Travel
Tourists too excited on mounts? Two panda sculptures at Keelung’s National Museum of Marine Science and Technology “lose paint” in two days
Keelung’s National Museum of Marine Science and Technology recently displayed the Badou Panda sculptures as part of a public art exhibition. In addition to the original black-and-white giant pandas, there are also colorful small pandas. Their playful appearance is quite adorable and has attracted visitors to bring their children to see them. However, this weekend, some visitors noticed that the Badou Pandas couldn’t withstand being “ridden” by tourists, and parts of the colorful pandas have already lost paint.
Taiwan’s First Interactive Hangzhou Tourism Experience Zone Launches – Explore West Lake with Just a Tap
As we enter the new era of smart tourism, emerging tech products can also make pre-trip “homework” more fun. Taiwan’s first “Hangzhou Tourism Interactive Experience Zone” was officially launched today (May 12). Wang Hong, Secretary-General of the Hangzhou Municipal Government, led a delegation to Taiwan specifically for the opening ceremony, hoping that interactive technology will help more people get to know Hangzhou.
Never heard of this trick before? The must-win secrets to acing a Korean flight attendant interview — “Knock, Smile, Makeup”?
It’s not just about looking good to become a flight attendant. In Korea’s flight attendant industry, there are actually rumored “three secrets” to acing the interview. A Korean flight attendant at China Airlines revealed that, according to industry gossip in Korea, you must perform three actions before the interview — “Knock, Smile, Makeup” — to have a chance at flying high and landing that stewardess job.
Pingxi Mini Trip Essay / Hidden Beyond the Lens – An Off-the-Beaten-Path Map
I can’t help but wonder, when we start a trip, we’re always bursting with excitement, barely noticing the scenery along the way, and yet when it’s time to leave, we’re eager to return, barely glancing at anything either. Is the meaning of travel really just the destination?
Taipei’s Yongkang Street area offers generous portions of multi-national cuisine — burgers, dumplings, pizza, you name it
At first, Ken started out as an “American-style cuisine” spot in the Yongkang commercial district and quickly made a name for itself by serving delicious, hearty portions — which made it especially popular among young students. Later, to meet the diverse needs of its patrons, it expanded its menu to include Italian dishes such as pizza, pasta, and risotto. Soon after, it also introduced popular brunch items among young women, like sandwiches and burgers.
A golden temptation that keeps you coming back for more — tender loin meat that rivals tenderloin in flavor.
How long has it been since you last had a truly delicious curry? The last time I visited the long-missed Yonghe Lehua Night Market, I spotted a Chūden Curry flag at a lottery shop near the alley. I wondered if it might be run by Japanese people!? With curiosity and a sense of adventure, I stepped inside — and was pleasantly surprised by how good the curry was!!
Pingxi Mini Trip Essay / That Red Swallowed by Deep Blue
To be honest, I’ve long forgotten what the weather was like that day, but I remember the train was packed with people, and we were squeezed in so close. “Are you okay? Isn’t it crowded?” Such concern felt almost pointless, because the train had pretty much reached the point of immobility. “Yeah… I’m fine…” I replied, only to be jostled again by an elderly man behind us, bringing us even closer.
A Nature Reserve You Can Book in Advance – A Hidden Gem in Yilan with “Bald Cypress Forests and Monet’s Pools”
Yilan has another picturesque attraction to explore. While many assume water source ecological parks are boring, Yilan’s Yuanshan’s “Shengou Water Source Ecological Park” combines a water treatment facility with an ecological park, offering a completely different experience. The scenic ecological pool reminiscent of Monet’s “Water Lilies,” along with a double row of bald cypress trees standing in the water, are all hidden within this reservation-only hidden gem.
Quietly nestled in Chiang Mai, Wat Suan Dok boasts mesmerizing sunset views that captivate visitors.
A few years ago, when Xiaosheng hadn’t been to Chiang Mai yet, the only way to learn about this ancient city was through travel books. However, the books were mostly dull, giving the impression that Chiang Mai had nothing much to offer besides temples. But after actually visiting, he discovered that Chiang Mai is far more interesting than the books described. Even the temples in Chiang Mai turned out to be quite fascinating. Having explored almost all of Chiang Mai’s well-known temples, Xiaosheng realized just how wonderful they are. That’s why he’s introducing this temple first—Wat Suan Dok (Wat Suan Dok).
The Beitou Hot Spring Culture Festival kicks off on the 16th – Sample traditional restaurant-style cuisine live
The 2014 Beitou Restaurant-Style Cuisine Culture Festival, for the first time this year, combines with mainland China’s hot spring culture. It will launch on the 16th at Xinbeitou MRT Station with a three-day celebration. The event will feature traditional displays and tastings of restaurant-style cuisine, demonstrations by renowned chefs, open-air movies, and for the first time, special hot spring exhibits from Guizhou, Fuzhou, and Xiamen. These additions bring a fresh cultural dimension to Beitou’s restaurant-style cuisine, highlighting a dialogue between different hot spring cities.
