Travel
Kenting International Airship Hot Air Balloon Festival to showcase the nation’s first manned airship
The “2014 Kenting International Airship Hot Air Balloon Festival” will take place from July 5 to August 31 at Kenting Xiaokenting Resort in Manzhou Township, featuring the nation’s first manned hot air airship and the world’s first replica of a classic hot air balloon. It pioneers Taiwan’s first carnival combining hot air balloons with aviation sports, heralding the launch of Kenting’s 3D land-sea-air tourism experience.
Cruise ships now have themed designs too！Kaohsiung launches Snoopy True Love and Snoopy Love Boat
Kaohsiung isn't just about themed painted MRT trains—it now has a painted cruise ship too！In celebration of Snoopy's 65th anniversary and to coincide with the "Snoopy Exhibition" happening this weekend, the Kaohsiung Harbor Ferry Company has specially launched the "Snoopy True Love", allowing the charming Snoopy family to join visitors on a joyful maritime journey.
Good news for cyclists: Taipei MRT adds three more stations for weekend bike rides
Taipei Rapid Transit Corporation announced that starting June 28, three additional stations on the Tamsui Line—Jiantan Station, Shiba Station, and National Taiwan University Hospital Station—will allow passengers to bring bicycles on board during weekends, giving commuters more station options.
Captain’s favorite world attractions: Norwegian auroras and Hong Kong’s coastline ranked as once-in-a-lifetime sights
The British newspaper Daily Mail recently interviewed nine veteran captains who have sailed the world for many years. Having traveled extensively, they each have a breathtaking destination etched in their memories. Among them are Hong Kong, Greece, Turkey, Norway, New York, Alaska, Miami, Cape Town in South Africa, and Sydney in Australia. Their reasons vary, but all share one common trait — proximity to the sea. Let’s take a look at the attractions that left these captains with unforgettable memories.
United Airlines Launches Early-Bird Fares for North American Fall Foliage Trips – Starting from Just NT$17,400 to Four Major Cities
From now until July 31, United Airlines announces its limited-time early-bird autumn fare promotion. Economy class tickets departing between September 1, 2014, and December 31, 2014, are eligible for the early-bird discount. Flights from Taipei to iconic North American destinations such as San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York, and Vancouver are available starting from NT$17,400 to NT$27,600.
The Jade Well White Church, nestled by mountains and water, feels like stepping into a fairyland or a hidden paradise.
At first, we didn’t know how popular the Jade Well White Church was. Later, after seeing an online recommendation, we thought it looked beautiful and decided to visit during our holiday. At the time, we had no idea the church was closed for maintenance, so we were still excited and eager to see it. Relying on the car’s navigation and Google Maps on our phones, we managed to find the rural road leading to the church.
Choose from hundreds of kimonos at Kyoto’s rental shop—wear them all day for just under ¥1,000!
Wearing a kimono is an essential experience in Kyoto. No matter the season, donning an exquisitely patterned kimono or yukata, tying your hair up high, and showcasing the elegant curve of your fair neck as you stroll through this ancient capital will leave you looking stunning at every corner. The kimono rental shop “Four Seasons Sakura,” located just a 10-minute walk from Kiyomizu-dera Temple, is highly recommended by many travelers. With hundreds of kimonos to choose from, you can wear one all day for less than NT$1,000.
The Blooming Butterflies Exhibition – Thousands of live butterflies fluttering around you
The “2014 Blooming Butterflies in Taipei” exhibition officially opened on June 27. This ecological event, which emphasizes “no specimens, only real colorful butterflies,” has also set up a 100-ping indoor butterfly greenhouse at Beixin Elementary School in Xindian District, New Taipei City, allowing visitors of all ages to get up close with a thousand butterflies.
Travelzoo reveals the world’s sexiest beaches — Ipanema Beach in Brazil ranks first
Summer is all about sunshine, beaches, surfing hunks, and bikini babes！ Travelzoo recently announced the world’s top ten sexiest beaches. Whether you agree or not, travelers who are interested might want to check out what the world’s sexiest beaches look like during this sunny summer vacation！
Top Japanese spots netizens hope to see listed as World Heritage Sites: Izu Blue Cave and Takeda Castle make the list
One of the key contributors to Japan’s industrialization, the Tomioka Silk Mill, was successfully inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site this year, becoming Japan’s 18th such site and bringing great joy to the Japanese people. The Japanese website “マイナビウ0?蕙蟆” (Minna no Ura) also conducted a survey asking netizens which other site in Japan they would most like to see become a World Heritage Site.
