Travel
238 seconds！2016 Taipei 101 fireworks display sets record as longest ever with eco-themed show
Taipei 101 unveiled its 2016 New Year's Eve fireworks animation on the 16th. This year’s fireworks music blends Eastern and Western cultures, with a total duration of 238 seconds and 30,000 fireworks launched, making it the longest Taipei 101 fireworks show in history.
This cake has a rather odd shape, but it’s an essential Italian Christmas dessert.
Christmas is getting closer!\nJun Ting Hotel’s Yunxuan Western Restaurant invites Chef Matteo Ragni from RELAIS VILLA MONTE SOLARE, a hotel under the Yunlang Tourism Group, to celebrate the holiday season with food lovers who enjoy Italian cuisine. The Italian Christmas and New Year feast will take place from December 16, 2015, to January 1, 2016. Chef Matteo Ragni will prepare a variety of authentic Umbrian dishes and present them at a round table to recreate the unique Italian festive family gathering atmosphere. The set menu is priced at NT$1,500 + 10%.
Japan’s Century-Old Kashiwagawa Station: Travel Around Kagoshima on the “Kamome no Kaze Limited Express”
JR Kashiwagawa Station, the oldest station in Kagoshima Prefecture, was built during the Meiji era and has stood for over 100 years. Its unique feature is that there is usually no station staff—passengers collect their tickets on the train and pay at the exit upon arrival. Additionally, Kagoshima has developed the “Kamome no Kaze Limited Express” sightseeing train, which attracts many visitors every year, making this historic station a source of pride for local residents.
Take a stroll on the "Water Universe Ship" in the sky — 3 stunning free night view spots in Nagoya that will move you to tears!
Nagoya, Japan, isn't just known for its distinctive cuisine and the fun of Legoland. It also offers the winter-exclusive, Japan’s largest light sea at Nabana no Sato, where a "tunnel of light" adorned with 1.2 million bulbs creates a dazzling, dreamlike spectacle. But Nagoya has even more to offer — the vibrant, colorful night views of its bustling city center are equally breathtaking. This time, our reporter has handpicked three free night view spots. Come aboard the 14-meter-high Water Universe Ship and enjoy a romantic evening.
Bomb threat on Peach Aviation flight; 5-member group arrested by Japanese police
A Peach Aviation flight from New Chitose Airport to Kansai Airport today (December 16) was reportedly involved in a bomb threat incident. According to Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, after an emergency evacuation and search of the plane, no explosive device was found.
Do you have to hand over your passport when staying at a hotel abroad? Experts: It’s best to carry two copies with you
Many people have had this experience: after arriving at a hotel, they take out their passport to check in at the front desk. This seemingly natural act actually carries certain risks, yet many people are largely unaware of them. The UK's Daily Mail spoke to hotel experts to teach travelers how to protect their passports.
Kuma-chan Flash Mob in Taipei: New Gymnastics Dance Features "Hold Each Move for 4 Seconds"
The globally popular Kuma-chan (Kumamon) has launched a new gymnastics dance. The "4U (for you) Gymnastics Method," which features moves held for four seconds each, promotes a healthy lifestyle. Making its first stop in Taiwan, Kuma-chan held a flash mob dancing event this afternoon (16th) on the streets of Taipei. The event featured a performance of the new gymnastics routine, with Kuma-chan also making a special appearance in its "slim version," drawing crowds of fans with its adorable look.
Skiing and marathon-running? North Korea’s new experiences are perfect for thrill-seekers
When it comes to North Korea, most people only think of the Kim regime as their first impression. But in 2016, some Taiwanese travel agencies planned a series of unique tours to North Korea. In addition to city sightseeing, these tours also included special activities such as cycling, skiing, marathons, and golf, offering people a different perspective on the country.
Eye-to-eye with Mount Fuji ! Japan’s Longest Pedestrian Suspension Bridge “Mishima SkyWalk” Now Open
Dreaming of looking Mount Fuji in the eye? That dream has come true with the official opening on the 14th of Japan’s first dedicated pedestrian suspension bridge — the “Hakone West Foot Mishima Grand Suspension Bridge,” which stretches an impressive 400 meters, making it Japan’s longest bridge designed solely for pedestrians.
The city without cows has a signature dish: grilled beef tongue—Sendai’s unique way of eating it is incredibly delicious!
Beef tongue can now be considered Sendai’s signature dish and is a well-known local delicacy across Japan. There’s even a “Beef Tongue Street” near Sendai Station, lined with specialty shops one after another. But why is beef tongue the signature dish of Sendai, a city where you don’t see any cows around?
