Travel
Asia’s first “LINE”-themed water party debuts at Hong Kong Ocean Park!
Hong Kong Ocean Park’s Summer Splash kicks off from July 1 to August 30, featuring “Top 10 Coolest Water Attractions,” including six rides from Asia’s first LINE-themed water party — “LINE Summer Frenzy.” James, making his Hong Kong debut, will meet fans alongside wildly popular LINE FRIENDS characters such as Brown, Cony, Sally, and Moon along with a limited-time LINE FRIENDS Pop-up Store.
Vancouver’s Boutique Coffee Hotspot – Must-Try Flavors Part 2
Located in the eastern part of Vancouver, this is another area home to many independent specialty coffee shops. Nearby, you’ll find the well-known roastery Elysian, Vancouver’s iconic Forty Ninth Parallel, the uniquely characterful Kafka's Coffee & Tea, the representative of Vancouver’s trendy coffee scene 33 Acres Brewing Company, and Aperture coffee bar—run by a photography enthusiast who serves beans from the American brand Intelligentsia.
Free entry for July 27 birthday celebrants！Nine Tribes “Cool Summer Festival” summer special price at 580 RMB
The 2015 Nine Tribes Cultural Village “Cool Summer Festival” offers discounted tickets priced at 580 RMB during the summer vacation period. In addition, to celebrate the 29th anniversary of Nine Tribes, birthday celebrants on July 27 can enter the park for free (advance reservation required), and on August 1, Indigenous Peoples’ Day, indigenous visitors enjoy a half-price discount of just 390 RMB.
Unlimited free vegetables with your meal—Korean BBQ from a Kaohsiung institution
Dadaye Korean BBQ, which had operated in Dingshan Night Market for over a decade, has relocated to a new store after the night market closed. On my last visit to eat at Niuxiao Di, I happened to explore the area nearby and discovered that Dadaye had moved to Jinshan Road. Remembering how many fellow food lovers missed this place, I decided to revisit and share my dining experience with everyone.
Taitung Hot Air Balloon Festival takes off! 16 colorful balloons soar over the valley
The Taitung Hot Air Balloon Festival officially launched on the morning of the 27th at the Luye Gaotai grasslands, attracting a crowd of visitors. During the opening ceremony’s “mass ascent,” a variety of multicolored balloons—including zebras, hearts, and a boy-shaped balloon—took to the sky one by one, with a total of 16 balloons dotting the blue skies and white clouds of Taitung. Taiwan’s famous illustrated character “Uncle Rice Grain” also officially became a resident of Taitung that morning. The storyline sets him as a Taitung-born character who went to Taipei to make his way in the world and returned triumphantly to his hometown today to register as a local. He will also serve as a tourism ambassador and spokesperson for Taitung in the future.
Yayoi Kusama: The Obsession with Dots of an Ultra-Visual Avant-Garde Artist
I’ve always been following the works of Japanese avant-garde art genius Yayoi Kusama at auction and art exhibitions. Her artworks possess a certain magic — they feel close yet distant, far yet near. The longer you look, the more you’re drawn in, wanting to see the details, and within those details are even more details. You just keep staring... and before you know it, you're sucked into a dreamlike painting. Though the techniques may seem repetitive, this is a form of compulsive behavior that forces her to repeat over and over, allowing her to find peace within these repeated actions.
Slow Travel in Penghu: Three Boutique Homestays for a Touch of Understated Luxury
Penghu is an island perfect for slow travel and has long been one of Taiwan’s top tourist destinations, with Magong being the most popular area. Here, you’ll find several boutique-style homestays where travelers can stay comfortably and enjoy their vacation to the fullest.
Taipei's Affordable Eats Spot: Must-Try High-Value Crispy Fried Pork Ribs!
I discovered this place after having Sanhe Rice Noodle Soup last time. The aroma of fried pork ribs made me think they must be delicious, so it wasn’t long before I came here, haha XD This spot is right next to Sanhe Rice Noodle Soup—actually, it’s next to the place next to it. There’s a newly opened Bafang Yijii potsticker shop between the two, so just look for Bafang Yijii and you’ll find it.
Visit France’s oldest church atop volcanic rock — but first, conquer 270 steps!
What’s your impression of churches? Exquisite architecture, solemn atmosphere? The Saint-Michel d’Aiguilhe chapel in Le Puy, central France, will also test your “leg power.” To reach this chapel, you’ll have to tackle around 270 steps because it sits atop a 24-story-high volcanic rock!
