Travel
Free admission for birthday celebrants on July 27th!/Summer promotions at 22 theme parks across Taiwan announced
The Tourism Bureau of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications and theme park operators nationwide have launched a variety of cool activities, including enjoying forest phytoncides, experiencing refreshing water sensations at water parks, and riding thrilling amusement rides—all available at theme parks across Taiwan to help everyone beat the summer heat.
Kaohsiung City launches the "2015 FUN Summer - Kaohsiung Delights" with 20 activities
The Kaohsiung City Government’s Tourism Bureau has launched 20 summer activities under the theme "2015 FUN Summer – Kaohsiung Delights," including ten major Kaohsiung-themed events and ten exciting Kaohsiung summer camp programs, making them the perfect choice for parents, students, and young people this summer vacation.
Top family-friendly restaurant in Taichung: Creative Grandma’s Salted Egg Pasta
I believe almost every local in Taichung has probably been to ‘Pearl Café’ at least once. My first visit was to the branch on Jinhua Road, hidden within a church, giving off a modest yet heartwarming vibe. Later, I often visited the Zhongke branch of Pearl Café, which is consistently ranked as one of the top family-friendly restaurants in Taichung. And this ‘Pearl Café Chongde Branch’—I personally feel it’s the largest among all outlets, making it perfect for group gatherings and events.
Even five-star resort hotels can be part of a fun island-hopping adventure. Formosa Fun Resorts offers 8 properties for a customizable island-wide trip.
Many people who love island travel have heard of "island-hopping," which means traveling and moving between different islands each day to enjoy their unique features. A Taiwanese hotel chain has integrated its properties across northern, central, and southern Taiwan to launch a 3-night, 4-day accommodation package. Customers can freely mix and match their stays at different hotels, experiencing the surrounding attractions and cuisine at each location for a "hotel-hopping" tour around the entire country.
A 5,000-year natural wonder — the "flying dragon" spectacle at Kumamoto’s Dragon Palace
Not just in China, but the Japanese also revere the ancient creature "dragon" as a symbol of luck, leading to many dragon-themed tourist attractions across Japan. One such place is the Daiyu Shrine in Hiji City, Miyazaki Prefecture, where you can not only see dragon eggs but also witness the once-in-5,000-years spectacle of a "dragon flying in the sky."
Planning to explore nature this summer vacation? Pingtung offers 7 farm routes where you can even stay overnight to see fireflies
Where to go this summer vacation? The Pingtung County Government has planned the “Love Pingtung Farm Tour” event, featuring seven distinctive routes that let you visit 11 farms across Pingtung. Stay overnight on farms to watch the “fireflies” (known locally as "fire gold aunties") light up the night, run and play freely on lush green meadows — all starting from just NT$599 to NT$2,499 per person.
Breaking News / Tama, the Beloved Cat Stationmaster of Wakayama, Passes Away at Age 16
Tama, the popular calico cat stationmaster of Kishi Station in Wakayama Prefecture, Japan, passed away on the 22nd at the age of 16 (equivalent to 80 human years). Wakayama Electric Railway announced the sad news to fans on the 24th, and Tama’s memorial service is scheduled to be held on the 28th.
Braving temperatures over 30°C, volunteers on Xiao Liuqiu pick up trash to clean the beach and protect the island
A group of people braved temperatures over 30°C to pick up trash, all in an effort to protect this beautiful coral reef island rich in ecological resources — “Xiao Liuqiu.” This was part of the “Mobile Beach Cleanup to Protect Our Ocean Home” event, initiated at 10 a.m. on the 24th by the Xiao Liuqiu Ecotourism Development Alliance.
The Lukfook Tourism Group and the UP UP Signboard Little People help you chase your dream of becoming a baking master
The UP UP Signboard Little People and the Lukfook Tourism Group jointly host the “Signboard Little People Dream Baking Shop” event, inviting baking enthusiasts among professionals and students to realize their baking dreams together. From now until June 28, aspiring professionals and students are welcome to sign up. The final winners will have the opportunity to become reserve head chefs.
The signature dish of the house: a refreshing beef cold noodle dish drizzled with a special fruit and vegetable sauce
The beef noodle spot I’m introducing today, Huitianxiang Beef Noodles, has so many highlights—check out the first photo. Look at the size of those beef chunks—they’re huge!! The shop is committed to using no MSG—it’s all about doing business the honest way. The broth may not be as strongly flavored as some others out there, but it’s very healthy and won’t leave you thirsty after eating.
