Travel
Strolling around the foreign-flavored surroundings of the Tainan Immigration Office feels like being in Europe.
The Tainan Immigration Office, whose official name is “the First Service Station of Tainan City, Service Affairs Brigade, Ministry of the Interior, Immigration Agency,” no wonder it’s hard to find when searching its full name online. With its European-style exterior, it’s actually a government office—surprising, right? That’s why visitors to Tainan always come to take a look and soak in the ambiance, as if stepping into an elegantly foreign world. No wonder so many people love taking photos or even wedding photos here.
Kaohsiung’s “Orange Route 1 Bus” Increases Capacity on Weekends & Offers Free Shuttle Between West Bay and Pier-2 Art Center
Travelers can now enjoy an easier trip between West Bay and Pier-2 Art Center in Kaohsiung. The Kaohsiung City Government’s Transportation Bureau recently announced that starting now, every Saturday and Sunday, the “Orange Route 1 Bus,” which originally runs between West Bay and National Sun Yat-sen University, will launch a new “Orange Route 1B” service—free of charge—operating between the MRT West Bay Station and Pier-2 Art Center.
The Firefly Season in Meilin, Tainan Kicks Off on the 26th — Four Trails Featuring Mostly Black-Winged Fireflies
The 2014 Tainan Meilin Firefly Season will open on Saturday, April 26. The Tainan City Government’s Tourism Bureau urges the public to cooperate with shuttle services, traffic control measures, and guided tours during the event to protect both the firefly ecosystem and nighttime hiking safety. Visitors are asked to follow on-site guidance when entering the mountains to view the fireflies.
Fireflies twinkle on summer nights: Taipei City’s Department of Urban Development recommends 5 firefly-watching trails
April marks the season when fireflies begin to appear, and many firefly-viewing spots have launched related events. Many people are also planning trips to places like Dongshi Forest Farm and Sun Moon Lake to see them. However, as the environment around Taipei’s hiking trails has improved year by year, the number of fireflies has also been increasing. The Taipei City Department of Urban Development has specially recommended 5 firefly-watching trails, allowing residents to enjoy the “twinkling fireflies” without traveling far.
A fusion of mountains, plains, and the sea — Experience the Lanyang Museum with your heart
Since the opening of the Hsuehshan Tunnel, tourism in Yilan has become even more popular, and the Lanyang Museum has almost become a must-visit destination for all travelers. Unlike conventional museums, this most prominent landmark on the Lanyang Plain not only showcases the beauty of Yilan’s nature and culture but also hides many design concepts that require a thoughtful experience. Let architecture critic Wang Junxiong guide you through the spatial experience of the Lanyang Museum.
At 200 floors high, Saudi Arabia’s world’s tallest “Kingdom Tower” is hair-raising
Dubai has always held the crown for the world’s “biggest,” “longest,” and “most expensive” feats, but these titles may soon be claimed by Saudi Arabia, which plans to build an even more magnificent and towering Kingdom Tower in Jeddah, a port city in Mecca Province.
No tipping in Japan, use your right hand more in India – 7 important customs to follow when traveling
Cultural norms and daily habits vary greatly from country to country. What we consider perfectly normal might be seen as rude elsewhere. The renowned American magazine Reader’s Digest has listed seven country-specific customs, reminding all globe-trotting travelers: “Don’t do this!”
Watch a "river of fireflies" scatter across fields of calla lilies — Zhuzihu holds its first free firefly-watching tour
In addition to its vast, picturesque fields of calla lilies, Zhuzihu in Yangmingshan now boasts clear water quality thanks to restoration efforts, creating a diverse ecological environment. This year, the Taipei City Soil and Water Conservation Office is launching its first-ever "Zhuzihu Free Firefly-Watching Ecological Tour," giving the public a chance to experience the area’s unique nighttime charm.
So cute！The Q-version Tzu-Chiang train sells bento boxes at Nangang Station
Tzu-Chiang train selling bento boxes? Following the Taroko and Afu trains, the third "Q-version" bento sales car of Taiwan Railways has been launched. Starting today, it will sell bento during lunch and dinner hours at Nangang Railway Station. Taiwan Railways stated that the bento boxes available this time feature a variety of main dishes, including a Yilan-style cherry duck bento for NT$100, an eight-spice chicken leg bento for NT$80, pork rib bento, vegetarian options, and a pork rib bento for NT$60.
Unlimited free refills on the soup inside the store!” Tainan’s daily limited “medicinal sesame oil chicken” mobile food truck
A mobile food truck specializing in medicinal sesame oil chicken, with daily limited portions—you’ll miss out if you come too late. It only operates in the evening, and the shop is packed as soon as it opens. Dining hours often involve waiting in line. The rich aroma of sesame oil wafts through the air, and many foodies fall in love after just one bite. The medicinal sesame oil chicken soup with vermicelli includes chicken thigh meat, cabbage, and vermicelli. The broth is fragrant with sesame oil and doesn’t have an overpowering herbal taste. After just a few sips, you’ll feel warmed up all over.
