The Taipei International Travel Expo kicks off this Friday! The Hong Kong Pavilion, featuring 11 industry partners, is offering 3-day, 2-night free-and-easy packages starting from NT$7,999 (taxes included), nearly NT$1,000 cheaper than last year. Each purchased package comes with an HK$60 cash voucher for “Tai Hing Restaurant,” known as the “King of Roast Meats” in Hong Kong, and a brand-new travel guidebook titled “Hong Kong Is Interesting” with a hipster vibe.
During the 2014 Taipei International Travel Fair, the largest summer travel expo held from May 23–26, Alishan Hotel launched a limited-time promotion offering an overnight stay with two meals. The historical building’s double suite is normally priced at NT$6,600, but during the expo the regular price is as low as NT$4,999. The modern building’s double suite is normally NT$10,000, with expo rates starting at NT$5,999 on weekdays. Additionally, the first ten groups of customers each day will receive an extra bonus: a NT$800 voucher for a double afternoon tea set (an unprecedented offer), allowing you to enjoy the beautiful scenery along with a taste of local cuisine, making every trip to Alishan even more memorable.
I only learned about this dessert because a family member of mine can make it. The first time I had this hot-out-of-the-oven treat, it was such a novelty and a delightful surprise. But let’s talk about “patience” first — if you don’t have at least one to two hours to spare, don’t bother coming, because reservations aren’t accepted, and you’ll have to wait on-site. On weekends, expect a 20–30 minute wait at minimum, and even after you’re seated, you won’t get your soufflé right away. Each soufflé takes about 20–30 minutes to prepare.
The Thai military has declared martial law. On the 20th, the Tourism Authority of Thailand stated that current commercial and tourism activities in Bangkok are unaffected by the martial law, and public transportation is operating normally. However, travelers are advised to avoid protest sites. The Taipei Office of the Tourism Authority of Thailand said that independent travelers can avoid safety concerns by steering clear of the Democracy Monument and the Parliament House, where yellow-shirt protesters gather, as well as the western suburbs of Bangkok, where red-shirt protesters congregate. The Tourism Authority of Thailand also recommends avoiding outdoor activities at night.
Students dreaming of becoming pilots and flying now have more opportunities ahead. Today (20), China Airlines officially signed an industry-academia cooperation plan with Tamkang University, launching a civil aviation credit program. Professional instructors, including China Airlines pilots, will teach the courses, providing a comprehensive training environment that allows students interested in the aviation industry to gain an in-depth understanding of civil aviation practices in advance, while also nurturing new aviation talent for Taiwan.
The marathon is one of Jeju Island’s annual highlight events, attracting many international visitors every year. It features a colorful and picturesque route that offers sweeping views of the northeastern coastline. The marathon is scheduled to take place on June 8, with registration closing on May 23.
As Taiwan is enveloped in an atmosphere of low wages and graduation season is approaching, soon-to-be graduates are beginning to worry about facing the dilemma of "graduation equals unemployment." At this time, the renowned Japanese hotel group "Hoshino Resorts" has set its sights on Taiwan’s talent and specifically crossed the sea to recruit employees in Taiwan. The group has also conducted information sessions at various universities and colleges, with the hotel’s general manager personally engaging in face-to-face discussions with students.
Following the launch of its daily non-stop flights from Taipei to San Francisco, United Airlines recently announced the addition of a new international route from Tokyo Haneda Airport to San Francisco, with service scheduled to officially begin on October 28, 2014 (subject to government approval).
In response to the Dragon Boat Festival holiday, the Tainan City Government Tourism Bureau continues to offer uninterrupted guided tour services during the break as a gesture of gratitude to the public’s support. A total of 14 free city tour sessions will be available over the three days. The public can start making reservations via the online booking system from today.
After returning to Hongdun Township, Mom Li couldn’t stop thinking about Taiwan. Whenever neighbors mentioned anything, she would steer the conversation back to her trip to Taiwan. When the neighbors talked about food, she’d immediately say, “Hey! The whatever-it-was in Taiwan — that’s what you call delicious!”; if the topic was the weather, she’d chime in, “It rains every single day in Taiwan!” And of course, the story would always circle back to her seven-day island-rounding tour.
