Travel
Hidden Gems in the Alleys of Hong Kong
What are alleyway hidden gems? They’re those restaurants you can’t find on Google Maps and that locals might not want you to know about (lol). This guide features a selection of Hong Kong’s hidden culinary treasures—some tucked away in old buildings, others hidden in historic neighborhoods, and even a few tucked into a corner of the airport. Their interiors may not wow you at first glance, but their flavors are absolutely top-tier.
Is the “Takeuchi Generator” potentially infringing? EVA Air: It was done with good intentions and no lawsuit will be filed
The 40-year-old Podocarpus tree on Chishang’s Brolin Boulevard (dubbed the “Takeuchi Tree”) that became famous after Takeuchi Masahiro filmed an ad under it has met controversy — “trouble follows fame” — when it was uprooted during Typhoon Matmo. Taitung County Government and EVA Air scrambled to save the tree, and the next day managed to right it and replant it in its original spot. This sparked online skepticism: “There are so many trees in Taiwan, why single out the Takeuchi Tree?” Some netizens even KUSO-created a “Takeuchi Generator” — just upload a photo and Takeuchi appears everywhere!
Make foodies line up obediently for these classic Hong Kong delights
Dai pai dongs and street food carts... These decades-old elements of Hong Kong’s culinary culture have either moved into regular storefronts or retained their original street stall appearances, operating in various ways. Thanks to word-of-mouth among visiting gourmets, they’ve all become renowned establishments. If you visit during peak dining hours, be prepared to wait in long queues, but don’t be deterred—these places have a fast table turnover rate, so don’t miss out on the classic flavors due to the wait.
Beware of bears!? A must-visit in Kyoto: an old townhouse turned forest-themed café
Ever since I read this article by netizen izzy, I’ve been eager to visit cafemarbleN. But because the café is located quite far from where I live, I kept putting it off until this year when I finally found the time to go. I remember that day was particularly beautiful weather, and we walked from Gion to cafemarbleN, passing through streets lined with traditional houses... everything felt so serene and peaceful.
Jin Chengwu’s Tree Is Sick! Too Many Visitors “Visiting the Sick” Prompt Resumption of Traffic Control on “Brunel Boulevard”
The Brunel Boulevard in Taitung, which had entered a traffic control period due to farming activities, was briefly reopened to save Jin Chengwu’s Tree, which was blown down by a typhoon last week. However, in addition to tree conservation personnel, an increasing number of tourists have been coming specifically to check on the tree’s condition. As a result, the Chihshang Township Office resumed traffic control starting on the 27th. Even the tree doctor who came all the way from Japan can only enter by riding an agricultural iron ox cart.
The Coolest Summer Spots: A Special Guide to 27 Water Play Areas in Yilan
Looking for water fun in summer?! Yilan boasts a unique environment and clean, refreshing water—hot springs, cold springs, streams, and even beachcombing~~ We've gathered them all here!!
Authentic Korean BBQ in Taipei from Korea – featuring crispy pork belly and all-you-can-eat side dishes
This ‘Triangle Three Authentic Korean BBQ’ located in a back alley uses a traditional Korean pot lid-style grill, with a diameter of about 50cm — it’s really quite large. The servers start by placing the seasonings and meat on the grill to cook, and there’s full table service throughout. Side dishes, condiments, and fresh greens can all be ordered again as part of the all-you-can-eat option. The kimchi is slightly sour, the onions are sweeter, and the spicy sauce is pretty good. The lettuce is very fresh.
Taiwan's first of its kind: 15 buses offer free 4G Wi-Fi Launching officially in Tainan in mid-August
Following the installation of free USB charging ports on buses, the Tainan City Tourism Bureau has partnered with Chunghwa Telecom to launch Taiwan’s first 4G Wi-Fi service on public transportation. It is expected to be available by mid-August on 15 sightseeing buses operating on the Taiwan Tourist Shuttle routes 88 Anping and 99 Taijiang.
Why bury yourself in the sand when it's so hot? The hotter, the better — sand therapy in Turpan delivers greater effects in extreme heat
In the scorching summer, you might just want to stay indoors with the air conditioning on, but in Turpan, Xinjiang — known as the “Land of Fire” — visitors actually enjoy lying under the blazing sun, burying themselves in scorching hot sand to sweat it out. This is the unique experience of sand therapy. Sand therapy is a traditional folk remedy among the Uyghur people in the Turpan Basin of Xinjiang. By burying their bodies in the hot sand, people aim to treat various ailments such as arthritis, lumbar - leg pain, and cold - induced gastroenteritis.
Sweet Father’s Day: Treat Dad to “Hidden Home-Style Dishes” & Get Free Meals by Sharing Photos
As the annual Father’s Day approaches, this year’s August 8th falls on a Friday right before the weekend holiday. Five-star hotels are rolling out special Father’s Day promotions to attract visitors. For example, the Beitou L’hotel in the hot spring area is offering a “hidden home-style dish” meal on Father’s Day along with a free voucher for a hot spring bathhouse. Meanwhile, the Shangri-La’s Far Eastern International Hotel Taipei is giving dads a free meal when you show an “intimate photo” with your father during your stay.
