Travel
Million-dollar artworks scarred with 70cm-long gashes – Taichung’s “3D Art by Tulon” left battered
Heartbreaking sight: The “3D Art by Tulon” exhibition currently on display in Taichung has been on show for just over 10 days, but due to visitors ignoring the rules—walking on the paintings with shoes and even bringing bags for photos—four precious million-dollar masterpieces have been turned into what looks like “3D gashed footprint art.” The organizers are devastated and pleading: “Please follow the exhibition rules and take care of the artworks!”
Amis people: Mainland tourists make indigenous feel disrespected – leave festivals to the tribes
Singer Chang Chen-yue recently posted on Facebook questioning how the Amis Harvest Festival has turned into a tourist attraction, stating that dancing is not for the sake of tourists. Singer Gao Huizhen also voiced her support on her own Facebook page, backing Chang’s view while adding that while tourism revenue is needed, traditional festivals should not be sold out. This sparked discussions on indigenous festivals and tourism.
The secret to its deliciousness lies in the specially made seasoned salt — an unmissable local delicacy: crispy fried chicken in Pingtung
After buying the Nan Zhou pan-fried buns, we wandered around the square aimlessly, checking if there were any other snacks that caught our eye. Just as we were about to leave, my husband spotted a blue food cart parked in front of a residence with quite a crowd around it. Being the curious one, he figured that if it was so popular with the locals, it must be good, so we spontaneously decided to buy some crispy fried chicken before heading back to Kaohsiung.
Experience the thrill of being chased — the San Fermín Running of the Bulls in Spain kicks off in 7 days
This year’s festival runs from July 7 to July 14, lasting a total of 8 days, with daily runs starting at 8 AM. Thousands of foreign tourists crowd onto balconies or behind barriers to watch excitedly. Others join the bulls in the run, which still results in many injuries or even fatal dangers every year. Yet the crowds keep coming, drawing travelers from far and wide to take part.
Limited-Edition PokoPang Bunny Train Launches This Summer on Kaohsiung MRT; Brown Bear & Gingerbread Man Characters Join the Fun
This summer, the Kaohsiung MRT is bursting with color and fun again. Following the huge success of themed painted trains like Snoopy and "The Legend of the Swordsman," the Kaohsiung MRT has now introduced a series of new painted trains featuring PokoPang Bunny, Brown Bear, and the running Gingerbread Man. These make the MRT not just a way to get around the city’s sights—but one of the most exciting surprises for every visitor exploring Kaohsiung.
Universal Studios Japan’s Summer Event: Upgraded Water Party & One Piece Adventure
This summer (2024), Universal Studios Japan not only unveils its brand-new Harry Potter theme park but also introduces the highly popular “Universal Wonderland” reservation system, favored by family visitors, allowing guests to book and enjoy attractions in advance. The park is also hosting this year’s grander summer highlight, the “Water Splash Surprise Party.” From now until September 7, visitors can get completely soaked and fully embrace the summer fun.
Final tribute to the "White Iron Warrior" Guanghua Train — last service departs on the 15th before official retirement
The Taiwan Railways Guanghua Train, nicknamed the "White Iron Warrior," will depart its final service at 5:20 p.m. on the 15th from Yuli Station, expected to arrive at Hualien Station at 7:27 p.m. After nearly half a century of service, it will retire with honor.
Sanchong Taiwanese-style Steakhouse actually serves wagyu beef here—thick-cut wing steaks with rich marbling and sweetness
I can’t recall where I saw this shared by a netizen, but it was a Taiwanese-style steakhouse with a slightly awkward price point. In recent years, quite a few steakhouses in New Taipei have gone in this direction—Banqiao has options like Houqie (Thick Cut), while Zhonghe and Yonghe have ones like Chaoba (Super Boss).
JAL Tanabata Prayer Event – Blessed by Sendai Hachiman Shrine, Japan’s Most Auspicious Shrine
To allow travelers to experience Japan’s “Tanabata Matsuri” (Star Festival) culture, Japan Airlines held a “Tanabata Prayer Wish” event in Taiwan on July 4. All the wishing slips written that day were sent to Sendai Osaki Hachiman Shrine in Japan for dedication.
Kaohsiung Zuoying Station Transforms into a Hong Kong Platform – Central and Wan Chai Station Names Appear
Kaohsiung MRT Zuoying Station has been turned into a Hong Kong platform. Visitors arriving at Kaohsiung Zuoying Station today (4th) are greeted by the sights of Hong Kong MTR station names, along with many iconic characters from classic Hong Kong films making casual appearances. Recognizing Kaohsiung’s development potential, the Hong Kong Tourism Board and the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Taiwan have brought the ambiance of a Hong Kong MTR platform to the Zuoying Station concourse, complete with classic Hong Kong film characters beloved by Taiwanese audiences.
