Travel
Creative cuisine restaurants in Yilan without fixed menus are thriving — dishes are elaborate and full of surprises
Following the fame of no-menu dining spots like Wunan, the Glass House, and LIVE Gourmet Gallery, Qiantang River has carved out its own niche in Xinan, Dongshan. This was the restaurant where my junior colleague held her wedding banquet. It’s the sister venue of the Glass House run by Chef Lai, and it became an instant hit. Like its counterpart, it’s a reservation-only creative cuisine restaurant, with price tiers of 600 NT/person, 800 NT/person, and 1200 NT/person (service charge not included).
"White Trumpets" Bloom Everywhere TaiTai Maali’s Taiwan Lily Flowers Last Until May
Taitung’s TaiMaali is a great spot to admire Taiwan lilies. The Green Mountain Farm in TaiMaali reports that although recent mountain rains have caused some flowers to wither, the weather is expected to improve, and the overall blooming period of the lilies could last until mid-May. Farm manager Mr. Tsai suggests that visitors call ahead to inquire about flower conditions before heading up the mountain.
Beware of going to the wrong airport AirAsia moves to Kuala Lumpur’s Second International Airport starting May 9
AirAsia has announced that starting May 9, 2014, all flights operated by AirAsia to, from, and via Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, will be relocated from the former LCCT airport to Kuala Lumpur’s Second International Airport (KLIA2). Flights and transfers will not be affected between May 2 and 8.
A great place to enjoy water activities: The white flower sea in Dagouxi Ecological Park sways gently in the breeze
The Dagouxi Ecological Water Management Park, officially opened last year by the Taipei City Government’s Department of Public Works’ Bureau of Water Resources, serves as a flood detention and sedimentation basin during typhoon and flood seasons. In non-flood periods, however, the public can enjoy water activities or connect with nature here, making it perfect for a relaxing half-day family outing. In this season of blooming spring flowers, the park is graced with vast fields of white clover blossoms swaying in the wind.
Hearty brunch portions you won’t leave hungry – “Shark Bites Toast” is generous and great value
The rise of Shark Bites Toast in Taiwan is truly legendary. Before I could hop on the trend, I remember Facebook was flooded with photos of it everywhere. It felt like you were behind the times if you hadn’t tried the pudding toast—it was like Thunder God Chocolate or FamilyMart ice cream. It’s only cool if everyone else has it and you do too. Back then, besides the usual greetings like “Good morning,” “Good afternoon,” and “Good evening,” the new catchphrase among friends was “Have you tried Shark Bites Toast yet?” XD.
Railway-Themed Anime Base: Hsinchu’s First “Taiwan Anime Dream Factory” to Open in May
Once facing demolition, the Hsinchu Neiwan Branch Line has been transformed into an anime paradise. Taiwan’s first “Taiwan Anime Dream Factory,” which combines local Hsinchu features such as railways, Hakka culture, and hot springs, has nearly completed its facilities. Among them, Heshing Station, famous for its “Chasing the Train” love story, is also set to open to the public in May.
Magical Video of Alaska’s Night Sky Unveils the Mystery of the Northern Lights
When charged particles from the sun enter Earth’s atmosphere, the aurora borealis shimmers faintly overhead. This stunning phenomenon will leave you mesmerized by the vibrant and colorful Alaskan night sky. The video below was captured by American photographer Alexis Coram, who used time-lapse cinematography to preserve these beautiful celestial scenes forever.
It’s not just Taiwanese moms who would give everything for their kids — foreign visitors in Taiwan talk about their mothers and get emotional: “I miss her so much.”
Every country in the world has people like this? A traveler from France described: “She wakes up an hour before me just to make sure we’re not late.” “She always gives so much for me and worries that I’m not happy.” The special Mother’s Day feature program “Everyone Has This Kind of Person” interviewed multiple foreigners about their thoughts on their mothers. No matter where in the world they are, all mothers are the same — willing to give everything for their children.
Results of the Low-Cost Airline Survey Released: “Tokyo” Named the Most Anticipated Destination for New Routes
Taiwan’s China Airlines and TransAsia Airways have respectively announced the launch of two local low-cost carriers, “Tigerair Taiwan” and “V Air,” signaling that low-cost airlines have entered a period of robust growth in Taiwan. ETtoday EVA Air Travel Cloud also conducted a survey titled “Major Survey on the Launch of Taiwan’s Local Low-Cost Carriers – What Are Travelers Most Excited About?”, in which readers expressed the strongest desire for new routes to Tokyo and other destinations in Japan from both domestic low-cost airlines.
Low-cost carriers are cheaper than traditional airlines Consumer Foundation: Passenger rights remain the same
In recent years, the ticket price advantages offered by low-cost airlines have gradually been accepted by consumers in Taiwan. Taiwanese carriers such as China Airlines and TransAsia Airways have also successively entered the low-cost airline market. According to Chen Chih-yi, publisher of the Consumer Reports magazine under the Consumers' Foundation of the Republic of China, compared to traditional airlines, low-cost carriers reduce ticket prices by cutting in-flight services or onboard hardware facilities, but this does not mean that passengers' rights are compromised.
