Travel
Universal Studios Japan Launches New Attraction: Be Chased by ‘Attack on Titan’
Following the opening of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Universal Studios Japan is set to unveil another major new entertainment facility. To attract more domestic visitors, the park will launch a limited-time event called “Universal Cool Japan” from January 23 to May 10 next year. The event will not only feature thrilling survival games but also let visitors escape being chased by ‘Attack on Titan’ characters.
Mourning for Penghu air disaster and Kaohsiung gas explosion; Kinmen Mooncake Gambling Opening Ceremony canceled
In recent times, Taiwan has experienced a series of domestic disasters, including the Penghu air disaster and the Kaohsiung gas explosion, which have cast a pall of grief across the nation, leading to the cancellation of numerous events. Earlier, the Kinmen County Government also announced that all activities of the originally scheduled “Kinmen Mid-Autumn Mooncake Gambling – Contest for the Top Scholar’s Cake” event on August 9 in Lieyu Township have been canceled.
What are the must-have items for travel? Western travelers prioritize credit cards, while Asian travelers value their phones.
If you could only choose one, what’s the one essential item you can’t travel without? The well-known accommodation booking website Agoda once asked this question this year, conducting a survey among 50,000 travelers from around the world. The results revealed that Asian travelers value their phones the most, while Western travelers believe credit cards are the most indispensable item.
Heartbreaking news: Human landings causing damage? Amoy terns on Matsu may "abandon nests," leaving behind chicks
The amoy tern ecology of Matsu has always been the most beautiful summer scenery and the gentlest beloved visitor. When a reporter visited Matsu at the end of June, they witnessed firsthand the breathtaking sight of nearly a thousand terns dancing in groups on Tiejian Island. But recently, there have been reports that due to human landings, the terns were frightened and may have collectively abandoned their nests. Tiejian Island, which used to host the largest gatherings of Chinese crested terns, now has only a handful of adult terns left, with flightless chicks left behind in place. The contrast between the bird situation earlier this month and now is truly heartbreaking.
Will Tigerair Taiwan launch flights to Bangkok? Preparatory office: Still under evaluation
Tigerair Taiwan, the low-cost carrier under China Airlines, is expected to officially commence operations by the end of 2014, and details regarding its preparations have garnered considerable attention. In response to recent media reports in Bangkok claiming that Tigerair Taiwan will definitely start flights to Bangkok, Zhang Qiu-Hua, a researcher at the preparatory office of Tigerair Taiwan, stated that they did visit Bangkok’s airport to gather relevant information, but whether flights to Bangkok will be launched is still under evaluation.
Celebrating its consecutive win as Best Low-Cost Airline, AirAsia launches gratitude promotion with Kuala Lumpur fares starting from RM 2,086
The list of the world’s best low-cost airlines has been released, with AirAsia claiming the double honor of “World’s Best Low-Cost Airline” and “Asia’s Best Low-Cost Airline” in Skytrax’s annual World Airline Survey for six consecutive years (2009–2014). To show appreciation, the airline has launched a “Thank You Promotion.” Book now through August 10 to enjoy flights from Taipei to Kuala Lumpur from RM 2,086 including taxes and fees.
Don’t need to head to Taipei to see pandas!? Yunlin’s 3D interactive panda-painted village is super fun too.
Since bamboo and bamboo shoots are local specialties, pandas—fond of these treats—become the stars of the murals. In Shiguixi Painted Village, you not only enjoy the 3D painted scenes but can also try your hand at being a panda keeper, feeding the pandas bamboo and milk. The panda art in Shigui Community goes beyond simple village beautification—it adds an interactive element that makes visiting the painted village a truly unique experience.
Summer is all about enjoying ice treats to the fullest – A lazy guide to 35 must-try ice shops in Yilan
When summer heat hits and you’re out exploring, nothing beats a cool treat to beat the sweltering heat. This guide rounds up some of the most iconic ice shops across various towns in Yilan. If you happen to visit any of these areas, don’t miss the chance to find these ice spots. Take a break and indulge in a big bowl of your favorite icy delight – guaranteed to refresh you and melt away the summer heat!!
Breaking News / Gas explosion relief takes priority: The '2014 Summer in Kaohsiung' concert on August 9 is canceled
In response to the petrochemical gas explosion in Kaohsiung’s Qianzhen and Lingya districts, the city government has made disaster relief and recovery its top priority. The event organizer, the Kaohsiung City Government Information Bureau, has decided to cancel the originally scheduled concert on August 9. All efforts will be focused on search, rescue, and post-disaster recovery to help residents return to normal life as soon as possible.