Golden rice fields and winding paths: "Yilan's Lang Lang Boulevard" becomes a hit
In Taitung’s Chihshang, there’s a “Lang Lang Boulevard” that became famous thanks to Takeshi Kaneshiro, attracting many visitors on holidays. Recently, the Sanchi rice field area in Dongshan Township, Yilan County, has also gained attention for its vast rice fields and meandering paths, earning the title of Yilan’s “Lang Lang Boulevard” and drawing many photography enthusiasts.
Fun Summer Vacation！Children under 12 can ride the Maokong Gondola for free starting July
From July 1 to August 31, the Maokong Gondola is launching the “Kids Ride the Maokong Gondola COOL Summer” promotion. Elementary school students under 12 nationwide can ride for free by presenting their National Health Insurance card or other valid ID. Currently, all Maokong Gondola cabins are adorned with Hello Kitty designs, adding a playful touch.
The quietly operated Hasegawa Sushi Shop – Grilled sushi is even more delicious than nigiri.
Hasegawa Sushi isn’t very well-known, so there aren’t many people recommending it, and I’m not even sure if it’s still open. But back then, I added it to my mental list, and in the blink of an eye, more than half a year passed. Then one day, a friend said they wanted to visit Fengjia and have some sashimi and sushi, which reminded me of this Hasegawa Sushi again. It’s right on the way to Fengjia Night Market, so out of curiosity, I came to check it out — and yes, it’s still open, k8. I was so touched when I saw it.
The Arch Bridge in the Gente Waterwheel Park Gets a New Lease on Life – Its Double-Arch Design Brings Retro Charm
The arch bridge in the Sanchi Gente Waterwheel Park, renovated by the New Taipei City Public Works Department, was inaugurated on June 26, 2014. This bridge spans the Balian Creek, and its railings are made from kiln-fired ceramic tiles and antique rock bricks, giving it an old-world charm that has made it the latest tourist landmark on the northern coast.
Roasting beans under the moonlight at Luna Café on Tiger Head Mountain — a romantic coffee spot for moon gazing
The latest creation from Luna Café has opened its Taoyuan branch near Tiger Head Mountain. The most eye-catching feature? The owner has brought the moon inside the café. Because, as he says, he wants to roast coffee beans under the moonlight — how romantic is that? At Luna Café Taoyuan, you can sip coffee while admiring the moon — super cool indeed.
Top 10 Best Airports in the World to Kill Time – Taoyuan International Airport Makes the List
An American travel website (matadornetwork.com) released its list of the world’s top 10 airports for killing time this (June) month, with Taoyuan International Airport ranking 10th thanks to its globally first-ranked airport e-library. In addition to the e-library, Taoyuan International Airport will continue to develop various interesting spaces in the future, including a movie-themed lounge in Terminal 2 that is set to launch soon.
Ride a bike on Jeju’s railway tracks — the more you pedal, the stronger the bond.
"Rail Bike," also known as "railway bicycle" or "track bicycle," is a vehicle that combines features of both trains and bicycles. It moves forward on railway tracks powered by human pedaling. Once popular in Europe, it's both relaxing and fun, with scenic views along the way, making it perfect for family outings.
"Do you want salmon or tuna?" Japanese turn suitcases into conveyor belt sushi
Many frequent travelers know that waiting for your luggage on the baggage carousel always feels especially long. To make airports and travel more fun, a Japanese company has launched "sushi suitcase covers." Just slip one of these sushi-themed covers over your suitcase, and it instantly transforms into a piece of conveyor belt sushi on the carousel. The unique design is eye-catching and sure to bring a smile, while also protecting your suitcase from scratches.
6th Place in the First Taiwan Coffee Brewing Championship — Huang Jijun: Enjoying the Process
The 2014 Taiwan Brewers Cup Championship (TBrC) was a significant inaugural competition. Unlike the previous Taiwan Coffee Masters competitions, which focused mainly on espresso, participants in this event could use any brewing device that met the defined rules. The champion would qualify to represent Taiwan at the WCE World Brewers Cup held in Italy that year.
Little Hero of the North Sea is here to Up the fun！Check in at Janfusun Resort now and set sail with Xiao Wei.
Be the first to try out the “Little Hero of the North Sea” themed room—now’s your chance！For four days starting today, stay at Prince Hotel under Janfusun Leisure Industry Group and enjoy the “Little Hero of the North Sea – Ride the Waves Adventure Package” (worth NT$6,000). Each day, 10 rooms will be available for free upgrade to the Little Hero of the North Sea themed room (worth NT$12,000).