Travel
Aviation "Amazon" Civil Aeronautics Administration Director Shen Qi Wins Praise for Telling the Truth
Shen Qi, the current director of the Civil Aeronautics Administration and the first woman to hold the position, is set to retire in mid-January next year. Her colleagues have dubbed her the leader and role model of the aviation industry’s “female knight.” Her style of speaking the truth and not fearing to offend others has also earned her widespread acclaim.
Stop being a difficult guest!
Travel should be a joyful experience, but many people seem to forget proper behavior and basic manners when they step out of their country and into a new one as “tourists.”
Led by Taipei’s Trail Experts: Explore the Tianmu Aqueduct Trails Surrounded by Forests
Where to go on weekends? How about a walk in the mountains to enjoy the cleansing power of phytoncides? Starting from next year (2015), Taipei City’s Department of Civil Engineering has planned 16 free guided tours on nature trails every weekend. Led by experienced trail guides, you can not only experience the beauty of the forests but also get close to local ecosystems and learn about cultural history.
AirAsia makes the dream of flying accessible to everyone — a low-cost airline even wet market housewives love
Known as the "model student of low-cost airlines," AirAsia made headlines on the 28th when flight QZ8501, traveling from Surabaya, Indonesia to Singapore, went missing, sparking widespread concern. In Taiwan, AirAsia is a well-known LCC (low-cost carrier) that’s famous for being “cheap.” Renowned budget travel writer 943 once described AirAsia as “even wet market housewives fall in love with it.”
Travel back in time and enjoy a vegetarian afternoon tea in a nostalgic atmosphere
I really like the area near the Cultural Center Station — there are parks and plenty of unique little shops, and it’s very pleasant to just wander around. While exploring aimlessly, I stumbled upon Huan Shi Cha, whose storefront was already quite eye-catching. It had a nostalgic vibe reminiscent of old times, and the eclectic yet charming layout reflected the shop’s personality. The menu offered both pancakes and noodles, and there were vegetarian options too, so I went there the next day.
AirAsia has won "World's Best Low-Cost Airline" for six consecutive years; plane goes missing, shocking the world
AirAsia (AirAsia) reported on the 28th that a flight from Surabaya, Indonesia to Singapore had gone missing, which shocked the public upon the news release. In its 13 years of operation, AirAsia has not only been selected multiple times as Asia's best low-cost carrier (LCC), but has also been ranked "World's Best Low-Cost Airline" by Skytrax's annual World Airline Survey for six consecutive years since 2009.
162 passengers on AirAsia flight that went missing have been confirmed to include no Taiwanese
AirAsia's QZ8501 flight to Singapore in the early morning of the 28th suddenly went missing, carrying 155 passengers and 7 crew members, currently unaccounted for. Fu Meilian, marketing specialist at AirAsia, confirmed that there were no Taiwanese passengers on board. The company is still awaiting further information from headquarters, and any updates will be announced on the official Facebook page.
AirAsia flight to Singapore goes missing; Facebook page turns gray for safety wishes
AirAsia has confirmed that flight QZ8501, which took off early this morning (28th) from Surabaya, Indonesia, to Singapore, lost contact with air traffic control 42 minutes after departure. The profile picture and cover image on AirAsia’s official Facebook page have since been changed to gray, in hopes that both the passengers and the aircraft will remain safe.
Blending forest ambiance with the reuse of old buildings – Alishan Ecological Education Hall opens
The “Alishan Ecological Education Hall” in Alishan National Forest Recreation Area held its opening event on the 27th in a way that integrates nature and low-carbon practices, officially opening to visitors. The area around Zhapingshan Park in Alishan has gained a new recreational attraction and a venue for nature conservation and environmental education, following the “Cherry Blossom Path” and the “Poetry Trail.”
Three major New Year's Eve events gather in the harbor city—Kaohsiung MRT to operate non-stop for 42 hours!
As one of Taiwan’s most anticipated New Year's Eve destinations, Kaohsiung will feature exciting events including the Dream Mall celebrations, E-DA Theme Park festivities, and the Mayday New Year's Eve concert. Coupled with the flag-raising ceremony at City Hall on New Year’s Day, Kaohsiung MRT has announced it will remain open continuously for 42 hours from December 31st to January 1st to handle the large crowds.
Infinity pool makes you feel like standing above the city — HowToTrip's Art & Trendy Bangkok Stay
Staying at a five-star hotel or a design inn is a key part of many travelers’ itineraries when visiting Thailand. But what kind of design inn meets the criteria of being affordable, unique, and comfortable for a trip to Thailand? In Thailand, there is a mid-sized design inn that takes “giants” as its central theme, featuring locally inspired paintings in each room, along with a rooftop infinity pool — truly attracting many guests.
Enjoying Delicious Italian Cuisine in the UK – Can You Taste a Hint of Taiwan Flavor?
