Travel
Four locations in New Taipei City decked out for Christmas – Evening light displays create a romantic atmosphere
With Christmas approaching and a heartwarming festive vibe in the air, this year the High Embankment Engineering Office of New Taipei City Government has not only continued last year’s tradition of decorating areas such as the Xinsheng Bridge Xinzhuang end vicinity, Bali Ferry Pier, and Tamsui Golden Waterfront with vibrant Christmas-themed lights, but has also added romantic sparkling highlights along both sides of Xizhi Starlight Bridge.
Detox by "Living Burial": Limited-Natural Sand Bath in Ibusuki, Japan
You’ve probably played "burying someone alive" at the beach, but have you ever thought about sand as a form of therapy? Located at the southern tip of Kagoshima, Ibusuki is famous for its "sand bath." Currently, there are only two operators offering this experience in Ibusuki. The geothermally heated sand from hot springs promotes sweating, which helps detoxify the body and treat conditions such as frozen shoulder, neuralgia, and menopausal discomfort.
Explore Hsinchu’s historic sites and savor local delicacies！ The new “Taiwan Tourist Shuttle Zhuxian Line” opens on December 31
The Taiwan Tourist Shuttle Zhuxian Line will officially begin service on December 31, connecting to the existing “Shishan Line” and “Shishan Nanzhuang Line” in Hsinchu County. It will also offer “One-Day Breeze Pass,” “One-Day Windy Pass,” and an in-depth travel option, the “Two-Day Charm Pass.” These packages integrate Hsinchu City’s attractions and street food into curated sightseeing itineraries, with ticket discounts of at least 30% off, allowing visitors to explore the entire city with just one pass.
518,000 Christmas lights replace Universal Studios Japan — Australia unveils world’s most illuminated Christmas tree
The title of the world’s most decorated Christmas tree has a new holder！ According to foreign media reports, the massive Christmas tree erected in the heart of Canberra, Australia’s capital city, was adorned this year with 518,838 fairy lights, breaking the five-year record previously held by Universal Studios Japan and earning Guinness World Records certification as the “World’s Most Decorated Christmas Tree.”
Watch the sunset at Yantian Salt Fields and greet the sunrise at Er Liao—Tainan’s New Year’s Eve Trilogy
As 2016 approaches, the Tainan City Government has specially organized the “New Year’s Eve Trilogy,” including watching the sunset at Beimen Yantian Salt Fields on December 31, a New Year’s Eve gala, and greeting the sunrise at Er Liao on January 1 along with a hiking event at Hutoupi Reservoir to celebrate New Year’s Day—keeping the festive spirit going from afternoon till dawn.
Anniversary Celebration of Alishan Forest Railway: Iconic Steam Trains Back in Passenger Service!
To celebrate the 103rd anniversary of the Alishan Forest Railway, iconic steam trains are hitting the tracks for passenger service again. Steam train enthusiasts have the chance to experience a ride firsthand. On December 25 (Friday) from 14:00 to 15:35, three round-trips of steam locomotives pulling four cypress wood passenger cars will operate between Shimen Station and Chiayi Station on the forest railway.
Premium whole cuts of meat only！A refreshing spicy hot pot with a broth simmered from fresh vegetables, fruits, and chili peppers
As the weather gets colder, it’s time to enjoy a steaming hot bowl of hot pot. But you can also savor spicy hot pot in an elegant and refined way！Located in a lane on Ren’ai Road, Da’an District, Taipei, “Ma. La Yi Hao Dian” features a façade resembling bare concrete paired with pine wood décor, yet offers an interior atmosphere reminiscent of a Western restaurant — bringing delightful surprises along with healthy and delicious flavors！
The Most Beautiful Winter Scenery in Miaoli: A Sea of Ten Thousand Sunflowers Blooms Along Provincial Highway 1
Provincial Highway 1 in Miaoli runs along both sides of Tongxiao Road, where over ten thousand sunflowers have sprouted. Each sunflower smiles brightly toward the sun, swaying gently in the breeze.
In-depth Indigenous tribe tours gain popularity: DIY crafts & tribal cuisine available for free tasting at Taipei Main Station
Recently, the Tourism Bureau under the Ministry of Transportation and Communications has been actively promoting Indigenous tribal tourism. After surveying the willingness of local Indigenous communities to open up for in-depth tours, the bureau has launched 32 tribal tour routes. From the 26th to the 28th, the bureau will also hold the “2015 Taiwan Indigenous Tribal Tourism Achievement Exhibition” at the Multi-function Exhibition Area of Taipei Main Station, inviting tribes to set up booths. The event will feature displays of Indigenous handicrafts, DIY activities, tastings of tribal cuisine, and occasional tribal performances — a rich and diverse program indeed！
Open on Saturdays now!” Locations of shuttle buses and parking lots for the “Mountain Stream Glass Suspension Bridge” announced
The longest hammock-style suspension bridge in Taiwan—the Mountain Stream Glass Suspension Bridge—is set to begin its trial operation from 2 PM on December 26 until February 29. Even before opening, it has attracted widespread public attention. Pingtung County Government stated that parking areas and shuttle bus stops have already been planned to facilitate visitors.
