Travel
Did a Mainland Chinese tourist get beaten by a tour bus driver in Taitung? Tourism Bureau: Investigation and punishment underway
A shocking incident occurred in Zhiben, Taitung, where a Mainland Chinese tourist was allegedly beaten by a Taiwanese bus driver. The victim, surnamed Chen, was part of a tour group organized by China’s Henan Zhongyuan International Travel Group Co., Ltd. Upon arrival in Taiwan, he informed the tour guide that he intended to leave the group for the entire trip to visit friends, but his request was denied as it did not comply with regulations. On the evening of the 30th, an argument ensued between him and the driver, escalating into a physical altercation. Chen reported the assault to the Wenquan Police Station in Taitung County afterward and filed charges of assault against the two tour bus drivers.
Prelude to the climax of Ghost Month: Release water lanterns at Keelung Ocean Plaza, now open to everyone
The Keelung Ghost Festival will reach its highly anticipated climax with the Grand Water Lantern Parade next Saturday (8/9). This coming Saturday (8/2), on the evening of Qixi Festival (Chinese Valentine’s Day), a colorful prayer water lantern release event will be held first at Ocean Plaza, allowing the general public to experience the unique water lantern tradition of the Keelung Ghost Festival. Participants can also get creative by writing wishes on the lanterns for blessings and prayers.
Alishan’s Timber Walkway Opens to Public; 3,000-Year-Old Sacred Tree Embodies “Cycle of Life”
Alishan’s Sacred Tree is renowned worldwide and a must-visit attraction for travelers coming to Chiayi. Sixteen years after the tree fell, the Chiayi Forest District Office under the Forestry Bureau has completed surrounding landscape improvement projects to reshape the area around the Alishan Sacred Tree. The newly built walkway near the sacred tree is now officially open to visitors.
Cathay Travels partners with “Asia Miles” – Loyalty points can be redeemed for hotel stays
Three hotels under Cathay Travels joined “Asia Miles” today (7/31). Starting today, “Asia Miles” members can earn miles when staying at MADISON TAIPEI, HOTEL COZZI Ximending Taipei, and HOTEL COZZI Zhongxiao Taipei, and can also redeem valuable Cathay Travels accommodation experiences using their “Asia Miles”.
Next Stop, Love: Hsinchu’s Hoping Station Reborn Through Romance
Faced with the loss of economic viability and even considerations of closure... the protagonists of a love story sparked by chasing trains, reluctant to let go, adopted this memory-filled station. The arrival of Lavender Forest gave this once-old station a new lease on life. Nowadays, Hoping Station exudes a romantic atmosphere and has also earned the nickname “Love Station.” Rediscover the rise, fall, and revival of Hoping Station through a touching love story.
The origin of the Gongguan area — "Toad Mountain" — has been designated as a cultural landscape by the Cultural Affairs Bureau.
The origin of Taipei’s Gongguan area — Toad Mountain — includes the settlement “Huanmin New Village,” which once witnessed the history of Taiwan-U.S. joint defense. However, last year, it faced a demolition crisis. After a long-term campaign by civic groups, the Taipei City Cultural Affairs Bureau finally decided on the 30th to not only preserve Huanmin New Village but also to register the entire “Toad Mountain” as a cultural landscape.
The popular Shakadang Trail in Taroko National Park sees expanded access with a maximum of 156 hikers on holidays
The Shakadang Trail in Taroko National Park, a favorite among visitors, has often drawn complaints due to the limited number of available entry slots. The Taroko National Park Administration announced that starting August 10 this year, the daily application quota will be increased: from 60 to 96 people on weekdays, and from 96 to 156 people on holidays. The administration has also updated its online entry reservation system to accommodate the higher capacity.
Round-trip flights from Taipei to Busan for just NT$2,599！Korean airline’s early bird deal starts Aug 1
November is the season for autumn foliage in South Korea, and Korean airlines have launched an “early bird promotion” ahead of time. Booking flights for November now, the lowest round-trip fare from Taipei to Busan excluding taxes is just NT$2,599. Busan Air, which occasionally offers early bird deals, has launched this campaign targeting the cool foliage-viewing season in November. The promotion runs from August 1 to August 20, and you can book round-trip tickets from Taipei to Busan for November 1 to November 30 on the official Busan Air website.
Kaohsiung’s Little Shanghai Crispy Chicken, which has no fixed storefront, always draws a line of eager buyers.
Crispy chicken is a common street snack, but the version sold by Boss Liu is especially popular. We passed by several times, both in the afternoon and evening, and there was always a queue. A nearby snack shop owner told us that whenever Boss Liu is in business, their own sales definitely take a hit — proof enough of how sought-after his crispy chicken is. That convinced us to give it a try.
Business class in Xinyi District！China Airlines transforms container truck into cabin mockup for nationwide tour in August
China Airlines’ new 777-300ER fleet is scheduled for delivery starting September this year. To give the public an early taste of the all-new seats designed by an international design team, the airline has converted a container truck into a mobile aircraft cabin that will tour popular commercial districts in Taipei, Hsinchu, Tainan, and Kaohsiung—allowing people to experience the airline’s next-generation cabin products without boarding a plane.
