Travel
Kyoto’s Gion Matsuri Begins in Japan: A Closer Look at the Millennia-Old Festival’s Intricate Details
As one of Japan’s three great festivals, the Gion Matsuri’s Saki Matsuri (preliminary ceremonies) officially kicked off on the 17th, while the main event, the Ondo Matsuri (grand parade), begins on July 24, featuring massive yamaboko floats paraded through all 33 districts of Kyoto. This time, ETtoday EBC News specially visited Kyoto during the Gion Matsuri, covering everything from the initial festival prayers to the start of the procession, focusing on the “Kuwabara Yamaboko” float to unravel the history of this over thousand-year-old tradition.
A Girl from Changhua’s Afternoon Routine: 5 Must-Visit Cafés for a Slow Day
Although not particularly bustling, Changhua has a simple charm that attracts those yearning for a slower pace of life, drawing them to fall in love with this unpretentious land. Take a deeper stroll through its streets and alleys, and you’ll uncover many unexpected surprises. Let’s dive into some stories about enjoying life and delicious food.
Seoul’s Gyeongbokgung Palace to Open at Night This Summer for 12 Romantic Evenings
South Korea’s Gyeongbokgung Palace, which is only open to visitors in the evenings during specific seasons, has recently announced its summer nighttime opening hours. From the 30th until August 11, the palace will be open for 12 evenings, allowing visitors to enjoy a completely different and enchanting atmosphere compared to its majestic daytime presence.
Breaking News / Mid-strength Typhoon Meranti Approaches Taiwan / Latest Updates on Event Changes Across the Island
Mid-strength Typhoon Meranti is about to hit Taiwan. A sea typhoon warning was issued at 5:30 PM on the 21st, and a land warning is expected to be issued in the early hours of the 22nd. Attractions and events across Taiwan have begun announcing suspensions or postponements. Below are the events currently confirmed to be suspended.
Typhoon Matmo throws a wrench in plans! Hotels roll out surprise move with “Typhoon Stay Special”
On the eve of a typhoon’s arrival, hotel operators have turned conventional thinking on its head by launching a “Typhoon Stay Special.” The offer states: “As soon as the offshore typhoon warning for Matmo is issued, bookings will open immediately; check-in officially begins after the land typhoon warning is announced,” and the special ends once both the offshore and land typhoon warnings are lifted.
Taichung buffet unveils new dishes: 8 major categories and 6 main courses take turns on stage
Many Taiwanese enjoy buffet dining. Star Delicacy International Buffet in Taichung has launched a seafood-rich "Seasonal Seafood Festival," and has also added daily chef’s special selections: "Roasted Fresh Squab," "Creamy Mushroom Pork Ribs," "Herb-Crusted Tender Steak," "Steamed Seafood Delight," and "Salt-Grilled Prawns." These six carefully chosen dishes are presented daily in exquisite plating.
10 Routes to Explore the Ancient Capital Together – The Most Romantic Qixi Trip in Tainan
Qixi Valentine’s Day is approaching, and have you figured out where to take your loved one yet? The “2014 Tainan Love City Qixi Carnival” is about to kick off. The Tainan City Government’s Cultural Affairs Bureau, in collaboration with district offices and local cultural history groups, has planned 10 “Cultural Walks” rich in local cultural characteristics. These invite the public to savor local delicacies and experience creative culture, to “fall in love” with this beautiful city and “find happiness” in Tainan.
Recognizing the potential of Southern Taiwan, TransAsia Airways relocates its Kaohsiung branch to the Hanshin commercial district
According to statistics from Kaohsiung International Airport, passenger traffic at the airport has been increasing year by year. From January to May this year (2014), the number of passengers reached 1.65 million, a 30% increase compared to the same period last year, and it is expected to surpass the 3.4 million passengers recorded in 2013 by the end of this year. Recognizing the tourism potential of Southern Taiwan, TransAsia Airways has relocated its Kaohsiung branch to the Hanshin commercial district and held a relocation tea party on the morning of the auspicious date (May 21).
China Airlines unveils "Cloud Gate Dance Theatre livery aircraft" with ink paintings adorning the cabin
Another livery aircraft symbolizing the spirit of Taiwan has been born. China Airlines and Cloud Gate Dance Theatre jointly unveiled the "Cloud Gate livery aircraft" today (21st), featuring elegant dance poses of Cloud Gate performers. Continuing the spirit of China Airlines' cultural and creative livery series, it vividly showcases Taiwan’s outstanding culture. Starting from the 22nd, a new A330-300 aircraft will take flight, traveling via New Delhi, India to Rome.
"I'm gonna be the Pirate King!" Pingtung County's Yanpu Township becomes a pilgrimage site for One Piece fans
When Luffy and his crew become the stars of these murals, just imagine how thrilling that would be. When the straw-hatted boy appears before your eyes in such vivid, detailed paintings—wow, it really sends you into a brief frenzy...
