Travel
Swinging "penises" to pray for fertility? Unveiling 8 must-visit attractions in Bhutan
When Bhutan comes to mind, one thinks of the "land of happiness"—a place almost synonymous with joy. As a traveler, how can you not pay it a visit? However, surrounded by mountains on all sides and relatively late in developing tourism, Bhutan often gives off an air of mystery. Roland, a tour guide who specializes in South Asian travel and has visited Bhutan many times, says: "Bhutan is something to be savored slowly and experienced at a gentle pace."
"Brother Bear lands a powerful leg strike on Brother Tiger" — TransAsia Airways hosts a Muay Thai showdown to warm up for its maiden flight
TransAsia Airways, which will launch its maiden Taipei–Bangkok flight on December 17, held a launch party today (December 16). In addition to Thai snacks and travel information, the event featured Thai dance and Muay Thai performances. Two Muay Thai fighters, dubbed "Brother Bear" and "Brother Tiger," engaged in an intense bout, with Brother Bear ultimately emerging victorious after knocking out Brother Tiger with a flying punch.
Just eating tomato rice won’t cut it? Then how about adding a chicken leg?
Does this look impressive? You might think: Huh... adding a chicken leg sounds like a lot of trouble, right? Wrong—totally wrong. You wouldn’t be satisfied with just tomato rice, would you? With just a little extra effort, pan-frying an easy chicken leg steak is actually super simple. After reading my guide, you’ll exclaim: “Wow, that’s it?” But visually, it looks super generous and amazing, and it tastes delicious, nutritious, and satisfying. You’ll definitely regret not trying it at least once.
The uniquely charming "Shiwu" café — a limited-time all-you-can-drink offer that changes your spending habits
Recently reopened, Shiwu has changed its previous consumption model to a more unique timed system (somewhat similar to an internet café), charging by the hour. The first hour costs $100, with each additional hour adding $50, up to a maximum of $450.
Boasting the title of Taiwan’s first arts and culture-themed hotel, “Eslite Hotel” features a lobby library with 5,000 books
Eslite is synonymous with urban arts and culture in Taipei, and the much-anticipated “first arts and culture hotel in Taiwan”—Eslite Hotel Taipei—began its trial operation yesterday (the 15th). The most eye-catching feature of Eslite Hotel Taipei is undoubtedly the 5,000 books in its lobby, all collected as the “last available copy” of bestsellers retained by Eslite Bookstore.
The Chiayi City International Wind Band Festival kicks off on the 19th with the first-ever wind ensemble battle
The 23rd Chiayi City International Wind Band Festival will begin on the 19th, featuring a major evening concert and a street parade on the 20th. Throughout the festival, there will be a total of 81 indoor and outdoor concerts, inviting renowned local and international ensembles to deliver a spectacular wind music experience.
Fly along the east coast to greet the morning sun at dawn！ Mandarin Airlines sells a “First Ray of Dawn Charter Flight”
China Airlines recently launched an international flight service called the “2015 Happiness Dawn Flight,” and all its seats were snapped up quickly. Following suit, Mandarin Airlines has introduced a “First Ray of Dawn Charter Flight,” which went on sale at noon on the 16th. The 104 available seats are for a Taipei–Taitung flight operated by an E-190 aircraft, flying along the east coast from Songshan Airport to greet the morning light.
Salsa with Peacock Clams！This no-menu, homestyle creative cuisine brings surprises every month
Located within the Taitung Dongsen Marine Hot Spring Hotel, the Homestyle Cuisine Restaurant prides itself on being a no-menu eatery that uses seasonal fresh ingredients and creative cooking techniques to deliver an extraordinary culinary experience, making it the most popular specialty restaurant in the hotel.
Unlike regular ramen, Kyoto’s famed “Tenkaippin” uses chicken broth for its soup base.
Coming here was purely accidental, so it wasn’t until I returned to the hotel and looked up information that I realized how famous this place is. That day, I stayed at the Marriott Residence Hotel near Tennoji Station—the tallest building in Kansai—but since I checked in very late, it was already 10 PM by the time I finished. I wandered around the area looking for dinner, but most restaurants in the QSMALL across from the hotel were already closed...
Seasonal Ice Skating Rink at the Eiffel Tower: Skate 58 Meters Above Ground While Enjoying the Night View
After a two-year hiatus, the Eiffel Tower ice rink—open only in winter—has returned once again. Located on the first floor of the tower, about 58 meters above the ground, visitors can glide freely while taking in breathtaking views of Paris.
Even a rice cooker can be brought back to Taiwan with you on the flight home from Japan – ANA increases free checked baggage allowance from 1 to 2 pieces on all international routes!
