Travel
Creative stalls, retro military dependents' villages, and a laid-back vibe: 6 must-visit cultural spots in Taichung
Do you prefer Taipei’s Sishisanan Village, Tainan’s Blueprint Park, or Kaohsiung’s Pier-2 Art Center? We’ve introduced many cultural hotspots across Taiwan, and now it’s Taichung’s turn. With its retro settlements and creative stalls, this city is beloved by both domestic and international visitors. ETToday Travel Cloud has specially compiled a list of six must-visit cultural spots in Taichung—see which one you’d most like to explore.
SIA Taipei–Maldives round-trip tickets with taxes included start from just NT$30,000 — and you’ll also get shopping vouchers
Singapore Airlines is launching a ticket promotion for flights departing from Taiwan to destinations including Indonesia, Malaysia, the Maldives, Sri Lanka, and South Africa. Prices start from NT$10,348 to NT$29,578, with Maldives round-trip tickets with taxes starting from NT$29,068.
Don’t underestimate roadside delicacies. Crispy yet tender, this non-greasy cherry duck is delicious in two ways.
A friend, Ah Jiu, had visited Yiwang Roast Duck in Longtan a few times. The photos looked great, and the quality seemed to be a cut above your average roadside roast duck shop. Before heading home for lunch, I brought one back to share with my family. The most famous roadside roast duck shop that comes to mind is Renwu Roast Duck in Kaohsiung. Maybe next time I’m in Kaohsiung, I’ll stop by for a taste—its reputation is hard to ignore.
Summer flower viewing in the Daxueshan Mountain Range: stunning purple foxgloves and Yushan azaleas in full bloom
With summer here and temperatures soaring across Taiwan, now is the perfect time to escape to the mountains for some cool relief and floral beauty. The purple foxgloves on Daxueshan Mountain are in full bloom, their bell-shaped blossoms swaying along the forest trails, adding a touch of delicate charm to the woodland. Don’t miss this chance—gather your family and friends and head to Daxueshan to experience the early summer splendor of the mountains.
World’s Largest “Budget” Alliance Forms: Book Flights from 8 Low-Cost Carriers in One Go
Eight low-cost airlines from the Asia-Pacific region today announced the launch of the world’s largest low-cost airline alliance, “Value Alliance.” Members include Scoot, NokScoot, Nok Air, Tigerair Mandala, Tigerair Australia, Vanilla Air, Cebu Pacific, and Jeju Air, collectively connecting a vast flight network across Asia and Australia.
Yonezawa Taiwan’s 2nd Store to Open on May 19 – Four Star Dishes All at NT$150
Nine months after the Japanese popular pork cutlet specialty chain Yonezawa arrived in Taiwan, its second store will finally open on May 19, located on the first floor of Carrefour Zhongxin Store in Sanchong District, New Taipei City. The four most popular star dishes will all be priced at NT$150 for the first four days after opening.
Experience the true taste of food ingredients every day with freshly made smooth sweet potato, taro, and pumpkin sandwiches!
The “Meiyi Sandwich,” which opened not long ago, quickly gained widespread attention and love. There’s no other reason than the owner’s dedication to high-quality ingredients and her vision—qualities that have made this seemingly simple sandwich an enormous hit. Located on Daudun 12th Street in Nantun District, Taichung City, the Meiyi Sandwich goes on sale at 12:00 noon sharp every day and often sells out by 3 or 4 in the afternoon. The shop carefully selects locally sourced agricultural products that pass inspections, pairing them simply with alkaline ionized seawater and Lomi toast, all handmade without any preservatives or artificial flavorings—proof of the owner’s unique commitment. Additionally, to ensure everyone can enjoy the most natural and authentic flavors, the prices are kept affordable, following a philosophy of sparing no expense to deliver exceptional value. This honest dedication is what keeps her going, and though it’s hard work, she finds joy in it. Customers, in turn, get to enjoy the most genuine and natural flavors!
Soaring with Captain Yoo on your shoulder – Jeju Air’s “Song Joong-ki livery plane” makes an appearance
Jeju Air, the Korean airline that recently signed Song Joong-ki as its new annual brand ambassador, has unveiled photos of the “Song Joong-ki livery plane” on its Facebook fan page. On the plane, Song Joong-ki appears in various looks including a suit, a shirt, and a striped T-shirt. Aside from flashing his signature smile, he also forms a heart with his hands, exuding immense charm.
Do you have to switch your phone to airplane mode when flying? What happens if you don’t?
During flights, all passengers are required to switch their communication devices to “airplane mode” primarily to prevent mobile phones from interfering with flight safety when sending or receiving signals. As a result, many people habitually switch to airplane mode after boarding. But is airplane mode really completely safe, and what happens if you don’t use it?
