Travel
CNN selects 17 of the world’s coolest bookstores; Eslite makes the list
Cable News Network (CNN) has chosen 17 of the “world’s coolest bookstores,” with Eslite Dunhua Store making the cut. In the article, CNN notes that while the progress of the times has led to the decline of bookstores, some have creatively adapted their business models, transforming bookstores into “bookstore salons” that sell a sense of literature and art.
Mid-Autumn Festival is all about barbecue — what else would you do?
Mid-Autumn Festival is all about barbecue — what else would you do? This year (2015), Grand Hotel Taipei will hold a “Moonlight Picnic Party” on September 25 in the Garden Plaza. The event will feature indigenous-style song and dance performances, a whole roast pig as the centerpiece, along with juicy ribeye steaks, delicious salt-grilled oysters, and a variety of other grilled specialties and seafood. Over a hundred dishes will be served. The price for the Mid-Autumn “Moonlight Picnic Party” at Grand Hotel Taipei is NT$1,680 per person plus 10% service charge.
It's so beautiful it looks like a tourist attraction itself—the Beiche Backpackers Inn, whose owner is also a backpacker.
“Red Rice International Youth Hostel” is located near Taipei Railway Station, situated at a midpoint in the transportation and metro network, making it highly accessible. It lies within the Taipei Main Station commercial area and is also adjacent to Ningxia Night Market. Nearby, you'll find the historic Dadaocheng area. Guests can experience both the modernity and fashion of new Taipei as well as the history and stories of old Taipei.
"Taiwan Travelers Now Visa-Free in 6 More Countries, Total Reaches 148"
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on the 10th that the number of countries and regions offering visa-free (or visa-on-arrival) and other visa facilitation arrangements to Taiwanese travelers holding Republic of China passports has increased by six, namely India, Iran, Armenia, Qatar, Côte d'Ivoire, and Somaliland. This brings the total number of visa-free destinations for Taiwan to 148, up from the previous 142.
Don’t try this if you can’t handle spicy food—the Devil’s Punishment Burger that bites back with a scorching kick to the head!
Lü Baolin, who has loved American food since childhood and is a die-hard fan of TGI Fridays, had always dreamed of opening an American-style restaurant—even though his career was in lab-related construction equipment, not the food industry. That dream came true this year (2015)! DemonL.L American Restaurant opened in June, and its signature dish is the Devil’s Punishment Burger—a bite of which will set your head on fire. Those who aren’t used to spicy food should steer clear.
New Attraction at Pingtung Victory Cultural and Creative Park: 3D Mural “Ah Gou Treasure” Debuts
A new 3D mural titled “Ah Gou Treasure” has recently appeared next to the well-known “General’s House” attraction in Pingtung Victory Cultural and Creative Park, attracting much discussion and admiration from visitors. The artwork, inspired by local stories of the park, has become a fresh highlight in the area.
The most heartwarming disaster victim: the "Leaning Mailbox" — Watch it live on 《ETtoday》
Typhoon Soudelor ravaged Taiwan over the weekend, causing considerable damage across the island and unexpectedly creating a new tourist attraction at the intersection of Longjiang Road in Taipei — the "Leaning Mailbox," which has drawn crowds eager to visit. 《ETtoday Eastern News Network》 has launched a special live stream to bring you the latest footage, so you can admire the adorable leaning mailbox even if you can't be there in person.
Beat the Heat & Stay Full – Kagi’s 50-Year-Old Shop Serves Chilled "Rouyuan" Dumplings
On a scorching summer day when the heat kills your appetite, what can you eat to feel both refreshed and full? This time, we’re taking you to Kagi to try a local specialty you can only get here. "Nanmen Chilled Rouyuan" in Kagi has nearly 60 years of history. Their chilled rouyuan are not just refrigerated dumplings – their uniquely chewy outer skin, paired with mayonnaise and a special sauce, offers a cool, bouncy texture that’s refreshing and delicious. Let’s dive into what makes "Nanmen Chilled Rouyuan" a must-try Kagi exclusive right now.
Shilin Official Residence closes for 7 days as all trees fell due to the typhoon – Taiwan-wide attraction closures due to storm damage
The following venues remain closed or suspended on the 10th due to Typhoon Soudelor:
Bursting with refreshing aroma—the famous Yuzu-flavored Afuri Ramen in Tokyo
The rich broth of Japanese ramen has always been something I, Xiaosheng, longed to try, but a yuzu-infused broth was something I had never experienced before. The ramen map introduced this time will definitely overturn your imagination.
The "decompression queuing method" sparks conflict; ramen shop pleads: don’t line up until everyone arrives
The fourth branch of Eagle Stream Ramen, Eagle Stream Tokyo Tonkotsu [GOKUJOH], has been attracting queues daily since its opening due to limited seating of fewer than 10 spots. On the evening of the 9th, two customers at the front allowed four friends who arrived later to cut in line, leading to a dispute with those waiting behind. The shop posted on Facebook on the 10th, urging patrons to “absolutely not cut in line” and to “avoid queuing until everyone in your group has arrived.”