“Attack of the Scarecrow” – A massive scarecrow farmer in Yilan’s Sanyi District gears up for the Fragrant Rice Festival
A giant scarecrow has appeared in Yilan’s Sanyi Township? It turns out the Sanyi Township Office got a head start in promoting the Sanyi Fragrant Rice Festival, scheduled for July 19, by creating a towering 6.5-meter-tall scarecrow as the event’s landmark. Its enormous size successfully caught the attention of visitors.
China Airlines B777-300ER fleet to be delivered in September; new Premium Economy class unveiled
China Airlines' new aircraft and cabin class have been unveiled！ The airline’s B777-300ER fleet is scheduled to be delivered starting in September this year. To offer passengers more cabin options, China Airlines has introduced a brand-new Premium Economy class. Featuring fixed backrests to create an undisturbed space and a 12-inch large screen, the class includes a total of 62 seats. With fixed backrests and increased legroom, passengers can enjoy the experience for about 30% more than the standard Economy fare.
Izakayas can also be bright and spacious — grilled to order to bring out the true flavor of the ingredients
I personally love barbecue, especially when it's cooked over pure charcoal. Whether you have to grill it yourself or not, I enjoy it either way. When I received an invitation from my hometown's Genkiyaki Izakaya, I was a bit surprised but immediately agreed to go.
Jetstar Japan Celebrates 2nd Anniversary – Add Just ¥2 for a Round-Trip Ticket
To mark the 2nd anniversary of its domestic flights in Japan, Jetstar Japan announced that from now until 9:00 AM Taiwan Time on July 7, 2014, customers can book one-way domestic flights online and add just ¥2 (approximately NT$0.6) to upgrade to a round-trip ticket. The return flight can be used between September 2 and October 25, 2014.
The once "Little Shanghai" of LinTian Mountain is loved by tour groups, but travel expert warns: Don’t head upstream
Recently, an 80-year-old woman on a tour to the LinTian Mountain Forestry Cultural Park in Fenglin Township, Hualien went missing for nearly five days before being found safe, but the eerie stories she repeatedly described sent chills down people’s spines, bringing the term “LinTian Mountain” into the media spotlight. The LinTian Mountain Forestry Cultural Park, with its historical background, old timber transport railway, and historic dormitory buildings, has long been a popular destination for tour groups and pilgrimage tours visiting Hualien.
The Lin Tian Valley Guanban section — Beware the water-dwelling “grab-and-switch” ghost spirit, newcomers not welcome
Many ghost stories originate from mountain forests and wild streams. Some say there are “mountain spirits” in the hills, while by the streams lurk water ghosts that have been “grabbing and switching” victims for millennia. That’s why elders often warn the young to be extra cautious when venturing into these places, and to avoid certain days of the year no matter what — don’t be stubborn, because danger isn’t only lurking in the mountains, but also in the water. There, too, an “opportunity” might just be waiting for you.
Sushi and one-night dry-aged skewers for just NT$398 all-you-can-eat at Banqiao izakaya serving Japanese A5 wagyu
Located in Banqiao Nanya Night Market, the carefree and whimsical Izakaya offers an all-you-can-eat menu featuring sashimi, sushi, fried dishes, grilled items, stews, and drinks. It sees long queues every evening. On weekdays, adults pay just NT$398, and NT$428 on weekends. Kids are NT$168 on weekdays and NT$198 on weekends. For an additional NT$198, you can enjoy all-you-can-drink Taiwan Beer, Budweiser, and Heineken.
Traditional snacks are making a comeback in a big way—colorful “rainbow sweet potato balls” have become the night market’s top favorite.
Yellow and purple sweet potato balls are no longer unique—colorful ones are the real eye-catchers. Located at Banqiao NS Ya Night Market, the “Runaway Rainbow Sweet Potato Balls” stand out from ordinary vendors who sprinkle on seasonings afterward. Instead, they mix ingredients like plum, chocolate, and matcha directly into the dough during preparation, giving the sweet potato balls vibrant colors that are simply mouthwatering. Even on rainy nights, the small stall draws long lines, making it the latest viral snack in the night market.
ANA invites the public to Songshan Airport on July 6 to make romantic Tanabata wishes together
The most common way to celebrate Tanabata in Japan is to write one’s wishes on a small card and decorate them by hanging them on thin bamboo branches—a uniquely Japanese tradition passed down since the Edo period. The Japanese airline ANA’s Taipei branch has been hosting a Tanabata wish event at Taoyuan Airport since 2010. With the launch of flights at Songshan Airport, this year’s “Tanabata Wish” event will take place from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM on July 6 at Counter 4 of ANA at Songshan Airport.