Japan’s World Heritage Site Count to Rise Again? The National Museum of Western Art Makes Its Third Bid
Could Japan soon have another World Heritage Site? The Tokyo-based “National Museum of Western Art” in Ueno, designed by the renowned French architect Le Corbusier, is now being nominated this year for World Heritage status along with 17 other architectural works by Le Corbusier across various countries—under the collective name “The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier.” If officially approved by UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee in July, it will become Japan’s 20th World Heritage Site.
More convenient fun ahead！ Tainan to build a “monorail” system, set to launch in 2018
Will Tainan get a metro too? The Tainan City Transportation Bureau has preliminarily planned to build two metro lines suitable for Tainan, with a total length of about 40 kilometers, expected to start construction in 2018.
Can you grill without going outdoors? Tkk Camping BBQ brings Korean camp-style dining to the city
But have you ever thought about camping in the city? It’s possible at Tkk Camping BBQ. Stepping into the restaurant feels like entering a campsite—grilling with friends indoors feels just like a picnic, and all these layered sensations make you forget you’re actually in a restaurant.
Zespri launches new SunGold Golden Round kiwifruit with 10x the nutritional density of apples
Taiwanese love kiwifruit like crazy—nearly 300 million Zespri New Zealand kiwifruits were consumed in Taiwan alone in 2015, making Taiwan Zespri’s fourth-largest global market. As the 2016 kiwifruit season officially kicked off, Zespri launched a new addition to its golden kiwifruit family in Taiwan—the “SunGold Golden Round.”
Bad weather strikes again — 10-level gales force cancellation of Jibei Fireworks Festival
The Penghu International Marine Fireworks Festival was originally scheduled to take place on Jibei Island on the 17th, but due to an approaching frontal system, it is forecast that winds reaching level 10 will hit the island in the evening. To ensure public safety, the Tourism Department of Penghu County Government announced the cancellation of this fireworks display, leaving many visitors disappointed.
Macau 3-day trip for 888, Turkey 9-day trip waiving 30,000 — Taipei Travel Fair discount cheat sheet
The 2016 Taipei International Travel Fair will be held from May 20 to May 23 at Taipei World Trade Center Hall 1. This year, in addition to increased interest in Asian, Japan-Korea itineraries and independent travel, destinations such as Europe are also great opportunities to snag deals. Highlights include Macau independent travel packages for as low as 888 yuan for 3 days, Turkey 9-day trips waiving 30,000, and up to 20% off on all flight routes.
The Dream of a Food Truck: Taichung’s “Wanderer’s Rice Ball” – Innovating with Mushroom Chicken
A small food stall made from a retro motorcycle modification parks in downtown Taichung just three times a week, selling nothing but handmade rice balls paired with fish pond black tea from Nantou. It has quickly become one of the most talked-about food trucks in the city recently. This truck carries the memories and dreams of those who’ve left home, and its signature “mushroom chicken” rice ball has won over many locals.
Easier access to the Chimei Museum now possible ! New T-bike stations in Tainan to launch in early August
Tainan continues to expand its public bicycle rental system “T-bike,” and now the Chimei Museum will also get a station ! According to Tainan City Government plans, around 10 new rental sites — including the Chimei Museum and the Southern Taiwan Science Park — are expected to be completed by the end of July. These will also connect with city bus routes, making commuting more convenient for residents and offering seamless transit options for tourists.
Mix and match international cuisines: enjoy American beef burgers and Southeast Asian turmeric curry rice!
Today I’m sharing with you all a newly opened restaurant in Xinzhuang—Patchwork Dream Kitchen. The place offers a rich and diverse menu, featuring a wide variety of sandwiches and burgers, which is why it’s often categorized as a brunch spot. But personally, I think it’s more like a creative kitchen offering flavors from around the world. Just like its name “Patchwork,” it combines all kinds of dishes. Here you can enjoy rich Italian pasta, exotic Southeast Asian curry rice, classic British fish and chips, and indulgent American beef burgers. It’s as fun as traveling the world through each delicious bite.
Visit the Kingdom of Flowers – This Beauty of Rhododendrons Can Only Be Seen in Taiwan!
Within the Guanwu National Forest Recreation Area, there are five trails: the Hazel Mountain, Giant Trees, Waterfall, Bird Watching, and Honeymoon trails. Among them, at the ridge atop the Hazel Mountain Trail, Taiwan rhododendrons are just beginning to bud.
Available in Taipei too: Dazhai Gate Duck Head Dry Pot Opens in Dunhua, Taipei
The popular Kaohsiung restaurant Dazhai Gate Duck Head Dry Pot has expanded northward with a new store in Taipei. Fans of duck head dry pot in Taipei can celebrate — Dazhai Gate’s Dunhua branch will officially open on May 7th. In addition to the classic duck head dry pot, you can now also try the spicy red meat dry pot. After finishing your duck head pot, you can repurpose the broth into a spicy hotpot, adding vegetables, seafood, mutton, beef, and more for a second delicious meal experience.