Travel
No more delays！After 20 years, Taiwan’s only directly operated Xiangji City to begin trial operations on August 6
After reports of a June opening were pushed back by two months, “Xiangji City” is finally set to begin trial operations on August 6. After 20 years, Xiangji City is making its comeback！The new-generation Xiangji City is being managed by the third generation of the family, and the store is located on Bali’s Left Bank in New Taipei City.
In conjunction with the special exhibition, 8 restaurants in Harbour City launch Smurfs-themed delicacies
The Smurfs special exhibition is currently being held at Harbour City in Hong Kong. In addition to 35 adorable 1-meter-tall Smurfs and a giant Smurf house, 8 restaurants within Harbour City have also collaborated with the exhibition to offer Smurfs-themed food and beverages, such as the Smurf Hat Blueberry Mousse Cake at add@Prince and LE CAF
Southern residents traveling to Guam: Free Taoyuan Airport accommodation or free shuttle service between Taipei and Kaohsiung
To celebrate the increased flights to Guam, China Airlines is offering various promotional activities for travelers from Chiayi and areas southward between September 1 and October 31, including complimentary accommodation or free shuttle service between Taipei and Kaohsiung.
Shenwang Hotel's Bopin Gallery Launches Night Owl Promotion – Enjoy 28% Off for Entry After 8 PM
Shenwang Hotel's Bopin Gallery Western Restaurant is launching the "Night Owl Promotion" from now until October 30. Available every day regardless of weekdays or holidays, diners who enter for the evening meal after 8 PM can enjoy the Night Owl Promotion price of NT$780 per person (including service charge, equivalent to a 28% discount—regular weekday dinner price is NT$880 + 10%, and regular holiday dinner price is NT$980 + 10%). This promotion is limited to 10 guests per day and is subject to availability based on the on-site waiting list. Phone reservations are not available.
Traffic routes to and from Taoyuan Airport to switch to "north entry, north exit" starting August 8 — arrive 20 minutes earlier for flights
Taoyuan International Airport has launched the "WC Taxiway Relocation and Two-Way Conversion Project." To accommodate phased construction, traffic routes for entering and exiting the airport via national highways will be adjusted gradually starting August 8. Travel time during peak hours is expected to increase by 15 to 20 minutes, so travelers heading abroad should leave home a bit earlier.
Affordable Hotpot in Taichung Boiled with Traditional Chinese Medicine, Featuring Unlimited "Spicy Duck Blood"
This restaurant, Er Guo Zhai Iron Pot Canteen, may not have a broth as authentic as those from the Mongolian grasslands, but it’s still rich, aromatic, and flavorful—made by simmering a blend of Chinese medicinal herbs and real ingredients. I find that the self-service buffet at Er Guo Zhai Iron Pot Canteen, which includes drinks, ice cream, mung bean soup, and unlimited spicy duck blood, is quite generous. The portions are ample, and even the seafood and meat are served in large helpings. The taste is fairly standard, but the cost-performance ratio is quite high.
The first officially authorized overseas Chibi Maruko-chan themed restaurant is about to make its debut
After the opening of the Chibi Maruko-chan popcorn specialty store recently, many fans have been eagerly waiting to see when a Chibi Maruko-chan themed restaurant would be introduced to Taiwan. Now, their wish has come true — the first officially authorized overseas Chibi Maruko-chan themed restaurant is set to open in Taipei City, near the National Father Memorial Hall.
The Lich King Arthas descends upon Taichung’s Caotun Boulevard – Nighttime lights make it feel like the monarch has returned
The bronze statue of Arthas Menethil, one of the iconic characters from Blizzard’s *Warcraft* series, has officially arrived at Taichung’s Caotun Boulevard, becoming one of the newest pilgrimage spots for Warcraft fans. But beyond the sheer imposing presence of the statue itself, the lighting at night casts different hues on Arthas, fully showcasing the Lich King’s dominance — as if proclaiming his ambition to conquer Caotun Boulevard.
"Artisan Soy Sauce" and "Aso's Sake" Hidden in Kumamoto’s Aso Takamori Old Street
Located in Takamori Town, Aso District, Kumamoto Prefecture, this area has long been home to many captivating myths and relics due to its proximity to Takachiho, the birthplace of Japanese mythology. For example, the "Kusube Yoshimi Shrine," one of Japan’s three great descending shrines, is said to be dedicated to the fifth son of the sun goddess Amaterasu. Legend has it that as he walked along the stream, he came upon a pond inhabited by a large serpent that was troubling the villagers. The divine child drove the serpent away, allowing the residents to live in peace and prosperity.
Shangri-La Amusement Park's "Color Party" is here – summer weekend special!
