Travel
President's Beef Noodles by Koo Chung-Li Officially Opens on July 28; First-ever Free Red Wine with Noodles
After three years of planning, Koo Chung-Li, Chairman of CMFG Leasing, and Tang Wenjun, Executive Chef of TransGlobe Tourism, continuously tested recipes. Their first off-site restaurant under a new brand, "President's Beef Noodles," finally officially opened on July 28. Koo Chung-Li said that beef noodles must balance the meat, noodles, and broth, all of which need to be fresh. He also proudly stated that their beef noodles are completely different from those on the market.
The super-popular “Japanese macaron” shrimp crackers with cheese filling
Not sure what souvenir to buy when traveling or on a business trip in Japan? Tired of giving the same gifts to family and friends every time? Then go for the “Quatro Cheese-filled Shrimp Crackers,” known as the Japanese macaron — they’re sure to impress anyone who receives them.
Fireworks over water resemble a "peacock spreading its tail" — Osaka Yodo River Fireworks Festival to be held on August 6
The "Osaka Yodo River Fireworks Festival," beloved by many in the Kansai region, will take place on August 6, 2016. In the evening of that day, you can witness the spectacular sight of fireworks blooming above the water along Osaka's main river, the Yodo River. The scene is incredibly romantic, and interested travelers may want to check it out.
Matcha lovers will be amazed too—a sizzling matcha hot cake on an iron plate
With endless matcha treats constantly winning over foodies, recently "Waming Kanmikichi" has shattered expectations by launching a "matcha hot cake on an iron plate." Its unique dish design and eating method left passionate matcha enthusiasts stunned and sparked a new wave of matcha dessert trends online.
The Dreamy "Paragliding" Venue at Luye Gaotai in Taitung – International Competition Kicks Off on August 12!
Taitung County’s "Luye Gaotai" has become a popular attraction in recent years for its hot air balloon flight views, but it is also actually the largest all-around "paragliding" base in Taiwan. This year, it has for the first time secured the right to host the "2016 FAI Paragliding World Cup Taiwan Leg," where over 15 countries and regions from around the world will gather at Luye Gaotai for two consecutive days starting August 12 to compete for the top spot.
Vanilla Air offers flights to Osaka and Tokyo from just NT$988 – perfect for a short autumn trip to Japan
From 18:00 on July 29 to 22:30 on August 1, Vanilla Air is offering promotional fares for flights from Taipei to Tokyo and Osaka, starting at just NT$988 one-way.
Hidden Edition of Taichung Green Circle Art Festival: Studios of 5 Artists Hiding on the 7th Floor of a Mall
The Taichung Green Circle Art Festival officially kicked off on July 15. In addition to open spaces such as the Chi Mu Art Museum, Eslite Spectrum Green Park Boulevard, and Park Lane by CMP Mall, there are actually mysterious hidden spaces waiting to be explored. On the 7th floor of Park Lane by CMP Mall, tucked away in an area usually off-limits to the public, are five artists who interact with visitors. Travelers can now step directly into their creative spaces and witness the behind-the-scenes process of art creation.
The brand-new Duffy-themed store and feline artist Little Tony have arrived at Hong Kong Disneyland
This summer, the new Duffy-themed store “Town Square Theater: ‘My Duffy Adventure’” has opened at Hong Kong Disneyland. In addition to offering a series of themed experiences including special photo services, merchandise, food, and themed hotel room decorations, Duffy’s newest friend, feline artist Little Tony, makes his debut appearance in the park. He joins Duffy at the store’s signature photo spot, greeting fans with delight.
The Best Eel in Kansai: A Hidden Gem in Kyushu – Ohmiya
Every summer, eel lovers eagerly await “Doyo no Ushi no Hi” (the Day of the Ox during Doyo), known as the best season to enjoy unagi donburi. Though eels aren’t at their peak flavor during this time—typically in autumn and winter—this day is celebrated as the ideal moment for this delicacy.
Rose essential oil is out — Bulgaria’s world’s largest vampire grave site is the new tourist draw
Whether it’s superstition or not, there are probably only a handful of countries in the world that can rake in serious tourism revenue from ghosts and ghouls. Beyond Ireland and Romania’s haunted castles, even Bulgaria — once known for its rose tourism — has recently started promoting “vampire grave tourism” on its national website. It all depends on whether travelers dare to visit.
A train lover's paradise: High-floor rooms with a bird’s-eye view of Okayama Station, where trains look like miniature models
Travelers visiting Okayama, Japan, looking for a hotel with convenient transport access may want to try this star-rated property right in front of Okayama Station. The highlight is the sweeping view of the entire station, plus the spacious and comfortable interior. Just a one-minute walk from the station, it's a great option for shoppers.
