Travel
A shared taxi from Shizuoka Airport in Hamamatsu costs just ¥400 to reach downtown directly
Traveling from Mount Fuji Shizuoka Airport to downtown Hamamatsu now has a new option besides the subway. Starting March 1, Shizuoka Airport has launched a taxi passenger service for just ¥1,500 (around NT$400), allowing you to comfortably ride directly to downtown Hamamatsu without hauling your luggage on the subway.
Even the deities celebrate the New Year！ The “Beigan Bai Ming Cultural Festival” in Matsu kicks off on the 3rd
Influenced by both Taiwan and Fujian, the customs and culture of Matsu, an offshore island of Taiwan, differ slightly from those of the main island. The most lively annual event, the “Beigan Bai Ming Cultural Festival,” will begin on the 3rd. This unique cultural celebration can only be seen in Matsu in Taiwan. This day is the most important one across the four townships and five islands, and also marks the time when “the deities celebrate the New Year.”
“Red Pants, Bare Flesh Blocking Cannons!” Taitung’s Huan Dan Fire-Cracking Festival Kicks Off in Full Swing
As the Lantern Festival approaches, celebrations are in full swing across Taiwan. The “Northern Sky Lanterns, Southern Firecrackers, Eastern Huan Dan” events are among the three must-see celebrations nationwide. The Taitung City Government is hosting the “2015 Taitung Lantern Festival Folk Carnival – ‘Radiant Goat Huan Dan’” series of events from March 2 to March 8. This series features a range of traditional cultural activities, allowing visitors to experience the thrilling highlight: the Huan Dan fire-cracking ritual.
Quanjude’s Century-Old “Hanging Oven Roast Duck” Now Available at Evergreen Phoenix Jiayi
Not to be outdone by Lanyang Crystal Hotel, Evergreen Phoenix Hotel Jiayi has recently partnered with China’s Quanjude to launch a “Roast Duck Feast” featuring cherry valley ducks from Hualien. From now until April 15, the feast showcases the flavors of Beijing roast duck using locally sourced Taiwanese ingredients.
Is tipping mandatory when traveling abroad? A UK study reveals how tipping works around the world
In Taiwan, there is generally no strict custom of tipping, but many countries around the world have a tipping culture, especially in Europe and America. However, in some countries, tipping can actually be considered rude — Japan is one such example.
From breakfast to late-night snacks – A super lazy guide to 25 must-try eats around New Taipei Christmasland
The highlight of every year-end season, New Taipei Christmasland opened on November 24th, attracting visitors from all over Taiwan ready to make a pilgrimage. After taking photos and playing to your heart’s content, you’ll definitely need to fill your stomach. ETToday EBC News Cloud has compiled a list of 25 popular eateries around New Taipei Christmasland, offering everything from brunch to dinner and late-night snacks. Whenever hunger strikes, just head over and grab a bite!
Good news！Starting in April, Matsu will launch the “Dongma-Dongtai” ferry route
Good news！The Lienchiang County Government has decided to implement the “Dongma-Dongtai” passenger ferry route starting April 1 this year, one month earlier than originally scheduled. It is understood that the county government has been planning the “Dongma-Dongtai” route for some time. Taking into account the convenience of local residents and related tourism planning, after multiple meetings, it was confirmed that the route would be launched ahead of schedule, with the existing Taima Ferry operating on this line.
A hotel in Chiayi stacked in the shape of "tea chests" — from afar, the building resembles an old-town gentleman
A hotel built by stacking structures shaped like tea chests has unexpectedly captured the attention of travelers. Located in downtown Chiayi, “Taicheng Tea Appearance” is a warm addition to southern Taiwan’s hospitality scene. Instead of following the big-city route like Kaohsiung or Tainan, it centers on Alishan tea, quietly crafting a realm and spatial aesthetic around tea. “From a distance, the building resembles a gentleman from an old town, warmly welcoming guests from afar.” That’s how the hotel describes its own appearance.
Hualien Pacific Lantern Festival: Red-faced Duck Water Dance Light Show “Full of Charm”
As the Lantern Festival approaches, lantern displays are lighting up cities across the country, and Hualien County’s most popular attraction at Lotus Pond—the “Red-faced Duck” lantern area—has debuted a water dance light show for the first time, presenting a different “duck” charm in the evenings to accompany visitors. The Hualien Pacific Lantern Festival will run until March 15.
After 12 years, Taipei Story House temporarily closes its doors — free entry to its European-style garden for photos
Having passed 12 years, the Taipei Story House — designated as a municipal heritage site of Taipei City — will temporarily close starting March 2. To give the public a chance to take photos before its closure, the Taipei Story House will offer free admission from now until March 8, allowing everyone to create spring memories.
