Travel
2016 “World’s 60 Safest Airlines” – EVA Air Ranks 3rd Again, China Airlines 58th
The annual “World’s 60 Safest Airlines” list, released every January by Germany’s Jet Airliner Crash Data Evaluation Centre (JACDEC), was published in January 2016. Cathay Pacific retained the top spot, while Taiwan-based EVA Air ranked 3rd globally for the second consecutive year. China Airlines moved up one place to 58th.
A cold snap won’t stop you from savoring these hot picks: 9 must-try Japanese udon spots in Taipei!
As wave after wave of cold fronts hit, you want to warm up your body and feel full—but without having hot pot or ramen. What should you eat? Udon is definitely your best bet. Its chewy texture paired with a rich, savory broth not only warms your body but also warms your heart. ETtoday EBC has handpicked 9 steaming-hot udon restaurants in Taipei. Go ahead and enjoy that Q-textured, bouncy udon that dances in your mouth!
Nama-giri (dipping noodles) from Nagoya – Exclusive "Jitai Somen" with a specially simmered pork bone sauce
Visiting the Taichung Central Taiwan Science Park area and craving delicious Japanese ramen or tsukemen? Pingzi has to recommend this originator of Japanese Nagoya-style tsukemen – Mt. Fuji 55 Tsukemen. This place serves thick, rich tsukemen with a 21-degree firm noodle texture, using chewy, thick udon-like noodles. The highlight is the two-way eating method of turning leftover tsukemen into a congee-style dish at the end – an incredibly creative and satisfying way to dine that comes highly recommended.
You’ll be shocked the moment you open the door – Portugal’s “3 Harry Potter-Inspired Fantasy Scenes”
Although “Porto” is not as famous as the capital Lisbon, its small and leisurely lifestyle once attracted J.K. Rowling, author of Harry Potter. Rowling moved to Porto, Portugal, to work as an English teacher and wrote parts of the series there. Many Portuguese say that many of the imaginative settings in Harry Potter are connected to the mysterious and magical architecture of Porto, the second-largest city in northern Portugal.
Osaka enters the era of low-cost carrier competition as Vanilla Air plans to launch Taipei (Taoyuan)–Osaka flights in April
More and more low-cost carriers are joining the race to capture the Japanese Osaka market. According to Japanese media reports, Vanilla Air has also announced that it plans to commence its first flights on the Taipei (Taoyuan)–Osaka route in late April. In the future, travelers departing from Taoyuan Airport for Osaka will have options including Vanilla Air, Peach Aviation, V Air, Tigerair Taiwan, and Jetstar Japan.
Admire the sea of tri-colored cherry blossoms from the highest vantage point — a must-visit hanami (cherry blossom viewing) spot on your spring excursion: Tianyuan Temple
Many have seen the Yoshino cherry blossoms at Tamsui’s Tianyuan Temple during the annual March cherry blossom season, but you might not know that Tianyuan Temple is already beautiful in February. The tri-colored cherry blossoms begin to bloom in mid-to-late January, with a flowering period of about ten days. This year, due to the warm winter, the blooming period has been delayed, making the most stunning floral display coincide with the Lunar New Year. With nine consecutive days off for the Spring Festival this year, the northern region has enjoyed rare sunny and bright weather, and Tianyuan Temple’s dozens of delicate pink tri-colored cherry trees are waiting for you to come out for a spring walk.
How to eat during a long-haul flight of over 10 hours? 9 tips to reduce various discomforts
Being confined in a sealed cabin with travelers from around the world for over 10 hours is not exactly fun. With differences in temperature, humidity, and air pressure, even if you're excited, your body may not feel comfortable. According to the UK's Daily Mail, choosing the right foods can actually help alleviate various discomforts during long flights, such as dehydration, bloating, and weakened immunity.
Bigger than your face！Giant soup noodles that even two people can’t finish
Still hungry after one bowl? Come try these three giant soup noodles—super-sized bowls piled high with noodles almost spilling over, loaded with generous toppings. Can you finish them all? Find some time to challenge your stomach and see how much you can eat！
Swim alongside dolphins and tropical fish in Taiwan Lantern Festival’s magical 3D ocean tunnel
The 2016 Taiwan Lantern Festival officially kicked off tonight (February 22) next to Taoyuan High-Speed Rail Station. In addition to the record-breaking 26-meter-tall main lantern “Qi Tian Creating Prosperity,” six distinct themed lantern areas each offer their own unique features. This year’s festival includes multiple “interactive lanterns” that not only allow visitors of all ages to step into a 3D world but also let them “turn their faces into lanterns”!
The 16TN World Tour Lantern Soars – 1,600 Sky Lanterns Illuminate Pingxi’s Lantern Festival Night
The grand finale of the 2016 New Taipei City Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival, themed “Around the World, Extremely Happy,” was held today (February 22) at Shifen Square. The event featured the release of the 16TN “World Tour Lanterns” by New Taipei City Mayor Eric Chu, Taipei City Mayor Ko Wen-je, and Keelung City Mayor Lin You-chang. These lanterns combined imagery of the cities in the Northern Taiwan region (New Taipei, Taipei, and Keelung) with scenes of global landmarks to usher in blessings for the new year.
