Travel
Kin no Taneko Opens on November 10th – Breeze Taipei Main Station Branch Opens First
In May, ETtoday EBC News reported that the popular Japanese queue-worthy restaurant Kin no Taneko was planning to enter the Taiwan market, with its first location expected to be at Mitsui’s first Taiwanese outlet — Linkou Outlet Park. However, the latest news is that in addition to the Linkou branch, Kin no Taneko will also open a store at Breeze Taipei Main Station, with an expected opening on November 20th. Meanwhile, the opening of the Mitsui Linkou Outlet Park branch has been postponed and may take place in December or January next year.
Follow the movie "Our Times" and eat your way through Hsinchu’s budget bites
One of the hottest topics lately has been the blockbuster movie "Our Times" (我的少女时代)! With much of the film shot in Hsinchu City — and over 70% of the scenes filmed at Hsinchu Commercial High School — the area has become a hotspot for fans wanting to relive the movie magic. The Hsinchu City Government’s Urban Marketing Office has capitalized on this by launching a “Our Times” food guide, where three female students from Hsinchu Commercial High School introduce the affordable eats loved by the movie’s heroine, Lin Zhenxin, and take everyone on a stroll around the school area to relive those youthful days.
Public Security Bureau of Mainland China announces: Card-type Taiwan Compatriot Permit to be fully launched on September 21
The card-type Taiwan Compatriot Permit will soon be fully launched, making travel to and from Mainland China even more convenient Up！ To enhance the convenience for Taiwanese people traveling to Mainland China, the Public Security Bureau of Mainland China issued an announcement on the 15th that applications for the card-type Taiwan Compatriot Permit will be accepted starting September 21. The previous paper version of the permit will cease issuance on the same day, but those still within their validity period can continue to be used and holders may also choose to apply for a replacement.
The taste of regret if you miss it out – 10 must-try local dishes in Singapore
Although I only spent five days in Singapore and didn’t get to try many dishes, I can still easily list the ten delicious items I think it would be a shame to miss. Here they are, my top 10 picks.
Have fun exploring these spots! Top 12 Mid-Autumn Festival hot destinations across Taiwan + transportation guide
The Mid-Autumn Festival is just around the corner. In addition to barbecuing under the stars and admiring the full moon at night, you can also plan some short getaways. The Directorate General of Highways, Ministry of Transportation and Communications, ROC, has released a list of the top 12 most popular Mid-Autumn Festival destinations across Taiwan. Those planning to travel can use this list as a reference and start planning ahead.
Travel abroad during the long holiday at weekday prices — super value for Mid-Autumn trips!
As the Mid-Autumn Festival approaches, Eastern Media Travel has partnered with airlines to release a limited number of flight seats, allowing office workers looking to travel during the long holiday to plan their Mid-Autumn getaway perfectly. Whether you're heading to Korea to admire the maple leaves and enjoy barbecued meat, catching the tail end of summer with a vacation in Boracay and BBQ meals, or traveling to Osaka to see the crimson foliage of the ancient Kansai cities and feed the friendly deer, there are all super special deals available!
Do hotels have hidden prices? Netizens share room booking tips
Why do hotel room prices vary throughout the year? Why does the phone say no rooms are available, but there are vacancies online? Many booking issues are truly puzzling. On the 12th, netizen Manuel posted an article titled “Hidden Hotel Prices & Room Availability Tips” on the PTT HOTEL board, sharing insights on four common questions. The post received widespread praise in the comments, with some industry insiders even chiming in to express agreement.
An entire wall of vegetables！A café-style, East District creative “vegetarian luwei” (braised delicacies)
Luwei is a beloved local Taiwanese dish, mostly served in traditional shops. Pingzi wants to introduce you to VEGE CREEK 蔬河, tucked away in the alleys of Yanji Street in Taipei’s East District. What makes this place stand out is its creativity. The shop is small and primarily serves vegetarian luwei. With an entire wall of vegetables, customers use a self-service basket to pick their favorite ingredients before checking out. Everyone then gathers around a large communal table to eat — it’s definitely a conversation starter.
Mei Fu Steakhouse Celebrates Its Third Anniversary with a 55-Ounce Tomahawk Steak Set Meal
To celebrate its third anniversary, Fresh&Aged Mei Fu Food Court Steakhouse is relaunching the “Giant & Mini Tomahawk Five-Person Evening Set Meal” from September 16 to October 31 on Monday to Friday evenings. Priced at NT$9,900 per set, diners can enjoy a massive 55-ounce giant tomahawk steak along with a slow-cooked, wine-flavored American mini tomahawk in one meal. Additionally, there’s an option for a single main course: either a chargrilled premium thick-cut American ribeye or pan-seared crispy cod with shrimp served with a green pea sauce.
Taiwan-South Korea air transport agreement amended: Taoyuan-Incheon flights up 64%, direct Kaohsiung-Gimpo flights launched
The Civil Aeronautics Administration (CAA) of the Ministry of Transportation announced on the 17th that it has signed the revised air transport agreement with South Korea’s representative in Taiwan, Mr. Cho Baesang from the Korean Mission in Taipei. The number of flights between Taoyuan and Incheon will significantly increase from 56 weekly to 92 weekly. In addition to the major boost in Taoyuan-Incheon flights, a new passenger route between Kaohsiung and Gimpo will also be established, making travel to South Korea more convenient for passengers from southern Taiwan Up！
Super romantic: 5 night view restaurants on Yangmingshan revealed
When it comes to great spots for night views in Taipei, Yangmingshan is definitely the top choice. The night scenery here is quite famous in Taipei City, just about a 30-minute drive from downtown. There are plenty of scenic and atmospheric restaurants with views. Want to enjoy the night view of Greater Taipei while indulging in delicious food? ETtoday Eastday Travel Cloud has selected the following 5 well-known view restaurants on Yangmingshan, recommended for those who love night views and are looking for a romantic spot.
