Travel
Railway hotels to open at 8 train stations in 2017
Taiwan Railways Administration (TRA) is set to launch railway hotels as early as 2017, selecting 8 stations from the island's 225 train stations to be redesigned as railway hotels. The 8 locations nationwide are: Keelung, Qidu, Xinyi, Yuanlin, Pingtung, Chaozhou, Xincheng, and Yuli. The goal is to make it easier for passengers to handle luggage, stay overnight, and access essential daily amenities.
Taiwanese-Italian bistro in Tainan！Specializes in crispy “Roman pizza”
Every time I step through the door, my eyes are always drawn first to the counter. Mimi loves the nostalgic vibe exuded by the red brick wall and wooden beams, paired with Italian country-style decor. The space isn’t over-the-top—just cozy and comfortable.
Don’t let KITTY have all the spotlight — the super-cute Pompompurin-themed café is also making its debut
Pompompurin, which won first place in Japan’s 2015 Sanrio Character Ranking, is currently extremely popular. In just one year, three themed POMPOMPURIN Cafes (in Tokyo, Osaka, and Yokohama) have opened in Japan. Although Pompompurin was created back in 1996 and has appeared on many stationery items, amassing a large fan base, the fact that three themed cafés were launched in Japan within a single year speaks volumes about its immense popularity. Now, in addition to Japan, Taiwan is also getting its very first Pompompurin Café, set to open on the 5th floor of ATT 4 FUN in Taipei’s Xinyi District.
The world’s largest English letter lettering spot in the world — Bangkok’s new landmark “G-Tower” to be completed in 2016
After years of construction, Bangkok’s new landmark “G Tower” is finally set to be completed and open in 2016. Business office spaces are now being recruited, and it is expected that visitors to Bangkok next year will be able to see this massive G-shaped structure, the largest of its kind on Earth.
Check in at Hotel Gracery Shinjuku and Experience a Godzilla Tour
Where do you usually stay when traveling to Tokyo? If you’re coming for a short trip, especially now that the yen is relatively low and you want to go shopping for Japanese goods, I’d highly recommend staying at a hotel in the Shinjuku or Shibuya area. Being close to a subway exit is something I particularly look for when choosing a hotel. (You won’t have to carry all your shopping too far!)
Why arrive at the airport three hours early? Little-known tips to make your boarding smoother
It’s always puzzling why you need to arrive at the airport three hours early for a long-haul flight. Why does the check-in process take so much time? Of course, safety is the main concern, but passengers can follow some tips—summarized in an infographic by the UK’s Daily Mail—to make boarding go more smoothly. Here’s a bullet-point summary:
Can’t get enough lobster? Junpin Hotel goes further with unlimited king crab!
Junpin Hotel’s popular weekly food event “Lobster Twelve Banquet” on Tuesdays and Thursdays is now upgraded at no extra cost—and is indefinitely enhanced with the “Lobster & King Crab Twelve Banquet” all-you-can-eat experience. For the same time slots, the price is 1980 TWD + 10% per person, featuring 12 different cooking styles of Canadian lobster and premium wild king crab, plus access to over 50 diverse self-service dishes at the Yunxuan Western Restaurant buffet.
Largest in the Northeast China Region ! Xiaoyan Well Galaxy Farm’s Dreamy Cosmic Tunnel with 1.24 Million Lights
The “Galaxy Farm Night” at Xiaoyan Well Farm, created with a variety of lantern themes, officially launched at Xiaoyan Well Farm in Japan from November 21 to January 3, 2016. To mark the 124th anniversary of Xiaoyan Well Farm's founding this year, a total of 1.24 million colored bulbs were installed, along with the design of three new lighting installations. The brilliant and colorful lanterns have transformed Xiaoyan Well Farm into a sparkling galaxy farm.
Day 1 Challenge Begins N< Gyukatsu Motomura Launches New Menu Item – Gyukatsu Ebi N<
Riding on the wave of immense popularity in Japan, KANEKO HANNOSUKE has made a strong impact since entering Taiwan. Not to be outdone, Gyukatsu Motomura—another Japanese tonkatsu specialty shop from Japan—steps up with a new menu item: Gyukatsu Ebi N<. This dish features four golden-fried shrimp coated in a rich, eggy batter, priced at NT$159.
Would you have the heart to eat them? 8 must-visit cupcake shops that are super cute and popular
Cupcakes are small and adorable, making them one of the top choices for many when it comes to desserts. Especially when cupcakes come in cute designs, it’s even harder to take a bite. 《ETtoday Eastday Travel Cloud》 has selected 8 dessert shops that serve these super cute cupcakes — they’re as healing as they get.