The 4 Major Film Locations from "Run for Love" and Homestay Cottages Become Tourist Attractions
The four major film locations of "Run for Love!" were primarily shot in Penghu, where a "Penghu Bay Homestay Cottage" was also built as the main set during filming. The movie scenes include: Double-Heart Stone Weir, Zhuvan Shipyard, Erjia Ancient Houses, and Lindou Beach. One of the scenes, the Penghu Bay Homestay Cottage, was specially constructed for the film and will also become a tourist attraction after shooting wrapped.
A refined French restaurant in Taichung serves up seasonal lobster dishes
Valentine’s Day and birthdays are always times when I start stressing over what to eat—days when I’m more than happy to splurge. But this time wasn’t for Valentine’s or a birthday; I just saw the new “Your Lobster, Your Way” promotion at Le Mois and thought it sounded like a great deal. So, I came here for lunch during my free time. I actually had my first French meal here at Le Mois.
The leaning mailbox removed from its creative space—has the artwork turned into two damaged mailboxes?
In Taiwan these days, the hottest mailboxes are undoubtedly the “leaning mailboxes” indirectly caused by Typhoon Soudelor. Setting aside comments like “If you have time to queue up, why not help with disaster relief?” or “Taiwanese people are really bored,” I personally think it’s a good thing that the leaning mailboxes have been ordered to be preserved.
A 32-Year-Old Green Leaf Hotel Gets a Makeover: A Metal Industrial-Style Youth Hostel
The "Huilanwo International Youth Hostel" is located right across from Hualien Railway Station, with its striking all-green exterior making it highly visible. The property was formerly the "Green Leaf Hotel," a roughly 32-year-old lodging establishment. Owner Ye Jiwei said, “Transforming it into a youth hostel isn't about competing in decor and facilities—facilities are something new hotels can always outdo each other on, and that comparison never ends. What we offer here is the chance for travelers from all over to create wonderful memories during their journeys because of Huilanwo.”
No malfunction during typhoon but still declared Mayday for landing — Civil Aviation Authority: EVA Air indeed needs to review its actions
On August 8, EVA Air Flight BR189 from Tokyo to Taipei Songshan was unable to land smoothly due to weather conditions: although air traffic control instructed the flight to divert to Kaohsiung, BR189 circled in the air and issued a “Mayday” distress signal, which led to its prioritized landing at the nearby Taoyuan Airport, prompting many members of the public to question the procedures involved. The Ministry of Transportation and Communications’ Civil Aviation Authority also believes that EVA Air’s approach indeed warrants a review.
Okayama Prefecture in Japan holds a photography contest; winners to be announced on August 15
To promote local tourism and attract more Taiwanese visitors, Okayama Prefecture in Japan has specially organized a photography competition, inviting 10 talented photographers from Taiwan to plan itineraries, travel to Okayama, and capture photos. After evaluation, the top three winners whose works best showcase the charm of Okayama Prefecture will be announced on August 15. The governor of Okayama Prefecture, Takata Hirotaka, will personally come to Taiwan to present the awards at the event.
Youth Publish Magazine to Promote Tainan’s Culture – Tainan’s "ArtZine" Introduces Urban and Rural Arts and Culture
They aim to consolidate and share Tainan’s arts and culture energy, making it visible to more people who love their hometown. Many tourists visit Tainan wanting to take part in local cultural activities but struggle to find relevant information. A group of local youths has decided to launch an integrated art publication called ArtZine, combining local arts events with independent reporting perspectives, hoping to share more of the city’s beauty and let more people know about it.
Tiancheng World Trade Convention Center launches daily group dining promotions – Buy one table, get one free
Tiancheng Hotel TICC World Trade Convention Center is offering the “Daily Group Dining Promotion – Buy One Table, Get One Free” from now until September 15, 2015. This promotion applies every day, weekdays and weekends alike. As long as you book a table at a price of NT$8,000 to NT$12,000+10% per table, you can enjoy the offer of buy one table, get one free.
Freshly slaughtered daily — a 30-year-old roast duck shop in Kaohsiung offers a two-way feast of happiness
Hu Li believes that roast duck is a luxurious addition to a dinner menu, especially when served as a "two-way" dish. It was only during the Kaohsiung Beer Festival’s drinking snack event that she discovered “Yao Ge Roast Duck,” a 30-year-old shop at Wumiao Market. The roast duck here is tender and not inferior to any famous old shop. The roasting process renders out excess fat, leaving the skin crispy and bursting with savory aroma, while the meat remains juicy and never tough~