Give back to the folks in the south: One Card intermodal rail-to-bus transfer with a NT$12 discount within 2 hours
Since its official launch in February, the “One Card,” widely used across southern cities and counties, has become a vital part of life in the region. To give back to the people of the south, the One Card company has specially introduced the “One Card Taiwan Rail to Bus Transfer Discount Program” from May 1, 2014, to June 30, 2014. The program offers a NT$12 discount on bus fares for those who use the One Card to take the Taiwan Rail and then transfer unidirectionally to Pingtung Bus routes, as long as the time between the two card taps is within 2 hours.
The unassuming "Laksa" with its Southeast Asian flavors – a rich curry and coconut milk broth
The food culture of Singapore and Malaysia has been deeply influenced by two ethnic groups: one is the Chinese from the coastal regions who migrated here early on, and the other is the indigenous Malays of Indonesia. The fusion of Chinese and Malay cultures gave rise to Peranakan culture, and in terms of cuisine, it’s known as Peranakan food. What I’m discussing this time is one of its dishes – Laksa.
Free coffee is everywhere in Jeju Island ! Prefer hand-brewed over Starbucks
No matter where you go on Jeju Island, you’re bound to come across coffee shops of all sizes—even in the most remote spots, there’s likely to be a mobile coffee truck. Local resident Ms. Fu noted that in recent years, chain coffee shops can no longer meet locals’ needs, so on Jeju Island, Starbucks often doesn’t do as well as hand-brewed coffee.
Must-try local snacks in Su’ao: Temple Entrance Rice Noodle Soup and Leng Yi Ice Cream
When I spotted the 【2014 Green Expo】, I decided that for this spontaneous trip to Yilan, I’d head straight to Su’ao on the first day — partly to avoid the traffic jams and crowds in downtown Yilan and Jiaoxi during holidays, which would make the three-day break less stressful in terms of congestion. So I started looking up Su’ao’s snacks, found many options, and ended up having a bowl of Temple Entrance Rice Noodle Soup and then an old-school Leng Yi popsicle that same day.
Danish Restaurant NOMA Named World's Best for the 4th Time; Taiwanese Chef André Chiang Also Makes the List
The results of the 2014 World’s 50 Best Restaurants are out！ Located in Copenhagen, Denmark, NOMA has once again claimed the top spot after 2012, beating strong competition. Coming in second is Spain’s EL CELLER DE CAN ROCA, which won last year. Asia also secured 7 spots on the list, including one awarded to Taiwanese chef André Chiang’s restaurant in Singapore, which ranked 37th.
Enjoy vibrant maple-like foliage without waiting for autumn—Taiping Mountain’s “Purpleleaf Maple” turns the hills crimson until October
Can you admire fall foliage even when it’s not autumn? The famous “Purpleleaf Maple” in Yilan’s Taiping Mountain area has recently sprouted new leaves, now displaying a stunning mix of bright red and deep purple hues. The Luodong Forest District Office noted that unlike typical maple leaves, which turn red only when autumn cools the weather, Purpleleaf Maple leaves emerge in deep purple right after budding. The vibrant, colorful scenery is expected to last until October.
Most Popular Among Young Consumers China Airlines Ranks First in “Most Used Brand”
CommonWealth Magazine’s “30” issue has announced the winners of its “Young Generation Brand Survey,” with China Airlines taking the top spot in the aviation category for “Most Used Brand” for two consecutive years. This award reflects the recognition and affirmation of China Airlines’ service and brand image among young consumers.
Repurposing Scrap Wood – Giant “City God Figurines” Greet Visitors at Kinmen Bus Stations and Docks
The Gu Island City God Festival is the most important traditional folk celebration in Kinmen. This year, the Forestry Department adopted the concept of repurposing scrap wood and dead timber, using unique combinations and creative designs to give discarded timber a new lease on life. These pieces, infused with traditional religious elements, have been placed along roads and transportation hubs, creating a festive and blessing-filled atmosphere across the entire island of Kinmen.
I see You奏效 EVA Air Wins “2014 Influential Brand Award”
At the 2014 Influential Brand Survey organized by Manager Today magazine, EVA Air received the “2014 Influential Brand Annual Grand Prize” and the top award in the airline category. EVA Air General Manager Cheng Chuan-yi stated: “A good brand not only achieves strong sales performance but also carries a mission to society through the spirit and values it communicates. We also hope to show the world the formidable brand power of Taiwan.”
Pingxi Mini-Trip Essay Contest Kicks Off on May 1st – Share Your Stories and Touching Moments
Whether it’s the sky lanterns, the railway, or the region’s former coal mining culture, everyone who visits the Pingxi area has a unique story to tell. From heartwarming family moments and the bonding of friendships to the sweetness shared between couples, these are all unforgettable memories. Ettoday and the New Taipei City Government Tourism and Travel Bureau have jointly organized the “Pingxi Mini-Trip Essay Contest.” Simply transform your stories into words, and you can touch the hearts of more people.