Travel
After 35 years of retirement, the national treasure steam locomotive "The Duchess" makes a comeback in June
The CT273 "The Duchess," a national treasure steam locomotive retired by Taiwan Railways for 35 years, has been confirmed as fully restored through the joint efforts of the Taiwan Railways work team and retired master technician Liu Shugen. On June 9, Railway Day, it will make a grand return to public view — its "great revival" — marking the fifth steam locomotive to be "brought back to life" in recent years.
Kansai Art Festival "Avignon Art Style" – A Town Transformed into a Grand Art Museum
If France can do it, so can we!" The "2014 Kansai Art Festival" in Hsinchu County takes inspiration from France's "Festival d'Avignon." From now until April 20, the town of Kansai adopts the Avignon art style, gathering together concerts, theater performances, street art, exhibitions, art markets, and community light tours, making visitors feel as if they’ve stepped into a massive art museum upon entering Kansai.
The jaw-dropping smoked beef short ribs at this pasta restaurant—juicy, with a sweetness that emerges the more you chew.
Ever since I started the Little Tiger Foodie Group, I’ve noticed my social dining calendar piling up rapidly—some meals are even scheduled two months or even half a year in advance... But of course, most of these gatherings aren’t organized by me. Today’s meal was hosted by (Cai Tou), one of the founding members of the Little Tiger Foodie Group who’s currently still gallivanting in Japan and refusing to come back. It was also a solo pasta experience I’d been eager to try for ages.
Taiwan Railways adds extra Mother's Day services; online and phone ticketing open from 00:00 on the 25th
Mother’s Day is approaching, and to accommodate travelers returning home, Taiwan Railways will increase services from Friday, May 9 to Monday, May 12. Online and telephone ticket bookings will open at 00:00 on Friday, April 25, 2014, and tickets can be reserved up to and including Sunday, May 12.
Japan Travel Booms, but 'Bus Shortage Crisis' Looms Before End of May — 500 Tours May Face No Transport
Japan Travel Faces Another Bus Shortage Crisis! Travel to Japan has become so popular that the Republic of China Travel Agents Association estimates over 500 Taiwan-based tour groups may struggle to secure buses before the end of May, and travelers should take note. In response, the Tourism Bureau under the Ministry of Transportation and Communications stated that it has conveyed the needs of Taiwan’s travel industry to Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism via the Interchange Association, Japan.
The Grand Hotel serves an exquisite abalone delicacy course
From now until May 31, The Grand Hotel Taipei's Nakayama Zhongshan Japanese Cuisine offers a special gift from the sea—“The Crown of Ultimate Seafood Delights: Premium Abalone Gourmet.” The menu includes dishes such as abalone simmered in Tosa vinegar jelly, teriyaki abalone, abalone rice porridge, and abalone vegetable stew, all featuring tender and sweet “South African abalone.” À la carte prices start at NT$420, while set menus are priced at NT$2,500.
The Last Heir of Shanghai Cuisine: Authentic Hunan Dishes at Hongdou Restaurant
Due to historical and cultural developments, Taiwan once had many Shanghai-style restaurants. However, as many veteran chefs passed away over time and the dining industry embraced innovation, many classic Shanghai restaurants gradually disappeared. But at “Hongdou Restaurant,” Shanghai cuisine has been given a modern and contemporary twist, presented with a modern aesthetic in plating, while still staying true to its classic flavors—sharing the essence of Shanghai cuisine with even more food lovers.
A Japanese noodle that’s not ramen? The rich aroma of soy sauce and black vinegar whets the appetite
There seems to be a growing trend of Japanese people opening shops in Taiwan. In addition to the already hard-to-get-into “Nagoya Daitokoro,” there’s also a Japanese-run, long-established eatery near the Shuanglian MRT station—one that I, YouShang, had the fortune to discover only recently: Yokohama Chanpon Tei.
Fall in love with romance here—Kobe’s must-ride Concerto cruise lets you enjoy Japan’s top three night views from the sea.
Just a 30-minute drive from Osaka, Kobe boasts one of Japan’s top three night views—the Million Dollar Night View. But you don’t have to climb up Mount Rokko or Mount Maya to see it. Board the luxurious cruise ship “Concerto,” where you can admire Kobe’s night scenery from the sea while enjoying romantic French cuisine. It’s a popular choice for couples on dates, overseas proposals, or celebrating special anniversaries.
Nation’s only open registration for canoe triathlon—sports and adventure in Hualien, from mountains to sea
The “2014 Xiuguluan River International Canoe Triathlon,” the only national event combining canoeing, running, and cycling, will kick off on June 22, 2014, at the Xiuguluan River Visitor Center in Hualien, and registration is now officially open.