HowToTrip’s new official website goes live – Free South Korea free independent travel packages up for grabs
The official website of “HowToTrip” has been completely revamped in May, offering consumers a faster and more advanced operating system, with a thoughtfully designed web browsing flow to make it easier and quicker to find travel products. This update also introduces a member rewards points system, where 1 accumulated point can be redeemed as 1 NT dollar directly off travel products. Starting today, HowToTrip’s official website is back with a brand-new look to serve the public.
Can it help you conquer Green Island? The “Double B” low-carbon travel initiative protects this pristine land
Known as the “Green Emerald of Eastern Taiwan,” Green Island is also regarded by Europeans and Americans as comparable to Palau. Every year at this time, it becomes a peak tourist season. However, the prevalence of scooters on the island has made it hazy and polluted. But today (the 13th), hot spring operators, together with car and travel agencies, are telling everyone that “Green Island is not the same anymore.”
TransAsia Airways launches its first corporate image ad featuring one of its own flight attendants as the leading lady
Following the launch of its own brand, V Air, TransAsia Airways will also unveil a new corporate image ad starting May 14, themed “Opening a Window to Your Dreams.” The ad conveys the shared longing for travel among protagonists of different identities—family members, couples, and friends. To ensure authenticity, the flight attendant featured throughout the commercial is not a professional actress but rather Liu Yixin, a cabin crew member who has worked at TransAsia Airways for nearly three years.
The “518 Museum Day” falls on a weekend — enjoy half-price entry to the National Museum of Marine Science & Technology!
As this year’s “518 Museum Day” coincides with the weekend holiday, the newly opened National Museum of Marine Science & Technology is offering a special deal: both adults and children can enjoy a 50% discount on full-price tickets to the theme pavilion (NT$100) on that day, allowing everyone to explore the museum with joy. This offer is in conjunction with the museum’s “Colorful Ocean Public Art Season” event.
Blending luxury and glamour: 5 new hotels set to open in China
From 2014 to 2017, luxury hotels will open successively in Ningbo, Beijing, Shanghai, and Macau. These include the strong entry of Europe’s oldest luxury hotel brand, as well as casino operators expanding their customer base by combining accommodation with gaming facilities. Each highlights dazzling exteriors and high-end lodging experiences, aiming to win over travelers' hearts.
Tainan Homestay "Breeze Valley" – As if Stepping into the World of Spirited Away
Nestled in the mountains of Nanhua District, Tainan, the homestay "Breeze Valley" is a three-story traditional Japanese wooden building. Its appearance resembles the bathhouse of Yubaba from Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away brought to life. Located away from the hustle and bustle of the city and by the lakeside, its refreshing and pleasant environment has gone viral among netizens, drawing many visitors who make special trips to see it.
Creative fusion dish: Zhenjiang-style spare ribs. Hotel Okura Prestige Taipei introduces a new lunch banquet menu.
Hotel Okura Prestige Taipei’s Taohualin Restaurant has launched a new lunch set menu starting today, offering a fresh option for hosting business lunches. In addition to featuring many classic dishes beloved by food enthusiasts, the menu introduces a chef’s special—Zhenjiang-style spare ribs. The rest of the menu includes a trio of cold dishes from Taohualin, a trio of delicate dim sum, daily double-boiled soup, soy sauce king fried prawns, and Cantonese preserved egg and lean pork congee. The promotional price is 800 NTD + 10% service charge, available only on weekdays for lunch.
The longest double-span steel arch bridge in China—New Taipei City’s “Crescent Moon Bridge”—opens on the 17th!
Crescent Moon Bridge connects Xinzhuang Temple Street Commercial Area and Banqiao’s 435 Art & Cultural Special Zone. To celebrate its opening, the event specially invited Mazu from Ci Hui Temple and Mazu from Ci yP Temple—both with a century-long history in Xinzhuang and Banqiao—to serve as “honored guests.” When the two temples were originally built, their gates faced each other from afar. With the completion of Crescent Moon Bridge, the two Mazu statues meet for the first time, adding special meaning to the ceremony and making the inauguration even more extraordinary.
Tired of big mountains and vast waters? Plan your own micro-trip with the “Hualien Green Living” app
Want to go on a “micro-trip” in Hualien? Use an app to plan your own itinerary—convenient and tailored to your needs. The Hualien City Government has launched the “Hualien City Green Living Map App” (a.k.a. Hualien Green Living), featuring over 200 tourist attractions and little stories. The trial version is now available for download on Google Play, while the iOS version will be available soon. Both the official web version and mobile app will be launched in mid-June.
For just 10 RMB, enjoy food, fun, and handmade crafts—Hsinchu’s “Every Village Has Art & Culture” event kicks off on the 17th
The “Art Together Market—2014 ‘Every Village Has Art & Culture’ Life Aesthetics Feast” event will take place from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM on May 17th at the green space next to the Hsinchu City Youth Center. For just a small fee of 10 RMB, attendees can enjoy food and activities, and take the opportunity to explore art villages and experience the unique aesthetics of village life where various elements blend into the environment.