Travel
The hall of the Southern Branch of the National Palace Museum is not yet repaired — free admission for residents of Yunlin, Chiayi, and Tainan extended to the end of July
During the renovation period of the main structure of the Southern Branch of the National Palace Museum, due to weather conditions, a shortage of skilled professionals, and the raised standards for rectifying construction defects, the hall must remain closed for repairs until the end of July before it can reopen. As a result, the trial operation period has been extended to July of the 105th year of the Republic of China (2016), and the original preferential measure during the trial operation period — allowing free entry to the Southern Branch of the Palace Museum for residents of Yunlin County, Chiayi County, Chiayi City, and Tainan City upon presentation of identification — will also be extended until July 31.
Taiwan’s Cutest “Mushroom Kindergarten” Appears on a 150-Ping Grass Field in Hsinchu
An architect who has designed schools across Taiwan wanted to create a “not boring” learning space for children. After 10 months of work, he designed Taiwan’s first uniquely shaped mushroom-style kindergarten. On a 150-ping grassy field in Zhubei, three mushroom houses have become the dream learning place for kids.
Available by reservation only – Hualien’s affordable set-menu cuisine for just NT$300 per person
Nestled along a quiet country road in Ruisui, Hualien, the set-menu eatery “Wu You Wu Lü” focuses on locally sourced ingredients from eastern Taiwan, nurtured by the undulating mountain ranges of eastern Taiwan. With the owner’s skillful cooking techniques, these natural flavors are presented in their purest form. The restaurant is tucked away mysteriously down a small alley, a far cry from typical dining spots — resembling a secluded utopia detached from the world.
Recommended by Ito Yokado: Japan's Top 10 Most Delicious "Matcha Snacks" at Supermarkets
When in Japan, you must try matcha desserts, snacks, or cakes！ However, there are dozens of matcha snacks available at convenience stores or supermarkets. To find out which ones are considered the "most delicious matcha snacks" by the Japanese, ETtoday Eastday Travel Cloud sought recommendations from Japan’s Ito Yokado supermarket, where these "Top 10 Most Delicious Matcha Snacks" are also available. Combined with on-site taste tests by reporters and editors, we’ve compiled this guide for travelers.
The Aowanda Forest Recreation Area is turning 22 years old this year!
What? Admission to the Aowanda Forest Recreation Area is only NT$10!
The Yilan International Children's Folklore and Folkgame Festival kicks off on July 2nd: Save big with "Buy 1 Get 1 Free" entry tickets when using public transport
The Yilan International Children's Folklore and Folkgame Festival will be held on July 2nd at the Dongshan River Water Park in Luodong. Considering the increase in travel during the summer vacation, a large volume of traffic is expected to converge on National Freeway 5, making peak-hour congestion on certain sections difficult to avoid. The Ministry of Transportation and Communications and the Yilan County Government have collaborated on a program offering a “two-person entry, one person free” discount for those presenting both a public transport ticket stub and a festival admission ticket.
Tigerair Taiwan launches first flight to Sendai today with over 90% occupancy rate
Tigerair Taiwan (29) officially launched its Taoyuan-Sendai route today, achieving a remarkable 95% load factor on its maiden flight, making it the first Taiwanese low-cost carrier to fly into Japan’s northeastern region. Sendai is now Tigerair Taiwan’s seventh destination in Japan, bringing the total number of its Taiwan-Japan round-trip routes to nine after this launch.
“Taiwan’s Most Scenic Hotel” Opens July 1 – 70% of Rooms Offer Full View of Taipei 101
Taipei Songshan Yitel Hotel (amba Taipei Songshan), touted as having “the most stunning city views in Taipei,” is set to open on July 1. As the third Yitel hotel, it is located at the intersection of Songshan, Nangang, and Xinyi districts. Guests can enjoy views of Taipei 101 from their beds, making it yet another Taipei hotel where you can ring in the New Year with fireworks.
Eat all of Korea's fried chicken, then enjoy a mud bath — Korea’s two most popular summer festivals kick off this vacation season
With the summer vacation season upon us, various festivals and events will be held across Korea. Between mid-July and late July, two major popular events will take place — the “Boryeong Mud Festival” and the “Fried Chicken & Beer Festival,” both highly recommended by the Korea Tourism Organization as must-do summer activities.
Turkey Travel Alert Raised to “Orange” Tourism Bureau Announces Contract Termination and Refund Principles
A bomb attack occurred at Istanbul Atatürk Airport, Turkey’s largest airport, at 10 p.m. local time on the evening of the 28th. On the 29th, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs raised the Turkey travel alert level to “orange,” advising citizens to “avoid non-essential travel.” To reduce travel disputes, the Tourism Bureau also announced the principles for handling contract termination and refunds for Turkey tour groups.
