Travel
Instant Guide: 5 Key Differences Between Paper and Chip-Based Taiwan Compatriot Permits
Starting July, mainland China has implemented a visa-free policy for Taiwan residents' Compatriot Permits and began issuing "chip-based Taiwan Compatriot Permits" (referred to as electronic Taiwan Compatriot Permits on the mainland) from the 6th. Leveraging the identification features of chip cards, this allows Taiwanese travelers to more conveniently purchase transportation tickets or check into accommodations when visiting the mainland in the future.
The Unique Charm of Tainan’s Old House Café – Enjoy a Leisurely Afternoon
Whether you’re walking down Tainan’s Zhengxing Street or studying at your computer... you’ll absolutely, definitely come across this “Zhengxing Café”... It wasn’t until this casual little interlude that it finally made its way into my story and I’m sharing it with all of you today！
Netizens vote for Taiwan’s top 10 art museums and galleries – Chi Mei Museum ranks 2nd
Taiwan has hundreds of museums and art galleries. On hot days, skipping the department stores and visiting a museum or gallery instead is also a great choice. Viewing exhibitions can cultivate both mind and spirit, refine your artistic taste, and naturally add a touch of elegance to your persona. DailyView Network Thermometer announced on July 4th the top 10 most recommended museums and galleries by netizens across Taiwan. This summer, why not plan to visit all ten of the top-ranked art museums and galleries?
Embrace the Mountains and Sea of Taroko in Summer — Enjoy Picnics and Kayaking in the Grand Canyon for Family Time
This summer, if you're looking for an escape from the heat, Eastern Taiwan (Hualien and Taitung) is a great choice. The Silks Place Taroko is nestled within a forested mountain landscape in Taroko, surrounded by soaring trees and perched beside a dramatic canyon cliff — a place where the spirit of nature thrives. Exploring the mountains isn't just an adventure for adults; you can also bring your little ones along for a forest picnic and enjoy family-friendly activities. No need to go abroad — you can experience relaxing holiday pleasures right here in Taroko.
Air Busan Early Bird Offer: Round-Trip Flights to Fukuoka from Just NT$2,599 This Autumn Foliage Season
Air Busan announced that from July 8 to July 27, it is offering early bird discounted airfares for flights from Taipei and Kaohsiung to Fukuoka. The round-trip fare starts at NT$2,599 from Taipei and NT$3,599 from Kaohsiung. (Prices are exclusive of tax.)
Vietnam’s “Oriental Hawaii” Goes Viral: 5 Must-Visit Attractions in Da Nang
Located in central Vietnam along the South China Sea coast, Da Nang—the country’s fourth-largest city—boasts 30 kilometers of pristine white beaches, crystal-clear blue waters, and unpolluted shorelines, earning it the nickname “Oriental Hawaii.” Beyond enjoying the relaxing island vacation vibe amid stunning seascapes, Da Nang offers numerous attractions to keep you entertained from morning to night, ensuring there’s never a dull moment.
Purple Crow Butterfly Season is Here!
Purple Crow Butterfly Season is Here! The Siraya National Scenic Area Administration has launched 14 “Butterfly Playground” events every weekend starting July 11 at Hongye Park in Guanziling, offering free participation in butterfly ecology tours, butterfly tagging explanations, eco-challenge games, and butterfly-stacking activities. In addition to enjoying hot springs and local cuisine in Guanziling, visitors are also welcome to come to the “Butterfly Playground” and witness the wonders of Taiwan, the Kingdom of Butterflies.
All eyes on it: Taipei Marriott Hotel’s trial opening delayed to early August
The “Marriott Hotels” brand under Marriott International has drawn much attention since announcing its entry into Taiwan. Originally slated for a trial opening in mid-July, Taipei Marriott Hotel announced today (8th) that the trial will now begin in early August, with the official opening scheduled for the end of this year or early next year.
Typhoon Chan-hom disrupts plans as Peach Aviation cancels July 9–10 Okinawa flights
Peach Aviation announced that due to the impact of Typhoon Chan-hom, multiple flights to and from Okinawa and Ishigaki have been canceled. In addition to domestic Japanese routes, flights MM0922 from Taipei to Okinawa on July 9, as well as MM0921 from Okinawa to Taipei and MM0922 from Taipei to Okinawa on July 10, have also been canceled.
Beware of Typhoon Chan-Hom ! Latest updates on affected flights and events across Taiwan
The Central Weather Bureau is expected to issue a sea typhoon warning for Chan-Hom on Thursday (July 9) morning. Heavy rain is highly possible. Updates on the cancellation, postponement of some events and suspension of public transport across Taiwan are summarized as follows:
Haneda Airport introduces "automatic baggage check-in machines" — just three steps in 60 seconds
All Nippon Airways (ANA) has introduced an automatic baggage check-in system at Terminal 2 of Haneda Airport’s domestic flights starting today, allowing passengers to save time queuing, but the service is currently only available for domestic flights.
