Travel
Explore Nature’s Classroom: A Deep Dive into Taipei’s 5 Creeks
Surrounded by mountains and crisscrossed with numerous valleys, Taipei City boasts rich ecological resources. Over 500 plant species and more than 230 terrestrial animal species thrive around the city’s creeks. Among them, five creeks—Xiaokeng Creek, Zhuzihhu Creek, Dagou Creek, Jingyue Creek, and Hushan Creek—are highly recommended for nature enthusiasts.
Low-cost carrier offers 4 weekly direct Taipei– flights Starting at just NT$488
AirAsia announced today (March 30) the launch of the Taipei– route, increasing its usual flights to 4 per week, and introduced promotional one-way fares starting at NT$2,488. (tax included)
Spring Exclusive: 10 Must-Visit Cherry Blossom Spots in Kyoto
There are so many famous cherry blossom spots in Kyoto, but I’ve selected my top ten must-see locations and compiled them here for your reference. To be honest, it was really hard to choose—I could easily pick over 20 just off the top of my head. After thinking it over for a long time, I had to painfully cut some out and chose my ten most recommended cherry blossom spots, ranking them based on my personal preferences.
Featured in Korean dramas and food shows: Kaohsiung promotes itself in the Korean market through film and TV marketing
The Kaohsiung City Government Tourism Bureau sees strong growth potential in the Korean tourist market and has designated Korea as a key development market this year. Through film and TV marketing and drama co-productions—including product placements in the Korean drama "Queen's Flower" and the food show "In Search of Delicious TV"—the bureau promotes Kaohsiung’s tourist attractions to help more Koreans learn about Taiwan’s Kaohsiung.
Madrid’s Hot-Off-the-Press Michelin Star Dining: A Tasting Experience at La Cabra
Madrid’s freshly opened Michelin-starred gem: La Cabra, a stylish eatery that was just awarded the prestigious Michelin one-star three-fork honor in November 2014 (a one-Michelin-star rating signifies delicious food, a comfortable dining environment, and is well worth a special trip). Trying it out in person, I was pleasantly surprised to find that the head chef is so young—just 28 years old—and has earned Michelin certification in less than two years of running the restaurant with his exceptional culinary skills.
Horikoshi Udon, Targeting Female Customers, Debuts in Taiwan — With Thin Noodles and Ginger Flavor
Not just ramen—more and more udon brands are entering the Taiwanese market. Following Satake Seimenjo, Marugame, and Inaho, the latest to announce its entry into Taiwan is Horikoshi Udon. Horikoshi Udon uses different broths for various tastes and types, and has even developed a ginger-flavored udon tailored for women who tend to have cold hands and feet. Prices range from NT$69 to NT$179 for udon, and tempura is available à la carte starting at NT$15, with a self-service buffet format.
“Fireworks floating and bursting on water” – The Penghu Fireworks Festival kicks off on April 20
The annual Penghu Fireworks Festival is coming back with a bang. The Penghu County Government held a press conference in Taipei today (31st), announcing that this year’s festival will debut under the theme “Happy Island of Chrysanthemums, Shining Across the World” on April 20, and will feature, for the first time ever, “fireworks that float and burst on water,” accompanied by laser light shows to create a brand-new experience.
Turkish Airlines is here today! Taipei–Istanbul nonstop flights save 2 hours
There's a new direct international flight route for Taiwanese travelers! Turkish Airlines officially launched its first direct flight from Istanbul to Taipei today (March 31), arriving at Taoyuan Airport at 17:20. However, the traditional water salute ceremony was canceled due to water conservation concerns.
Taiwan’s only “mobile post office” retires gloriously after 27 years of service in an aging vehicle
Two years ago, ETtoday EBC News Cloud reported on Taiwan’s only remaining “mobile post office,” which had been serving residents in Yuli Town, Hualien, for over 20 years. Recently, the Hualien Post Office decided to retire the aging mobile post office and purchase a new vehicle for administrative postal services. In the future, the iconic old mobile post office will no longer be seen traveling around town, disappointing many philatelic enthusiasts.
The Dapeng Bay Yacht and Sailing Event Kicks Off on April 18 – Free Registration for Canoe Fun Races
The “2015 Dapeng Bay Yacht and Sailing Series” will be held over three consecutive Saturdays and Sundays starting April 18 at the Sailboat Base in Dapeng Bay Binwan Park. Now in its 10th year, the sailing competition is an annual highlight in Taiwan’s sailing community and encourages public participation in events such as canoe fun races and sailing experiences.