Kaohsiung gas explosion: Hundreds of hotel rooms cleared for free stays for 300 residents
In response to the July 31 gas explosion in Kaohsiung, over 30 hotels across the city have coordinated to clear more than 100 vacant rooms for affected residents. Residents can check in using their ID cards. Zhou Mali, secretary-general of the Kaohsiung Hotel Association, stated that approximately 300 residents can currently be accommodated, and more rooms will be cleared if needed. She also confirmed that all hotels in Kaohsiung remain safe, with only one hotel affected by water and power outages.
Continue fulfilling dreams at work！Patrick Yeung appointed General Manager for Taiwan & Korea at Cathay Pacific & Dragonair
Cathay Pacific and Dragonair held a handover reception for the General Manager of Taiwan & Korea on July 31. The outgoing General Manager Vivian Lo will be reassigned as Airport General Manager at the Hong Kong headquarters, while the new General Manager will be Patrick Yeung.
To attract more visitors, the first phase of restoration at Qijin Coastal Park has been completed
To attract more visitors to Qijin for sightseeing and in line with the already effective coastal protection project and offshore submerged breakwater project, the Kaohsiung City Government carried out the restoration of Qijin Coastal Park. The project integrates nearby areas such as the beach, Shell Museum, and Windmill Park, and connects with surrounding tourist attractions. The first phase of the restoration has been completed.
Breaking News / Typhoon Nalgae Impact / TransAsia Airways Jeju Flights Delayed by 10 Hours
Although Typhoon Nalgae is not directly hitting Taiwan, it is affecting international flight routes. TransAsia Airways announced that due to the impact of Typhoon Nalgae, its Jeju flights scheduled for tomorrow, August 2, have been adjusted. Both flights GE866 and GE865 between Taoyuan and Jeju will depart 10 hours later than originally planned. All other international, cross-strait, and domestic flights are operating normally without disruption. Passengers are advised to confirm their flight status before heading to the airport to avoid any inconvenience.
Taiwan Tourist Shuttle Pingbei Line Begins Service on August 1st – Explore Linluo and Liudui Cultural Park
Capitalizing on the peak summer travel season, Pingtung County Government has launched the second Taiwan Tourist Shuttle bus route – the Pingbei Line. This initiative promotes energy conservation, low-carbon travel, and easy access to Pingtung’s popular attractions, under the slogan “Fun & Relaxing: Discover Pingtung.” By purchasing a travel package, not only can visitors save money and seamlessly visit spots such as Dapeng Bay, Kenting, the Liudui Hakka Cultural Park, and the Taiwan Indigenous Peoples Cultural Park, but they can also enter a lucky draw.
Carefully selected ingredients and generous portions — Taichung’s Self-Confidence Dining Hall attracts student crowds
It had been a while since I last strolled down Daqing Street near my old school. I’d heard there had been quite a few changes in the dining scene here. Over the years, some shops closed down while others opened, and I’d grown used to seeing such turnovers. This time, I came back because I got an invitation from Self-Confidence Dining Hall. As I walked along Daqing Street again, I noticed some more shops had disappeared, but Yiduwu, Gai Zai Zhe Li, and Lai Yi Ke Niu Pai were still open for business.
Mourning the Kaohsiung gas explosion – Nationwide events suspended (Updates ongoing)
A petrochemical gas explosion occurred in Kaohsiung City in the early hours of the 1st, resulting in 25 deaths and 267 injuries so far, with Kaixuan Road resembling a battlefield ravaged by war. Amid nationwide mourning for the casualties, in addition to the Kuomintang and the Democratic Progressive Party announcing the suspension of their campaign activities, Taipei City’s disaster relief systems are on standby to provide support. The originally scheduled Taipei Dadaocheng Music Fireworks Festival on August 2 has been canceled, and other celebratory or tourism-related events across various counties and cities have also been successively announced as canceled or postponed.
Starting Point of Taiwan’s Flattest Bike Path – Dongli Station Transformed into a Cycling Hub
Before the completion and opening of the electrification project on the Hualien-Taitung Railway, many small stations along the line had gradually faded into history. Among them, the Fuli Township Office in Hualien County recently secured funding to repurpose the unused Dongli Old Station—idle for seven years—into a cycling hub (铁马驿站), while also reinstalling the railway tracks back onto the old railbed. The surrounding area has been developed into a bike path, with the hope that the former Dongli Station will shift from its past role in transportation to becoming a driver of tourism, spurring overall development in nearby villages.
Living with Less: A Boutique Homestay in Hualien’s Alleys by a “New Hualien Resident”
Guided by the warm glow of a soft yellow light, you push open the door to “Fa Cai Time” and find a sense of home in a foreign land—this is the unique charm of Fa Cai Time, evoking the feeling of coming home anytime. The homestay owner, Guan Yu, gently and attentively brews coffee for guests, chatting with them about their experiences throughout the day in Hualien, leaving a light on for every traveler seeking a home away from home.
A resort built in the style of a traditional Japanese village gives you a homely feel
Reluctantly leaving Kobama Island, we continue our island-hopping mini-trip Up！The next stop is “Taketomi Island,” which many of my friends have visited before—and all with great reviews!!! I’m so excited!!! Taketomi Island is just a 15-minute boat ride from Ishigaki Island—so close, so close.