Organized by Lion Travel, the “Two-Rail Island Tour: A Journey of Beauty and the Heart” adopts a travel method combining Taiwan Railways and cycling (“two rails and a bike”), taking six nights and seven days to complete the island-wide trip. This year marks the second edition of the event. To encourage more families to join in the fun together, this year’s organizers are also offering free participation for eligible family members in four-generation or three-generation family groups who sign up.
At the MRT exit, I saw an elderly lady, undeterred by the intermittent rain and wind, singing loudly in a mix of Mandarin and Taiwanese: “Magnolia flowers… fragrant blooms… magnolia flowers… fragrant blooms…” Her simple, heartfelt voice carried a gentle warmth, echoing endlessly in my ears yet stirring a deep sense of pity.
The long-awaited Wood Pot has reopened this September. As soon as we heard the news, we made time to visit last month. The new location at No. 68-1, Tianshu North Road, isn’t too far from the old spot. The interior decoration style remains true to the original, and this low-key comeback delivers the same delightful layered flavors.
With a century-long history and 32 hot spring hotels and resorts under its management, Hoshino Resorts recognizes the outstanding work abilities of Taiwanese and has come to Taiwan specifically to recruit full-time staff. The first to recruit in Taiwan is the Tomamu Resort in Hokkaido, while RISONARE Tomamu Ohara and NIRAKANAI Iriomote are recruiting in Taiwan for the second time. A total of 20 to 30 employees are expected to be hired, with a starting salary of ¥200,000 per person (approximately NT$57,000).
The annual Yilan International Children's Folklore and Folkgame Festival is set to open on July 5. Organizers first unveiled the artwork "Seed Ship," made from driftwood from the 88 Flood in Taitung. Standing 9 meters tall, 9 meters wide, and weighing 27 tons, the Seed Ship officially set sail on the 4th as artists Lin Shun-long and Cultural Affairs Bureau Director Lin Chiu-fang struck a ceremonial gong.
From June 7 to July 15, Junpin Hotel’s Cloud Lounge Western Restaurant will present the early summer limited-edition “Canadian Bursting-Juice Lobster & Fresh Oyster Feast,” featuring Canadian Halifax lobsters packed with bursting roe and creamy coral, and 20-year-old slipper oysters directly delivered from Canadian farms every three days. For just NT$2,380 + 10%, indulge in a double treat of Canada’s top-tier seafood delicacies. The specially selected berried (egg-bearing) female lobsters, each about the size of an adult palm, boast thick, plump, and springy meat rich in succulent coral.
Friends living in Pingtung must have heard of this place to some extent. I’ve known about it for a long time, but back then I wasn’t keeping food reviews yet, so I didn’t go out of my way to eat there. It wasn’t until after I reviewed Hu Laoye’s Noodle Shop last time that many fellow foodies recommended the Hong Kong-style Wonton King next door. Although I really wanted to try it, with our regular jobs, it’s hard to find time to go back to Pingtung on weekdays, and the shop isn’t even open on weekends. Eating here always feels like a bit of a lucky break.
To identify the most iconic summer dish in Taiwan, the Tourism Bureau of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications recently featured aiyu, a well-known local favorite, inviting 10 businesses around the Tropic of Cancer to create innovative aiyu dishes. The public was encouraged to vote online for Taiwan’s top aiyu dish. Currently, the top three aiyu creations are Tainan’s Osmanthus Pineapple Aiyu, Mango Supreme Aiyu, and Chiayi’s Brown Sugar Slush Aiyu, with over 2,000 people casting their votes online within just a few days.
Can a tree really walk? This “miraculous walking tree” in Donghe’s Luanshan Tribe was so mysterious that even Jackie Chan came here to film scenes for his movie “Chinese Zodiac.” Its enigmatic allure certainly piques travelers’ curiosity. Tucked away on a mountain trail, this hidden gem is unknown to those without a local guide—but to the Bunun people, it’s been a forest playground since childhood. Here, the intertwined roots of the banyan tree create a surreal sight, earning it the nickname “Avatar’s Homeland.”
There are only three weeks left until the New Year—have you figured out how to welcome 2018 yet? If you don’t have the budget to travel abroad or book a hotel room for a party, don’t worry—counties and cities across Taiwan have prepared large-scale countdown events where you can ring in the New Year amidst fireworks and music. It’s quite the vibe, so quickly discuss with your friends and family where to join the fun!
Organized by New Taipei City Government, the “2014 New Taipei City Sanxia Indigo Dyeing Festival” is entering its 13th year. This year’s festival will officially open on June 14, with a series of activities taking place from June 11 to July 13, recreating the charm of the Triangle Dyeing Street from a century ago.
China Airlines cheer squad is back in action again this year (6th)! Tonight’s Aerobic Night event, held at Parking Lot A13 in Xinyi District, will see the enthusiastic participation of the China Airlines cheer team. Meanwhile, on Sunday (8th) morning during the running event, 40 China Airlines cabin and ground service staff have signed up enthusiastically to compete in the 21K and 10K races, sprinting their way to showcase healthy vitality and girl power.
Pingxi, a simple town, a place that has seen both prosperity and decline, a scenic destination boasting some of Taiwan’s most beautiful views, and a place I’ve always wanted to visit with someone I love. This time, I didn’t come with a loved one, but with a few friends from my school days.
Taichung’s Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system is set to begin operations, and the transit company will open reservations for trial rides on the “Donghai Villa–Providence University” section. The first round of trial rides will take place from June 28 to July 14. Members of the public can sign up via the Taichung City Government’s official website or the Transportation Bureau.
The “United Adventure Bear program” launched by United Airlines is a charitable initiative aimed at children in need around the world. Recently, the airline unveiled its seventh limited-edition teddy bear — the “Flying Bear” — hoping to rally the compassion of travelers and bring warmth to children in need of medical and financial support.
On a holiday morning, I set out on my bike to explore the Dongshan Coffee Highway. When I reached Liujia District and wanted to recharge, I searched for a breakfast spot while cycling. Suddenly, I spotted an absolutely stunning building—a striking geometric facade with vivid colors and a beautifully designed flamingo sculpture that left me in awe. What kind of unique structure is this? I took tons of photos to share with you all...
Following Yangmingshan, Yushan, Shei-Pa, Kenting, Taroko, Kinmen, Dongsha Atoll, and Taijiang, the "Penghu Southern Four Islands National Park" is set to become Taiwan’s ninth national park, with plans to officially inaugurate it in October. It will also be Taiwan’s second marine national park.
The Taiwan Tourist Shuttle “Yanxiang Coastal Line,” which operates around the Yunlin-Kaohsiung-Tainan Coastal Scenic Area, will extend its route into central Chiayi City starting June. A trial operation has begun as of now, during which the Taiwan Tourist Shuttle is offering a one-day pass at a special discounted price of NT$200, allowing visitors to explore the most iconic attractions along both the Yanxiang Coastal area and central Chiayi City with ease!
A museum-themed park located in the suburbs of Rovaniemi in northern Finland. Here, it’s Christmas all year round, and you can meet Santa Claus every day. Since part of the village lies within the Arctic Circle, you might be lucky enough to see the Northern Lights near the Arctic Circle.
To promote tourism, East Japan Railway Company (JR East Japan) will launch an ultra-luxurious sleeper train with a mezzanine room design in spring 2017, and its full interior decoration has been unveiled for the first time recently.