Ring in 2016: A Big Roundup of New Restaurant Dishes
As Christmas approaches and the new year draws near, restaurants are gearing up to welcome 2016. 1Bite2Go Cafe & Deli, NO168 PRIME Steakhouse at The Victoria Hotel Main House, Wang Steak, Ruth’s Chris Steak House, and the Cantonese Cuisine Restaurant at Taipei Ambassador Hotel have all rolled out new menus, ensuring everyone can savor fresh flavors in the coming year.
France’s Second-Largest Ancient City: 5 Must-Visit Spots in Lyon
Paris is one of Europe’s top tourist destinations. When I lived in London, I often took the Eurostar for weekend trips to Paris, and when I was in Madrid, I frequently flew with low-cost European airlines for a quick one- or two-hour journey to enjoy a short Parisian getaway. But when it comes to Paris, I have a soft spot for “Lyon,” a city that offers a bit more historical enrichment and a pleasant, humanistic atmosphere. In Lyon, you can observe how real French people go about their daily lives.
Ring in the New Year with a flag-raising ceremony by the sea in Keelung — and witness the most stunning sunrise!
On the 22nd, the Keelung City Government announced that it will collaborate with the National Museum of Marine Science and Technology to hold the 2016 (105th year of the Republic of China) New Year’s Day flag-raising ceremony at Jiaojing Park, located right by the seaside. Keelung’s coastline has long been a great spot for watching the sunrise, and among its highlights, the Tofu Rock on Heping Island was once selected as one of the world’s 19 most beautiful sunrise spots. Come to Jiaojing Park on New Year’s Day 2016 and enjoy both the breathtaking sunrise and the flag-raising ceremony!
Japan’s Top Cherry Blossom Spot: Kōzen Castle’s “Best Cherry Blossoms Under Heaven” Paint the Sky Pink
When it comes to famous cherry blossom spots in Japan, what’s the first place that comes to mind? If you’re looking to step into a world blanketed in pink, Kōzen Castle Ruins Park — renowned as the “Best Cherry Blossoms Under Heaven” — is an unmissable spring destination.
"Christmas Village" Near the Our Lady of the Rosary Church in Wanjin, Pingtung — Resident Decorations Even More Spectacular Than the Light Show
With just three days left until Christmas, the Pingtung Wanjin Christmas Season also has only three days remaining. The 2015 Wanjin Christmas Season light show, which is held every weekend, will present its final performance of the year on the evening of the 24th. Travelers should seize the opportunity to attend. Beyond the light show, the entire area around the Our Lady of the Rosary Church has transformed into a Christmas village, with residents decorating their homes — a truly worthwhile sight.
A Collection of Delicious Lu Rou Fan in Banqiao – Top 5 Must-Tries According to Netizens
Banqiao boasts a wide variety of delicious food, and netizens have been sharing their favorite lu rou fan (braised pork rice) spots in discussion forums. Some popular choices include Er Jie Mian Dan on Section 2 of Shuangshi Road, Xin Dading (also known as Xin Li Quan) on Siwei Road, the lu rou fan from Xianggu Meat Porridge on Zhongshan Road, the one from Da Wan Gong Dang Gui Lamb Soup, and Ah Yi’s Lu Rou Fan on Yumin Street. Some of these are even breakfast-only specials.
Patriotic Elementary School’s Beloved Music Ensemble’s voice was heard Ma Ying-jeou goes up the mountain to play the ukulele
The Patriotic Elementary School Beloved Music Ensemble, which recently gained attention for organizing a self-funded concert, was visited today (22nd) by President Ma Ying-jeou at the Beloved Tribe Music Group in Nantou County. He watched a performance by the Beloved Music String Orchestra and learned about the development of violin craftsmanship in the Beloved Tribe.
Taiwan's First-Ever Sight: 6.6-Meter-Tall Super-Cute Love God Appears on Qigu Salt Mountain
Taiwan’s Largest Love God Appears on Qigu Salt Mountain – To celebrate Christmas, New Year’s Eve, and Valentine’s Day, Qigu Salt Mountain has created a giant Love God installation art piece on its main hilltop. With over NT$3 million invested to resurface the mountain in white salt and give it a fresh new look, alongside a series of Love God-themed activities and special offers, the site has become a happy go-to destination.
Too lazy to prepare New Year’s dishes? A complete guide to takeaway festive feasts from five-star hotels
With less than two months to go before Lunar New Year, families will gather for reunion dinners on New Year’s Eve. In recent years, takeaway New Year’s dishes have become increasingly popular. Around this time, hotels start offering a variety of ready-to-eat festive meals, which are both time-saving and convenient for those who don’t want to cook. ETtoday EBC News has compiled a list of takeaway New Year’s dishes from five-star hotels for your reference.
Hidden Edition of Teddy Bear Exhibition Debuts: 12 Bears Appear in Taichung Park
The exhibition in Taichung Park started on December 12, featuring 76 teddy bears of various designs scattered throughout the park. After December 21, 12 hidden-edition teddy bears will make their appearance, along with 12 “zodiac bears” along the streets from Taichung Railway Station to Taichung Park, bringing the total number of teddy bears in Taichung to 100.