Travel
First iBike Slow Travel Experience in Taichung: One Smooth Ride from Qiuhong Valley to Fengjia Night Market
Travel and food in Taichung have always been popular highlights, thanks to its central location between northern and southern Taiwan. The city blends diverse lifestyles and culinary traditions from both regions, offering a rich variety of experiences. With the added appeal of the bustling Fengjia Tourist Night Market and numerous upscale themed restaurants, Taichung has much to offer. However, when it comes to getting around Taichung, transportation can be a bit challenging for visitors. Although the bus system has improved significantly in recent years, the distance between attractions often means that unless you're familiar with the bus routes, most people rely on taxis or car rentals. This year, as Taichung’s BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) system is set to launch, efforts are also being made to enhance supporting transportation options.
With over 250 sunny days a year, this small town with red-tiled roofs boasts heavenly scenery
Irish writer and Nobel Prize in Literature laureate George Bernard Shaw once said: “Those who seek paradise on Earth should come to Dubrovnik.”
Enjoy unparalleled refreshment in the sweltering summer – The Kaohsiung Beer Festival kicks off today
The annual “Kaohsiung Beer Festival” kicked off enthusiastically today (18th) in front of Dream Mall, where cool beer pairs perfectly with Kaohsiung’s signature refreshing food pairings, offering an incredibly delightful experience in the summer heat. Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chu raised a glass to invite the public to come to Kaohsiung, drink heartily, and enjoy the feast, while reminding everyone to “not drink and drive” and urging them to use public transportation to get to and from the venue.
“Announcing the World’s Return to Normalcy” – Bangkok, Thailand Hosts a Joyful Parade Celebration
Thailand’s political unrest over the past six months has led to a slump in the tourism market. With the lifting of the curfew, locals are eager to declare to the world that “Thai tourism has returned to normal.” On July 25 and 26, a joyful celebration called “Thai Happiness” will be held on the shopping streets in central Bangkok. Mr. Thawatchai Arunyik, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, said: “This event is an unprecedented grand party marking the return to normalcy for Thai tourism.”
The world’s best water park: Spain’s Siam Park takes the crown
TripAdvisor has just announced the latest rankings for the world’s best amusement parks and water parks. Discovery Cove in Orlando, Florida, has been named the best amusement park, while Siam Park, a water park located on the Spanish island of Tenerife and home to a lively group of adorable sea lions, has claimed the title of the world’s best water park.
Attention！Typhoon impact TransAsia Airways cancels Kaohsiung–Nanning flight on the 19th
TransAsia Airways announced that due to the impact of Typhoon Rammasun, some of its flights on July 19 have been adjusted. In addition to the cancellation of the round-trip flight GE3686/3685 between Kaohsiung and Nanning, all other international, cross-strait, and domestic routes will operate as normal without any disruptions. Passengers are advised to confirm the flight status with the airline before departure or arrival to facilitate their travel arrangements.
The slow-paced lifestyle captivates the world! Top 10 Travel Cities of 2018: Taitung Makes the List
As the year comes to an end, many people have already started planning their 2018 trips. Have you decided where to go yet? Booking.com recently released its “Top 10 Emerging Travel Cities of 2018,” and Taitung was featured among them for its slow-paced lifestyle, natural mountain landscapes, hot springs, and diverse marine activities. It is one of only two Asian cities on the list.
The world’s 25 most beloved statues — Taipei Zoo’s hippo makes the list
Although stone statues often give off a cold impression, the skilled hands of many great artists can sometimes bring them to life with vivid and dynamic energy. Recently, readers of the American website “boredpanda” voted for 25 of their favorite statues from around the globe, and the hippo sculpture at Taipei City Zoo was among them. Here, without ranking, let’s take a look at which other statues have captured the hearts of netizens!
Live in a luxurious underwater palace！ The dolphin-pillared lobby is incredibly dreamy & you can get up close to watch dolphins swim freely.
What exactly does an underwater palace in a dream look like? Located in Zhuhai, Chimelong Ocean Resort is the world’s largest marine-themed amusement park, featuring three uniquely themed hotels. Among them, the luxury-styled Hengqin Bay Hotel feels like staying in an underwater palace. The hotel stands by the sea, with as many as 1,888 rooms and suites offering ocean views right from the windows, and you can even see dolphins swimming in the plaza.
Malaysia Airlines shot down Global airlines decide to reroute Europe-bound flights
The news that Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 was shot down by a missile on July 17 over the border between Ukraine and Russia, killing all 298 people on board, shocked the world. Not only did Taiwan’s two major airlines, EVA Air and China Airlines, immediately issue statements about rerouting flights and clarifications, but airlines from Germany, France, the United States, and others also promptly announced adjustments to their flight paths — even if it means longer flight times, they will now fly over Turkish airspace instead.
