Due to historical reasons, Taiwan has many buildings in the Japanese architectural style. However, many of them have deteriorated due to lack of maintenance. In recent years, though, numerous historic sites have been revitalized by being turned into restaurants. Although some scholars have questioned why most revitalization efforts focus on opening restaurants and cafés, allowing the public closer access to these heritage sites through dining establishments—and generating funds for their upkeep—might be a relatively effective solution for now.
The crystal-clear transparency, along with the ever-shifting interplay of light and shadows visible from different angles and under varying light, is one of the reasons glass art captivates so many. If you’re also a fan of artworks such as crystals and glassware, why not visit the “SUWA Glass Village” (SUWAガラス之里) in Suwa City, Nagano Prefecture, Japan? There, you can admire the world’s largest crystal and even try your hand at DIY glassmaking to take a handmade piece home with you.
When you hear Vancouverites say, “Let’s go for a late-night snack!” chances are they’re heading out... for cheesecake. These two cheesecake shops each have their own irreplaceable charm, becoming must-visit spots for a nighttime bite in the Vancouver area. Let the night owl Dad Seahorse take you on a little exploration~
On holidays, heading outdoors with family, your partner, or a few good friends to breathe fresh air, enjoy nature’s beauty, and take a brief break from work is truly one of life’s great pleasures. And when venturing outdoors, “what to eat” is often the top priority for many. DailyView’s online thermometer has released a list of the top 10 mountain restaurants—mountain views paired with delicious food make for a double treat and double relaxation!
With an increasing number of Japanese dining brands opening branches in Taiwan, I can’t help but wonder if it’s because Japan’s economy isn’t doing so well — many renowned eateries that were previously reluctant to expand overseas are now setting their sights on Taiwan. They emphasize serving the same great taste as in Japan, allowing Taiwanese food lovers to enjoy these famous establishments without having to travel far.
A 90-year-old hotel has been reborn as Taiwan’s first agricultural bookstore. Xizhou in Changhua was once bustling with people due to the establishment of the sugar refinery headquarters. The very first building on Xizhou Street — “Success Inn” — survived the test of time and has now been preserved. Two years ago, a group of young people turned it into a bookstore specializing in agricultural books and locally grown rice from Xizhou. This transformation of an abandoned inn records the history of an old building, the land, and the voice of Taiwan’s younger generation.
When it comes to the “Otaru Canal,” many people immediately think of its romantic waters and quaint factory warehouses. The surrounding shopping streets and glass art galleries also always tempt visitors to shop ’til they drop. In fact, as an important economic lifeline for Otaru in the past, taking a canal cruise allows you not only to appreciate the canal’s charm up close but also to witness firsthand the city’s development history.
The exterior design of the first light rail in northern Taiwan, the “Danhai Light Rail,” has been unveiled. Recently selected through an online vote, the sharp-edged “Warrior” model, which conveys a strong sense of speed, was chosen. The carriages will feature a streamlined design and be themed around the “sea,” highlighting the coastal characteristics of the light rail.
One day, after exiting Zhongxiao Dunhua Station, I walked down the alley lined with Adidas and Swatch flagship stores, heading toward Civic Boulevard. As I strolled along the lane, I stopped at the traffic light just before reaching Civic Boulevard and spotted an intriguing restaurant across the street — "Youth TAPAS."
To greet the first light of dawn in 2016, Mandarin Airlines launched a "Dawn Flight," allowing 140 passengers to see the sunrise from the plane. Inspired by the breathtaking moment, a romantic marriage proposal was then staged on the tarmac after landing.
Located in the central Philippines, Cebu Province boasts bright scenery and a wealth of water activities. Compared to places like Boracay and Palawan, Cebu has less commercialization and more of an authentic, natural charm, making it a paradise for diving enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers. Its laid-back vibe and friendly locals also make it incredibly alluring to vacationers.
To counter the opening of new high-speed rail stations, Taiwan Railways is launching semi-direct Puyuma trains between Taipei and Kaohsiung in February, offering tickets 647 NTD cheaper than those for the high-speed rail.
Although this winter hasn't been particularly cold, for many people, winter is synonymous with spicy hot pot. Some love all-you-can-eat buffets, while others prefer high-quality à la carte options. Either way, they’re all about keeping warm—and spicy—in the winter. Taiwanese people are especially fond of spicy hot pot, particularly in the Greater Taipei area where you can find these eateries on nearly every corner. Worried about picking a subpar restaurant? These 11 spicy hot pot spots all have great reviews, and netizens recommend giving them a try.
Since 2015, Universal Studios Japan has offered the Minion Park, which has been a hit with visitors for its parades and adorable popcorn buckets. Recently, the park announced that its “Universal Port Hotel” will unveil Japan’s first “Minion-Themed Room” starting April 1, allowing even more guests to enjoy the yellow charm of the Minions.
According to the website CaribJournal, the world-renowned luxury cruise line Royal Caribbean has unveiled concept art for the world’s tallest waterslide—ever wonder how high? Ten floors tall. And yes, this jaw-dropping feature will be on one of their own ships.
Taiwan became a "ten-million tourist" destination in 2015, setting a new record in the island's tourism history. On the 3rd, the Tourism Bureau of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications announced the growth trends across major inbound markets for the previous year. In terms of spending, the average daily shopping expenditure per mainland Chinese tourist was $122.78, significantly higher than the $40.06 spent by Japanese tourists. The Tourism Bureau pointed out that the average daily spending per mainland Chinese visitor has now surpassed that of Japanese tourists.
When it comes to late-night food hunts, options are usually fewer than during the day. Last time I tried Huangji Eel at Shuixian Temple and wasn’t too impressed, so this time I came to Nanxing on Kangle Street, an eatery with two or three decades of history. Right across the street is Houye Danzai Noodles, another solid late-night option—I’ll have to come back here sometime.
YouBikes in Zhanghua will no longer be free starting in February. Following Taipei City, the Zhanghua County Government announced that starting February 1, 2016 (105 year 2 month 1 day in Taiwan’s calendar), the first 30 minutes of YouBike rides will no longer be free. A rental fee of NT$5 will be charged upon borrowing a bike, while the pricing structure after 30 minutes remains unchanged. This change is expected to affect over 10,000 daily YouBike users in Zhanghua.
Fine in summer, but during the freezing winter, you truly~~~ need a steaming bowl of hot ramen to warm your body and soul. With a high TABELOG score of 3.54, it ranks in the top three among ramen shops in Yamagata according to Japanese netizens’ rankings.
What comes to mind when you think of traveling in Korea? Aside from major cities like Seoul and Busan, there are plenty of other options for exploring Korea—such as visiting a historic ancient town, relaxing in the serene and unpolluted countryside, or immersing yourself in rural Korean charm and experiencing the warmth and straightforwardness of local aunties. In fact, all three of these experiences can be found in one place: “Kaesil Village” in Goryeong, North Gyeongsang Province, South Korea.