It's been six years in the making — the Alishan Forest Railway is finally restored and aiming for full reopening on December 25!
The Alishan Forest Railway was severely damaged by Typhoon Morakot in 2009, with some sections so badly impaired that services had to be suspended. After more than six years of reconstruction and repair, an initial test run was successfully conducted on the 15th, smoothly traveling from Chiayi North Gate Station to Alishan Station. Huang Shu-fang of the Chiayi Forest District Office under the Forestry Bureau stated that the goal has been set to strive for the official full reopening by the end of the year on December 25!
Taipei Fullon Hotel Launches Guangdong Food Festival – Spend NT$1,000 to Join Hong Kong Airline Ticket Raffle
From September 18 to September 27, Taipei Fullon Hotel is collaborating with China’s Guangzhou Garden Hotel to host the “Fullon Guangdong Food Festival.” The event features guest chef Wensyien Wen from Guangzhou Garden Hotel, who will present a variety of à la carte classic Cantonese dishes (starting from NT$106 + 10%) at Pearl Court. These include a series of realistic-style dim sum such as lotus root pastry, pumpkin pastry, and teapot bun, as well as one of Guangdong’s classic dishes – Snow Mountain Flame Prawns. During the event, spend NT$1,000 at “Pearl Court” to receive one raffle ticket, or choose a set menu to get two raffle tickets, giving you a chance to win a round-trip economy class ticket for two between Taipei and Hong Kong on Cathay Pacific.
Tofu pudding, pork chop buns, and roast meat rice — the top three favorite Macanese dishes among Taiwanese travelers
A food search website, OpenRice Taiwan (開飯喇), surveyed Taiwanese people on their favorite Macanese dishes while traveling in Macau. The most recommended was Li Hong Kee’s tofu pudding, followed by the pork chop bun from Qingzhou Zaoji Ice Room, the roast meat rice from Fen Kee Roast Meat, the potstickers from Little Shanghai, and the egg sandwich from Nanping Yaxu. These five establishments share one thing in common — they are all long-standing shops tucked away in narrow alleys, yet even locals in Macau are willing to line up for them.
Netizen shares the most cost-effective all-you-can-eat tips: Go for the ice cream and cake.
How to eat your fill, eat smart, and eat well at an all-you-can-eat buffet is probably a fine art. A netizen named whitewater shared three personal insights on how to get the best value from the buffet at a certain bar on the PTT Gossiping board on the 16th, sparking heated discussion among other users. Comments included: "Are you a seafood expert?," "So impressive!! Professional recommendation~," and "Learned something new." The top commenter even dubbed him the "Seafood King."
Xitou HAO Travel offers limited-edition one-card passes & 25% discount on high-speed rail
Nantou County Government has launched a “Buy Ticket, Get Gift” campaign to encourage more people to take the Taiwan HAO Travel Xitou Line. Starting now, those who purchase the Xitou HAO Travel ticket, the Sun Moon Lake–Xitou HAO Travel ticket, or the high-speed rail Xitou Line travel pass will receive a limited-edition “Xitou Special Edition iPass Card” featuring the design of Xitou Monster Village. The gift is available while supplies last to customers who buy the specified travel packages.
A new dining option at Yilan Railway Station: The rich flavors of authentic Italian risotto
The location is right across from the train station in a building that had been vacant for quite some time. Not many people noticed, but now two shops have opened up in a row. We visited on a weeknight, and the place was almost fully booked—business is really good. Fortunately, we had made a reservation. Our group had people of all ages, and we were lucky to get a long table; otherwise, figuring out seating would’ve been tricky.
The Southern Branch of the National Palace Museum to Open in December: Jadeite Cabbage Heads South, Free Admission for All
The Southern Branch of the National Palace Museum in Chiayi announced on the 17th that it will officially open to the public on December 28. Not only will admission be free for all during the first three months of trial operation, but the museum’s star attraction, the “Jadeite Cabbage,” will also make its way south, going on display from December 29 until October of next year.
Step into history on Heritage Day together with us at Taipei’s ten historic sites and witness the city’s past.
The Taipei City Government’s Department of Cultural Affairs’ 2015 Heritage Day, in sync with the global celebration, kicks off on September 19. Many heritage sites will be specially open to the public on that day, offering guided tours and souvenirs. ETtoday EBC has compiled a list of ten classic heritage sites in Taipei, allowing everyone to appreciate the city’s scenic charm through this special event.
Open the window and see the Himalayas right in front of you—what an awe-inspiring moment in Darjeeling!
Although we only stayed two nights in Makaberry, I felt completely immersed in the simple life of this tea town. Even my friend, who didn’t usually drink tea, got into the habit. We were all a little reluctant to leave this charming little mountain town. Thinking about it, the emotions during travel are truly subtle—always caught between reluctance and anticipation.