The third branch of Charlie Brown Café opens in Taichung; trial operation begins on January 1 next year
Following its branches in Kaohsiung and Hsinchu, the third Charlie Brown Café location is moving to Taichung. Trial operations will begin on January 1, 2016. On the day before the trial opening, December 31, 2015, a special New Year’s Eve Party will be held. There are three time slots that evening: 18:00–20:00, 20:00–22:00, and 22:00–24:00, with each session limited to 80 people. Currently, the 22:00–24:00 slot is fully booked, and the other two have limited availability left. Those who want to book should act fast!
Hidden in an old alleyway full of traditional charm, sesame aroma wafts from Sesame Dan Dan Noodles.
“Shinbashi-dori,” this quaint old alley is lined with various types of eateries—izakayas, yakitori shops, sukiyaki restaurants, unagi rice joints, sushi bars, hot pot spots—all crammed next to one another. The shops aren’t large, featuring typical Japanese architecture and cramped spaces. Yet the sheer variety dazzled me endlessly, and my stomach started growling too. After much hesitation, I decided to have “Sesame Dan Dan Noodles” at “Rokuden-ya” for dinner.
What are Taiwan's top 10 viral attractions? The "Leaning Mailbox" takes the top spot.
Yahoo announced Taiwan's top 10 viral attractions in 2015, ranking them based on a surge in search volume for tourist spots this year. The "Leaning Mailbox," knocked askew by Typhoon Soudelor, claimed first place, followed by the Rainbow Church in Cijin, Kaohsiung, and Fushoushan Farm, a renowned maple leaf viewing spot, which took second and third places respectively.
These three restaurant chefs are no small names — they left high-paying jobs at five-star hotels to start their own businesses
Whether in Western restaurants or Chinese dining at five-star hotels, the chefs are all highly skilled, offering delicious cuisine. But many may not know that after years of working in hotels, many chefs give up their well-paid hotel jobs to open their own restaurants, just to let more people enjoy the dishes they love. Examples include Midi Ride Bistro in Taipei, Joseph Bistro Think Kitchen, and 与sヂァ in Taichung.
Explore Western Taiwan: Top 10 Must-Visit Attractions Near the New High-Speed Rail Stations
The new high-speed rail stations in Miaoli, Changhua, and Yunlin officially opened in early December. The construction of these new stations not only benefits local commuters and those returning home, but also boosts surrounding transportation infrastructure and environmental development. Daily’s online popularity poll has revealed the top 10 must-visit attractions near the new high-speed rail trio — a great reference for travelers planning to visit these three counties.
“Hehuan Mountain Snow Season” to Kick Off on New Year’s Day 2016; Traffic Control Measures Announced
Hehuan Mountain will enter a 60-day snow season starting from New Year’s Day 2016. The Taroko National Park Headquarters has released the “Key Points of Traffic Control During the Hehuan Mountain Snow Season,” with adjustments such as early starts, extensions, or cancellations to be determined based on snow conditions.
They also want a feast — 6 pet-friendly restaurants perfect for Christmas
Christmas is just around the corner. According to a foreign survey, up to 95% of pet owners prepare special meals for their furry friends during the holiday. Food review site OpenRice found that this trend has also reached Taiwan. Based on search popularity and user reviews, OpenRice has selected 6 pet-friendly restaurants across Taiwan. In addition to pet meals, these spots offer exclusive Christmas dishes, allowing both pets and their owners to enjoy a joyful holiday together.
A380 to Fly to Taiwan Regularly from Next May; World’s Largest Airliner Can Carry 8,610 Passengers Weekly
The world’s largest airliner, the A380, is really coming to Taiwan! Emirates Airlines announced that since launching the Taipei–Dubai route in 2014, passenger demand has continued to rise. Therefore, starting from May 1, 2016, it will officially deploy a brand-new two-class A380 aircraft on the Taipei–Dubai non-stop route, becoming the first airline to operate the A380 on a regular basis.
Paragliders soaring under the sun in the sky! Head to Hushao Ranch in Nantou for a camping trip.
When we set off, the weather in Taipei was unpredictable, but as we headed further inland, it got better. By the time we arrived in Puli, Nantou, the sky was completely clear. In fact, it took us less than ten minutes to get from the foot of the mountain to the campsite. When I looked up, I was blown away by the view. There were paragliders everywhere—I thought they were eagles circling above. Before long, I saw someone landing, and it was super cool.
Hungary’s most luxurious hotel—the Gresham Palace, meticulously restored with a €100 million investment
As I stepped slowly into the palace, the awe-inspiring grandeur of the reception hall immediately took my breath away. Unable to contain my excitement, exclamations burst from me one after another. The ingenious T-shaped layout draws your gaze straight to the center of the T as soon as you enter. Above the hall, layers of stained-glass ceilings allow soft daylight to pour in, casting gentle, flickering shadows that dance like ballerinas gliding lightly across the water.