To meet the growing demand for checked luggage among travelers and enhance competitiveness on international routes, All Nippon Airways (ANA) announced that starting January 8, 2015, the free checked baggage allowance for economy class passengers on all ANA international routes will be increased from one piece to two.
Crispy fried chicken and sausage wraps fly off the shelves – V Air’s inaugural flight meals sell out
Taiwan’s homegrown low-cost carrier “V Air” officially launched today (17th), with its inaugural flight ZV005 departing from Taoyuan Airport at 6:40 AM bound for Bangkok, Thailand, and landing smoothly at Don Mueang Airport at 9:30 AM local time. The mission was successfully completed under the welcome of Songsaenthong Tham, Deputy General Manager of Don Mueang Airport Management Company.
Tohoku 311 Gratitude Festival in Northeast Japan – Giveaway of Air Tickets Every Day in Taiwan
To express gratitude for the Taiwanese people’s donation of over 20 billion Japanese yen (approximately NT$6.2 billion) following the 311 Great East Japan Earthquake, the Interchange Association, Japan announced today that starting from the 19th of this month, the “Tohoku 6 Prefectures & Cities Gratitude Festival” will be held in Taiwan. In addition to experiencing traditional Japanese culture, there will also be a lucky draw for round-trip air tickets on-site, and the public in Taiwan are welcome to join in the celebration.
GQ / Authentic Japanese Wakaba Taiyaki “Filled from Head to Tail!”
Having just moved into a quiet alley on Liaoning Street, Wakaba Taiyaki was already a popular spot in Banqiao, known for its authentic Japanese-style taiyaki with impeccable preparation and ingredients. The owner, Ryoko, lived in Japan for over a decade. Though she wasn’t originally a fan of sweets, she fell in love with delicious taiyaki in Tokyo and decided to work and study at her favorite shop for a year, bringing that taste back to Taiwan.
New Year’s Holiday | Top 15 Theme Parks Across Taiwan: Ticket & Admission Discounts Roundup
The new year is approaching, and the Tourism Bureau under the Ministry of Transportation and Communications has collaborated with theme park operators to launch a series of promotions from January 1 to January 4, 2015 (104 in the Republic of China calendar), helping the public ring in the new year with joy. Among them, “E-DA World” offers a round-trip high-speed rail shuttle bus service by E-DA Bus and a meal voucher with the purchase of a full-price park ticket, while children under 12 years old can enter for just NT$1 (requires an adult to purchase a full-price ticket on-site).
Late bookings only get discounts? HotelQuickly launches in Taiwan, touting a 3-step, 60-second room booking process
What if you decide to travel on a whim but worry about accommodation? The mobile app HotelQuickly held a launch press conference today (17th). Raphael Cohen, HotelQuickly’s Chief Sales Officer, said: “Seeing the popularity of travel in the Asia-Pacific region, the concept of last-minute deals will also be introduced to Taiwan with the app’s launch.” Currently, the app offers bookings at around 400 hotels in Taiwan.
New Year's holiday Taiwan Railways tickets sell out in seconds—don’t miss the January 19 ticket release!
Taiwan Railways opened ticket bookings for the New Year's holiday starting at midnight today (17th). As of 10:00 AM, a total of 245,513 bookings totaling 420,017 tickets have been made. The Taiwan Railways Administration advises passengers to complete payment and pick up their tickets within two days at ticketing stations, post offices, convenience stores, or online. Tickets not collected by the deadline will be released again at 9:00 AM on January 19.
Japan’s Railway Enthusiasts' Dream Spot — “Tadami Line Iron Bridge,” a Winter Wonderland
The Tadami Line. For anyone who loves Japan, photography, or trains, it’s a legendary dream destination. In the past, we could only marvel at the works of photography masters online, but this winter, I finally seized the opportunity to witness the breathtaking scenery in person... I’ll never forget the moment I climbed up to the observation deck and looked down at the First Tadami River Iron Bridge — I literally held my breath...
"One Love, One Kiss" Essay Contest – Welcome the Romantic New Year Sunrise at Er Liao with Your Loved One
Want to greet the new year with your beloved as you witness the romantic sunrise at Er Liao? The Siraya National Scenic Area Administration has launched the online "One Love, One Kiss" essay contest. As long as you participate online before the 20th, the top five most popular couples will be able to welcome 2015 with their partner in the loving ambiance of Er Liao.
Tim Ho Wan Xinyi Branch Opens, Launches 3 Taiwan-Exclusive Items
Tim Ho Wan’s Xinyi branch officially opened on the 17th. To celebrate the opening of the Xinyi branch, Tim Ho Wan has specially introduced three new exclusive dishes available only at the Xinyi branch and in Taiwan—namely Soy Sauce King Fried Noodles, Radish Chu Hou Beef Tripe, and Salt & Pepper Squid Balls.