Travel
The "O Show" of the Penghu Fireworks Festival is confirmed to have gone up in flames – 2 million TWD worth of equipment used only once before being scrapped
The opening of the "2016 Penghu International Marine Fireworks Festival" hit a snag when, during the first fireworks display on the 18th, around 9:30 PM, the "O Show" Ferris wheel equipment suddenly caught fire; it has now been confirmed as completely destroyed and dismantled. The 2 million TWD facility was used just once before being ruined – truly a pity. The organizing committee stated that the O Show was introduced to bring innovation to the event content, and they extend their deepest apologies to the public for this performance mishap. Follow-up actions will include holding the contractor accountable according to the contract and imposing deductions.
Should Taiwanese stop donating? Japanese say: Save the money and visit Kumamoto later!
Since the Kumamoto earthquake, many people have started responding with donations, and various regions in Japan have also begun contributing to disaster relief. A person who is very fond of Taiwan and runs an online fan page called 【The Sexy Japanese Uncle】 made a statement, suggesting that although the earthquake was quite severe, Taiwanese people don’t need to donate specifically. “It’s better to endure now and not donate, then when you come to Kumamoto in the future, you can be really generous with your spending.”
Limited 3-Day Star Fork Gastronomic Feast – Italian Star Chef Brings Hometown Flavors to Taiwan
Italian star chef Felice Lo Basso, who boasts both a Michelin one-star rating and two Repsol Suns, has been invited to Taiwan recently to host a three-day consecutive Star Fork feast from April 22 to 24. It’s reported that before the news even spread, bookings were nearly full, with only a few spots left for Sunday. Chef Felice, true to his name, always approaches his culinary journeys with joy, seeking out new ingredients along the way and incorporating them into his creations. He also prepares traditional hometown dishes using innovative techniques.
It's time to get ready to go—the Dongshi Forest Farm has entered the "firefly peak season"!
The firefly-viewing season at Dongshi Forest Farm has officially begun, and it has recently entered its peak period. On clear nights, visitors can enjoy the enchanting sight of a fresh green carpet glowing with mesmerizing light in the mountains, a magical charm that is truly captivating. The Dongshi Forest Farm says travelers can get ready to head out!
Win a free trip to Korea by reading "Eastern TV Travel & Leisure"!
Following its coverage of Japan, "Eastern TV Travel & Leisure" is taking viewers to popular destinations in South Korea such as Busan, Daegu, and Gyeongju... The Korea special will officially air starting April 9th, featuring actress Lin Yuf^, who starred in the hit idol drama "Cooking High," paired with veteran male host Alen, who brings 15 years of rich guiding experience. Together, they will explore Korea.
Watch blue lanterns fluttering in the sky！52 firefly-viewing spots across New Taipei
From late April to early June is the best season for nighttime firefly viewing in New Taipei City. Following last year’s release of 48 hidden firefly-viewing spots, the New Taipei City Agriculture Bureau has this year introduced 52 firefly-viewing locations, allowing the public to plan summer firefly-watching activities while promoting awareness of firefly ecology and the importance of preserving their habitats.
Great for browsing and shopping: A lazy guide to 13 must-visit "100-yen shops" in Japan
In recent years, Japan has seen a rise in specialty stores for household goods. These shops not only compete in design but also in price, leading to the emergence of numerous 100-yen shop brands that offer both style and affordability. Travelers can now take home a variety of daily necessities, kitchenware, and bedding at pocket-change prices. Below are 13 must-visit 100-yen shops in Japan. Whether you're looking for small daily items or souvenirs, you’ll find high-quality and unique choices here too.
New coastal landmark revealed: Gaomei Wetlands Scenic Bridge aerial photos unveiled
The Gaomei Wetlands Scenic Bridge has recently been completed and is set to open to the public soon. The entire bridge features a streamlined design with a double-curved planar form, integrating seamlessly with the surrounding natural landscape. Aerial shots show it as a highly visible structure, expected to become a new landmark along the central coast.
Responding to Earth Day: Free rides on electric buses in Kaohsiung
April 22 is Earth Day. To mark this meaningful occasion, the Kaohsiung City Government’s Department of Transportation has launched the “422 Earth Day – Ride Electric Buses for the Planet” campaign. On that day, simply show the event voucher on your mobile phone or tablet to enjoy free rides on two electric bus routes: “West City Express” and “Jianguo Trunk Line.” Citizens are encouraged to take these eco-friendly buses together to reduce air pollution and celebrate Earth Day.