Nantun’s Stunning New Scenic Spot Netizens Dub It “Taichung’s Cingjing Lake”
A new scenic spot has emerged in Taichung, featuring lush green grass and crystal-clear lake water that takes on different appearances under varying sunlight, earning praise from netizens as “Taichung’s Cingjing Lake.” After going viral online, it has become a popular photography destination recently, attracting many locals.
Japanese Yoshinoya Group acquires 66.5% stake in Setagaya Ramen, making it a subsidiary
Recently, the biggest news in Japan’s food and beverage industry was that the Yoshinoya Group, known for its beef bowls, announced it has acquired a 66.5% stake in Setagaya (せたが屋) Ramen, making it one of the group’s subsidiaries. Setagaya Ramen was also introduced to Taiwan in 2015 and currently has two branches: Taipei Zhongxiao Store and HOYII North Station Store.
Nighttime lighting to kick off in July ! Celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival by admiring the moon at the “High Heel Chapel”
Every year when the Mid-Autumn Festival comes around, where to admire the moon becomes a popular topic of discussion. But besides well-known moon-gazing spots like Taipei’s Maokong, Sun Moon Lake in Nantou, and Kaohsiung’s Gushan West Bay, there’s now a new destination — the High Heel Chapel in Chiayi. The Yuanchang Management Office has announced that the chapel will be open to the public for moon viewing during the festival. Coupled with the nighttime lighting that will begin next month, this will offer visitors a brand-new moon-gazing experience for the Mid-Autumn Festival.
Taiwan Tourist Shuttle "Southern Branch of the National Palace Museum Line" Launches – Explore Chiayi for Just NT$100
After three years of effort by the Chiayi County Cultural Affairs Bureau, the Taiwan Tourist Shuttle – Southern Branch of the National Palace Museum Line is finally set to officially launch on July 9th. The shuttle stops at 15 popular attractions in Chiayi, including major local sites, and connects three major transportation hubs: Chiayi HSR Station, Minxiong Railway Station, and Chiayi TRA Station. A special NT$100 transportation ticket is also being offered, which can be used up to four times on any day, providing travelers with a more convenient commuting option.
Romantic Exclusive: Bottle Up the “Northern Lights” & Savor the Taste of Happiness
Dreamy drinks continue to trend across Taiwan, with their gradient, rainbow, pastel, and fantastical hues bringing immense joy to beverage enthusiasts this summer. On June 28, a new series of whimsical hand-shaken drinks called “Northern Lights” and “Dawn” were launched, aiming to bring happiness and renewed hope—capturing fleeting natural beauty in a bottle so you can taste the flavors of joy and optimism.
Scary fun ahead！Three generations dress up as ghosts & ride the monster-themed shuttle to Nantou for free
This year’s Taiwan Tourist Shuttle Xitou Line Monster Shuttle, held in conjunction with Ghost Month and Monster Village events, takes “three generations under one roof” as its theme, inviting families to explore Xitou together. Just dress up in Ghost Month attire for a chance to join the 2-day, 1-night trip for free.
The “Smurfs” Special Exhibition Comes to Hong Kong – 35 One-Meter-Tall Characters to Appear
The Smurfs Village Has Arrived in Hong Kong! From July 13 to August 21, the outdoor plaza of Ocean Terminal in Harbour City will be transformed into a giant Smurfs village, where 35 one-meter-tall Smurfs will live. A four-meter-tall Smurf and eight classic comic scenes will also make an appearance.
Tiancheng World Trade Hotel's Peking Duck Three-Ways Meal is Now NT$500 Cheaper — Offer Ends July 31
Tiancheng Hotel TICC World Trade Hotel’s “Verdant Court” Chinese Restaurant is offering a special promotion from now until July 31: the Peking Duck Three-Ways meal at a discounted price of NT$1,380 + 10% (original price NT$1,880 + 10%), plus a newly launched Half Cherry Duck Two-Ways meal at NT$680 + 10% (original price NT$880 + 10%).
Taiwan Tourist Shuttle - Yanxiang Coastal Line: One-Day Pass Now Available for NT$200 per Ticket
The Taiwan Tourist Shuttle - Yanxiang Coastal Line, promoted by the Yunlin, Chiayi, and Tainan Area Administration, has launched a brand-new one-day transportation ticket for 2016. The one-day pass for the Yanxiang Coastal Line is priced at NT$200 per ticket and allows unlimited boardings and alightings within the day.
Pingtung County Government Launches Shuttle Bus to Sichongxi Hot Springs; Direct Access from Fangliao Railway Station
To facilitate public access to Sichongxi Hot Springs, Pingtung County Government has launched a dedicated hot spring shuttle bus from July 1 to September 30. Visitors can take a train to Fangliao Railway Station and then transfer to Pingtung Bus to go directly to the Sichongxi Hot Spring area. The package also includes a 50% discount on public hot spring pools and lunch offers. For seniors aged 65 and above, the summer hot spring experience in Sichongxi starts as low as NT$335, covering round-trip fare, hot spring entry, and meals.