Taiwan cyclists’ top travel choice: Hokkaido unveils 10 cycling routes including lavender fields
Bicycle tourism, which involves riding up mountains and along coastlines, is becoming increasingly popular, and this trend has now reached Japan too. Hokkaido, with its breathtaking natural beauty, has become a favorite destination for many Taiwanese cyclists, and the local government has recently decided to collaborate with tourism operators to establish Hokkaido as a “cycling tourism mecca.”
You can ride a YouBike right after getting off the train — Taiwan’s first dual-mode transport hub “Xike Station” opens
Taiwan’s first public bicycle rental station integrating both railway and metro services, the YouBike station, was officially launched at Taiwan Railways’ Xike Station on the 3rd. In the future, with just an EasyCard, you’ll be able to travel seamlessly across the metro, Taiwan Railways, buses, and YouBikes!
The festive season arrives in summer: Malaysia’s Hari Raya!
Yesterday (3rd) was the first Sunday of Hari Raya for Muslims, drawing large crowds to Taipei Main Station where Muslims gathered, sat on the floor, and sang traditional songs. Unlike Taiwan’s traditional New Year, which is celebrated in the cold winter, Hari Raya takes place in the vibrant summer and marks the Islamic New Year. For Malaysia, where the majority of the population is Muslim, it’s the best time of year for visitors to experience the local culture.
A Beautiful Light Travel in Taipei’s East District – Part 1 of the “Pinkoi Town” Art Treasure Hunt
You don’t have to step into an art museum to see artworks. The “Pinkoi Town – Taipei East District Contemporary Art Exhibition,” organized by the Fubon Art Foundation, is now in its ninth edition this year. It has always been centered around the core spirit of a “museum without walls,” breaking the limitation that getting close to art must involve entering a museum. When we are out and about in the city, we can encounter a diverse array of contemporary art forms, including installation art, sculptures, paintings, and digital art.
The Taoyuan Airport MRT will open by the end of next year; travel time from Taipei Main Station to the airport will take just 35 minutes
The much-anticipated Taoyuan Airport MRT is finally set to open by the end of 2015. In the future, passengers traveling from Taipei Main Station to Taoyuan Airport will be able to reach their destination in just 35 minutes by taking a direct train.
Summer Night Cruise on the Tamsui River – Admire the Light Sculpture of the “Crescent Moon Bridge” from a Unique Perspective
The New Taipei Water Bus has been in operation for a full year now. To celebrate, the New Taipei City Government’s Department of Transportation has partnered with operators to launch a summer night cruise on the Tamsui River in August and September. This special tour offers a unique vantage point to admire the illuminated light sculpture of the popular “Crescent Moon Bridge.” With only 540 spots available, tickets are offered at a discounted price of NT$99 per person, and booking opens on August 11.
A Frightening Journey That Makes Kids Cry: Kyoto’s “Monster Train” Departs on August 13
In addition to Taiwan’s Ghost Festival celebrations in summer, Kyoto, Japan, will also welcome the “Monster Train.” Starting August 13, trains will run for five days between Arashiyama and Shijō-Ōmiya Stations. The train interiors are decorated with ghostly motifs, lit up with special lighting, and even feature people dressed as monsters who will accompany passengers on their journey.
The "Thomas the Tank Engine" makes its way to Japan, carrying travelers as it speeds through the fields.
The beloved British animated series *Thomas & Friends*, which has captivated audiences in the UK, is now making its debut in Japan to let even more people experience its adorable charm firsthand. The Oigawa Railway, a sister railway to the Alishan Forest Railway, has launched a limited-time "Thomas Steam Train" starting now, taking visitors on a journey through forests and fields to enjoy the unique natural scenery of Shizuoka.
Say “I love you, Dad/Grandpa” for free – Father’s Day promotion at the Children’s Folk Games Festival
This Friday (the 8th) is the annual Father’s Day, and the Yilan Children’s Folk Games Festival will also launch a special promotion on this day to encourage dads and grandpas to come to the festival with their children. As long as a son says “I love you” to his dad or grandpa in person, the dad or grandpa can enjoy free admission.
Shihfen Waterfall Park becomes public property; free admission after year-end
Shihfen Waterfall is Taiwan’s largest curtain-style waterfall and one of the must-visit attractions for many travelers. However, the land around the waterfall was previously acquired by a private company, which erected tall fences to block access, forcing visitors to pay an “admission fee” to view the full waterfall. The New Taipei City Government announced that it will complete the land expropriation process on August 6, allowing free public entry by the end of the year.
Searching for the Khun Sa Memorial Museum but Accidentally Stumbling into a Golden Triangle Drug Rehabilitation Village
About 30 years ago, the Golden Triangle region was a notorious drug haven that struck fear into everyone’s heart. But in what seems like no time at all, the once picturesque Golden Triangle has shed its dark past and now greets the world with a brand-new face.