American Steak Guru Returns to Shihwa, Unveiling a Feast of Dry-Aged American Steaks
Taipei Shihwa Hotel is celebrating its 25th anniversary and has specially invited Hans Aeschbacher, known as the "Godfather of American Steaks," to make a guest appearance at the Italian restaurant TOSCANA. He presents the “Feast of Dry-Aged American Steaks.” In addition to top-grade American ribeye steaks, Aeschbacher has also brought many local Chicago specialties from the Windy City, including beef marrow, which is rarely seen in Taiwan. Pairing it with the ribeye enhances the flavor of the beef.
Top entertainment hosts' recommendations: The must-eat lazy guide to Fengjia Night Market!
The long-awaited summer vacation is finally here Up!!! I believe the stalls at night markets across Taiwan have also kicked off their golden battle season, regardless of weekdays or weekends!!! To celebrate the start of summer vacation~ our entertainment host made a special trip to Fengjia Night Market in Taichung, the busiest one, a few months ago and captured all the hottest foods. We've waited all the way until the start of the vacation to share all these delicious treats with you in one go Up！！！
MERS outbreak easing – South Korea’s travel alert downgraded to “gray”
As the outbreak of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (MERS) in South Korea has shown signs of easing, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs yesterday (Aug. 8) downgraded the travel alert level from “yellow” to “gray,” while reminding travelers to remain vigilant about personal hygiene, respiratory protection, and handwashing.
Renovation in August Crystal Plaza Hotel not selling Ballroom dining vouchers at Food Expo
The Taiwan International Food Expo is set to take place from July 17 to 20 at Taipei World Trade Center Hall 1. Crystal Plaza Hotel’s Sanfan Benjia restaurant, as well as off-site venues such as National Palace Museum Crystal, Sanfan Miramar, and Thai Market, will all offer discounted dining vouchers for sale on site. However, the highly sought-after Ballroom dining vouchers — which have caused rushes during past travel and food expos — will not be available this time, as the venue is undergoing renovation in August. To protect customer interests, the hotel has decided not to sell Ballroom vouchers at this year’s Food Expo.
80-year-old house turned into a backpacker inn – Yuli Backpackers Inn was also a filming location for "Eternal Summer"
“Our Old House” is an 80-year-old building located near Yuli Railway Station in Hualien. It offers both food and accommodation, operating as both a café and a backpacker inn. It was also featured as the home of Kang Zhengxing, played by actor Kai Ko, in the movie “Eternal Summer.” Shen Jiaming, who wears many hats including that of an innkeeper, runs this place with a strong sense of purpose.
Star Wars Battle Begins！2015 Aomori Rice Paddy Art in Japan Debuts
The Pingtung rice paddy art event concluded last month, where many visitors came in person to admire the artworks created on “entire fields of rice paddies.” This nature- and ecology-based activity not only generated tourism revenue but also saw the harvested rice sold for charitable purposes. For those who couldn’t get enough, you might want to check out Japan’s Aomori Tanbo Art Museum—also famed for its rice paddy art—featuring original artworks as well as familiar characters, with this year’s theme being “Star Wars.”
Vanilla Air Taipei–Tokyo special fare 1,588 TWD, on sale July 10
Vanilla Air announced that at 17:00 on July 10, it will launch a promotional campaign on its official website, offering flights from Kaohsiung to Tokyo for 1,288 TWD and from Taipei starting at 1,588 TWD. (All prices are one-way, untaxed.)
A joint effort of humans and nature makes it even more beautiful — the terraced fields at Jian Shan Lake in Shimen District!
The terraced fields at Jian Shan Lake in Shimen District were built using volcanic rocks from Yangmingshan and have a history of over a hundred years. After lying fallow for many years, these terraces have been revitalized with the help of the government, in collaboration with local farmers passionate about agriculture, who planted cosmos flowers to showcase an alternative rural landscape.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood to be completed in 2016 with upgraded rides
Universal Studios Hollywood has announced that the "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter" project is entering the final countdown to its opening, which will take place in spring 2016. The highlight will be an upgraded version of the "Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey™" 3D roller coaster, serving as the iconic attraction. With hyper-realistic movie scenes presented in 3D high definition, visitors will revisit classic locations from the magical world alongside Harry Potter, soaring above Hogwarts™ Castle and even taking part in a Quidditch match.