The New Taipei City Government officially launched its new themed area “Water Ripple Park – Wedding Plaza” in the Greater Taipei Metropolitan Park along the Erchong Floodway on the 10th. On that day, 99 newlyweds or soon-to-be-wed couples shared their happy moments with the public, providing local residents with a convenient new option for wedding photos without having to travel long distances.
Here’s the second installment of stories from my trip back from Lijiang. I must admit, I’m rather ignorant — I only recently learned that there’s a place called Lijiang in Yunnan, China. As someone not particularly well-versed in history, I had no idea about the saying, “The Forbidden City in the north, the Mu Mansion in the south.” Without this trip, I might never have experienced the genuine scenery and culture here. Sometimes, traveling abroad actually makes you love your own country and the lifestyle you've grown so used to even more.
There is a type of architecture that doesn’t need to be meticulously cleaned every day of the year. Instead, it finds its most beautiful form through the passage of time. In Miaoli, there is a guesthouse that has been open for eight years, blending green building concepts with a humanistic and ecological atmosphere, displaying different moods and unique aesthetics throughout the seasons. This architectural approach, which harmonizes with nature, takes on its colorful “makeup” from the shifting mountain mists, elegantly showcasing a sustainable ecological sentiment.
Xuancheng City is represented in the cultural sphere by its Xuan paper, Xuan brushes, Huizhou ink, and Xuan inkstones, among which Xuan paper is especially well-known. In addition, the city boasts one national 5A-level scenic spot and 16 4A-level scenic spots. For example, Jingting Mountain, celebrated in the line by Li Bai, “Gazing at each other, neither of us grows tired; only Jingting Mountain remains,” is a key tourist attraction in Xuancheng.
Is Antarctica fun? With its extreme climate and sunlight, it’s not a destination you can just pick up and go to like typical tourist spots. So how can you enjoy a place devoid of human civilization? The Daily Mail recently reported on a highly intriguing luxury “Antarctic adventure itinerary,” estimated to cost NT$2.2 million for an 8-day trip.
“Parisians” are often considered “different” from other French people, and in some people’s minds, they are notoriously hard to deal with. The travel website Timeout has listed 30 things you can say or do to drive Parisians up the wall—whether you’re praising or criticizing Paris, it can successfully annoy them. Here are 15 of them:
When the “Les Culinary” buffet restaurant from the Les Suites Hotels Group opened in September, boasting 70 types of desserts, it caused a sensation, with reservations fully booked through December. Meanwhile, the “Pin Hua Yuan” buffet from the Yunlan Tourism Group and the “Checkers” buffet, backed by Caesar Park Hotels, have also opened one after another, officially igniting the buffet war in Taipei.
The “Central Wheel” located along Hong Kong’s Central waterfront is expected to open on November 25, according to the latest update. Visitors will be able to take a ride on the slowly ascending Ferris wheel and enjoy stunning views of Victoria Harbour from various angles. Operator Swiss AEX had originally planned to launch operations in September this year, but due to construction delays, the wheel is now expected to attract one million passengers annually.
The Metropolitan Area Outer Underground Discharge Channel (首都圈外郭放水路), also known as the G-Cans Project, is the world’s largest underground discharge facility, built 50 meters beneath National Route 16 in Kasukabe City, Saitama Prefecture. Its vast scale has even earned it the classification of a first-class river by the Japanese government. Within this massive structure lies an enormous underground pressure-regulating water tank, measuring 177 meters in length, 78 meters in width, and 18 meters in height — resembling a grand temple. In recent years, this subterranean wonder has gained fame as a filming location for numerous commercials, tokusatsu (special effects) shows, music videos, and TV programs. Since the Metropolitan Area Outer Underground Discharge Channel allows public visits when not in use for water storage, it has become a popular alternative tourist attraction, drawing many visitors every year.