When it comes to the UK, many friends probably share my initial impression: the UK has no good food. But during our two-month stay in Birmingham, we discovered that it’s not as bad as the stereotypes suggest. There is good food, you just have to look for it, and yes, the prices are a bit steep!! Before going abroad, I had heard from a friend about an Italian restaurant called "zizzi." Haha, coming to the UK and still eating Italian food—honestly, it seems like many places in Europe serve Italian cuisine, maybe because Italian food is world-famous and suits everyone’s taste buds.
Colorful blooms dress the earth in winter finery – Five stunning flower fields to watch in the “Flower Sea Season of Eastern Taiwan”
The most anticipated “2014 Eastern Taiwan Flower Season” has kicked off this winter. This year, the organizers have transformed five areas—Fuli, Chihshang, Guanshan, Chenggong, and Beinan—into five major flower seas, decorated with vibrant and dazzling blossoms that resemble giant rainbows lying on the land. Along the 12 townships of the East Rift Valley, there are also 345 hectares of rapeseed fields and 102 hectares of cosmos flower seas. The breathtaking scenery will last from now until next spring.
Admire the sea of clouds on Huangshan Mountain and stroll along Tunxi Old Street—feel as if you’re stepping into the “Along the River During the Qingming Festival” painting
Huangshan is located in southern Anhui and is hailed as one of the three great symbols of the Chinese nation, alongside the Yangtze River, the Yellow River, and the Great Wall. In ancient times, literati who visited Huangshan left behind many timeless verses, adding to its mysterious and ever-changing allure. At the North Sea Scenic Area of Huangshan, you can enjoy the most stunning sea of clouds and sunrises. Many visitors choose to stay overnight here, soaking in the area’s unique Red Sand Springs while awaiting the spectacular sunrise the next morning.
High-Speed Rail Zuoying–E-DA World Taxi Carpool Service Launched: Only NT$115 per Person When 4 Ride Together
The Kaohsiung City Government’s Department of Transportation announced on the 29th that the “High-Speed Rail Zuoying Station–E-DA World” taxi carpool service will begin on January 1st of the 104th year of the Republic of China (2015). By sharing a taxi among four passengers, each person only pays NT$115. Department Director Chen Chin-fu stated that this carpool service is being trialed for six months in collaboration with the Chinese Taxi Fleet, and the public is welcome to form groups and book rides together.
Qianlongfang Beef Noodles, a Popular Spot Inheriting the Legacy of Toucheng Longji Beef Noodles – The Beef Chunks Are Bigger Than a Spoon
This bowl of Qianlongfang beef noodles is no ordinary dish—it inherits the renowned legacy of Toucheng Longji Beef Noodles. Although it’s been a while since I last tasted the flavors of Longji and can’t make a direct comparison, this bowl is undoubtedly of very high quality.
Dazzling fireworks light up the night sky — 22 vantage points to capture the Taipei 101 New Year’s Eve fireworks show
Just two days left before 2014 comes to a close. Taipei, recently voted by global travelers as one of the “Most Desired Cities to Ring in the New Year,” will once again present its iconic 218-second Taipei 101 fireworks display. The Taipei City Department of Rapid Transit Systems has specially recommended 22 locations where people can enjoy the spectacular night sky fireworks from open, unobstructed spots and welcome the new year with a unique perspective.
Taiwan’s largest curtain-style waterfall is right here！ Shihfen Waterfall Park is now open to the public for free starting today
Shihfen Waterfall Park, home to Taiwan’s largest curtain-style waterfall, has reopened to the public today (December 29) at noon after more than four months of renovation and closure. Admission is now free. The park will be open daily from 9:00 to 17:00, remaining open all year round except for one day — New Year’s Eve.
A Kyoto-style shaved ice loaded with white jade dumplings and red beans—just a coin away from bliss.
Though autumn and winter have arrived, the regions on either side of the Tropic of Cancer still refuse to sync their climates. Back in Tainan, the weather remains mildly warm. That afternoon, the streets of Fuchien Road were leisurely quiet, with just a few scattered pedestrians and vehicles. At twenty-seven degrees, the sun was warm enough to bring a light sweat. By chance, I spotted a corner of an old building with a sign that read “Little Steps—Handmade Happy Sweets,” set against a Tiffany-blue green palette. The fashionable vibe blended with a retro touch, and the little fabric flag at the entrance…
Explore Bai Rong Garden (White Banyan Garden)! Set to open as early as March next year—the filming location of *Life of Pi*
The movie *Life of Pi: Fantasy Adventure*, directed by Ang Lee, was a huge box office success and caused a sensation when it was released last year. The filming location, Bai Rong Garden at the Port Work Station of the Hengchun Research Center under the Forestry Research Institute, became an instant hit, attracting numerous fans eager to visit the sacred site. Originally closed to the public for ecological protection reasons, after continuous communication and careful consideration, it is expected to open to the public as early as March next year.