Travel
Promoting in-depth winter tourism: Akita Prefecture Ski Federation partners with Taiwan Ski & Grass Skiing Association
Taiwan’s winter tourism has gradually shifted toward in-depth experiences over the past decade. While Hokkaido was previously the top choice for snow enthusiasts, the development of new destinations by specialized Taiwanese ski travel agencies has led to an annual increase of over 20% in the skiing population. This success has caught the attention of various Japanese prefectures and local ski resorts. The Akita Prefecture Ski Federation specially came to Taiwan and today (19th) formed an alliance with the Republic of China Ski & Grass Skiing Association, signing a friendship agreement. In the future, they will promote more ski tours in the Tohoku region.
Star Cruises Charity Voyage Donates Another HK$1.5 Million to Kaohsiung Gas Explosion Victims
Star Cruises and the Hong Kong Office of Taiwan’s Tourism Bureau organized a charity voyage, offering 60 underprivileged Hong Kong students the opportunity to experience a cruise trip. This “Star Cruises Dream Voyage to Taiwan” charity event was held in collaboration with 17 primary schools in Hong Kong, selecting 60 students with outstanding academic and behavioral performance to embark on a four-day, three-night cruise from Hong Kong to Kaohsiung and Taichung aboard the SuperStar Virgo on August 20.
Left Holding Kim Il-sung, Right Criticizing Park Geun-hye: A Major Exposé of North Korea’s Magazine *Choson*
For the people of North Korea (DPRK), the most important focus in life is undoubtedly the Kim family—Kim Il-sung, Kim Jong-il, and Kim Jong-un. Aside from television broadcasts, a magazine called *Choson* primarily features reports on the Party, the state, and the deeds and activities of Kim Il-sung’s leadership. Every word and sentence in the articles also reflects the utmost reverence of the North Korean people for the Kim dynasty.
The "Nara Sightseeing Bus" lets you explore all the World Heritage Sites for just NT$30.
Once the ancient capital of Japan, Nara boasts a historical depth that rivals Kyoto. If you want to easily visit World Heritage Sites such as Todai-ji Temple, Kasuga Taisha Shrine, Nara Park, and Suzaku Gate in one go, hop on the newly launched "Nara Sightseeing Bus." You can tour around these historic sites for just 100 yen (about NT$30)!
Minimalist Lines + Geometric Shapes: A Must-Visit Guide to Ultra-Photogenic Walls for Social Media
Every corner of the city has my go-to photo wall. With a bit of effort, you can feel like you’re abroad. The simplest lines and geometric shapes create an artistic vibe. ETNEWS Travel Cloud has uncovered hidden artistic walls in Taiwan’s cities. Stand in front of these walls to take photos and instantly elevate your fashion sense—no matter how you shoot, it’ll look stylish and tasteful.
Historic Boat House Transformed into Bike Rest Stop: Easier Cycling Exploration of Tamsui
On the riverside side of the road across from the main gate of Fort San Domingo stands a roofless structure with walls that often piques the curiosity of visitors. It turns out to be the “New Boat House,” a faithful reconstruction by the Tamsui Historic Site Museum based on the original boat house from the British Consular period, which has now been repurposed as a bicycle rest station.
The first "Kaohsiung Light Rail Physical Train" Departs from Spain, Arriving in Taiwan in September
Construction of Taiwan’s first light rail project in Kaohsiung is in full swing, and the first light rail train has finally departed from Spain recently. Chen Junrong, Deputy Chief Engineer of the Kaohsiung Rapid Transit Corporation, stated that the physical train is expected to arrive in Taiwan in September.
Responding to ALS charity: Betty Feng pours ice water on Yunlang CEO Chang An-ping
The Ice Bucket Challenge campaign continues to gain momentum. On the afternoon of the 20th at 1 PM, Chang An-ping, CEO of Yunlang Group, took part in the event on the first floor of Taipei’s Regent Taipei Hotel, inviting his friend Betty Feng to witness the moment. Feng poured a bucket of icy water over him, while Chairman Koo Huai-ju and General Manager Sheng Zhiren looked on.
Promoting Taiwanese Night Market Snacks: "Shilin Night Market" to Enter Changchun, Mainland China by Year-End
Taiwan’s unique night market culture and street food are must-visit attractions for international tourists. Su Yongzhi, director of the Taipei Shilin Tourism Development Association, stated on the 16th that to promote Shilin snacks, efforts are actively underway to expand into the northeastern market of mainland China, with plans to officially enter Changchun by the end of the year.
Kyoto’s rising ramen star, Ichigyu – its beef rice features tender meat and earns praise for its excellent service
It’s my hobby to keep an eye on the rankings of Kyoto ramen shops on Tabelog. Since mid-2013, the name of an unfamiliar yet memorable ramen shop caught my attention — this is the shop I’m introducing today, “Ichigyu.” Located near Kyoto’s bustling Shijo-Kawaramachi area, Ichigyu is a very young ramen shop that opened on July 3, 2013.
