Travel
Dashin New Thai Noodles has expanded to 14 outlets Expanding to Chiayi and Yilan in the second half of the year
Dashin New Thai Noodles, under the Thai Union brand of Wai City, has been on the market for two years. Currently, there are 14 stores across Taipei, Taichung, Tainan, and Kaohsiung. In the second half of this year, it will enter Taiwan’s key tourist destinations—Chiayi and Yilan metropolitan areas, with a goal of 30 stores in three years. As of the end of May this year, the number of customers has reached nearly 1.8 million, averaging one bowl sold every 17 seconds, and year two saw growth of nearly 150% compared to year one.
Besides stunning mountains, waters, and scenery, the biggest highlight of the Huatung Valley is "invisible to the naked eye"
Many people know that Hualien boasts beautiful mountains, waters, and scenery, but the Huatung Valley has one major highlight that is "invisible to the naked eye," which is why it is often overlooked. The "Huatung Valley National Scenic Area Administration" recently shared a video on its Facebook fan page revealing this "highlight," attracting over a thousand likes and more than 200 shares.
Zodiac signs and their travel "princess syndrome"? Even Taurus won't skimp when buying grilled sausages
Everyone has their own little travel preferences. To promote travel in Hualien and Taitung, the "Hualien-Taitung National Scenic Area Administration" created a short film titled "12 Zodiac Signs and Their Travel Princess Syndrome." Recently, the Taurus segment was released first. In the coming months, other zodiac segments will be unveiled accordingly—such as Gemini in June and Cancer in July—much to the anticipation of many travelers.
Usable offline too！Taiwan Tourism Promotion APP “DiGTAIWAN!” is now live
Planned and promoted by Japan’s Sanseido Co., Ltd., and expanding its successful model under the DiGWORLD concept to foster cross-border tourism exchanges, its first launch destination is Taiwan. In collaboration with Dah Yeh Publishing, it has created “DiGTAIWAN!”—a free APP that promotes the best of Taiwan to travelers—which officially launched on May 26, 2016.
Cat lovers’ favorite drink in Tainan: “Cat Slave Milk Tea” that tastes distinctly of catnip
Catnip emits an irresistible scent to cats, making it especially beloved by felines. As a devoted cat lover, have you ever wondered what catnip actually tastes like? A business in Tainan has recently launched “Cat Slave Milk Tea,” boldly adding catnip to their milk tea and serving it in cat-shaped containers—inside and out, it’s packed with “cat vibes” that any cat lover simply can’t resist.
Taiwan Railways’ Sanxingqiao Station to Open at End of June – Stunning Design Mistaken for a Villa Hotel!
With an exterior resembling a cozy log cabin and diamond-shaped glass panels, the newly built Taiwan Railways Sanxingqiao Station boasts a striking design that has even led local residents to mistake it for a newly constructed villa hotel. Slated to open at the end of June this year, the station will bring great convenience to students from nearby schools and local residents, while also boosting prosperity and development in southern Hsinchu.
The built-in amazing duty roster of meerkats — she has taken over 40,000 photos and 8,000 videos
“Meerkat Mom” Wen Fangling was once a high-powered career woman, used to being picked up in imported cars, always flying business class, and refusing to stay in anything less than five-star hotels. She proudly believed that money was the only value in the world. But later, she personally made five trips to Africa’s harsh deserts to observe meerkats, taking 45,000 photos and filming over 8,000 videos. From these small creatures, she rediscovered the value of “love” and resolved to spread the family spirit of meerkats to inspire more people.
Women travelers can stay with peace of mind too！Tokyo’s “Women-Only Capsule Hotel” Has Opened
The Japanese capsule hotel operator “Bay Hotel Group,” which previously offered Taiwanese travelers a 50% discount on stays as a gesture of gratitude for Taiwan’s donations and reconstruction aid following the Kumamoto earthquake, has recently opened a new capsule hotel in Tokyo’s Akihabara—and it’s “women-only.” Even solo female travelers can stay here with peace of mind.
Hualien County Route 193 Welcomes a "Golden Rain" as Golden Shower Trees and Flame Trees Bloom
With yellow flowers, green rice fields, and vibrant red flame trees, the East Rift Valley has been bustling lately. The "East Rift Valley National Scenic Area Administration" recently shared on its Facebook page that the golden shower trees, commonly known as the "golden rain," are in full bloom along Hualien County Route 193. A little further along, there’s also a sea of fiery red flame trees. This stunning scenery stretches from Ruisui all the way to Yuli, and with the addition of golden needle flowers in the plains, it’s a rare and perfect time for flower viewing.
Airbnb Launches Ninja Turtles-Themed Room in Manhattan, NYC — Super Popular and Already Fully Booked!
