Travel
It’s like having dinner at a master chef’s home—Taipei’s private kitchen restaurant’s “Crispy-Scaled Horseshead Fish”
When we walked in, I thought I had the wrong address—it looked like a private residence, even cozier than most friends’ homes. The dining area is actually on the mezzanine floor. The ambiance is simple yet comfortable. As we wandered around, we spotted three “local cats” on the floor. Since my friends were repeat visitors, they had even brought along a short-legged Munchkin cat for company. Everyone seemed to get along famously.
A New Eye-Catching Landmark in Pingtung: The “Mountain and River Glass Bridge” to Open on 12/19
The “Mountain and River Glass Bridge,” connecting Sandimen Township and Majia Township in Pingtung, is expected to open on 12/19. In the future, it will become a key route and new landmark linking various attractions in northern Pingtung, showcasing the most beautiful skyline amidst the region’s mountains and forests. Pingtung Bus will also launch a shuttle service between the Sandi Cultural Park and the Sandimen Township Office for public use.
New Ways to Enjoy Yilan Farms & Wineries – Earn Points with Dianyi Ponta for Travel Rewards
Haven’t used up your annual leave yet? Dubbed Taipei’s backyard garden, Yilan is a great weekend getaway—just over an hour’s drive from Taipei. Compared to overseas trips, visiting Yilan is much more budget-friendly, and with Dianyi Ponta’s point accumulation program, you can earn points while you play. Whether you visit farms, experience rural life, or tour wineries, pick fruit, and DIY wine-making, it’s a fun and enriching experience.
New photo spot in New Taipei City！The "Beauty of Yingge" Makes Its Debut
A new photo hotspot in Yingge has emerged！The large-scale public art installation “Beauty of Yingge,” created through a collaborative effort by hundreds of participants, is now on permanent display at the Wenhua Road exit of Yingge Railway Station. Produced by the Taiwanese animation and cultural creative brand Nine-Tailed Cat’s Den (九藏喵窝), the artwork “Beauty of Yingge” features iconic local landmarks in Yingge as its backdrop, depicting scenes such as pottery throwing, culinary delights, leisurely strolling, and admiring ceramics.
Go treasure hunting on the creative culture alleyway – a light one-day cycling trip to Tukuli in Taichung
Compared to the bustling Art Lane, the quieter Tukuli area is just separated by a single Meicun Road. The Tukuli district spans east of Zhongming South Road, west of Meicun Road, and south of Cunchong Street. Historically, it was home to U.S. military personnel, and you’ll find Western-style houses blended with Taiwanese and Japanese architectural influences throughout. Wucheng West 6th Street mostly features two-story semi-detached villas, with lush little gardens hidden behind their walls. The Cunchong Street area exudes a strong Japanese vibe, while the detached homes on Wucheng West 5th Street, Lane 88 showcase small Taiwanese-style brick walls and vintage window grilles, reflecting Taiwan’s historical character and everyday life.
Kobe’s Western-style Pastry War Zone: A “Crispy Cake Tower” Layered with Fresh Fruits
ARROW TREE’s flagship store is located in a prime pastry battleground—not on the glamorous streets of Kobe, but in Nishinomiya Station, about five or six stops away from Kobe.
Over 10 ticket gates!? Tokyo Station is a massive trap
Train stations in Tokyo, especially major terminals like this one, are nothing but giant anxiety-inducing, confusing, lateness-causing traps. It's incredibly hard for first-timers to escape this setup. Take, for example, Shibuya Station, Shinjuku Station, Ikebukuro Station, and Tokyo Station—all with multiple intersecting lines. Even for locals, these stations are a challenge, and almost no one has a perfect grasp of them.
The entire store is surrounded by adorable hopping horses — the Caffe Rody that has both adults and kids screaming with delight
The super-cute hopping horse-themed restaurant Caffe Rody is set to officially open on November 20. Even before stepping inside, many are drawn in by the restaurant’s appearance, especially the four Rody-shaped rocking horses by the entrance. Not only do kids rush to sit on them upon seeing them, but many young girls can’t resist giving them a try too. Once inside, your eyes will be met with countless Rody figures of all sizes, and there’s even a Rody carousel on the ceiling.
Paris terrorist attacks! Lion Travel: Only actual incurred costs will be charged
Regarding the shootings and explosions that occurred in multiple locations in downtown Paris, France, late on the night of November 13, the latest statistics from the Ministry of Transportation's Tourism Bureau show that there are still 6 tour groups comprising 168 Taiwanese travelers in France. Lion Travel has issued a statement announcing that for trips departing before November 30 to France, they will follow the guidelines issued by the tourism authority (the Tourism Bureau) and handle the situation in accordance with Article 28 of the travel contract. Travelers wishing to cancel their trips will only be charged for the actual costs that have been incurred. Lion Travel will also actively negotiate with hotels, airlines, and other service providers to minimize losses for consumers.