Mid-Autumn Holiday Travel Surge: Taiwan Railways Adds Trains, Tickets on Sale from Midnight August 22
The Mid-Autumn long holiday will arrive on September 6. To accommodate travelers returning home, Taiwan Railways will add a total of 185 train services across all classes, with ticket sales via the internet, convenience stores, and phone booking opening at midnight on Friday, August 22.
Taiwan’s First Card-Free Tech Parking Lot Showcases “Golden City Dance” Style
The Golden City Multi-Level Parking Lot in Tucheng District, New Taipei City, has been revitalized today (August 20) after 15 years of service. In addition to being adorned with numerous local cultural and artistic decorations—giving each floor its own unique theme—the newly renovated parking lot features a variety of tech-enhanced facilities to make parking more convenient for users.
Hualien Minimalist Japanese Zen-style Homestay – Enjoy a Digital Detox Day Bathed in Sunshine
As someone who frequently visits Hualien, I’ve stayed at quite a few unique homestays, but… this one, Ruoshui Humanities Space, is the most literary and artsy homestay I’ve ever experienced. Strictly speaking, it’s also the homestay that feels the least like a homestay—very non-commercial, with owner hosts who have a scholarly vibe. They’re not particularly warm or overly enthusiastic, but they greet you in a relaxed, friendly way, like old friends, making you feel completely at ease.
Must-learn for stylish women: Chef Ah Chang teaches you how to easily make curry shrimp vermicelli pot
In tough economic times, saving money never goes out of style—must-learn for stylish women and modern housewives alike. Follow Chef Ah Chang and learn in just one minute how to make this high-end restaurant dish: curry shrimp vermicelli pot
Run from Chucky the killer doll at Universal Studios Japan’s “Halloween Horror Night” this September
As summer vacation draws to a close, what new highlights await at Universal Studios Japan starting in September? This year, the annual Halloween event series is getting an upgrade and returning with even more thrills. In addition to the previously introduced survival game themed on “Resident Evil,” titled “Biohazard The Real 2,” there will be six other horror-themed attractions challenging your courage starting from September 12.
Enabling Travel for People with Mobility Challenges – Google Street View’s New Service Listens to Local Voices
This initiative, proposed by Amplifon, a UK-based hearing aid manufacturer, allows those with mobility issues who wish to travel to experience virtual journeys through this service—listening and feeling as if they were really there—bringing the virtual ever closer to the real.
Take a vacation in Boracay during the Mid-Autumn holiday break. Book hotels in the Philippines on Agoda with discounts up to 70% off.
Transparent, crystal-clear waters, blue skies with white clouds, and the rich exotic vibe of coconut groves and palm trees—lying alone on the beach soaking up the sun is one of the most common sights in Boracay, located in the central part of the Philippines. Feeling the urge to book a flight right away? But are the airfare and hotel costs holding you back? Don’t say HowToTrip never shared a good deal with you—Agoda has selected 30 hotels in the Philippines for a limited-time special offer, with room rates starting as low as 30% off, and many even at 50% off. Go check out if there’s a hotel you like.
Completed the ice bucket challenge &fHengchang General Manager Jiang Jianting: Called on all employees
In response to an invitation from Civil Aeronautics Administration Director-General Shen Chi, &fHengchang General Manager Jiang Jianting led several company executives this morning (August 21) in pouring ice water over themselves, completing the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge charity event.
Friday train tickets are the hardest to buy！ Taiwan Railways implements differential pricing； High-Speed Rail：Please book early
Have you ever had the following experience：Whenever a long holiday approaches and you try to book a ticket home, even after waiting a long time at your computer or at a ticket machine, in the end you still can’t get a ticket—whether from Taiwan Railways or the High-Speed Rail? According to a recent spot check by the Consumers’ Foundation on both railways (Taiwan Railways and High-Speed Rail), Taiwan Railways’ Puyuma trains and the High-Speed Rail’s early-bird tickets are the hardest to grab on Fridays. In response, Taiwan Railways stated that it has already implemented countermeasures.
Affordable Taipei Nangang Seafood Hot Pot – The Super Popular "Gout-Friendly Uni Hot Pot"
Located on Yuanlin Road in Nangang, 【Three Kingdoms Group Hot Pot】 is actually a place we’ve heard a lot about from Jiege. It’s an affordable hot pot restaurant opened by her cousin, and Jiege even worked part-time here when she was a student. Knowing we love hot pot, she kept recommending their super popular 【Gout-Friendly Uni Hot Pot】 and seafood to us. But despite talking about it for ages, we never got the chance to go.