Although autumn has arrived and the weather is a bit cool, eating ice cream has never been limited by seasons or weather for me. To me, enjoying ice cream in summer is certainly a relief, but having it in winter is the ultimate indulgence XD—so much so that I shiver with delight, especially with Italian gelato, whose fruit and ingredient flavors are always full-bodied and satisfying.
Tianxianglou, a subsidiary of the Alto Group, today (28th) launched its sub-brand "Tianxianglou Mini," opening its first store in Taiwan at Breeze Songgao in Xinyi District. The new branch continues to focus on classic Hangzhou cuisine, offering nearly 30 dishes at more affordable prices, paired with a streamlined ordering process, targeting the younger demographic market.
While Taiwan is still experiencing the mildly cool weather of autumn, Aomori in northeastern Japan saw its first snowfall at 10 p.m. last night (27th). According to information released by the Japan Meteorological Agency, an accumulation of 3 cm of snow was recorded in the Suanotō area of Mount Hakkoda in Aomori, with temperatures around 0°C—slightly later than last year’s first snowfall.
This new Parisian landmark, dubbed “the Iceberg,” is a new art museum created by the Louis Vuitton Foundation. Its design resembles a majestic iceberg paired with glass sails, making for a spectacular sight. The project took 13 years to complete, cost 3.8 billion Taiwanese dollars, and involved 100 architects and 3,000 construction workers.
Located in Zhuhai, Chimelong Ocean Resort is the world’s largest marine-themed amusement park. In addition to the attractions, it features three uniquely themed hotels: the luxurious Hengqin Bay Hotel, the European-style Circus Hotel, and the family-friendly Penguin Hotel. Among them, the Penguin Hotel is especially beloved by children, with its cute penguins making guests never want to leave.
S is a freelance creative artist. He rents a cheap apartment with high ceilings and a night view that overlooks the entire Bangkok. Usually, he takes on small projects to make a living while saving money to prepare for exhibitions or trips every few months. He doesn’t yearn to travel the world, nor does he expect overnight fame, but he knows what his choices are at every step.
Miaoli’s Tai’an Township has entered its sweet persimmon season. Combining local tourism and Indigenous culture, the “Snow Mountain Sweet Persimmon & Agricultural Culture” promotional event will be held at Miaoli County Government starting November 1 to promote Tai’an sweet persimmons and the culture of the Atayal people.
Taipei Rapid Transit Corporation has teamed up with Tokyo Metro in Japan for the first time to launch the “Enjoy METRO – Ride and Get Gifts PRESENT CAMPAIGN.” From November 4 to December 31, 2014, Taiwanese travelers visiting Tokyo, Japan, will have the chance to receive one limited-edition, beautifully crafted small gift.
With frequent reports of "gutter oil" scandals, oil-free cooking has become all the rage. This oil-free five-spice pork collar is my take on a recipe shared by the late respected toxicologist Dr. Lin Jei-liang. Its flavor rivals that of pan-fried versions, yet it’s made with easy-to-find ingredients and seasonings, and the method is incredibly simple—definitely a highly recommended dish.
The Tainan Deyuanpi Dutch Village Windmill Festival is set to kick off in November. To promote tourism development, the Tainan City Government will host the Windmill Festival from November 1 to November 23. In addition to a giant maze decorated with windmills and a variety of DIY workshops for public participation, well-known street performers and bands will be invited to perform on weekends. Visitors wearing orange clothing on the opening day can also receive a free exquisite gift (limited quantity, while supplies last).
Governor Ikuo Kabashima of Kumamoto Prefecture in Japan visited Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chu on the 27th. During the meeting, Chen Chu stated that the currently planned "regular charter flights" between Kaohsiung and Kumamoto Prefecture are scheduled for six months, with efforts being made to transition to regular scheduled flights. She also expressed a welcome to Japanese senior citizens to visit Kaohsiung, hoping for closer cooperation between the two sides in tourism and agricultural products.
I’ve always believed that every time I visit Kyoto, I should wear a kimono. After ten trips to Kyoto, I ended up wearing a kimono six times and a yukata once (the yukata article is still a work in progress...). Most Taiwanese tourists opt for kimono rental services from either Senshokukan or Okamoto, but I personally don’t care much for Okamoto’s fabric patterns and overall vibe, so I never chose them during those six kimono experiences. Out of these six times, I went with Senshokukan twice, Yume Kyoto once, and Yumeya three times (because it was the most affordable).
The Macao Shopping Festival will be held from December 3 to 31, buzzing with activity. This year’s slogan is “I Buy. Macau.” During the festival, inbound travelers can participate in a free draw once simply by presenting a valid ferry ticket, flight ticket, or entry document. Prizes with a total value exceeding four million MOP (approximately NT$16 million) will be up for grabs.
Taiwan's railway tourism takes another leap forward, collaborating with Japan for the fourth time. On the 28th, an official agreement was signed to establish the Jiji Line and Japan's Isumi Railway in Chiba Prefecture as sister railways, successfully promoting Taiwan’s railway tourism internationally once again. In the future, purchasing a one-day pass for either of the two routes will allow passengers to ride the other route for free.
If you’re planning to admire autumn foliage in Japan, the stunning red leaves in Kuroishi City, Aomori Prefecture, in northeastern Japan, are not to be missed. “Zhongye Maple Hill” is one of Japan’s top 100 maple-viewing destinations. From October 16 to November 9 each year, visitors can enjoy the famous nighttime maple spectacle here, where five different colored lights change continuously, transporting you into a magical world. This fantastical yet truly awe-inspiring view is absolutely worth a visit.
In recent years, Taiwan’s hotel industry has become increasingly diverse and competitive, with various styles and business models constantly emerging. In the Xingtian Temple area of Taipei, there is a newly opened design hotel nestled within an American-style café. The entire property features an American industrial style, which is relatively rare in Taiwan’s hospitality scene, with a simple, rustic, and natural aesthetic that has attracted many travelers. It has quickly become one of Taipei’s rising trendy hotel brands.
The biggest travel fair of the year, the “ITF Taipei International Travel Fair,” is set to kick off next week. The organizer, the Taiwan Visitors Association, held a promotional press conference this (29th) afternoon, with various airlines and travel agencies announcing attractive prices to generate early excitement for the event. You Guozhen, Deputy General Manager of Lion Travel, believes that Northeast Asia will continue to have a standout advantage at this year’s travel fair.
In Taiwan, autumn offers more than just maple leaf viewing—another great option is to admire the dazzling golden "beech." As deep autumn sets in, the beech leaves turn a brilliant gold, covering the hillsides in a breathtaking, expansive sight.
The year’s biggest travel fair, the “ITF Taipei International Travel Fair,” is set to open next week. The event organizer, the Tourism Bureau of Taiwan, held a promotional press conference this (29th) afternoon. Airlines and travel agencies alike have unveiled attractive deals to build up excitement ahead of the fair. Among the most anticipated offers for consumers are domestic travel packages starting at 19% of the original price, while international trips are available for under NT$10,000.
Having previously introduced the maple leaves, cherry blossoms, and moon viewing at Daikaku-ji, this article focuses on the temple’s night maple view, “Crimson Water Mirror.” Among all the night maple experiences I’ve had in Kyoto, Daikaku-ji’s is truly one of the most spectacular. With the lights turned on, the scenery reflected on the Ozawa Pond is simply breathtaking.