Travel
Limited-time only！Fairy-tale butterfly-viewing house in Chiayi ranch transforms into the Church of Winter Light at night
Chiayi has been gaining new attractions lately. In addition to the National Palace Museum Southern Branch and the Glass Heel Church, Green Ying Ranch in Zhongpu Township has used lighting to turn its whimsically charming butterfly-viewing house into the winter-limited “Church of Winter Light.” This dreamy and dazzling nighttime spectacle is available only until February 28.
A vintage literary-style brunch spot—handmade Japanese bread in a historic building
I’ve often heard of the Taichung Broadcasting Bureau, but I’d never actually been here. On this rainy afternoon, I met up with a friend for tea and a chat to kill time—what else is there to do in the rain, right? It was my first visit, and because of the heavy rain, I only managed to take a couple of quick photos of the exterior, which is a bit of a pity. Next time, I’ll come back to properly document it. "Harumaru" is another brand under the Terakawa Restaurant group, known mainly for its bread. It’s famous for its handmade Japanese-style bread and homemade jams.
Overcrowded during the holidays? Pingtung’s hand-puppet painted rice fields offer stunning aerial views
The Pingtung hand-puppet painted rice fields feature 3D characters from the puppet show, namely Xuan Yuan Zhen and Ye Ye Shu, offering more delicate and graceful designs compared to previous Line-themed painted rice fields. Since its opening, it has attracted many visitors. Some netizens captured aerial footage using drones, revealing an even more intricate beauty when viewed from above.
Can't tell Japanese "shrines" and "temples" apart? Here's how to pay your respects the right way
When traveling in Japan, it’s common to visit famous local "temples," "shrines," or "shrines" (jingu), where you can make wishes to various deities. But do you really understand the differences among the three? Do you know how their worship methods differ? It’s not too hard to grasp—let’s break it down for you.
Welcome to Hogwarts！ Visit the “University of Washington,” Harry Potter’s library
Located in Seattle, the University of Washington was founded in 1861 and is a historic institution. The campus is filled with classic, old-world architecture, making it feel as though you might encounter an ancient soul around every corner. Stop any student and ask: What’s the most famous building on your campus? Nine out of ten will reply: The library that looks like the school from Harry Potter！
Winter Exclusive: PappaRich Launches Kajang Chicken Spicy Soup & Seafood Spicy Soup
When it’s cold, hot pot is a must-have. PappaRich has introduced two authentic Malaysian soup dishes: Kajang Chicken Spicy Soup and Kajang Seafood Spicy Soup, both designed to dispel the chill and dampness, warming you from the inside out. Spicy soup is a famous local delicacy in Kajang, Malaysia.
Little Forest Lovers' Light Travel – Explore Mountain Secrets & Win Prizes on Valentine’s Stay
The last day of the Spring Festival holiday coincides with Western Valentine’s Day, doubling accommodation demand. Taking advantage of this, Eastar Mountain Forest Resort launches the “Little Forest Lovers’ Light Travel Package,” which includes tickets to Daxi Flower Sea Farm. Guests staying before March 31, 2016, can enter to win a classic diamond ring; and those checking in before February 29, 2016, can also enter to win a flight to Thailand when completing their reservation on-site.
HowToTrip’s Tokyu Hotel Offers High-Value “Light Travel” – Win Diamonds & Air Tickets When Staying During 228 Holiday
For the “2016 Taiwan Lantern Festival in Taoyuan” which kicks off on 2/22, Tokyu Mountain Forest Resort provides free shuttle service for guests traveling between the hotel and the lantern festival site, making night-time lantern viewing more convenient. Then comes the 3-day 228 holiday — featuring pet-friendly rooms, kids’ favorite YOYO-themed rooms, and various hot spring stay packages perfect for groups of friends — there’s a special 228 holiday deal for everyone to enjoy.
Is it really necessary to finish your drink when saying "cheers"? 6 Taboo Behaviors to Know Before Traveling to Japan
In recent years, traveling to Japan has become all the rage, but when visiting the country, it's essential to understand what you can and cannot do to avoid becoming an ill-mannered traveler. Today, Unrestrained has compiled a list of 6 major categories of taboo behaviors in Japan, focusing on “dining,” “toilets and hot springs,” “transportation,” “worship,” “socializing,” and “public settings.”
Exclusive Seaside Getaway for Couples – Gifts, Diamond Ring Draw & Flight Vouchers All in One
The last day of the Spring Festival holiday is also Valentine’s Day. With surging accommodation demand, Evergreen Marine Hot Spring Hotel has launched the “Exclusive Seaside Getaway for Couples” package. This package includes admission to Toucheng Farm. Book now until March 31, 2016, for a chance to win a classic diamond ring; check in from now until February 29, 2016, and you can also enter to win a flight to Thailand at the front desk!