Miaoli County’s Shangri-La Amusement Park is launching the "Crazy COLOR DAY Kids' Color Party" this summer vacation. Starting July 30, for four consecutive weekends, wearing specified color clothing on entry will get you a discounted ticket price of NT$200. Kids can run around in the sunshine while splashing paint and unleashing their creativity through art, challenging their creative limits through play.
No kidding—99% chance to see hundreds of dolphins: 5 must-visit “zen spots” on Shimabara Peninsula
Travelers who love Japan actually have another great option. The Shimabara Peninsula, covering just 460 square kilometers, is located at the easternmost tip of Nagasaki Prefecture. Thanks to its unique volcanic terrain, it became Japan’s first UNESCO Global Geopark. Twenty-five years ago, the peninsula experienced a severe volcanic eruption, where pyroclastic flows at 800°C engulfed homes and schools, tragically killing 44 journalists. To ensure future generations learn from this disaster, the Shimabara Peninsula has become a natural classroom, teaching 6 million annual visitors about the full power of Earth’s life force.
Challenge your courage: A beginner-friendly extreme sport in Taoyuan — learn to walk like a crab 3 stories above ground
Taoyuan has many venues for extreme sports challenges, but none are as thrilling as bungee jumping. However, if you’re not ready to jump right in, the “Xiayun Exploration Training Base” in the North Cross-Island Highway area offers beginner-level activities to train both courage and fitness — such as tightrope walking, learning to rappel from a 4-story height like special forces, and zip-lining.
48 celebrity chefs unite at gourmet exhibition to serve seasonal dishes starting at just NT$110
The 2016 Taiwan Gourmet Exhibition is set to open on August 5. This year, the organizers have invited Hsinchu, Chiayi, and Taichung to create three themed pavilions: “Breezy Bamboo County,” “Sunny Taiwan,” and “Seasonal Taiwan.” The Seasonal Taiwan Pavilion takes inspiration from the four seasons—spring, summer, autumn, and winter—and features collaborative dishes crafted by 48 renowned chefs. These seasonal creations will not only be displayed at the exhibition but will also be available at partner hotels, with set meals starting at NT$660 and à la carte options from just NT$110.
56 free slots to open tomorrow – Canoeing and sampan rides now available in Taipei
The 2016 Taipei Riverside Music Festival – Taipei 5 Fun Water event will open 56 experience slots for two activities, canoeing and sampan riding, on July 28 and 29 for public registration.
Taiwan netizens' top 10 most beautiful parks worldwide — New York Central Park ranks No. 1
Sunny weather is perfect for picnics and walks in the park. According to 《DailyView Network Temperature Meter》, these are the top ten most beautiful and popular parks in the eyes of Taiwan netizens. Let’s take a look at which parks made the list!
6 Must-Visit Summer Festivals in Tokyo – Limited Photo Spots at Tokyo Skytree
Where should you go to enjoy a “summer festival” when traveling in Japan during the summer? At Tokyo Skytree in Japan, there’s a limited-time summer photo spot, while the Sumida Aquarium’s “Edo Goldfish Wonderland” has also launched its summer event. The Sumida Citizens’ Bon Odori Dance Festival and a cruise on the Kinugawa River are also special experiences you can enjoy in the summer.
Load factor over 50% V Air drastically cuts Taipei–Nagoya flights from September
Attention travelers planning to visit Nagoya recently！ V Air will adjust the flight schedule for Taipei–Nagoya starting September 20, reducing service from daily to only Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. The winter schedule will also follow the same fixed dates.
Tainan’s Latest “Nighttime Love Sanctuary” – Streetlights Cast Giant Hearts on Open Books
In Lingding Park near Guanziling in Tainan, a brand-new couples’ must-visit spot called “Blessings Under the Streetlights” has recently been created as part of the planning by the Siraya National Scenic Area. The installation features an open large-format book with a giant ring placed on top. When the streetlights are turned on at night, they naturally form a heart shape on the book, making it incredibly romantic for nighttime photos.
Cheers Introduces BELLOTA Iberian Pork with 5 Major Brands and Launches 16 New Dishes
In addition to the Australian Wagyu Street, diners can now enjoy Iberian pork—known as the “Rolls-Royce of pork”—at Cheers Group. Its five major brands—Cheers, Old Cheers, Habenbei, Jiyue, and Kurogomeya—have jointly launched over 16 new dishes, with prices ranging from NT$250 to NT$2,080.
Reviving Old Taipei – Taiwan’s First Artist-in-Residence Hotel “Folio Hotel”
To tap into domestic and international tourism opportunities, Fubon Group has entered the hotel market by launching its own brand, Folio Hotel (富艺旅). The first property under this brand—Folio Hotel Taipei Da’an—preserves the typical apartment architecture of Taipei while incorporating retro elements such as mosaic tiles and frosted glass lacework windows. The rooms also showcase photographic works by 55 artists, including Harlem Yu and Jolin Tsai, presenting the city through their eyes. The hotel is set to officially open in early August.