The Wuling National Forest Recreation Area in Taichung is located in the Heping District of Taichung City, best known for the landlocked salmon, a national treasure fish found in the Qijiawan Stream. As deep autumn arrives, various foliage plants are turning red, bringing a romantic autumn charm to the forests of Wuling.
Yangjhai Street, a location heavily featured in the domestic film “Paradise in Service,” has been revitalized and was officially opened to the public today (the 12th) by the Kinmen County Government. Visitors can follow in the footsteps of the movie and relive its scenes step by step.
The 2014 Taiwan King of the Mountain Cycling Challenge commenced at 6:30 a.m. on November 15 at Qixingtan in Hualien, with a total of 473 cyclists from 28 countries participating. The event features 2014 California Cycleway King of the Mountain Will Routely, 2012 Giro d’Italia women’s stage winner Tiffany Cromwell, 2013 Taiwan King of the Mountain third-place finisher Wang Yin-zhi, and Feng Jun-kai, the first Taiwanese cyclist to join a world professional cycling team—promising an exciting race.
Kinmen’s most iconic Cantonese congee spot is Shouji. The local saying goes, “Go to Shouji and you’ll get attitude,” making the place practically synonymous with grumpiness. Honestly, my first visit was no exception—I definitely sensed the owner’s brusque demeanor. He’s a stubborn man who insists on cooking everything fresh to order. With limited seating in the shop and impatient tourists unwilling to wait, he simply tells you it’ll be an hour’s wait. If you’re not up for it, he’ll just suggest you go elsewhere...
The Taichung BRT Coastal Pilot Service has launched, allowing the public to experience the BRT to the coastal area for free on weekdays. On each weekday, there are five trips from Jingyi to Dajia and the Young Lion Industrial Park, as well as to Wujhi and the Taichung Port Tourist Service Center. The Taichung Rapid Transit Corporation stated that all buses will stop at each station along the route, allowing passengers to board and disembark freely without needing to tap a card. Everyone is welcome to come and experience the BRT to the coastal area!
When visiting London, be sure to enjoy a coffee by the Thames and admire the nearby Tower Bridge. But now, there’s more to do in London than ever before—starting December 1, the new “glass walkway” promises not just thrills but also a unique perspective of the city.
The term "brunch" has become a common dining concept in Taiwan, especially in Taipei where many cafés on street corners and alleys combine breakfast and lunch, lazily welcoming guests. Located right next to the Dongcheng area, THE LOBSTER BAR prides itself on being a unique restaurant, elevating its menu by incorporating Canadian lobster, instantly upgrading the dishes and turning brunch into a more refined experience.
Taiwan’s largest buffet restaurant, Pin Hua Yuan, officially began its soft opening on November 1. The venue boasts 24 open kitchens, with 90% of dishes prepared to order. Weekday dinners are priced at NT$880, while weekday lunches cost NT$1080. Wait, did you read that right? Weekday lunches are actually more expensive than dinners—mainly because each diner gets a complimentary 400g lobster valued at NT$1300. No wonder there are still lines even at lunchtime on weekdays.
Chiayi now has Taiwan’s largest “corn maze” waiting for you to take on the challenge. Yi-Zhu Township in Chiayi County, known for its hard corn production and pigeon racing, has used a 12-hectare cornfield to create a massive maze. The Yi-Zhu Township Farmers’ Association has also set up various obstacles within the maze, inviting the public to come and test their skills.
This Weimei Snow Milk Ice shop located inside the Sightseeing City holds many childhood memories for Tainan students. The Sightseeing City was once a bustling mall in Tainan’s earlier days. After decades of prosperity, it has now declined, but that doesn’t stop locals from coming here to relive the flavors of tradition.
On the 13th, residents of Kaohsiung jointly received a “biggest gift on land” tied with a red ribbon—the brand-new Kaohsiung Municipal Library Main Branch, which took four years to complete. Starting now, it will undergo a three-phase trial operation, with plans to officially open on New Year’s Day next year.