Besides desserts, the must-try LADY M classic original cheesecake in Hong Kong
Since its arrival in Hong Kong’s Harbour City in July 2015, the internationally renowned New York-based cake shop Lady M has remained hugely popular. By noon every day, long queues form outside. The brand's signature cheesecakes are made with over 20 layers of delicate pastry, offering a smooth texture and sweet flavor. It was once ranked among America’s top ten cakes by U.S. magazine BON APPÉTIT.
Late-night bars in Taipei: A rotation of 20 craft beers
I’ve never been much of a beer fan. If you’d asked me what I usually drink with my meals, wine would have been my standard answer. But that all changed in the spring of 2014 during a business trip to the Czech Republic, where the theme of my interviews was beer. Day and night, I sipped on aromatic brews and have since been immersed in a sea of beer foam.
Kaohsiung’s super-popular late-night snack spot: A seafood restaurant specializing in homemade “oyster” dishes
When it comes to grilled oysters in Kaohsiung, Xiong Chumo Rock-Grilled Oysters can’t be missed. It has been doing quite well lately, with many branches now open. Even Travel King and ETToday News have featured it.
Authentic Indian cuisine in Singapore: food wrapped in banana leaves and eaten with hands
This is a highly popular restaurant. Just ask any local in Little India, and almost everyone knows about it. So if you want to enjoy the most authentic Indian food, this is definitely the place to go. The restaurant is bustling with people almost all the time, making it hard to tell whether it’s actually mealtime.
A Romantic Encounter in the Dunhuang Desert: Camel Rides and Ancient Ruins for Wedding Photos
When it comes to “Dunhuang,” many people’s first thoughts are likely the jagged caves nestled between mountain cliffs, housing solemn yet whimsical statues of flying apsaras and bodhisattvas; or the echoes of camel bells along the Silk Road, and the surreal sight of desert and springs coexisting amid swirling sands. China has no shortage of ancient cities steeped in history, but few places match Dunhuang in blending sacred religious ambiance with the vibrant, worldly atmosphere of bustling trade.
Let’s pray for Paris together！Taipei 101 to light up in red, white and blue tonight
A terrorist attack occurred in Paris, France, causing multiple casualties. People from all walks of life have expressed their condolences. Taipei 101 will also light up its exterior curtain wall lights tonight (November 14) in the red, white and blue colors representing the French flag to mourn the victims of the Paris terrorist attack and send prayers for the injured.
Craftsmanship from Hokkaido, Japan – A dreamy flavor where yuzu meets curry
Rice House Kokeshi is a Japanese-style family eatery tucked away in the alleyways of Dihua Street. The owner is from Hokkaido, Japan, so naturally, you’ll find the most authentic Japanese cuisine here. Back in March this year, when I dined here with Meiji, the curry fried rice really won over Old K, and the grilled scallops and salmon N also left a lasting impression on Meiji.
Selected as one of CNN’s 31 most beautiful gardens in Japan – featuring a rare “Cat Shrine” that doubles as a clock
A trip to Kagoshima would not be complete without visiting the “Sengan-en,” a key historical site. Once the private villa of the Shimazu clan, the lords of Satsuma, Sengan-en boasts one of Japan’s most beautiful gardens, ranked among the top 30 by CNN, as well as a rare “Cat Shrine” in Japan—making it a must-visit spot for cat lovers.
Did the Along the River During the Qingming Festival come to life? Come and interact with this national treasure!
The Along the River During the Qingming Festival has come to life！ The National Palace Museum and Taiwan Power Company have collaborated to launch the “Palace Museum Treasures Go Electric” digital traveling exhibition, running from now until February 14, 2016. Taipower stated that the exhibition features the largest “moving” version of the “Along the River During the Qingming Festival” in the country—measuring 13 meters long and about 4 meters high—where visitors can closely admire the scenery along the Bian River and the daily life of the people. There are also interactive national treasures and DIY activities.
Pingsi Mini Trip: 3 Must-Visit Spots – Experience Tea Picking Like a Local & Taste Goat Milk Treats on the Old Street
Pingsi is just about a 30-minute drive from the Greater Taipei metropolitan area, making it an easily accessible destination for Taipei residents. In Pingsi, you can surprisingly spot tadpoles and emerald tree frogs at Lüguang Organic Farm, enjoy local ingredient-based snacks for lunch prepared by Mom Zhong, visit the Pingsi Tea Industry Museum in the afternoon for a sip of sweet-aftertaste tea, and try woodworking crafts in the evening at Leju House. Why not take a two-day weekend trip to Pingsi and enjoy the leisurely fun of a one-day excursion?
You can't escape if you're a matcha lover – 6 popular matcha dessert shops in Taipei
Enjoying an afternoon tea during your leisure time is a great way to unwind from daily stress. But when you think of afternoon tea, what comes to mind? Besides common options like pancakes and paninis, Japanese-style matcha treats are also a favorite choice for many. For all you matcha fans out there, ETtoday ETToday Travel Cloud has handpicked 6 popular matcha cafes in Taipei, allowing you to savor life amidst the rich flavors of authentic matcha.