Recently, Apple Daily announced the results of its nationwide hotel zongzi (sticky rice dumplings) tasting event for the Dragon Boat Festival. The “Dried Scallop Eight-Treasure Zongzi” from the Presidential Hotel Kaohsiung claimed the top spot in the Taiwan zongzi category. Judges unanimously praised the plump dried scallops, perfectly cooked chestnuts, and steamed rice grains that were neither too soft nor too sticky. Each zongzi is priced at NT$130, with an 8-piece set available for NT$1040. The Presidential Hotel Kaohsiung stated that a 10% discount is offered for pre-orders and full payment made before May 26.
The "Pinglai Sky Glass Suspension Bridge" in Xinyi Township, Nantou, has garnered significant attention even before its official opening. On the 19th, Xinyi Township Office announced the future ticket prices and related visiting regulations after its opening. Aside from free entry for Xinyi Township residents, employees of the Taiwan Forestry Research Institute Experimental Forest Management Office, and those on official business, the highest ticket price will be NT$100.
Summer is almost here—and so is the best season for whale watching! Located in Toucheng, Yilan, HowToTrip East Ocean Hot Spring Hotel not only offers stunning views of Guishan Island but also features a unique ocean golden hot spring. Its proximity to Wushih Port makes it the perfect place to stay for a whale watching trip. To coincide with the whale watching season, the hotel is launching a special promotion: NT$7,880 for two guests and NT$9,980 for four, including four complimentary whale watching or Guishan Island cruise tickets to set sail in search of whales and dolphins.
To welcome the peak summer travel season, a global online hotel booking website is offering discounts of up to 50% off on hotels in Japan and Korea. For travelers who love sightseeing in Japan, besides visiting familiar destinations like Tokyo, Hotels.com also recommends strolling through the zen-like alleys of Kyoto, feeding the deer at Nara Deer Park for an experience reminiscent of Bambi, or flying to Sapporo in Hokkaido to wander amidst the vibrant lavender fields — all part of an insightful and immersive Japanese travel experience.
With the Dragon Boat Festival holiday and summer vacation approaching, have you decided where to go for your break? Ahead of the holidays, an internationally renowned booking website has released its annual selection of the world’s best SPA hotels, providing travelers with a reference for planning their trips—choose your ideal accommodation to relax both body and mind and unwind from the stress built up during daily life.
“Taitung is so beautiful, it shouldn’t have trash like this.” Chris, a 44-year-old from the United States who has lived in Taiwan for 14 years, particularly loves the Taitung area. On the 20th, he took his own boat to Fugang Harbor in Taitung but was saddened to see so much trash floating in the harbor. He used a fishing net to scoop the garbage out of the sea.
Before going to Sudan, I first went to the Taiwan Economic and Trade Office in Cairo, Egypt, to apply for the documents required for a Sudanese visa. After several back-and-forth phone calls, the response I got was always to advise against going. I don’t know why I was so insistent, but in the end, at their request, I signed a waiver stating that if anything happened to me in Sudan, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had already advised against it and would not assume any responsibility.
After the random attack incident at Jiangzicui MRT Station on May 21, many people have become fearful of taking the MRT, worried that copycat incidents might affect future safety. According to taxi operators, after the incident, both phone bookings and street hails saw an increase this morning (May 22), with an estimated rise of about 10%.
The Arc de Triomphe and Eiffel Tower in France, the White House and Capitol Building in the United States, and even the Sphinx in Egypt—these world-renowned buildings and historical heritage sites spanning Europe, America, and Africa can now all be seen in mainland China without boarding a plane—but they’re all replicas. Here’s an introduction to ten of the most well-known imitations in China. See if they’re impressively lifelike.
Welcoming the summer heatwave, the “2014 Jianhu Mountain World Pain Manga Festival” has officially begun. In June, Jianhu Mountain World has set up various stages for anime fans, offering the public an up-close opportunity to get to know this young and dynamic movement. It has launched the “Anime Mix Fun” accommodation package, featuring free lucky bags of selected anime merchandise, as well as a photo contest where you can show off your favorite “COS Idol” look, along with exciting events like the Coser Parade and the Pain Manga Night Banquet.