The trend of coin-operated milk tea vending machines has swept across Taiwan—and now it’s landed in New Taipei City. A “Bear Milk Tea Vending Machine” has appeared on the B1 level of Global Mall Banqiao Station. With only 100–150 bottles available each day and a different flavor every day, it has attracted crowds of people lining up daily just to find out what the flavor of the day will be.
A massive 3D floor art installation has recently appeared at Taipei City Hall Plaza, with such a realistic scene that it’s truly jaw-dropping!It was created through a collaboration between the Taipei City Government and Black Sugar Soda, centered around the core theme of “*Never let go until you achieve your dreams,*” to promote the spirit of the 2017 Taipei Universiade: “Riding the Waves.”
Bangkok now has another artsy nighttime destination to explore. The city’s first 24-hour library, “Bangkok Metropolitan Library,” is expected to be completed and opened by the end of 2016, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in reading without time restrictions.
Taoyuan Airport Corporation has specially added a 24-hour customer service hotline in response to the flooding at Terminal 2 on June 2 caused by thunderstorms, which affected some passengers. The hotline is available for those who suffered inconvenience during the storm to call and report their issues. The hotline number is: 03-273-1999, with staff available around the clock to assist.
The HowToTrip Xinzhuang Hotel’s summer parent-child camp has entered its fifth edition. In addition to the ever-popular Little Chefs program loved by both kids and adults over the years, this year the hotel has introduced an upgraded version of the Little General Manager experience—giving children a light-hearted opportunity to learn management skills by observing how hotel general managers review departmental meeting reports.
The “Taiwan International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta” made its first venture outside Taitung on the 4th, bringing the Hot Air Balloon Light & Music Concert to Kaohsiung for a one-day pop-up event. Organizers said that this limited-time Kaohsiung light show concert will allow the public to enjoy five giant hot air balloons rising in front of the Kaohsiung Cultural Center, accompanied by beautiful music, immersing residents in the charm of the hot air balloon light concert.
Ranka Shoubuan, a renowned tearoom in Kyoto, has set up a pop-up counter on the first floor of Shin Kong Mitsukoshi A9 Pavilion, selling products such as Golden Legend (original and matcha flavors), Illusory Moon (original and matcha flavors), sponge cake crisps, and Dié Dié (matcha flavor), with no accompanying beverages. The pop-up counter will only remain open until August 31 and serves as a precursor to the brand’s official presence. The company is currently negotiating with Shin Kong Mitsukoshi for the location of the permanent store, which will feature a larger retail space.
The well-known “Water Flows Uphill Recreational Area” in Donghe, Taitung, used to attract many tourists with its peculiar scene of water seemingly flowing against gravity. Now, Taitung has a new “water flows uphill” attraction — located at the red-and-white Two-Tier Terrace Water Bridge in Ruilong Village, Luye Township. It is the only scenic arched water bridge in the country. Thanks to its unique design and the visual illusion of water flowing upstream at the end of the channel, it has quickly become a new local attraction.
Located on Dongyin Island in Matsu, Dongyin Lighthouse is the northernmost lighthouse in Taiwan. Since its construction in 1904 (8 years before the founding of the Republic of China), it has a history of 112 years. In 1966, the main light of Dongyin Lighthouse was damaged by a typhoon and remained dark for 50 years. Thanks to the active restoration efforts of the Maritime and Port Bureau under the Ministry of Transportation, the light was finally restored at 18:35 on June 5. The long-awaited lighthouse shone brightly once again, lighting the way home for the people of Matsu.
The gradient drink trend has not only swept through its birthplace in Tainan but is also gradually making its mark in the Greater Taipei area. Some drinks even showcase rainbows inside, leaving people amazed. ETtoday EBC has handpicked six gradient drink shops in Greater Taipei—don’t say all the good drinks are only in Tainan anymore!
Meeting up with friends on a relaxing holiday, stepping into a café—its unique decor and delicately plated dishes always inspire you to snap a few photos and check in. “Photogenic” seems to have become as important as the food itself. The blogger “A Daily Life of a Man” recently shared an article featuring super-popular Instagram-worthy spots in the Greater Taipei area. Below, we’ve specially selected five to introduce. Next time you’re off, why not dress up and head to these restaurants for great photos and delicious food?
Recently, due to continuous rainfall, the water level of Poyang Lake—the largest freshwater lake on the Chinese mainland—has been rising steadily, causing the Dahu Pond section of Yongwu Highway (from Yongxiu County to Wucheng Town in Jiangxi Province) to be submerged. The road is faintly visible under the water, resembling a dragon swimming beneath the surface.
“Boss, I’d like a plate of dried tofu, marinated egg, and seaweed.” As a kid, I was always happy with these basic side dishes. When I grew up and had a bit more spending power, I’d splurge on liver slices or pork cheek. It’s not exactly a lavish feast, but after a long day at work, you sometimes just crave that flavor. In April 2016, we found that same traditional taste at the foot of Taipei’s Xiangshan Mountain — a Taiwanese-style braised snack izakaya called “Chanan Bar.”
How can you witness the most stunning views when traveling in Switzerland? In fact, Switzerland is home to the “5 Great Alpine Blue Lakes,” each lake boasting different hues and unique beauty. Yang Zhenfa, Chairman of Taiyung Travel Agency, points out that travelers planning to visit Switzerland might consider exploring the country by railway, combined with visits to its five famous peaks and lesser-known alpine lakes—guaranteed to leave a lasting impression.
I’ve recently been gathering travel info related to the Biei & Furano area. Two years ago, during my first trip to Biei, I did quite a bit of prep work. This time, I figured I’d organize some of that relevant information again, just in case I forget everything when I go looking for it again in my old age.
As June arrives and summer officially begins, the sweltering heat often kills your appetite. Walkland Wok Island has specially compiled a list of this summer’s top 10 cool treats, ensuring you still have delicious food to enjoy no matter how hot it gets. Come and see what dishes made the list!
I first heard the name “Little Sip Home” when a food writer mentioned it on the radio. After that, my group of foodie buddies, the “Tiger Gang,” tried to get me together a few times, but the timing never worked out. Finally, after their Nth visit, I managed to snag a seat as a last-minute fill-in (tearful)... I finally got the chance to try what’s said to be the best “pan-fried horsehead fish” in all of Taipei.
Recently, the food search website OpenRice specially compiled a list of 8 popular lunch restaurants around Taipei’s eight major business districts—spots beloved by local office workers that always see long queues during lunch hours. Besides lunch, many office workers, for the sake of convenience, often opt to buy bento boxes to take home for dinner. In the Zhonghe-Yonghe area, there are three particularly well-loved bento shops. Every day once the workday ends, the storefronts are packed with people lining up, yet many are still willing to wait patiently.
Milk tea vending machines have suddenly sprung up all over Taichung, mostly concentrated around Yizhong Street. This one from "Mingliu Tea House" caused a long line on its first day of sales on May 27 (Friday), and judging by the turnout, it doesn’t look like the craze will die down anytime soon.
Where can you find Taiwan’s most beautiful night view? A photographer captured what is being called “the farthest night view in Taiwan” — seen from Yushan’s North Peak at night, gazing 130 kilometers away to Penghu. The island of Penghu, situated on the other side of the dark sea, glows brightly on the water, creating an unbelievably stunning sight.