Anonymous confessions: The most honest? Top 10 untold secrets of airport staff
According to the UK's Daily Mail, an anonymous app designed specifically for baggage handlers and airport personnel has given them a platform to speak freely. These confessions might be worth considering for travelers—behind those smiling faces lie their true thoughts and the challenges they face.
Pink flower seas can be seen in the city too！ A roundup of hidden cherry blossom spots in Taipei City
Every year, from late winter to early spring, it’s cherry blossom season！ The cherry blossoms at popular Taiwanese viewing spots such as Wuling and Aowanda are in full bloom, but you don’t have to travel far—stunning cherry blossoms can also be enjoyed right in downtown Taipei. Hurry and take some time during the blooming period to admire the flowers in these serene spots！
Cloud Pavilion's All-You-Can-Eat Lobster & King Crab Upgraded & More – Now Includes Oysters & Abalone
Cloud Pavilion at The Regent Taipei only upgraded its “12-Course Lobster Feast” all-you-can-eat last December (2015), combining it with an all-you-can-eat wild king crab experience. As The Regent Taipei approaches its sixth anniversary in 2016, Cloud Pavilion is once again upgrading its offerings. Starting in March, from Monday to Thursday, the “12-Course Lobster & King Crab Feast” all-you-can-eat promotion will offer more value at no extra cost. In addition to 12 different styles of lobster and king crab dishes, it now includes freshly shucked oysters, abalone served two ways, and freshly sliced American grilled steak – all for just NT$2,178 per person + 10%.
Only one birthday every four years? The Dynasty Hotel treats those born on Feb. 29 to a buffet
February 29, a leap year day, will arrive during the 228 holiday period. “Leap Day babies” born on this day only get to celebrate their birthday once every four years. The Dynasty Hotel is specially treating these super-celebrants to a complimentary meal. Any birthday celebrant born on February 29 can enjoy a free lunch or dinner by presenting a valid national ID card and dining at the first-floor Atrium Café on February 29. Eligible celebrants shouldn’t miss out.
Executive Chef Kwong Wai-keung is devoted to traditional Cantonese cuisine. Hong Kong’s “T’ang Court” earns Michelin three-star rating
In the 2016 Michelin Guide for Hong Kong and Macau, the newly awarded Michelin-starred restaurants drew the most attention for representing local traditional cuisines, including the elevated status of the renowned Cantonese restaurant “T’ang Court” at Hong Kong’s well-known Langham Hotel, which has been upgraded once again and has become the world’s third Chinese restaurant to receive a three-star Michelin rating. Its selection as a three-star establishment is a testament to Executive Chef Kwong Wai-keung’s dedication to Cantonese cuisine, fully inheriting the essence of Tang Dynasty culinary traditions.
Come feel the warmth of hand-pressed sushi – 7 affordable nigiri spots in Taipei have arrived!
If you’re looking for a dish that combines quality and satisfaction, nigiri sushi is sure to come to mind. When vinegared rice meets fresh toppings, the burst of freshness and fullness hits your palate – that’s the ultimate pleasure of eating nigiri. Ettoday E Travel has handpicked 7 Taipei spots serving affordable nigiri – come enjoy the beauty of sushi!
Tired of being single? Come here to find love – Taiwan’s top 10 most efficacious Matchmaker Temples
Feeling especially lonely and down in the cold season? Can’t seem to meet the right person? DailyView’s Online Temperature Gauge has revealed Taiwan’s 10 most efficacious Matchmaker Temples. Struggling with your love life? Come pray to the Matchmaker God (Yu Lao)! But don’t forget to check the worship methods and taboos of each temple beforehand – offending the deities would be bad luck indeed.
Taichung’s High-Value Curry Chain: Rich Curry Stone Pot Rice & Silky Egg Fried Rice
This time we visited the Gongyi branch of “Mr. 38 Curry Legend,” a place with a stylish, slightly American rock-inspired vibe. The menu offers a wide variety, generous portions, and the best part? You can eat your fill for under NT$300. Each meal comes with a pre-meal drink, soup, and a side of black tea. Opt for a curry rice set and you can even get free refills of rice—super high value for money (C/P value)! Now, let’s take a look at the delicious curry dishes we tried this time.
Not for the faint of heart: UK theme park unveils world's first "astronaut's-eye" roller coaster
The renowned British theme park Alton Towers will debut its brand-new Galactica roller coaster this April, which uses virtual reality and gravity-defying technology to make riders feel as though they're in space—an adrenaline rush that might not be suitable for the timid.
Booking rates continue to rise – Top 5 cities Taiwanese travelers love to visit on budget airlines
In recent years, budget airlines have become increasingly popular in Taiwan. Not only have local low-cost carriers continued to add new flights, but many foreign budget airlines have also actively entered the Taiwanese market. According to a comparison of various data on Taiwanese budget airlines and traditional airlines by Skyscanner, in 2014, 30% of travelers flew with budget airlines, while 70% chose traditional airlines. However, in 2015, the proportion of travelers using budget airlines climbed to 37%, while traditional airlines dropped to 63%.