A Must-Ride on the Takachiho Sky Railroad in Miyazaki – A Romantic Mini-Trip to a Hidden Wonderland
Takachiho is a popular destination in Miyazaki Prefecture, Japan. The Takachiho Gorge is a nationally designated Place of Scenic Beauty, known for its hidden natural wonders. This area is also the setting of the Japanese myth “The Descent of the Heavenly Grandson,” and features numerous myth-related sites such as Kushifuru Peak, Takachiho Shrine, and Amanoiwato Shrine. In addition to these natural attractions and myths, the Takachiho Sky Railroad is also famous. Though the short 30-minute ride only covers a small part of the region, it offers breathtaking views of Takachiho’s beauty.
Garnished with a sweet-savory sauce for extra flavor—a Taiwanese feast of goose meat and goose blood cake
I’ve heard good things about Yixin Goose Meat. It used to be located next to Zhouji Meat Congee, but must have moved in the past few months to Lane 152 near Bangka Park. The old carrying pole from the original shop hasn’t been taken down, and after relocating, the place was renamed to Yixin Goose Meat. I dropped by while visiting Wanhua, both to try it out and to add another spot to my goose meat trail.
Stars of Bitan Music Concert – Enjoy the Summer Breeze & Light & Sound Symphony
The New Taipei City Government Tourism Bureau is hosting the “2015 Bitan Stars of Music Concert” on the evenings of June 27 and July 4 at 6:30 PM, under the Bitan Suspension Bridge in the Bitan Scenic Area. Centered around the vibrant bridge light art and enchanting melodies, the event invites you to enjoy the summer evening breeze while taking in the harmony of light and music.
Featured Local Favorites in Shanghai: Soup Dumplings, Vegetable Rice, Pan-Fried Buns
I believe many friends, just like me, enjoy observing local life while traveling—following the locals to find great food or experiencing life as the residents do. For Shanghainese, soup dumplings are a staple. In Shanghai, even just eating can take up a lot of your time. This time, Travel BAG is taking you to explore some snacks first. Remember: a long queue is a good sign of delicious food!
Explosion at Baixian Water Park: Tourism Bureau Bans Use of Colored Powder in Events!
In response to the explosion at the Color Play Asia color party at Baixian Water Park on June 27, the Tourism Bureau of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications stated that it has established an emergency response team to assist New Taipei City Government in rescuing the injured and investigating the incident. The Bureau will also coordinate with Baixian Park and insurance companies to process the maximum insurance compensation for the victims. Additionally, a notice has been issued to all operators banning the use of colored powder in events.
Top pick: Summer Starlight Tickets – Free entry to the Children’s New Park after 4 PM for kids!
The Taipei Children’s New Park announced that from July 1 to August 29 during the summer vacation, entry will be free for all visitors after 4 PM. During the summer period, operating hours will be extended daily until 8 PM, and until 9 PM every Saturday. Commemorative stamps will also be launched for visitors to collect.
No more packing woes when traveling abroad！The US launches "packing and shipping service"
Besides dealing with an extremely chatty seatmate on a flight, what’s the most frustrating thing about traveling? For many, the answer is “packing luggage”! Now, imagine going on a trip without having to pack a single item—because the era of packing services has arrived!
Gourmet steakhouse near Taipei 101!
Steak used to be a food I could hardly afford as a child—even eating at "My Steak" required saving up my allowance for a whole month. As an adult, I suddenly lost interest in it, or perhaps I should say I’m not that keen on affordable steaks... But that doesn’t mean expensive steaks are always better, just as cheap ones aren’t always worse.
Did Taiwan copy Hong Kong's original "watermelon toast"? Netizens: Canada had it first
Faced with the accusations, Li Wenfa, the owner of Jimi Bakery Handicraft Workshop, stated that he really doesn’t know who the original creator is, nor was he aware that Hong Kong also has square watermelon bread. However, some netizens posted videos showing that as early as two years ago, there were tutorials on making watermelon toast abroad.
A 70-Year-Old Japanese-Style House Transformed into a Backpackers' Inn – Female Owner: We’re Collecting Discarded Vibes
In a small alley in Hualien City Center stands a Japanese-style house over 70 years old. The owner, Ivy, said: “The exact age of this alleyway house is unknown. When we rented it, we only knew that the then 70-something landlord had grown up in this old house. We scheduled a five-minute viewing appointment to see the place, and from the front to the back, we decided to rent it on the spot.”
Do women traveling alone get harassed? Five myths about traveling in Italy
Italy is a dream destination for many, but its immense popularity has also led to numerous stereotypes and misconceptions. USAToday spoke with Elizabeth Minchilli, a Rome resident and author of Eating My Way Through Italy: Tasting the Eternal City, as well as Italian expert Kathy McCabe. The two discussed several “myths” about Italy