News Flash / Golden beams freeze in the sky, breathtakingly beautiful — Penglai Fireworks Festival wows 40,000 visitors
The Penghu International Marine Fireworks Festival kicked off in grand style tonight (14th), with the opening ceremony fireworks display lasting 20 minutes and dazzling 40,000 on-site spectators. Among them were two 3D-effect fireworks that hovered in the sky for about 10 seconds, leaving the crowd to exclaim, “Absolutely stunning!”
Master five photography tips to easily capture beautiful and touching sky lantern group photos
As the weather warms up, more and more travelers are heading to attractions such as Shifen, Pingxi, and Jingting to enjoy the fun of releasing sky lanterns. To help travelers take stunning sky lantern photos, Ettoday News Cloud has compiled several useful tips for taking group photos with sky lanterns. Mastering these simple tricks will definitely make your photos more vibrant and lively!
South Korea’s “Black Day” – The top black dish is jjajangmyeon (black bean noodles)
If every 14th of the month is a Valentine’s Day with a different meaning, then April 14 is the “Black Day” exclusively for singles.
New Highlight for Nighttime Tourism in Kaohsiung: Jinshi Lake Scenic Area to Get a Makeover
The Jinshi Lake Scenic Area is set to undergo a major transformation, with new construction expected to be completed by the end of August. Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chu said that Jinshi Lake is an ideal spot for exercise, leisure, and religious activities. Once the new construction is finished, the area will take on a completely new look. Its waterfront design will extend and connect with Qingcing Lake and Lotus Pond, establishing Jinshi Lake as a new highlight for nighttime tourism in Kaohsiung.
Rediscover historical memories！Jiadong’s “Most Beautiful Corner” — The Centuries-Old Zhang Residence Rescued and Revived
This was once the most beautiful corner in Jiadong, Pingtung！A century ago, the Zhang family’s commercial building (Zhang A-Ding Residence) in Jiadong Township was the busiest shop in Liugen Village. Unfortunately, it fell into disrepair, with walls collapsing and roofs caving in. Thanks to joint efforts by the community and the government, it took three years to restore its status as the “Most Beautiful Corner of Jiadong.” Not only has it revived historical memories, but it also continues the local cultural heritage.
New Public Art "Weaving Paths" at Taroko Station: Knitting Old Sweaters into the Road Home
"Wake up those sweaters that have been sleeping in the closet for years and give them a new life!" said Lin Kuei-wen, a Sediq artist from Hualien who designed the public art piece "Weaving Paths" for the new Checheng (Taroko) Station. By unraveling old sweaters back into yarn balls and knitting them anew, she uses art to weave the path home and memories of one’s hometown into thread.
Foodie Rush: A Grand Comparison of Five-Star Gourmet Delights Across Taiwan
Featuring over 10 must-try all-you-can-eat buffets from hotels across Taiwan, from north to south. Are you excited yet? Don’t worry about whether the meal vouchers are still available—hurry up and vote for your favorite cuisine style for a chance to win a TGI Friday’s gift card. The voting period runs from April 14 to May 4, and there are only 2 gift cards in total, so the more you vote, the better your chances. Plus, purchase an extra pack of gum and get an additional NT$2,000 food voucher. With such a great deal, don’t just walk by—grab it while you can!
Recommended Itinerary and Attractions for a 2-Day Trip to Yilan: Studio Ghibli-Themed Spots, Night Markets, and Xiao Long Bao
Not sure how to plan your Yilan trip during the holiday? Don’t have a car or traveling alone? Come on in—after reading this, you won’t need to ask anyone else. Just download it right away and hit the road. Just get off at Yilan Railway Station, and you’re guaranteed a fun-filled one- or two-day adventure with delicious food too!!
2014 Tainan Arts Festival Begins – Enjoy 185 World-Class Performances Without Leaving Taiwan
The 2014 Tainan Arts Festival kicks off in Tainan City starting April, featuring up to 185 spectacular performances. Taking place on Fridays or weekends, the Tainan City Government’s Tourism Bureau has planned four recommended itineraries: “Two-Day Trip Around Xinying District,” “Two-Day Holiday in the Historic City,” and “Two-Day Trip to Xinhua District.” These include several Michelin-starred sites with international tourism potential, inviting visitors to explore these attractions while enjoying world-class performances in Tainan.
Breaking News / Flight Cancelled Before It Even Begins — AirAsia Scraps Taipei to Boracay Route
AirAsia, which had originally planned to launch direct flights from Taipei to Boracay on April 16, has recently been reported to be “cancelling the route before it even begins,” sparking widespread public discussion. AirAsia Taiwan Branch confirmed on the 14th that the route has indeed been cancelled, with the decision made by the Philippine side. The actual reasons are still pending a unified announcement from the company’s headquarters.