Revival Airlines to suspend flights to Okinawa and Macau in October; "Graduation Price" one-way tickets for just 999 yuan
Starting October 30, Revival Air will suspend its services to Macau, Okinawa, and the cross-strait Guiyang route. From August 1, its official website will also offer promotional one-way fares for Macau and Okinawa at just 999 yuan before the suspension, with prices that can rival those of low-cost carriers.
Tim Ho Wan Kaohsiung branch to open in August, debuts 2 exclusive new dishes
Tim Ho Wan is set to make its southern Taiwan debut in August, with its first branch located on B1 of Hanshin Dome Shopping Mall, covering an area of 106 ping and offering 114 seats. To celebrate the trial opening of its first Kaohsiung location, the Tim Ho Wan culinary team has specially created two exclusive new dishes for the Hanshin Dome branch: Glutinous Rice Balls with Sweet Toffee Sauce (Tang Bu Shan) and Osmanthus Shrimp Rice Flour Balls (Gui Hua Xia Fu Rong Qiu).
Can you see the Duoliang Train Station from your room? Taitung’s “Nanfeng Iron Flower Inn” officially opens on July 29
Recognizing the potential of Taitung’s tourism industry, the Nanfeng International Hotel Group has built its second hotel in the city center — “Nanfeng Iron Flower Inn.” Guests staying on higher floors can enjoy panoramic views of downtown Taitung and the Pacific Ocean. The hip Railway Art Village is right next door. It officially opened on July 29.
Limited summer release for 15 days – J-Ping guest chef debuts 3 new hot pot dishes at 22:02
“22:02 Hot Pot. Lifestyle” is a well-known hot pot restaurant, while Chef Wang Jiaping (J-Ping) is famously dubbed “the Taiwanese who cooks Italian cuisine best.” What kind of sparks will their collaboration ignite? J-Ping has created three new summer dishes for “22:02 Hot Pot. Lifestyle,” among which the Quinine Chicken Meatballs are made entirely from 80-day-old quinine chickens—using their skin, meat, liver, and cartilage to form the balls, resulting in a texture completely different from ordinary meatballs.
The New Taipei City Children's Art Festival features a five-story Captain Hook & gives away 3,000 LEGO sets at opening
From July 30 to August 7, the 2016 New Taipei City Children's Art Festival will be held at the Civic Plaza in New Taipei City. This year, in addition to a five-story-tall Captain Hook, 3,000 free LEGO toy sets will be given away as opening gifts on the first day.
Chiayi’s Budai Gets New Attraction: Hundreds of Cat Murals at the Heel Church
Chiayi County’s “Heel Church” was voted the hottest attraction of 2016. To connect the heel imagery with Budai Fishing Market and Budai Cultural & Creative Hotel, the Southwest Coast National Scenic Area Administration specially created a 3D mural featuring a “cat” theme on the back wall of Buxin Elementary School along Budai Xin’nan Road. It is expected to showcase hundreds of cats, making it the longest cat-themed mural artwork in Taiwan.
Top 10 Most Beautiful Ancient Towns in China — Must Visit at Least Once in Your Lifetime!
There are many ancient towns on the Chinese mainland. Recently, a list of the "Top 10 Most Beautiful Ancient Towns" has been circulating on Weibo. It is said to have been jointly recommended by independent travelers, selected based on factors such as cultural heritage, architectural style, and humanistic characteristics. Some netizens, after seeing the stunning photos, exclaimed, “I must visit at least once in my lifetime,” while others noted that these places are indeed beautiful because they’re not crowded — but added, “Just wait until tourist season.”
Tainan’s Stunning “Infinity Mountain Spring Pool” in the Mountains – Witness Sea of Clouds at Dawn and Dusk
Summer trips call for cool and refreshing getaways, and in the mountains of Dongshan District, Tainan, there’s an “infinity mountain spring pool” where you can also enjoy breathtaking sea of clouds at dawn and dusk. The mountaintop appears like an island in the middle of a lake, creating an exceptionally beautiful view that has made it famous.
Iron Horse Visits Maao Fishing Port: Century-Old Stone Houses Exude Nostalgic Charm
Located near Fulong, Maao Fishing Port boasts numerous century-old stone houses, a unique cultural asset of the area. With the number of visitors increasing year by year, New Taipei City’s Agriculture Bureau recommends a summer tour route to Maao, allowing people to ride bicycles and take in the panoramic views of mountains and sea.