Alishan Forest Railway tickets can also be used in Japan — free exchanges at 2 sister stations before year-end
Following the “exchange ticket stubs for a free one-day pass” event jointly held by Pingxi Line and Japan’s Enoshima Electric Railway, the Alishan Forest Railway has announced a collaboration with two sister stations in Japan — “Oigawa Railway” and “Kurobe Gorge Railway.” From April 20 until the end of the year, simply present one used round-trip ticket to get a free ticket at a sister station.
Japan’s magnificent Kumamoto Castle, with cherry blossoms enhancing the ancient beauty of the fortress
Everyone has different preferences when traveling to Japan, but what I hear most often might be chasing cherry blossoms or autumn leaves. But for me, Xiao Hu, Japanese cuisine and railways are more appealing. And if there's one more thing, it would be Japan’s ancient castles. Unfortunately, up to now, I’ve only visited Odawara Castle, and that was over ten years ago before I started my blog. In other words, this is my first article about a Japanese castle, and I’m thrilled that it’s one of Japan’s Three Great Castles — “Kumamoto Castle.”
New bike lane hidden under tree shade in Taipei connects Songshan and Neihu cycling routes
Cycling for tourism or exercise has become quite popular in Taiwan in recent years, and more and more bike lanes dedicated to cyclists have been built across cities and counties. The Taipei City Traffic Engineering Office recently completed a new 1-kilometer-long bike lane on Section 6, Nanjing East Road. In the future, the public will be able to use this new lane to reach attractions such as riverside parks and Raohe Night Market.
Plum Blossom "Snow" Falls in Taoyuan: 17 Prime Spots for the Plum Blossom Festival
Plum blossoms are blooming all over Taiwan, and Taoyuan’s Hakka Plum Blossom Festival has officially kicked off. The Taoyuan County Government announced that there are 17 “plum blossom viewing hotspots” across Longtan Township, Daxi Township, Yangmei City, Guishan Township, and Taoyuan City. Among them, the Sanhe Community in Longtan features century-old plum blossom trees. Currently, the blossoms are about 30–40% in bloom, with full bloom expected by the end of April. If there are no heavy rains, the blooming period could last until mid-May.
So delicious it bites back? Compare Changsu Hanwoo beef with melt-in-your-mouth raw beef — if you dare, come try it!
Changsu County in Korea’s Jirisan region is famed for its premium Changsu Hanwoo beef, which boasts evenly distributed marbling resembling marble or snowflake patterns. It’s best enjoyed on its own without lettuce wraps to fully savor the pure, original flavor of the beef.
Firefly Season at Shei-Pa National Park Kicks Off in May – Go Firefly Watching in the Misty Mountains
Firefly-watching events are popping up one after another. In the mountains across Taiwan, the nights of April and May seem to have become the stage for fireflies. Shei-Pa National Park Headquarters has partnered with the Guanwu and Bailan areas to organize two sessions of the “Date with the National Park – Bailan Tribe ~ Dancing with Fireflies & Exploring Ancient Trails” eco-tourism activity. Participants will explore the Guanwu Snow-Mist Trail, experience Atayal cultural activities in the mountains, and enjoy the spectacular sight of fireflies dancing in the forest.
Cherry blossoms bloom in front of Sakamoto Hiyoshi Shrine — a delicate pink carpet of fallen petals
I mean, when you're on a self-guided trip, do people usually sleep on the bus? Try not to doze off on the right side — you might miss a sudden burst of scenic beauty. This hidden paradise was discovered by chance while traveling from BiSuiJiaoLeJiao.
A Fun-Filled Cultural Journey: Hakka Cultural Theme Park Accessible via MRT
Want to connect with nature while experiencing traditional culture with family and friends? The "Taipei Hakka Cultural Theme Park," formerly the Taipei Children's Traffic Museum, is nestled between the Gongguan and Shida commercial districts. Spanning 4 hectares of green space, the park also features a Hakka Cultural Center, a Music and Drama Center, and various themed structures infused with Hakka cultural elements, allowing visitors to enjoy leisure time while immersing themselves in Hakka heritage.
Heart-shaped Sparklers + Loads of Strawberries & Crispy Churros — Tainan’s New Dessert That “Sets Fire” to Girl Power
It’s that time of winter again — strawberry season is here with its limited-edition fruity delights. Each bite of these sweet-tart strawberry treasures is pure happiness. A quaint churro shop in Tainan, CHURRO & Sweet, has just launched an over-the-top, dreamy new item: the “Fairy Churro.” Get ready for all your girlish hearts to be set ablaze this winter.
The Great Wall turns into broken fortresses – See the world’s seven wonders from a new angle
The Great Wall, the Parthenon, Niagara Falls… These world-renowned tourist attractions are famous for their breathtaking or majestic scenery, as well as the awe-inspiring wonders of nature or outstanding architectural craftsmanship. But if you view them from a different perspective, could the sights you see completely overturn your original impression of these tourist spots?