Hehuan Mountain experienced another snowfall in the early hours of the 17th, accumulating up to 5 cm of snow by morning, turning surrounding areas such as Wuling and Hehuan Mountain Lodge into a silver-white landscape. The Hehuan Mountain Management Station also reminded the public that the road section from 28K Kunyang to 39.5K Dayuling is currently covered with snow and ice, allowing only vehicles equipped with snow chains to pass. As of now, the snow has not yet melted, and with heavy fog in the mountainous area, those planning to head up the mountain should pay attention to driving safety.
Held annually on August 2nd and 3rd, the “Nagaoka Giant Fireworks Festival” (officially known as the “Nagaoka Matsuri”) launches a total of 20,000 fireworks over the two days, making it one of Japan’s three major fireworks festivals (the other two being the National Fireworks Competition [Omagari Fireworks] and the Tsukuba National Fireworks Competition).
According to CNN, Portland International Airport will build a new cinema, designed in a retro style, set to open this summer, featuring works by local filmmakers. Many are optimistic that art and culture-focused films will bring even more buzz to the airport.
The Chi Museum of Arts has transformed into the most beautiful sea of lights. Since 2013, the Chi Mei Pu-Chen Cultural and Artistic Foundation has launched the “Hope Lights Up” campaign, calling on tens of thousands of local residents, visitors, and neighbors to participate in this act of love by adopting and personally creating lamp cups. Through the warmth of every brushstroke, they lit up a sea of heartwarming lights at the Chi Museum of Arts, with twinkling stars among the treetops warming the entire Caotun Boulevard.
As the Lantern Festival approaches, the “2016 Taipei Lantern Festival” will be held from February 21 to March 6 at the Beigang Sightseeing Bridge and the front area of Beigang Chaotian Temple, with the lighting ceremony taking place at 7 PM on the 21st. To celebrate the Year of the Monkey, the towering main lantern “Monkey Picks Peaches to Present Auspiciousness,” standing over 10 meters high, made its first appearance. The public can also participate in a stamp-collecting activity to exchange for cute Year of the Monkey mini lanterns.
The Taiwan Lantern Festival will take place in Taoyuan from February 22 to March 6. The "Taoyuan Story Lantern Area" debuts "mobile lantern vehicles," with their interiors covered in heart-shaped sticky notes as a prayer for Tainan. The exterior is designed around the festival mascots ㄚTao, Yuan Ge, and the Taoyuan Aerotropolis, allowing visitors to ride the mobile lanterns through the 600-meter-long Time Light Corridor, highlighting Taoyuan’s "Tradition," "Impression," and "Future."
The renowned pork chop shop “Yaba Miso Pork Chops,” a must-try for travelers visiting Nagoya, Japan, has officially opened in Taipei’s Yongkang commercial district. Established in 1947, the shop is celebrating its 75th anniversary. To authentically replicate the flavors of Japan, Yaba’s secret miso sauce and the essential breadcrumb coating for the fried pork chops are both air-freighted from Japan. During the grand opening period, Japanese head chef Hirotoshi Chino will be stationed in-store to cook up signature Nagoya-style miso pork chops.
Strawberry lovers, this is not to be missed!The "Strawberry Pancake Tower" from Weiqi Sweet House in Banqiao features a mountain of strawberries — so many that it takes 2 to 3 people to finish!Owner Huang Junqiang says making one pancake tower requires an entire box of strawberries, with about 35 to 40 strawberries on the outside and in between the layers of pancakes. Only 5 servings are available on weekdays and 10 on holidays, and you can still enjoy them until the end of the strawberry season at the end of March!
The Southern Branch of the National Palace Museum in Chiayi has been in trial operation since the end of last year and has so far attracted over 200,000 visitors. The museum authorities stated that during the trial period, entry is free for all residents of Taiwan, but only until March 31. They reminded those who wish to visit to seize the opportunity, as advance online reservations are required.
The 2016 Taiwan Lantern Festival will be held from February 19 (trial operation) to March 6 in front of the Taoyuan High-Speed Rail Station. As both Taoyuan International Airport and the lantern display area are located close to the Taoyuan High-Speed Rail Station, and many travelers move between the two locations, Taoyuan Airport reminds passengers that during peak hours, those using National Freeway 2 to get to the airport should allow extra travel time to avoid delays to their schedules.
Thailand is currently actively promoting a “smoke-free and safe environment.” Travelers visiting Thailand are urged not to smoke in public no-smoking areas, especially at sports venues and tourist attractions across the country.
On the bustling Chenggong 1st Road in Qianjin District, besides the modern HanShin Department Store, looking out from the street, the first floor is mostly traditional service businesses — clinics, massage parlors, betel nut stands — each staking out their own spot. But there’s one slightly out-of-place shop with a modern industrial-style interior. Though small and seemingly understated, its pink-and-white storefront is unusually eye-catching.
The Museum of the Future's exhibition recently opened at the renowned Madinat Jumeirah, taking visitors into the world of 2035 to see what the future might look like.
When a rainbow appears, it means the clouds have cleared away. Colorful rainbow-themed foods can instantly lift your mood for the entire day, offering not just visual pleasure but also a taste experience that feels like devouring a rainbow. Choices include cakes, ice cream, dumplings, and red bean pastries—take your pick.
The internationally renowned Tainan Yanshui Beehive Rockets event kicks off with a bang on February 21 and 22. The festivities begin as fully armored palanquins and their bearers set off from the “Wu Temple,” parading through the town’s streets while beehive rockets are launched in all directions. Due to the extreme danger, organizers urge participants to wear full protective gear every year—covering every inch of your body is a must.
The China Airlines flight attendant cheerleading squad, which has sparked lively discussions among the public during travel expos and professional baseball tournaments, is set to form its second generation “CI Beauties.” They will perform at the opening ceremony of the 2016 Taiwan Lantern Festival on February 22, generating much anticipation.
When it comes to must-try dishes in Singapore, Hainanese chicken rice is probably the first that comes to mind. Xiongmao’s first visit to Boon Tong Kee left a great impression — the chicken was Q (chewy), the skin tender, and the taste really good~
In summer, many people enjoy visiting the coastal scenery and playing in the water at Gongliao. But in autumn and winter, the Sandiao Cape area offers a quieter, more majestic atmosphere without the summer crowds, providing a unique sense of leisure and tranquility.
Longteng Travel Agency held the opening ceremony of its new location today (February 19). Unlike its previous basement office space, the new office has moved to the first floor of the same building and features indoor aerobic greening, presenting a refreshing new look. Longteng Travel General Manager Fang Nanhai jokingly said that the past was "underground work," but now the new environment will be used to launch travel packages such as the Japanese “Ohayou Series” and Taiwan Folk Song Literary Youth Tours.
Following the January visit of Nicola Portinari, the two-Michelin-starred chef from Italy’s La Peca restaurant, to guest chef at the Bencotto Italian Restaurant within the hotel, Mandarin Oriental Taipei has once again invited the renowned "Father of Contemporary British Cuisine" and chef of London’s The Waterside Inn—Michel Roux, who has held three Michelin stars for 32 consecutive years—to Taiwan. Lunch is priced at NT$7,500 + 10%, and dinner at NT$15,000 + 10%.