Travel
The taste of sesame paste on the tip of your tongue—timeless flavors with subtle layers and a light mouthfeel
In the bustling downtown area of Pingtung, nestled quietly under a large tree, there’s a decades-old eatery serving cuisine with mainland Chinese flavors called “Uncle Hu’s Noodle Shop.” I only recently learned about this shop through a “Foodie Adventure” feature and realized that my hometown had a sesame paste noodle soup I absolutely loved. During my trip back to Pingtung, I visited it with my family.
A Grand Collection of Middle Eastern Delicacies: Lamb Kebab Wraps & Mega Shawarma to Satisfy Your Cravings
Traveling the world, Little Elephant Loves to Explore shared an exclusive Middle Eastern food series spanning Israel, Jordan, all the way to Egypt and Dubai in the “Travel So Awesome!” community. As a seasoned foodie, this expert always eats like a local. Let’s follow Little Elephant as we unveil the mysteries of the Middle East and discover its must-try authentic dishes.
The Kaohsiung International Travel Fair kicks off on the 16th — 5-star hotel stay vouchers at up to 2.8-fold discounts
The Kaohsiung International Travel Fair will be held from May 16 to May 19 at the Kaohsiung World Trade Exhibition Center. Domestic hotel operators are rolling out heavily discounted stay and meal vouchers, with Kenting Chateau Beach Hotel offering weekday stay vouchers starting at 4.3-fold discounts, Ambassador Hotel stays at 3.4-fold discounts, and the Regent Group featuring deals as low as 2.8-fold off. Travelers interested in visiting the fair can check them out and plan their summer or autumn trips in advance.
Keelung Port Cruise Beauty Photography Contest – Capture the Harbor Charm of Northern Taiwan
May in Keelung Port can be described as entering “International Cruise Month,” with large international cruise ships and ferries continuously coming and going from the port, making the northern Taiwan harbor quite lively this month. The Keelung Harbor Branch has launched the “Keelung Port – The Beauty of Cruises” photography contest starting the 10th, inviting participants to capture through their lenses the harbor charm woven together by the city and cruise ships.
Magical and thrilling!
Soaring hot air balloons in vibrant, dreamy hues, offering breathtaking views of the earth below — what a dream come true! In recent years, Taiwan has also seen a local hot air balloon craze, attracting both domestic and international travelers to chase these colorful wonders across the island. So, where else around the world are hot air balloon rides worth experiencing? Recently, CNN reported on the most beautiful hot air balloon destinations globally, showcasing stunning scenes from various countries that have left people in awe.
Promoting More In-Depth Tours of Tainan: The YanShui Yuejin Harbor Stroll Launches on the 24th
In recent years, the Tainan City Government’s Tourism Bureau has been promoting low-carbon, in-depth, and enriching travel experiences to help visitors better understand Tainan. On May 24 (Saturday), it will launch the “YanShui Yuejin Harbor Stroll.” Led by professional guides, participants will explore the town of YanShui, gaining deeper insights into its historical charm and experiencing the revival of the elegance of Yuejin Harbor. Members of the public can start making reservations online via the booking system from 8 AM on the 9th.
"Happy Mother’s Day!" Compilation of Theme Park & Scenic Area Discounts Across Taiwan
As Mother’s Day approaches, to thank moms for their selfless dedication and hard work for their children and families, leisure and recreational venues across the island are offering numerous special promotions for moms. ETtoday ETToday Travel Cloud has specially compiled a list of Mother’s Day discounts around Taiwan. While appreciating moms’ hard work, don’t be shy—say “Happy Mother’s Day!” loudly while giving her a bouquet of carnations on this special day.
Kyushu's Huis Ten Bosch Rose Festival Begins – Thousands of Varieties, Millions of Blooms in Full Display
The entire garden shines with roses under the sun, creating a breathtaking sight. The 2014 Kyushu Huis Ten Bosch Rose Festival in Japan will run for nearly a month starting May 9. Visitors can enjoy approximately 1,000 varieties and nearly one million colorful roses blooming together. Travelers heading to Kyushu may want to consider adding this to their itinerary.
The best Korean gifts to bring back as souvenirs! KOREA PLAZA hosts a souvenir exhibition
KOREA PLAZA (Korea Tourism & Cultural Experience Center) is holding a “Double Feast Exhibition” from May 12th to May 30th, featuring the “Winner Photography Works of Korean Charm” and “Outstanding Korean Tourism Souvenirs.”
Pingxi Mini Trip Essay / Historic Pingxi, a Nostalgic Mountain Town!
Carrying a wish in my heart, I arrived at the mountain town of Pingxi, full of timeless charm. Stepping into this destination ranked among the world’s top ten must-visit places in a lifetime, I felt an overwhelming sense of excitement. Strolling along the wall reliefs and sleeper wood pathways at the station felt like listening to the stories of the town’s glorious past when it thrived on mining.