【Editorial】Japan’s Tohoku Play Day in Taiwan – Free Entry & Chance to Win Travel Tickets
Carrying forward the spirit of last year’s “Thank You Festival of Japan’s Tohoku Six Prefectures,” the six prefectures of Japan’s Tohoku region will hold the “Japan Tohoku Play Day” from December 4th to 6th at Huashan 1914 Creative Park. With even more enthusiasm and exciting content, they look forward to sharing the fun with people in Taiwan. In addition to expressing gratitude to the Taiwanese public, the event also aims to promote the tourism appeal of Japan’s Tohoku region.
New Japan Routes Launched: Jetstar Sees High Potential in Nagoya, Osaka Most Popular
Jetstar Japan will launch flights to Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya starting November 27. In addition to offering a "buy one-way, get return free" promotion for the inaugural flights, the airline also introduced a limited-time sale today (December 1) with one-way fares starting from just NT$1,999 (including taxes and fees). According to Jetstar, among the three new routes, Osaka has been the most popular so far.
Another rooftop night market joins the scene – HowToTrip’s quick guide to Kaohsiung’s Jian-Gong Night Market
The Jian-Gong Night Market, which grandly opened on November 20th, has attracted widespread attention. Hu Li also went on a pilgrimage to check out what delicious foods it has to offer XD. Who would’ve thought that our favorite Lao Jiang Black Tea with Milk also has a stall here? Even though it only sells drinks, it was still satisfying~ While exploring the night market, we also found some great food stalls—and you actually have to line up to get them all. This time, we’re introducing a few options for everyone’s reference. If any of them match your taste, be sure to add them to your must-try list ^^
Explore Zhanghua with Ease: A Lazy Guide to Attractions Near the New HSR Station
The high-speed rail Zhanghua Station opened on December 1st. Not sure where to go? ETtoday Eastday Travel Cloud has compiled a list of tourist spots around the station—perfect for planning your next nature getaway.
Welcome the first rays of dawn at high altitude! China Airlines' Dawn Flight to Hong Kong & Macau goes on sale Dec 3
As 2015 draws to a close, are you ready to ring in 2016? China Airlines Group is launching the “Happy Dawn Flight,” which will take passengers to greet Taiwan’s first light of the New Year from high above. According to China Airlines, the Dawn Flight will be operated using a Boeing 737-800 aircraft, with a limited number of 158 seats available for sale. Tickets go on sale promptly at 8 AM on December 3rd.
Ready for a challenge? Taiwan's largest cornfield maze in Yizhu has arrived
Can you make it out? Located in Yizhu Township, Chiayi County, this 12-hectare golden cornfield maze—the largest in Taiwan—opened on the 2nd to hundreds of elementary and middle school teachers and students for a trial run. The students, drenched in sweat, weaved through the maze, striving to find the exit. It took the group about 40 minutes to complete the 2-kilometer course, with everyone exclaiming how fun and exciting it was.
“2015 Happy Bear Urban Carnival” — Get an Early Look at 12 Teddy Bears!
The super adorable teddy bears are here! “2015 Happy Bear Urban Carnival” is holding its first ever dual-city exhibition this year. It kicks off with 100 bear installations displayed in Taichung Park on December 12, followed by a continuation at the Shilin Official Residence in Taipei on January 16, 2016. Taichung Mayor Lin Chia-lung said that this year’s teddy bear carnival is themed “Love & Share,” symbolizing how teddy bears can serve as confidants during tough times, bringing joy and sharing love with people.
No need to travel far to enjoy winter blooms！ Dahlias and cosmos are in full bloom in Yingge, New Taipei City.
No need to travel far for winter flower viewing！ The second-crop fallow flower fields in New Taipei City are blooming one after another. Locations such as the Citizen’s Farm in Yingge District, around Zhongzheng 3rd Road, and Erjia Road have seen floral landscapes since late November. The beautiful sea of flowers has attracted many visitors to Yingge for sightseeing or couples to take wedding photos. Director of the Agriculture Bureau, Li Wen, stated that short-term flowering plants such as large dahlias, yellow dahlias, and cosmos are planted in the second-crop fallow fields.
Taipei’s Most Exciting New Year’s Eve Event Kicks Off – Show Lo and Bii Attend and Invite Hugs
The Taipei City Government today (December 2) announced that this year’s countdown series of events has officially begun. This year’s spectacular evening performances will feature A-Mei as the finale act, along with a variety of activities including a pre-event “Hug” collection campaign, shopping district promotions, folk music concerts, and Christmas activities at the Taipei Expo Park. Artists Show Lo and Bii (Bii Yuxin) also jointly launched the city’s opening ceremony.
Taiwan's warmest hospitality: Travel Q&A stations offer free Wi-Fi and local snack tips
“Excuse me, where can I find local snacks?” “Excuse me, where’s the restroom?” To help travelers solve common problems on the road, the Tourism Bureau of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications has partnered with public and private organizations to launch 115 Q&A stations across Taiwan. These stations provide free travel assistance in neighborhoods and streets, along with free Wi-Fi, route guidance, and even recommendations for the most authentic local snacks—ensuring you’ll never get lost in Taiwan while enjoying its warmest hospitality.