Meriwell Salmon Kitchen to Open in April – The First Salmon-Themed Cooking Class
In addition to operating two specialty stores in Taipei that offer borderless salmon cuisine, salmon supplier Marine Harvest Meriwell Group has also set up the “Meriwell Salmon Kitchen” in Da’an District – the first-ever salmon-themed cooking classroom in the family. Scheduled to open on April 7, it will initially launch salmon cuisine experience classes, teaching participants basic cooking skills, including one cold dish and one hot dish, at a fee of NT$1,000 per person.
Narita Airport cancels entry security checks! No more last-minute scrambling before entering the airport
Starting March 30, Narita Airport has officially abolished its complicated entry security screening mechanism, allowing passengers to freely enter the airport premises and ending this regulation that had been in place since 1978.
2015 Taiwan Tung Blossom Season: First Look at Flower Viewing
The 2015 Hakka Tung Blossom Festival is expected to take place roughly between April 4 and May 17, with May predicted to be the most beautiful month for viewing the blossoms. Many Tung Blossom events will hold their opening ceremonies on April 11 at Nantou’s Niuer Art Resort Village and on April 18 at Heping Station on the Neiwan Line in Hsinchu. For more details, please visit the official website.
Customized Hot Burgers at All-in Bao Ku in Taichung – Huge Portions of American Brunch for Ultimate Satisfaction
Holidays are the perfect time for us to sleep in and enjoy great food, XD. This time, I brought my cross-generational friend along to shop at Zhongyou Department Store and stopped by this American brunch spot tucked away in a lane beside Zhongyou — we ended up eating until we were absolutely stuffed. To this day, I still vividly remember how satisfied we were with both the food and the price; it was seriously great value for money.
United Airlines Celebrates One-Year Anniversary of San Francisco Route with 10,000 Bonus Miles
To commemorate the one-year anniversary of its Taipei–San Francisco route, United Airlines has announced a special bonus miles promotion. From now until June 30, 2015, MileagePlus members who book and complete a round-trip flight on United’s Taipei–San Francisco route will be eligible to receive up to 10,000 bonus miles.
Would you have the heart to eat this Pink Peach Cupcake? The Ushi-no-Tane Restaurant begins its soft opening on April 11
So ugly it’s cute！The Ushi-no-Tane-themed restaurant “Ushi-no-Tane’s Secret Garden Café & Light Meals” has officially confirmed its soft opening on April 11！The trial period runs from April 11 to 21, and during this time, reservations are only available by phone. Reservations open at 11:00 AM on April 1, with available time slots at 11:00, 13:00, 15:00, 17:00, and 19:00. Diners will enjoy a 10% discount during the trial period. Are all you Ushi-no-Tane fans ready to meet them?
The Thrilling "Vanuatu Journey" — An Adrenaline-Packed Adventure to Tanna Island
In the dead of night, as the boat set anchor and sailed out to sea, the pitch-black darkness hung overhead. Navigating through extremely rough seas, we felt as though we were heading into an unknown fog. The boat rocked violently, the swaying so intense it felt like a shipwreck was imminent. At the time, I wasn’t sure if we’d make it through the night unscathed. Even now, recalling that terrifying experience feels like it happened just yesterday.
"Selfie Magic Shoes" Take Photos with Your Toes! Manufacturer: It's Not an April Fools' Joke
Ever since major tourist attractions around the world started announcing bans on selfie sticks, many travelers have been left scratching their heads—after all, one of the things Taiwanese people are internationally known for is taking photos. You might never have guessed, but shelling out for a selfie stick was actually a misunderstanding all along. We’re born with our own built-in selfie sticks—provided you’re flexible enough.
April Snow Falls from the Sky—The Hakka Tung Blossom Festival Kicks Off on April 4th to Celebrate Spring
With April here, Taiwan enters the tung blossom season. The 2015 Hakka Tung Blossom Festival will take place across 14 counties and cities nationwide from April 4 to May 17. This year’s event, themed “Blossoms Bloom in Hakka Villages,” showcases the scenery and culture of the Hakka people.
Limited time only! Hello Kitty's "My Melody" cafe opens in Shibuya!
The GUEST cafe&diner at Shibuya Parco in Japan has collaborated with "My Melody," a beloved character from Sanrio celebrating its 40th anniversary, to launch a limited-time-only "My Melody & My Sweet Piano coffee" from March 19 to May 31. A variety of pink-themed My Melody food, drinks, and merchandise are also available for sale, and some of the accompanying mugs can even be taken home as collectibles.