College students, take note: A 5-day travel experience in Chiba — tourism ambassador program open for applications
Attention college students: Here’s another chance to travel to Japan for free. Applications for the Chiba tourism group are now open. If you’re adventurous, love sharing your experiences, enjoy taking photos, and making friends, you could be selected as a tourism ambassador for Chiba Prefecture. You’ll get to be interviewed on radio programs and participate in various promotional events across Taiwan.
United Airlines and ANA offer 10% off business class tickets to San Francisco, saving up to NT$14,000
From now until July 10, 2015, United Airlines and ANA are announcing an early bird promotion for business class flights between Taipei and San Francisco. Passengers who book business class tickets for the Taipei–San Francisco route operated by United Airlines and ANA can enjoy a 10% discount on the ticket price, with weekday business class fares starting from a minimum of NT$84,000, and a maximum saving of NT$14,000.
Composer of "Matriarchal Society" AlicesVoice: Pursuing dreams is proof of living
AlicesVoice (real name Yan Xintong) is a singer-songwriter and the composer of "Matriarchal Society" (featured on the album Amit 2). Along her journey to chase her dreams, she faced many ups and downs. It wasn't until she met renowned producer Yu Yukang that she was discovered and restarted her path as a singer. As an artist who has not yet officially debuted, she admits: "People see me like a lunatic, chasing an impossible dream."
Scene from Spirited Away appears in Kyoto? Yubaba’s Bathhouse Transformed into a Popular Café
Taiwan’s popular trend of revitalizing old buildings has long been part of daily life in Kyoto. Every time I visit Kyoto, I make a point to seek out restaurants and hotels housed in historic architecture to soak in that traditional Japanese vibe. Only Kyoto can effortlessly preserve such a strong essence of traditional Japanese culture.
Keelung offshore squid fishing trip: 8-meter-long "wild whale shark" circles the boat for an hour
Passengers on a squid fishing boat off the coast of Keelung encountered a wild whale shark swimming right by their vessel. With Taiwan recently entering squid fishing season, a squid fishing boat set out to sea last night (23rd). The boat’s side lights attracted small fish, and as a massive whale shark swam by, it caused a stir among the passengers on board. Captain Yu said, “This is only the second time I’ve seen a whale shark in 20 years — it was truly exciting.”
The Fireworks Festival Draws to a Close; Penghu Continues with Light Shows and Beach Races
The Penghu Maritime Fireworks Festival came to a dazzling close today (25th). To maintain the tourism momentum, the Penghu National Scenic Area Administration will host the “Penghu Light & Fireworks Show” starting from Valentine’s Day on August 20th, followed by the “2015 Penghu Bay Beach Run” on September 12th.
Watch the stars and enjoy the night view at Alishan – Alishan Hotel offers limited-time summer vacation deals
Alishan is a high-altitude area and has long been a summer retreat. Nestled among towering trees, Alishan Hotel is located within the Forest Recreation Area, where guests can enjoy the nourishment of phytoncides and experience the wonders of sunrise, sea of clouds, and sunset glow. General Manager Zhang Jinrong of Alishan Hotel announced this year’s campaign: “Beat the Heat, Enjoy a Cool Summer – Feel Good on Your Vacation!” During the summer vacation period, Alishan Hotel is offering a limited-time three-day-two-night deal: buy one night, get one night free on room bookings.
Using phones on flights is now allowed ! From September, 6 national airlines relax 3C usage rules
Starting September, passengers on national airlines can use 3C devices ! The Civil Aeronautics Administration announced on the 23rd the "Regulations on the Types of Devices That May Interfere with Flight or Communications and Their Usage Restrictions," easing the rules for 3C device usage by passengers on national airlines.
Prevent your passport from being stolen: 6 tips from U.S. crime experts
According to a report by the UK’s Independent, nearly 20,000 British passports were lost in 2014. Although protecting your passport may not be the top concern for travelers, anyone who has lost one knows it can ruin your entire trip and waste a lot of time and money. James Friedman, a crime expert at the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs (FCO), has shared insights from years of observation on this issue to help avoid such inconveniences.
Rich sesame paste and refreshing cucumber slices—our guide to 14 must-visit cold noodle spots in Taipei
On hot summer days when you lose your appetite, a bowl of cold noodles topped with crisp cucumber slices, rich sesame paste, and tangy sauce is especially appetizing and cooling. With many cold noodle shops in Taipei and fierce competition, ETtoday EBC has compiled a list of 14 super-popular cold noodle spots in the city. If you’re a fan of cold noodles, come join the pilgrimage with us！