Following the "Sky Lantern Police Station" in Pingxi, Xitou Monster Village also plans to build a "Monster Police Station." A red-hearted demon stands atop the police station door, creating a striking contrast against the original blue color. It is understood that this interesting "Monster Police Station" has already received approval from the Nantou County Police Bureau and is currently in the planning stage. An official announcement is expected soon, aiming to establish a new type of police station.
In Japanese cuisine, seasonality is extremely important. Various ingredients grow in harmony with nature’s rhythm and are harvested at their most delicious or abundant times. With proper cooking techniques, these ingredients are transformed into colorful, flavorful, and aromatic dishes. Hinoya Japanese Cuisine highlights different ingredients each month of the season, reflecting the changes in produce with the shifting seasons and guiding customers to get acquainted with the seasonal ingredients of the month. Diners can also experience the growth and transition of all things in nature through taste and sight while enjoying their meal.
After several heavy snowfalls in the high mountains, Hehuan Mountain has turned into a silver-white wonderland. Seeing friends rush up to Hehuan Mountain, I couldn’t help but feel envious. Unable to contain my excitement, I really wanted to go—go—go! I quickly dug out the snow chains I’d stored for seven or eight years. My goodness! They were still in perfect condition!
Switzerland is a country that feels both familiar and unfamiliar to most Taiwanese, but because Switzerland offers world-class courses in hotel and catering management, many choose to study there every year. The Swiss Trade Office will also host a hospitality management school education exhibition in Taiwan on March 22 and March 23, held at Swiss hotels in Kaohsiung and Taipei respectively, with a total of 12 hotel hospitality management schools from Switzerland participating.
As spring arrives, it’s the perfect season for flower viewing and outdoor outings. Just Sleep, a brand under the Regent Hotels Group, located at National Taiwan University (NTU) Campus within the NTU Zunxian Hotel, has for the first time combined the beauty of its campus surroundings with a collaboration with “Molly’s Second-hand Bookstore.” From March 15 to April 15, it is launching the "Spring Azalea Visit" accommodation package.
With the opening of air routes between Taiwan and Japan, several low-cost airlines have entered the Taiwanese market, making travel to Japan more convenient and affordable. At the same time, with the widespread use of smartphones and the social trend of "checking in," sharing updates has become an essential part of many people’s overseas trips. Some businesses have tapped into this travel connectivity opportunity by launching portable "mobile Wi-Fi hotspots," primarily available for use in Japan, turning them into essential travel gear for many.
As annual White Day arrives, coupled with consecutive public holidays, many couples have already made reservation plans for celebrations. Love hotel operators in Taiwan noted that although room bookings are only at 70% due to the holiday, queues of people resting after work have already formed. They also reminded those planning to celebrate Valentine’s Day at love hotels not to get too carried away in the festivities, as damaging in-room facilities could turn the celebration into a disappointment.
This year, the Qingming Festival falls during a three-day long weekend holiday. In response to the surge in travelers returning home, national airlines have planned additional flights, adding nearly 6,200 seats. Booking will open simultaneously via phone and online at 9:00 AM on March 20.
Cheng Trip Crystal Hotel Taipei Luzhou and its F&B brand, Crystal Banquet Square, are launching the “Good Neighbors Program” from now until April 30 to give back to local residents. Residents or companies located in Luzhou, Sanchong, Xinzhuang, Wugu, Banqiao, Taishan, Shilin, or Beitou can enjoy an immediate 10% discount when dining at the snack area Try Bar. Plus, spend above a certain amount to receive a free gift — get one radish cake for every qualifying purchase at Try Bar, one crispy chicken for every qualifying private room consumption, and one buffalo wing for every casual meal purchased at Parkside Western Restaurant.
In recent years, Japan has gradually introduced a series of free WiFi services. Following the previously introduced “14-Day Free WiFi Card” and “Osaka Free WiFi,” starting from March this year (2014), Keikyu Electric Railway, which runs from Haneda Airport to Tokyo and Yokohama, now offers free WiFi service for foreign tourists.
The circular light rail system currently under construction in Kaohsiung recently unveiled interior and exterior design images on its official fan page. The Kaohsiung Rapid Transit Corporation (KRTC), which has secured the operating rights for the first phase, stated that each train can accommodate 250 passengers and is expected to begin service in October 2015. The 14 stations in the first phase will connect with KRTC’s Kaixuan Station and Xiziwan Station, linking major city landmarks and attractions through various public transportation systems, making travel more convenient for both domestic and international visitors to Kaohsiung.
The Korean drama "My Love from the Star" continues to be popular, and the scene where the male and female leads attach a "love lock" on N Seoul Tower has an overwhelming romantic vibe that left a deep impression on many viewers. Hualien’s Sun Plaza has also created a similarly romantic setting at its “Pacific Tower of Love,” opening the top floor of the tower not only for couples to attach love locks but also providing small cards where they can write sweet words to their loved ones.
V Air (V Air), Taiwan’s first locally-owned low-cost airline backed by TransAsia Airways, will hold its first recruitment interviews on March 21, with a total of 80 cabin crew positions available. TransAsia Airways stated that as of the 14th, over 800 people had applied. Compared to traditional airlines, V Air’s interview questions will place greater emphasis on on-the-spot response and verbal communication.
There really is a "Next Stop, Happiness"! The construction of New Taipei City’s Taipei Metro Circular Line is ongoing, and the future Xinzhuang section will include a station named "Xingfu" (Happiness). Once the line opens, commuters will hear the familiar announcement: "The next stop is Xingfu (Happiness)." However, some have joked that if you don’t get off at Xingfu Station, does that mean you’ve “missed happiness”? In response, the city’s Department of Transportation said that not getting off means you’re “staying with happiness,” so whether you get off or not, you’re still in a happy place.
The world-famous Ferrari Land is about to get a “branch,” located in the suburbs of Barcelona. Ferrari has recently signed an agreement with the local PortAventura Resort to build a Ferrari Land spanning over 75,000 square meters within the park, set to open in 2016.
Houtong Station on the Taiwan Railways has gained fame in recent years for its “Cat Village,” attracting many visitors. However, the station was originally named Houdong and only reverted to Houtong in 2013 following local opinions. Taiwan Railways stated that the old-style tickets printed with the name “Houdong” Station before the renaming have now become a thing of the past. Starting March 17, a special sale of vintage tickets will be held at the second-floor ticket office of Houtong Station, offering rail enthusiasts a final chance to collect these keepsakes.
Sometimes when chatting with friends, they’d say to me: “Xiao Hu~~~ I just can’t tell or describe how good the food I’ve eaten really is.” I often counter with: “Then can you tell the difference between what’s good and what’s not?” Usually, they nod vigorously, wearing an “of course” expression.
Traveling to Taitung isn’t just about renting a car—public transportation is actually very convenient too. The only bus operator in the Taitung area has recently launched a themed bus activity called “Explore Taitung. Love the Rice Fields.” From March 20 to June 20, simply purchase a NT$280 pass to enjoy unlimited bus rides.
Located on the Xinyi Line of Taipei’s MRT system, Da’an Forest Park Station is hailed as one of the most beautiful stations in Taiwan, and is among the few that can rival the beauty of the Formosa Boulevard Station on the Kaohsiung MRT. At night, the station shines in hues of yellow, purple, and green, and features a dynamic water dance show that continuously transforms in form.
Travel Centre / Comprehensive Report