The Yuejin Harbor Lantern Festival Becomes a Major Spring Festival Hit & Shuttle Buses Increase Frequency, Extend Operating Hours
The Tainan Yanshui Yuejin Harbor Lantern Festival kicks off on January 30 and will run until February 28 (Sunday). To serve the public, the Tainan City Government Transportation Bureau has specially coordinated with bus operators to extend the operating hours of the Brown Trunk Line buses, and has also added “Brown Trunk Line shuttle buses” from the Yanshui Station to Xinying. During the lantern festival period, the last bus departs at 22:05, allowing visitors to enjoy the lights and sightsee at a more leisurely pace.
Separate grains, bold flavors – Kaohsiung’s affordable Thai-style fried rice specialists
Taiwanese-style fried rice shops aren’t rare in Kaohsiung, but those specializing in Thai flavors are far fewer. Not far from Midiya’s Claypot Pasta, there’s a newly opened Thai fried rice specialty store. The owner, a chef with experience working at large Thai restaurants, simply wanted to offer delicious Thai cuisine at budget-friendly prices to the people of Kaohsiung.
Save money to see flower fields and eat wagyu beef instead—just ¥140 for a bus from Ibaraki to Tokyo!
The "Hitachi Seaside Park," voted one of the world’s most romantic flower fields by magazines, is located in Ibaraki Prefecture, not far from Tokyo. In March, Vanilla Air will launch direct flights to Ibaraki. Knowing that Taiwanese travelers love visiting Tokyo, Ibaraki Airport has specially introduced shuttle buses with six round-trip services per day, taking about 1 hour and 40 minutes. The fare from the airport to Tokyo Station is only 500 yen—less than NT$140—so you can explore both cities in one trip.
Dubai’s most luxurious library opens in 2017 – looks like an open book!
Housing one million books, Dubai’s newest library (Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Library) will grandly open in 2017, and its biggest highlight is – the building itself looks like an “open book.”
Traveling in Tokyo without worrying about internet access—180 Tokyo Metro stations now offer free WiFi
With the continuous increase in inbound tourists, Japan is placing greater emphasis on providing free WiFi services. To make exploring Tokyo more convenient for travelers, Tokyo Metro will install free WiFi in all of its managed stations starting June 1, and will also roll out free internet access on its trains throughout this year.
New branch of grilled toast opens again—creative meat & egg toast with spicy pickled cabbage!
The grilled toast craze doesn’t seem to be slowing down. The other day while strolling through the Minsheng community, I spotted a new grilled toast shop and immediately came to try it out.
Highly popular Spanish cuisine in Neihu District: "Classic Good Rice" with generously portioned seafood
Having dinner with a few friends after work is a truly happy and relaxing experience. Located near Xihu MRT Station, "Good Fun Kitchen HowFun" features a unique interior design and specializes in Spanish-style cuisine. Not only are the staff attentive and thoughtful, but the dishes also use generous ingredients. The restaurant enjoys an excellent reputation in Neihu District and has become a go-to spot for many food enthusiasts.
Tsukiji relocation & relaxed tax-free rules: 8 Japan travel must-knows in 2016
Taiwanese travelers never tire of Japan—not only for its abundant flight options and favorable yen exchange rates, but also because this fun and shopping-friendly destination always has something new to offer each year. In 2016, Japan introduced brand-new conveniences and benefits for international visitors, along with exciting updates to attractions and transportation. Here are 8 important Japan travel updates for this year that you might want to know before planning your trip.
Banqiao Big Bowl Lamb Soup羊肉汤！ Savory, glossy, and sweet-aftertaste "Lu Rou Fan" (braised pork rice)
Speaking of which, a few days ago I came across a listicle titled "Top Five Delicious Lu Rou Fan in Banqiao." Surprisingly, there were two places on the list I’d never tried… well, actually, I’d never even heard of them. The one that piqued my curiosity the most was this bowl of Lu Rou Fan with an unusually dark color. Suddenly hit with a craving, I hopped on the “youbike” downstairs and rushed over that very day.
Portugal’s World’s Most Beautiful Café: J.K. Rowling Wrote Harry Potter Sitting on the Right Chair
Many people remember the café where J.K. Rowling wrote as the Elephant House in Edinburgh, Scotland. However, there’s another café in Porto, Portugal, listed among the “World’s Top 10 Most Beautiful Cafés,” where J.K. Rowling once wrote. A senior staff member at Café Majestic said that when J.K. Rowling moved to live in Porto, she would sit on the leather chair to the right inside the entrance. “I still remember how she sat there, head down, writing.”