Travel
The Australian red wine in China Airlines' first class was actually brewed by flight attendants
China Airlines announced that from March 21 to 31, it will offer Shiraz Private Reserve and Antique Sparkling NV, both brewed at Australia’s Hunter Valley Earth’s Gravity Estate, in first and business class. The two selected wines have delicate layers and are easy on the palate, with a slightly acidic taste that can also stimulate passengers’ appetite during flights.
Exile’s AKIRA Visits Paper Pandas to Express Gratitude for Taiwan’s Aid to Japan
The “1600 Pandas World Tour – Taipei” public art exhibition, currently on display at the National Theater & Concert Hall Plaza, has created a black-and-white bear craze since its opening. On March 20, popular Japanese group Exile’s member AKIRA visited the plaza to experience the charm of the paper pandas and paper Formosan black bears up close.
4 additional high-speed rail services added for Qingming holiday travel period; ticket sales open at midnight on March 22
During the 2014 Qingming holiday travel period, Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR) has scheduled 4 additional services between April 3 and April 7 to enhance service capacity. All 4 additional services will offer an early bird discount of 10%, and ticket sales will begin at midnight on the 22nd. During the Qingming travel period, THSR originally scheduled 102 additional services. With these 4 extra services, a total of 106 additional services (66 southbound and 40 northbound) will be available over the 5-day period, bringing the total number of services provided during the travel period to 787.
Alishan National Scenic Area sets up no-smoking signs; fines of at least NT$2,000 from April 1st for violations
The Alishan National Scenic Area Administration announced on the 20th that the no-smoking signs have been fully installed. The administration stated that starting April 1st, smoking will be completely prohibited in the Chukou Visitor & Administration Center area and the Niupuzai Rest Area of the Alishan National Scenic Area, except in designated smoking zones.
Explore Jeju by wandering along 26 scenic hiking trails Early-bird international airline tickets from just NT$6,800
TransAsia Airways announced that it is now offering various promotions for flights between Taoyuan and Jeju. Round-trip tickets start from NT$6,800 per person, while package deals including flights and hotels for independent travelers start from NT$9,900, and group tours from NT$10,999. There are also tour packages that include participation in overseas events such as the “Seogwipo Canola Flower International Hiking Festival” and the “2014 Jeju International Peace Marathon” at the end of March.
The flowers are semi-transparent with a slight pink hue – the crystal orchids of Shanlinxi, visible only to those who slow their pace.
As spring arrives and flowers bloom in full splendor, Nantou’s Shanlinxi recently saw not only vibrant peonies in full bloom but also the rare emergence of Taiwan’s uncommon “crystal orchids.” Unlike most varieties, these mostly white and semi-translucent crystal orchids grow in dark, shaded areas. Therefore, visitors must avoid direct sunlight and bend down to search for the flowers in the faint light. The best time to view them is from March to May.
No smoking or pets allowed on Shoushan Mountain starting April—violators face fines up to NT$3,000!
No pets allowed either！Kaohsiung’s Shoushan National Nature Park is a beloved leisure spot for many, but new regulations are now in place for visitors. The Shoushan National Nature Park Preparatory Office announced that starting April 1, smoking and bringing pets into the park will be prohibited, with violators facing maximum fines of NT$3,000.
Bigger than a palm！Kaohsiung’s Zuoying hotspot giant rice ball is stuffed so full the rice can’t even contain it all
After finishing our meal at A Liang Rice Ball, we headed straight to the intersection of Yucheng Road and Fumin Road, next to Xiaobei Department Store. This rice ball shop is also extremely popular, highly recommended by many fellow foodies. There was already a long line early in the morning. The shop owners are quite low-key and don’t give any media interviews, so they get a bit nervous and speak somewhat curtly when they see people taking photos—but we totally understand.
Taiwan Launch Exclusive: BAC to Release Disney-Licensed Mickey Cupcakes on March 29
The chain chocolate dessert brand Black as Chocolate has consistently combined creativity and deliciousness since its inception, crafting a variety of classic treats that highlight the smooth texture and unique aroma of chocolate. The brand continuously develops seasonal limited-edition items that wow consumers. In 2014, Black as Chocolate announced that it had obtained Disney’s character licensing rights for the baking goods category, and will launch its first new wave of sweet creations at all its stores nationwide on Youth Day, March 29.
Showcasing cross-strait cultural experiences: Kinmen’s City God Welcome Festival kicks off in April!
This year marks the 100th anniversary of Kinmen County’s establishment. The “2014 Kinmen City God Welcome Festival – Wudao Religious & Cultural Tourism Season” will be held from April 12 to May 12, featuring a month-long celebration of traditional performing arts, folk expos, street parades, and more, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the diverse folk culture of Southern Fujian.