Major power outage at Janfusun Fancyworld at noon — only G5 ride available for 8,000 visitors
Janfusun Fancyworld in Yunlin experienced a major power outage around 12:30 PM today (the 20th), reportedly due to a system failure in Taiwan Power Company’s electricity supply. This caused all major rides in the park, including the Sky Shuttle, Crazy Coaster, and Flying Saucer, to shut down. Although power was briefly restored, another blackout soon followed, leaving only the G5 ride operational for the approximately 8,000 visitors in the vast park. Fortunately, no guests were trapped on any rides, and power was fully restored around 3:00 PM.
The Mandarin Oriental in Bangkok, preferred by nobility, offers stunning river views in every room.
In mid-month, the Taipei Mandarin Oriental finally opened after years of preparation. It’s said that reservations for rooms and afternoon tea have been non-stop. Can’t get a booking or a bite? No worries—today, Xiaohu is taking you to Thailand’s Bangkok to experience Asia’s oldest (138-year-old) hotel—the “Mandarin Oriental”—and see this classic property that has been voted the world’s best hotel multiple times.
Is Godzilla rampaging through Tokyo again? A 7-meter-tall "miniature" version appears in Roppongi Plaza
The King of Monsters "Godzilla" is back, and this time it has literally emerged from beneath the heart of Tokyo's city center. To promote the upcoming Hollywood movie *Godzilla*, set to release in Japan, the film’s producers have created a 1:7 scale half-body model of Godzilla, which is now on display in the Shibafu Square at Tokyo Midtown in Roppongi until the end of August.
The Hot Air Balloon Carnival has introduced the "Airship" for the first time—come enjoy a flight over Luye Plateau!
Who says hot air balloons can't turn? Even as the event enters its final countdown, the "Taiwan Hot Air Balloon Carnival," currently in full swing in Taitung, continues to surprise visitors. Not to be outdone by Kenting, the organizers have specially brought in Germany’s airship, the "Festo AirShip," which made its debut on the 19th. This thrilling airship not only surprises visitors but can actually turn—and no, you can’t ride in it, but it can turn!
Historic Japanese Buildings in Tainan Exude Literary Charm, Nurturing "Seeds of Literature"
Tainan, a city rich in well-preserved Japanese-era architecture, has now seen the planting of literary seeds at the municipal heritage site “Tainan Prefectural Agricultural Experiment Station – Type D Official Residence,” thanks to the efforts of the Tainan Cultural Affairs Bureau. Starting today, the site will not only offer a vast collection of books for public reading but will also become an important cultural and artistic hub for the greater Tainan area.
“22:02” — Quality ingredients are no joke here. Group gathering averages around NT$500 per person.
Little did we know that besides our Wang family’s five crazy and ultra-close sheep, two years ago we fortuitously met another (even) more high-maintenance and neurotic Aries friend. Then, ever since we started planning an Aries birthday bash ages ago, we partied N times throughout March and April, having an absolute blast — and the first party was the super fun 【22:02 Hotpot Wellness Feast – A Birthday Party with Endless Good Food】.
One of life’s must-do experiences: swimming with “dwarf minke whales” in Queensland
Around this time every year, dwarf minke whales—known as the “curious babies” of the ocean—migrate to the clear tropical waters of northern Queensland, Australia. Travelers who visit during this period are lucky enough to swim alongside around 50 of these gentle creatures. This experience has even been named one of the “50 classic trips of a lifetime” by National Geographic Traveler magazine.
Recreating the Legendary Atlantis: Dubai to Build the World’s Largest Underwater Amusement Park
Recently, the United Arab Emirates officially announced plans to create The Pearl of Dubai, an approximately five-hectare underwater amusement park inspired by the movies "Pirates of the Caribbean" and "Avatar." Once completed, the park will resemble the legendary lost kingdom of Atlantis—mysterious and breathtakingly spectacular.
Japan’s Universal Studios Harry Potter Wizarding World: Official Facility & Merchandise Surprise Photos Released
With the opening of “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” at Universal Studios Japan, a craze has swept across Japan and Taiwan, even leading to wait times of over three hours. However, under numerous “surprise clause” restrictions, what fans have seen through the media is not the true full picture of the Wizarding World. ETtoday EBC News Cloud has contacted Universal Studios Japan and is releasing another unboxing article (exclusive first look!)
With Yehliu’s millennia-old rock formations as the stage, the North Coast Sea Music Festival kicks off on the 26th
The 2014 North Coast Sea Music Festival will host a series of musical events from July 26 at Shallow Bay and Yehliu Geopark. The Shallow Bay Night will feature a special grassland concert format, allowing the public to enjoy a diverse range of music while interacting closely and casually with performers. The Yehliu Night, set against the backdrop of millennia-old rock formations, will deliver a musical experience rich in natural charm, catering to the varied preferences of different music fans.