Falling tung blossoms carpet the path — the scenery as if time has paused
On the azure skywalk, travelers pause in their steps, captivated by the mountain valley blanketed with pure white tung blossoms like cotton candy. Clouds drift by, gently cradling the snow-white petals as they flutter down, spinning as if performing a delicate minuet. The winding path intertwines up and down — step by step, turning around to not miss a thing, layer upon layer of soft floral bedding that only the air is lucky enough to possess.
Taiwan International Boat Show Celebrates Mother’s Day with 3,000 Free Anthuriums on the 11th
The “2014 Taiwan International Boat Show,” featuring a total of 60 yachts—both indoors and outdoors—with a combined value exceeding NT$7 billion, grandly opened on the 8th at the Kaohsiung Exhibition Center. Visitors who wish to board a luxury yacht and take a peek at its lavish interiors and amenities can register on-site for a yacht tour.
Taiwan’s Most Beautiful Church & Crystal Forest – Free Christmas Date Spots in Kaohsiung
Christmas is just around the corner！ Want to soak up the festive atmosphere without breaking the bank？ Here are 5 free romantic date spots recommended by 《ET Travel Cloud》. Plan a short getaway to visit Taiwan’s most beautiful church, soak your feet in a free foot spa on a chilly winter day, and create unforgettable happy memories hand-in-hand.
Penghu's Lintou Park Gets an Elegant Makeover – “Double Heart-Shaped Flower Sea” Becomes a Favorite Photo Spot for Travelers
The Penghu National Scenic Area Administration has recently enhanced the landscaping at Lintou Park. The previously plain greenery and lawns have been transformed through seasonal floral plantings that create patterns and arrangements, adding layers of color and visual interest. As a result, several new flower-viewing areas have emerged in the park. One standout is the double heart-shaped flower sea on the lawn, which has become a popular photo spot attracting both tourists and locals.
Can teddy bears only be seen through a magnifying glass? Jeju Teddy Bear Museum exhibition comes to Tainan
So cute they’re “bear”-able again！Following the hugely popular large-scale teddy bear street exhibition in Taichung, the renowned “Jeju Teddy Bear Museum” from South Korea will now hold an exhibition starting today at the Nanhua World Trade Exhibition Center in Tainan. The event not only features teddy bears reinterpreting classic artworks and sculptures, but also includes the iconic “Gangnam Style PSY teddy bear” from Korea, who will be showing off his signature horse-riding dance！
Summer Ice Whirlwind！Hokkaido Milk Mixed with Kiwi Soft Serve to Beat the Heat
After the soft serve craze stirred up by Juanwei Family a year or two ago, there were almost always lines—weekdays or weekends. I remember that back when strolling through night markets, you’d often see a towering soft serve cone for just 20 or 30 NT$, but once they switched to rich Japanese flavors and stylish décor, the price instantly jumped to 90 or 100 NT$, yet everyone flocked to them. The term “dessert on a stroll” became synonymous with soft serve.
Overwhelming Response to Free Firefly-Watching Night Tour in Zhuzihhu, Taipei: Encore Event Added at Hushan Creek
The Taipei City Bureau of Urban Development held its first-ever free nighttime firefly-watching eco-tour in Zhuzihhu this year, which received an enthusiastic response from the public. Not only were the two scheduled events fully booked instantly, but on the day of the event, some people even joined as unregistered listeners. Riding on this wave of interest, the bureau has added an encore session on the evening of the 17th. The event will be moved to Taipei’s first firefly conservation site—Hushan Creek—and registration opens on the 12th.
Step into the Qingyan Ancient Town from Ming and Qing Dynasty novels – weathered stone walls bear witness to history
Built during the Ming Dynasty, Qingyan Ancient Town was originally a post station in southern Guizhou, serving as a key route to Sichuan, Hunan, Yunnan, and Guangxi, as well as a military stronghold at the time. The imperial court stationed a large garrison here, leading to a growing population and flourishing economy and culture. Today, Qingyan Ancient Town is located in the southern part of Huaxi District, Guizhou, and is developing into a new tourist destination to help more people learn about its history and local culture.
Singapore Airlines invests billions in hardware upgrades; 777-300ER fleet enhanced again
Singapore Airlines announced it will invest US$325 million (approximately NT$9.79 billion) to upgrade its existing fleet of 19 Boeing 777-300ER aircraft with the latest cabin products, including improvements to seat comfort, space, and in-flight entertainment systems across all classes.
Pingtung now has city bikes too — “Pbike” expected to be fully completed in October
Pingtung now has city bikes too！ The construction of Pingtung’s public bicycle rental system was officially launched on the 9th with a ceremony jointly held by Pingtung County Government and Kaohsiung Rapid Transit Corporation. The system has been named “Pbike.” Initially, 450 public bicycles will be provided, with 20 rental stations planned. Users can rent and return bikes in just 3 seconds, and the first half-hour is free, aiming to make Pingtung a low-carbon, livable city.