Thailand’s Koh Samui “Tropical Regatta” sees over 400 sailors from 30 countries gather
Koh Samui, Thailand, is set to host its 15th Regatta from May 21 to 28, with an expected gathering of over 400 sailors from 30 countries. It also serves as the grand finale and championship event of a series of 12 five-star regattas across Asia.
Monthly salary starts at NT$50K! Japan Airlines hiring Taiwanese flight attendants after 9-year hiatus — no Japanese test required
Attention job seekers with aviation dreams! After a nine-year break, Japan Airlines is expected to recruit 20–30 new flight attendants by April 30. These new hires will start work in July, with an estimated monthly salary plus allowances starting from NT$50,000.
The coastal ecosystem is vanishing fast! Living by Houpihu her whole life, she “dives in” to guide tours and save Taiwan.
Houpihu in Kenting used to have numerous tide pools teeming with various fish and marine life. However, with the arrival of the Nuclear Power Plant No. 3, the landscape has continuously changed. Nowadays, the surroundings of Houpihu no longer boast the vibrant biological scenes of the past but are instead overrun with litter and water activities. In response, the local community has launched ecological interpretation activities, hoping that by guiding travelers to understand the intertidal zone, more people will learn to cherish Taiwan’s coastlines.
Tainan’s “Asia’s Tallest Slide” – A Real-Life 8-Second Thrill Ride to the Ground!
The Shihku Ren Tang Cultural and Creative Park in Tainan has unveiled a 13.5-meter-tall “Asia’s Tallest Transparent Slide,” which opened at the end of March. By April 12, an estimated 5,000 to 6,000 thrill-seekers had flocked here just to experience this heart-pounding speed rush. In addition to the fully transparent slide, there’s also an advanced white version that hasn’t opened yet — its difficulty level has even prompted on-site staff to joke that only pros can handle it!
Japan’s Dreamy “Treehouse” Café: Thick Pancakes & Daily Limited Cakes
Back in our wild-child days, having a treehouse was a “dream”—even if we could only stay for one night. As we grew up, those naive thoughts were buried deep in our hearts along with *The Adventures of Tom Sawyer*. So when I stumbled upon this treehouse online, I instantly committed it to memory.
Travelers to Hong Kong and Macau, take note: "TurboJET" offers a special deal — buy one ferry ticket, get one free
Travelers planning to visit Hong Kong and Macau, take note: TurboJET, the Macau-based ferry service, is launching a limited-time promotion where passengers can purchase an airport route ferry ticket at the regular price or scan via the mobile app to receive a free ticket of the same cabin class.
Waited 20 years！Yilan’s Dongshan River “Eco Green Boat” Park Opens — Free Entry Until End of Year
After 20 years of restoration work, Yilan County’s Dongshan River “Eco Green Boat” park is finally set to officially open on the 22nd！The Yilan County Government has announced that entry will be free for the public this year, while boat rides on the water and eco-education programs will be offered at additional cost. By offering free admission, they hope to showcase Yilan’s unique landscape to people across Taiwan.
Fulong showcases 80 "world's first" sand sculptures; Taiwan's
The 2016 Fulong International Sand Sculpture Art Festival will be held from May 7 to July 10 in Fulong. This year’s theme is “Glory of Gold Sand,” featuring 24 international sand sculptors from 13 countries. A total of 80 themed sand sculptures are expected to be on display, including the world’s tallest building and the world’s most expensive painting.
Take a direct ferry to Japan for fun！Lina Ferry’s trial run on the Hualien–Ishigaki route on May 14
Want to visit Japan in the future? Just hop on a ferry. Lina Ferry has announced on its official website that it will conduct a trial run of the Hualien–Ishigaki Island route between May 14 and May 15.
New York dessert favorite Lady M makes a limited 11-day appearance at Taipei’s Regent Hotel
Lady M is a popular New York-based dessert shop with branches in many countries, and now you can enjoy it in Taiwan without leaving home. Taipei’s Regent Hotel has teamed up exclusively with Lady M for an international collaboration, marking the global brand’s first-ever appearance in Taiwan. For this special event, Lady M brings its renowned French-style mille crêpes cakes, vanilla chocolate cake, cheesecake cloud cake, and more. It has also created a one-of-a-kind global exclusive dessert just for Taiwanese customers: the “Passion Fruit Mille Crêpes Cake.” The promotion runs from April 28 to May 8 only.
Awaken Mom’s Inner Girl with These Adorable Cupcakes — Eslite Mother’s Day Launches 8 Cute Designs
Looking for something different this Mother’s Day? Eslite Life Xinyi’s Cloudy Cupcake introduces 8 “Mom’s Inner Girl Cupcakes,” inspired by the theme of “spoiling Mom,” offering both exquisite and adorable treats.