Ghost Month Begins: Nantou’s “Monster Express” Hits the Road
Yesterday (28th) marked the first day of the seventh lunar month, commonly known as Ghost Month’s opening, or “Ghost Gate Open.” Taiwan Tourist Shuttle Xitou Line partnered with Xitou Monster Village — the place with the most monsters — to launch the Ghost Tour Shuttle. At noon, all passengers on the Ghost Tour Shuttle dressed up in their most unique and creative monster costumes, boarding along the way to head to Xitou Monster Village for the annual Monster Carnival – the Oni Festival. Guangling’s Electronic Music Three Princes from Nantou also joined in to liven up the festivities.
High-value Japanese cuisine in Banqiao – unbeatable seafood N<“bursting salmon roe” for just NT$450
Japanese cuisine often gives off an impression of being unaffordable, but there’s an eight-year-old Japanese eatery in Banqiao called “Sen Sushi” that not only doesn’t skimp on portion sizes, but also delivers impressively flavorful dishes. Each week, they offer different hidden-menu items, aiming to provide guests with affordable yet delicious meals. As part of a special promotion, from now until the end of January, diners can enjoy a 10% discount at any of their three branches in Banqiao, Yonghe, or Xindian by simply showing the ETtoday News Cloud app when ordering.
Travel Journalist’s Ghost Story 1 / That Night at the Old Five-Star Hotel… Who Answered the Phone?
The job of a “travel journalist” is rich and diverse, often offering opportunities to travel around the world, filled with all kinds of challenges. However, what may seem like an exciting job is actually demanding independence, a willingness to try new things, and frequent solo stays in various hotels, visits to peculiar locations—naturally leading to many XXXX encounters.
Really saw a ghost in broad daylight!“Zombie bus” hits the road, giving the public a mix of thrills and chills
Not only can you actually encounter a ghost in broad daylight, but he’ll even drive a bus to take you to your destination. To boost sales, one business came up with an unusual stunt—tying in with the theme of Ghost Month in the lunar seventh month, they went all out to rent a Taipei city bus. Not only is the bus driver a zombie, but both the exterior and interior of the bus have been designed with spooky elements. On the first day it hit the road, the 28th, actors dressed as zombie passengers were also brought in, leaving those who rode this “mobile haunted house” feeling both terrified and thrilled.
Delta Air Lines Surprises New York: 60 Madison Square Garden Tickets Up for Grabs
From now until November 13, Delta Air Lines is launching the “Surprise New York” campaign. The first wave of prizes will see 30 participants each win two tickets to shows or events at New York’s Madison Square Garden.
How to Eat the Most Affordable Michelin-Starred “Tim Ho Wan”? The Official Recommendation of 8 Must-Try Dim Sum
Dubbed “the world’s most affordable Michelin restaurant,” Tim Ho Wan began trial operations in Taipei on July 26, instantly sparking a wave of enthusiasm for Hong Kong-style dim sum. Over 3,000 flaky BBQ pork buns were sold in just the first weekend. What kind of culinary magic does this six-time Michelin one-star winner possess that makes it a must-eat for travelers in Hong Kong and draws crowds in Taiwan who are willing to wait up to five hours just to try it?
Honey, let’s have a date in Macau—the ultimate European-style pink “Lover’s Lane” for couples!
Not sure where to go abroad with your partner? Why not plan a glamorous yet classic date in Macau? Just a two-hour flight from Taiwan, Macau offers everything perfect for couples—from luxurious five-star hotels and spectacular water shows to captivating stage performances and the bustling Golden Mile on Avenida de Lisboa. It’s the perfect place to heat up your romance. And there’s even a lane named after love—“Lover’s Lane”—with its colorful walls and European-style cobblestone path, making it a hotspot for couple photoshoots, filled with nothing but pink bubbles!
September sees arrival of new 777s in Taiwan & China Airlines unveils brand-new full-flight simulator
China Airlines’ newly acquired 10 Boeing 777-300ER aircraft will be delivered progressively starting this September. To support the pilot training program for the new fleet, the airline’s state-of-the-art 777 full-flight simulator was officially launched today (29th), providing professional training for the 777 fleet.
Singapore's Katong District\The hidden charm of Peranakan architecture? The unique Chinese influence in "Katong"
Singapore's Sri Senpaga Vinayagar Temple may not be a famous attraction in Singapore, but this small Hindu temple is absolutely the most unique one I’ve ever encountered in terms of its distinctive structure. It’s a must-visit spot if you have the chance to explore the Katong area.
A road resembling a water dragon – Poyang Lake’s rising waters unexpectedly create stunning scenery
The Dahuchi section of the road from Yongxiu County to Wucheng Town, known as the "Kingdom of Rare Birds," in Jiangxi Province has become partially submerged due to the current high-water period of Poyang Lake, China’s largest freshwater lake. The road is faintly visible beneath the water, resembling a dragon lurking beneath the surface. The white guardrails along both sides of the road dot the landscape like a Milky Way, creating a breathtaking scene where water and sky blend seamlessly.