Hot Alert: Yellowstone National Park in the U.S. — Extreme Heat Melts Road Surfaces
The unstable volcanic activity beneath Yellowstone National Park has generated extreme heat, causing asphalt roads to bubble continuously. Coupled with the summer’s persistent high temperatures, the road surfaces within the park were damaged and became uneven in early July. The national park has closed and is repairing this 3.3-mile loop road. This road leads visitors to the White Dome Geyser, the Great Fountain Geyser, and Firehole Lake.
Hot stuff: Pools in Shanxi packed with crowds cooling off, scene resembles 'dumplings dropping into boiling water'
It's too hot to handle: On the 19th, many regions across mainland China experienced temperatures exceeding 35°C, with some areas nearing 40°C. Unable to bear the scorching heat, many locals flocked to swimming pools to cool down. In Taiyuan, Shanxi, one particular pool became so crowded that both the poolside and the water were packed to capacity, leaving no room to swim. Chinese media jokingly described the sight of so many people in the water as looking like 'dumplings dropping into boiling water.'
Luodong Superman-Themed American Restaurant: There's a Fun and Eye-Catching Phone Booth at the Entrance
Recently, I discovered a pretty good American restaurant in Luodong. It has a fresh style and is Superman-themed, which is quite interesting. There are plenty of menu options—steak meals, afternoon tea, brunch, and, of course, burgers. It’s a rare new choice in this area. A friend who tried it highly recommended we come here to eat. While little Bagel was napping at home, we came to give it a try—Up！
News Flash / Typhoon Matmo Approaches; Taitung Hot Air Balloon Event on the 22nd Cancelled
Due to the impact of Typhoon Matmo, the Taitung County Government announced the cancellation of the hot air balloon free flight and tethered activities on the 22nd, while the afternoon session on the 21st will proceed as normal. The Central Weather Bureau predicts that moderate Typhoon Matmo has slightly shifted its path northward, with a high likelihood of making landfall between Yilan and Hualien in the early hours of the 23rd, and warns of extremely heavy rainfall for areas north of central Taiwan.
Colorful stairways in the mountain city take you through time and space to the mysterious old streets of Jinguashi!
In Jinguashi, besides the famous attraction Tea Pot Mountain, there is also an old alleyway called "Qitang Old Street" that rivals Jiufen Old Street. It’s less crowded and noisy than Jiufen, but offers more tranquility and simplicity. Walking up the stone steps with rainbow handrails, the weathered buildings and narrow alleys make you feel as if you’ve stepped back in time. From the heights, you can also enjoy a distant view of the mountain town — it’s a hidden gem of Jinguashi yet to be fully discovered.
Give your eyes an SPA and relax your body and mind here—come to these 4 green hidden gems in Guangfu Township, Hualien!
Jili Pond in Guangfu Township, Hualien has officially opened as of today, adding a new attraction for travelers visiting Hualien. But in fact, Guangfu Township boasts many beautifully scenic natural hidden spots. ETtoday Travel Cloud has compiled a list of 4 major natural hidden gems in Guangfu Township, Hualien. When you visit Hualien in winter, besides enjoying the stunning mountains and waters, you may also have the chance to catch the last maple leaves of the year.
Kaohsiung Children's Art Education Festival – Performances by 6 International Troupes & Themed Street Parades
The Kaohsiung Children's Art Education Festival kicks off from July 19 to 27. To welcome the participating domestic and international performance groups, the Kaohsiung City Government held an Exchange Night today (22nd) at the Shiyue Bridge Sugar Cultural and Creative Park. Mayor Chen Chu stated that in recent years, the street parades of the Children's Art Festival have been rich and creative. She hopes that through the festival, children can develop their artistic learning abilities, engage in artistic exchanges with countries around the world, and cultivate aesthetic sensibilities and a global perspective.
Winter Limited | Ampoule Chou Ise Strawberry Series & Bittersweet Chocolate Tart Now Available
Winter is strawberry season! Ampoule Chou Cheese Tart specialty store has launched winter-limited, limited-edition “Ise Strawberry Cheese Tart,” “Strawberry Lychee Hokkaido Soft Serve Sundae,” and “Bittersweet Chocolate Cheese Tart.” This year, they specially use the fully ripe Akihime variety of strawberries, grown in collaboration with “Daimu Farm” in Ise, Mie Prefecture, Japan, to offer two strawberry-themed items. In addition, the bittersweet chocolate cheese tart goes on full sale starting December 7, available daily in limited quantities while supplies last.
Over 374 meters long！World’s largest 3D mural welcomes Nanjing Youth Olympics
As a country that already boasts the world’s largest standalone building and the world’s highest airport, China has achieved yet another extraordinary feat—the most magnificent and longest 3D mural art in the world！Named "The Rhythm of Youth," this record-breaking 3D street art was designed by Chinese artist Yang Yongchun to celebrate the 2014 Youth Olympic Games, which will be held in Nanjing, China on August 16.
Far Eastern Air launches Taoyuan–Harbin route, round-trip fares start from NT$15,000
Following the launch of the Taoyuan–Guiyang route, Far Eastern Air has once again opened the Taoyuan–Harbin route on July 22, operating once a week to provide travelers with direct access to this summer retreat in China’s northeast.