Themed rooms are increasingly popular among travelers, as accommodations are no longer just places to sleep but also opportunities for fans to immerse themselves in themed decor. Airbnb recently introduced a Ninja Turtles-themed room, and with the summer release of the Ninja Turtles 2 movie, it’s sure to attract fans.
Major revamp of classic grilled dishes, featuring Iberian pork, Angus Black Angus beef, and Australian Wagyu
In response to the rising popularity of Korean BBQ, Yoshoku, under the Din Tai Fung Group, has given its spring and summer menu a complete overhaul this year. The highlight is the introduction of Spanish Iberian pork, American Angus Black Angus beef, and Australian Wagyu — dubbed the “trio of grilling excellence.” Available as a couple’s set meal in multiple price ranges from 1,580 to 2,180 NTD (plus 10% service charge), the new offerings include eight courses from Caesar salad, a trio of appetizers, the main course, all the way to drinks and dessert. The new menu launches on June 6.
Kaohsiung’s classic Cantonese-style dim sum spot unveils bold Taiwanese-inspired dishes!
This isn’t your ordinary Cantonese dim sum—each dish features traditional flavors presented in a stylish fusion of Cantonese, Taiwanese, Fujian, and Hong Kong culinary techniques. This vintage yet creative Taiwanese feast not only impresses guests with both substance and style, but also dazzles the eyes and palate alike. (Available exclusively at the Yucheng branch.)
Kicking off the summer season – The Baihe Lotus Festival kicks off for 5 days
The annual Baihe Lotus Festival will commence on the 5th, this year themed “Splendor of Summer Lotus,” symbolizing how the lotuses spread across Baihe are heralding the start of summer. This year also emphasizes community integration, hoping that in addition to admiring the flowers, visitors can experience the cultural charm of the “Lotus Village” as they explore.
A new leisure spot for Xiaogang residents: Kaohsiung’s new green space “Shao-Kang Campsite” opens on June 1
Kaohsiung is about to get a new highlight again. As camping tourism grows in popularity, the Kaohsiung City Government has transformed five hectares of long-idle land at the Shao-Kang military camp into a public green space for residents, which officially opens on June 1.
30,000 hydrangeas bloom along a cedar forest – a stunning hidden flower-viewing spot in Iwate, Japan
In Ichinoseki City, northeastern Japan’s Iwate Prefecture, there is a “hydrangea secret garden” hidden within a cedar forest. The approximately 2-kilometer-long walking path takes around 30 minutes to stroll through. Nearly 30,000 hydrangeas unfold around you, surrounded by towering cedar trees, creating a deep and romantic scene that feels like stepping into a Studio Ghibli movie.
Commemorative sake in ceramic bottles for the Hokkaido Shinkansen — high collectible value
To celebrate the opening of the Hokkaido Shinkansen, a well-known Japanese sake brewer has launched a limited-edition H5 train-shaped sake, brewed with local junmai rice and featuring a ceramic bottle design with exceptional collectible appeal, making it a must-have item on the shopping lists of many sake and bullet train enthusiasts.
Hualien Skywalk to Open Soon with a “Loose Boulder” Hanging Overhead
The newly built skywalk on the cliffs of Qinzhibuzi Cliff in Fengbin Township, Hualien County, has caused a stir even before its opening, and is currently scheduled for a trial run during the summer vacation. However, some locals have recently reported that there appears to be a potentially unstable “boulder” hanging above the walkway, posing a risk of falling.
Flexibly Showcasing the True Essence of Kappo Cuisine: A Newly Opened Omakase Japanese Restaurant in Taipei
In Taiwan’s high-end Japanese dining scene, from the traditional kaiseki and course meals of earlier years to the especially popular kappo style in recent times, this culinary approach emphasizes performing the “kiri (cutting)” and “niru (cooking)” processes right in front of guests. As one branch of premium Japanese cuisine, while not as upscale as kaiseki or course dining, kappo has gained particular popularity because it allows diners to engage closely with the chef and enjoy a variety of seasonal dishes creatively crafted with fresh, in-season ingredients.
Dine at Pin Hua Yuan on weekdays and get a free movie ticket – starting June 1
Starting June 1, Pin Hua Yuan buffet restaurant is offering free movie tickets to diners who visit on weekdays. Guests will receive one free ticket to Ambassador Theatre’s Xinzhuang Jingguan Plaza cinema per person, which can be used immediately after the meal. Additionally, on selected weekends in June, Pin Hua Yuan will host an “Angels Creative Drawing” activity, making it a fun dining experience for families with both food and entertainment.
Only available here in Tokyo: Japan’s first “latte art coffee vending machine”!
Japan’s streets are lined with vending machines that sell not just drinks but also ice cream and fried chicken. Now, local businesses have come up with a new idea: Japan’s first “latte art coffee vending machine.” Just insert coins and you can get a steaming cup of beautifully designed latte art coffee. Currently, it’s only available at Tokyo Haneda Airport.