
92% discount on high-speed rail off-peak rides; save NT$135 on Taipei–Kaohsiung trips
Taiwan High Speed Rail’s 92% discount on designated off-peak trains launches on the 13th. The railway operator stated that off-peak services are available from Monday to Thursday, with one-third of daily trains eligible. Taking the high-demand Taipei–Zuoying standard-class reserved seat as an example, the original fare is NT$1,630, which drops to NT$1,495 with the 92% discount — saving NT$135 for a one-way trip and NT$270 round-trip. However, the off-peak discount cannot be combined with the 97% discount for non-reserved seats.
One-Eyed Train and Policeman Sky Lanterns: An Unconventional Pingxi Travel Guide Revealed
It’s the love it receives that makes Pingxi a classic destination in Taiwan’s travel scene. But by using unconventional transportation within the classics, connecting Taipei and New Taipei’s unique travel experiences, riding a beloved train of rail fans, or capturing the most distinctive photos to create your own one-of-a-kind adventure, you can craft an “above-and-beyond” personalized route — making your Pingxi trip truly different.
Upgraded Banquet Menu at Grand Hotel Taipei – Multiple Gifts for Brides and Grooms
The Grand Hotel Taipei, which offers wedding banquet spaces and a dedicated wedding planning team, has introduced the value-packed “Mandarin Ducks in Flight” bridal package. The wedding menu has also been comprehensively upgraded, featuring new banquet dishes specially prepared by Chef Yeh Po-hua, who boasts over 30 years of culinary experience. The “Mandarin Ducks in Flight” package allows couples to hold their wedding in the hotel’s 12th-floor Grand Ballroom and includes a variety of gifts such as a chef-created wedding cake, Grand Hotel Taipei bridal gifts, and a wedding banquet ice sculpture. Reservations are now being accepted.
Yilan pomelo blossoms are in full bloom – enjoy a fun weekend of flower viewing in Dongshan
As spring flower seasons kick off one after another, Yilan’s pomelo blossoms, which only bloom for two weeks, are about to enter their peak season!“Flowers Mirror Dongshan – Find Happiness in Pomelos” spring event will kick off this Saturday. On the day of the event, there will be a “pomelo tree in a wedding dress” activity, a pomelo blossom tea session, as well as DIY experiences such as pomelo dorayaki, pomelo-scented green tea cake, and pomelo blossom handmade soap. The event also calls on the public and businesses to jointly adopt pomelo trees.
A rare fried rice ball in Dapu, Pingtung — soft and chewy exterior with rich filling
If you often read Shadow’s articles, you’ll surely notice the word “Dapu” mentioned frequently. In the early days, Dapu referred collectively to neighborhoods in Pingtung City such as Dapu, Chongli, Chongzhi, Bixin, Minquan, and Weixin. Even though these areas now have their own official names, the older generation still habitually refers to the whole district as Dapu.
Visit the Chiayi Baseball Stadium and the Sun-Shooting Tower to relive the passionate era of sweat and glory from "KANO"
“Don’t think about winning. Dreams can’t lose.” The Taiwanese film "KANO," which topped 100 million in box office revenue within just three weeks of release, captures the moving spirit of baseball that stirs the hearts of audiences — even those who never lived through that era. Scenes from the film — such as the Chiayi Municipal Baseball Stadium, the iconic Sun-Shooting Tower in Chiayi Park (formerly the Chiayi Shrine), and the Hinoki Forest Village — have drawn fans to this birthplace of baseball to follow in the footsteps of "KANO."
Combining culture, sustainability, and inspiration, China Airlines wins the "International Green Model Award"
China Airlines today (13th) was honored with the "Green Model Service" award at the APO's "EPIF 2014 International Green Model Award" for pioneering eco-friendly initiatives and ECO services in Taiwan’s aviation and transportation industry. This recognition highlights the effectiveness of its green service initiatives, earning accolades from the judging panel in areas such as the green value of services, green supply chain management, innovative technology, green marketing, and corporate social responsibility.
Thai Songkran Festival Delights: Royal Cuisine Served at Sheraton
The annual Songkran Festival is a grand celebration in Thailand, symbolizing the welcome of the New Year and praying for blessings in the year ahead. Phonlaphat Sudsaidee, the Thai executive chef of the Hsieh She Group, and Ms. Rapeeporn Sillapakit, the new head chef of SUKHOTHAI, will join forces to present classic and delicious Thai dishes. Chef Rapeeporn boasts over 20 years of culinary experience and specializes in various royal desserts.
The paper panda exhibition moves to the National Theater & Concert Hall on March 14 – take the MRT there and read the newspaper along the way
The lovable Taipei paper pandas are making another flash appearance! This time, the army of paper pandas has taken over the MRT trains heading to “Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall Station,” and they’ve even brought along their good friend, the Formosan black bear, ready to meet everyone at the Civic Plaza of the National Theater & Concert Hall.