Taiwan’s greenest Christmas tree: 20-meter giant made from 7,000 recycled bottles in Keelung
As Christmas approaches, many Christmas trees across Taiwan are drawing crowds. This year, Keelung has created a uniquely meaningful one. Co-organized by the Keelung City Government and local churches, not only is a Jesus-themed Christmas town set up at Ocean Plaza, but the event also promotes sustainability by crafting an eco-friendly, creatively designed Christmas tree from over 7,000 plastic bottles. This allows the public to engage in environmental awareness while learning about the origins of Christmas.
News / Thousands of applicants flood Songshan Airport, all chasing the flight attendant dream
TransAsia Airways Group’s first low-cost carrier in Taiwan, V Air, held its first flight attendant recruitment interview at Songshan Airport on the 21st. TransAsia stated that during the application period, over 1,800 résumés were received, and on the 21st, a 97% attendance rate was recorded, with a total of more than 1,000 candidates participating in the recruitment, cramming the airport to capacity. With an estimated 80 flight attendants to be hired, the acceptance rate is approximately 4.4%.
Round-trip flights between Kaohsiung and Busan: Buy one, get one free — plus chances to win flight tickets and shopping vouchers
With growing exchanges between Taiwan and South Korea, flight services have become increasingly frequent. As the first Korean airline to offer flights between Kaohsiung and Busan, Air Busan has launched a buy-one-get-one-free promotion on round-trip tickets between the two cities starting March 21. Passengers also have the chance to win free flight tickets and shopping vouchers.
Travelers Vote “Top 10 Vacation Islands in the World” – Thailand’s Koh Tao Is Asia’s Only Entry
Thailand has always been a country beloved by travelers worldwide, frequently appearing in rankings by magazines and online platforms across various countries. Recently, the well-known website TripAdvisor announced the second edition of the “Top 10 Best Vacation Islands in the World” as voted by travelers. The first place went to Ambergris Caye in Belize’s Belize Barrier Reef, while Thailand’s Koh Tao, which secured tenth place, is the only island from Asia to make the list.
National airline launches new promotion: Get 10% off business class tickets with VISA and enter to win Tasty steak dinners
TransAsia Airways announced that from now until May 31, customers who use a VISA card to purchase TransAsia business class tickets on designated websites can enjoy a 10% discount on business class fares. Additionally, participants will be entered to win Tasty steak dinner vouchers. It is expected that 5 sets (each set includes 2 vouchers) will be drawn on April 10, May 10, and June 10, for a total of 30 vouchers to be given away. For more details, please visit the TransAsia Airways promotional website.
Hidden within the alleys of Taipei’s East District lies a coffee shop that stirs the soul.
Located in the alleys near Zhongxiao Dunhua MRT Station in Taipei’s East District, there is a uniquely styled café tucked away. Calling it “hidden” is no exaggeration—even I, who had double-checked the map beforehand, was slightly startled by the contrast between the shop sign and the scene that greeted me.
Grieving over the Qingming holiday? No worries—stroll through Tainan’s historic city and enjoy guided tours of Anping Old Street without a break
In response to the Qingming holiday period, the Tainan City Government Tourism Bureau continues to offer uninterrupted guided tour services throughout the break. A total of nine free city sightseeing tour sessions will be available over the three days. The public can start making online reservations from 8:00 AM on March 21.
Sun Moon Lake Firefly Season Kicks Off in April, Welcoming Summer Nights with Glowing Light
Every year from April to May is the season when fireflies emit their beautiful glow, and the Sun Moon Lake Firefly Season will officially begin on April 1. Firefly-watching activities will be held at spots such as Taomi Caotan Wetland, Tou She, and Lotus Pond. The Tourism Bureau of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications' Sun Moon Lake National Scenic Area Administration has also created a "Firefly Map" that clearly marks the gathering points for these activities.
I want to soar into the blue sky！Thailand’s yellow duck becomes a “yellow swan”
Even though the yellow duck’s journey in Taiwan has long ended, many still vividly remember how it exploded twice during its stay. But now, Thailand’s yellow duck is even more “eye-catching”—it simply took off and turned into a “yellow swan,” leaving onlookers gasping in amazement.
Superhuman bucket drummer Gordo wows Sydney streets
As long as the drumsticks can make a sound, any object can become an instrument. Gordo, the drummer of Australian band Shamanic, uses four or five plastic buckets and two drumsticks to effortlessly produce dazzling, fast-paced and ever-changing rhythms.