Taiwan Hotels Invite Mainland China Culinary Collaboration: Quanjude vs. Shanghai State Guesthouse
In addition to inviting Michelin-starred European chefs, hotels are also starting to collaborate with mainland Chinese culinary establishments. The Shangri-La’s Far Eastern Plaza Hotel Taipei has invited the Hongqiao Hotel to make a guest appearance in Taiwan, while the Evergreen Laurel Hotel in Jiaoxi has partnered with the Quanjude Group to offer Beijing-style roast duck cuisine.
Narita Airport to Open 130-Meter "Layover-Only SKY LOUNGE" in Late April
Narita Airport is buzzing with activity this year!\nIn addition to the launch of its third terminal dedicated to low-cost carriers in April, Terminal 2 has created a brand-new, spacious lounge area for passengers waiting for their flights or layovers. After selecting the name from 866 submissions, the lounge has officially been named “NARITA SKY LOUNGE 和” and will open on April 24.
The aroma wafts through the midnight alley — Shilin’s legendary late-night stir-fried "signature shrimp and egg"
Ladies and gentlemen, the time is now 3:30 AM. This reporter, Big Mouth, is currently stationed in front of GIORDANO at Shilin Night Market. It’s said that there’s a mysterious stir-fry stall that only appears after Shilin Night Market has closed. This elusive stall usually shows up around 12:30 AM on regular days, and a little later on holidays. Please bear with us as we wait patiently, everyone!
High-altitude aroma of beans: Cathay Pacific partners with illy to offer freshly ground coffee on board
Cathay Pacific announced a collaboration with Italian coffee brand illy to serve premium coffee to first and business class passengers on all flights. Freshly ground illy coffee is now available on Cathay Pacific flights, and starting in March, illy espresso, latte, and cappuccino will also be introduced successively.
Even the gods throw New Year parties this season—firecrackers and fireworks light up as Matsu's Bangmin Festival kicks off on the 3rd
The Lantern Festival in Matsu is even livelier than Chinese New Year itself. On the eve of this year’s Lantern Festival, Matsu natives scattered across the country all coincidentally rushed back home before the 3rd to take part in the region’s unique folk faith blessing event known as “Bangmin,” or what locals call the “gods’ New Year.” Spirit mediums were seen energetically visiting other temples to “pay New Year calls.”
Relive the memories of lantern parades — Kaohsiung Lantern Festival’s Grand Lantern Parade on March 7
The 2015 Kaohsiung Lantern Festival’s “Love & Happiness: Grand Lantern Parade” will kick off at 7:00 PM on March 7. The Kaohsiung City Government invites everyone to experience the festive fun of creative street parades from childhood, enjoy the beautiful nightscape of Kaohsiung, and share love and happiness.
Knowledge Halls Turned Tourist Attractions！19 “Most Incredible” Libraries Around the World
“Visit a local library?” If someone asked you that, you might think it’s a strange idea—after all, it doesn’t sound very romantic. But if you’ve seen BuzzFeed’s list of the world’s “19 amazing libraries,” your opinion might change entirely. The article includes firsthand experiences shared by friends on Facebook. Would you consider adding any of these spots to your main itinerary on your next trip?
Spring has arrived! Colorful tabebuia trees are in full bloom, turning southern Taiwan into a sea of yellow
As spring quietly approaches, the streets of southern Taiwan — Kaohsiung and Tainan — are beginning to take on a warm hue, painted by various species of tabebuia trees. Among them, the brilliant golden tabebuia blooms especially passionately, swaying gently in the spring breeze. The floral spectacle is simply breathtaking and can be enjoyed right from the city streets.
V Air App Unveiled – Pair It with the V Bear Safety Amulet to Help Locate Luggage
Low-cost carrier V Air officially launched its official mobile app, Fly V Air, today (March 3), and introduced limited-time promo codes on the app, including special offers such as Taipei–Bangkok from NT$1,988 and Taipei–Chiang Mai from NT$1,388. (All prices are one-way, excluding tax.)
It feels like stepping into a comic book！Japan's Tottori Airport has been renamed "Conan Airport"
Tottori Airport in western Honshu, Japan, has officially been renamed "Tottori Sand Dunes Conan Airport" and held a grand inauguration ceremony on the 1st. Although Conan's creator, Gosho Aoyama, was unable to attend, his parents represented him and presented a video message from Aoyama. The first 100 Taiwanese visitors to use Conan Airport will also take a chartered flight from Taichung Airport to Tottori on March 5.