When will the cherry blossoms bloom? "2014 Japan Cherry Blossom Front": Kochi Prefecture takes the lead on the 16th
The "2014 Cherry Blossom Front" is released every two weeks. On the 11th, the Japan Meteorological Corporation published the seventh prediction for cherry blossom blooming across Japan. Compared to previous forecasts, aside from slight instability of one or two days in cities like Fukuoka, Nagoya, and Osaka, there are generally no major differences in other regions.
Lit by 200,000 LEDs: Pingxi’s “Sky Lantern Police Station” Officially Opens on the 14th
The “Pingxi Substation of Ruifang Precinct, New Taipei City Police Department,” featuring a massive sky lantern structure made of a three-story glass curtain wall and nearly 200,000 LED lights, was officially unveiled today. The inauguration ceremony coincided with White Day, and the New Taipei City Government invited six couples married for over 50 years to release the first “Police Wish Sky Lanterns” and traditional heart-shaped lanterns following the opening, witnessing the romantic debut of this new landmark together.
By day a café, by night an arts salon, and on holidays a family fun park
Did you know? There’s a place in Yilan where it’s a café by day, an arts salon by night, and a family fun park on holidays. The answer is Baiguo Tree Red Brick House Café in Yilan City. In terms of the surrounding area, Baiguo Tree Red Brick House is located beneath Diudiuang Forest, right across from Yilan Railway Station, making it very convenient in terms of transportation. As for the building itself, Baiguo Tree Red Brick House is a registered historical structure in Yilan County.
Chicken liver can also be made into "sashimi" — smooth, tender, and sweet, rivaling foie gras
In Japan, a country that loves to pursue the true flavor of food, you can find all kinds of "sashimi." The most common are tuna, salmon, and other raw fish slices, and occasionally you’ll hear about "raw horse meat" or "raw venison." In Miyazaki Prefecture in southern Kyushu, Japan, where high-quality chicken (commonly known as free-range chicken in Taiwan) is abundant, there is also a most distinctive local dish: "raw chicken."
Naval ship island-circling training mission — Seven major ports across Taiwan open for ship visits starting March 15
The 2014 island-circling training mission of the Navy's goodwill flotilla commenced its training tasks today, during which it will make port calls at seven major domestic harbors: Kaohsiung, Anping, Makung, Taichung, Keelung, Suao, and Hualien. Following the positive reception of previous ship-open-house events, this year the "Cheng Kung-class frigates," "Kang Ding-class frigates," and "ammunition and oil supply ships" will also be open for public boarding. The event will also feature dynamic performances such as frogman drills and military band and honor guard displays.
Three must-know packing hacks recommended by travel experts and flight attendants
Before going abroad (or on the night before returning home), the most troublesome task is “packing luggage.” Want to reduce the weight of your carry-on and make the most of your suitcase space? The following DIY packing tips recommended by U.S. media outlet HuffPost might help you fit more into limited space.
Tokyo’s “Scream Park” Yomiuri Land Turns 50 – Free Entry on March 19 & 20
Tokyo’s famous scream park “Yomiuri Land” celebrates its 50th anniversary this year (2014). To thank visitors for their continued support, free entry will be offered on March 19 and 20.
Aowanda Enters “Firefly Season” – Tiny Glowing Lights Like a Vast Starry Sky
The Aowanda National Forest Recreation Area, known for its beautiful natural scenery throughout the four seasons, will enter firefly season starting in April. The Aowanda Nature Education Center has specially planned a firefly-watching activity called “Mabo’s Little Journey – Overnight Firefly Watching.” There will be five sessions in total during April and May. Over the course of a two-day, one-night trip, participants will enjoy the sight of countless glowing lights descending upon the forest like a starry sky at night.
Give back to women！Hotel operators launch “Take Mom on a Trip” bidding starting from NT$1
Yunlang Tourism Group is giving back to female consumers by joining forces with its seven hotels under the Hanpin Hotels and Zhaopin Hotels brands across Taiwan to simultaneously launch the “Spring Revelry – Romantic Flower Viewing Season” promotional package from now until May 11. Rooms start at just NT$2,340 (up to 67% off), and guests will receive Shu Uemura’s February-launched Sakura Hydrating Cleansing Oil, best-selling Green Tea Antioxidant Cleansing Oil, and seasonal flower-themed desserts upon check-in. Each hotel has a limited supply of 55 rooms, available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Fennel dumplings with a richer aroma than leek dumplings—dipping them in the shop’s special soy sauce makes them even better.
Pan-fried dumplings, potstickers, boiled dumplings, and steamed dumplings... I find it hard to resist anything dumpling-related. It’s not that I struggle with the decision of whether to eat them or not, but rather that I can’t resist eating until I’m completely stuffed. So whenever I hear about delicious dumplings somewhere, I immediately want to go try them—maybe my past life as an old Shandong northerner’s noodle-loving soul is burning bright.