Travel
The 10 Most Terrifying Abandoned "Haunted Houses" in Taiwan in 2016 – Featuring Body Rooms and Abandoned Factories
Which haunted house in Taiwan is the scariest? There is a well-known nightlife group in Taiwan called the "Ghost Story Night Tour Group" that specializes in visiting abandoned haunted houses and ruins at night. The group leader Qingyuan has compiled the latest 2016 edition of Taiwan’s “Top 10 Most Terrifying Haunted Houses,” which includes abandoned hospitals, resorts, communities, and even an abandoned factory housing tens of thousands of discarded ceramic items. The terror level of nearly all these locations is rated five stars. Just looking at the photos is enough to send chills down your spine.
Living Kumamoto Aso | Discover the Women's Sewing School in the Shopfront Street
After visiting Aso Shrine, don’t miss a stroll through the shopfront street right next to it. In spring, cherry blossoms line the street in full bloom, and the area is home to several well-known Aso shops—some specialize in horse meat croquettes, others sell traditional Japanese handkerchiefs, towels, and toys. You can also take a break and enjoy a bottle of sparkling drink "Hotaru" made from Aso spring water, or try the ever-popular cream puffs.
Historic alleyway houses reborn as art-infused hotel reviving old Taipei charm
Folio Hotel, the in-house brand of Fubon Group, will officially open its first property “Folio Daan Taipei” in early August this year. Housed within a renovated heritage building and themed around music and art, it is Taiwan’s first hotel to host artist residencies, with each room featuring photographic works by 55 celebrities including Xia S and Cai Kangyong, making it a new highlight in Taipei’s Da’an District.
Design × Taste = ? Italy’s Stationery Brand Moleskine Opens a High-End Café
The renowned Italian handmade notebook brand Moleskine, beloved by the likes of Van Gogh and Matisse, is now venturing into the food and beverage market — it has opened a café in Milan. Everyone is curious to see how this 200-year-old stationery brand will express its creativity through taste.
Hachibei Launches Taiwan-Exclusive Menu: Daily Fresh Fish Delivered Straight from Nanfang’ao
With over 30 years of history in Japan, “Hachibei Hakata Yakiniku” was introduced to Taiwan by Kanpai at the end of 2013, and currently has two branches in Taiwan. Capitalizing on Taiwan’s love for seafood, it has newly launched three great-value combinations starting today: today’s grilled seafood, daily-selected sashimi, and more — all exclusive to Taiwan. The fresh fish is handpicked by the head chef himself, who heads straight to Nanfang’ao after the store closes.
A Hidden Paradise in Thailand’s Deep Mountains: The Sky-Blue Temple Known as “The Closest Place to Heaven”
Have you ever imagined what heaven looks like? Nestled atop an 800-meter-high mountain in Udon Thani on Thailand’s border lies a secret “Peak of the Gods.” Surrounded by dense green jungles stands a shimmering Tiffany-blue reclining Buddha temple—majestic, serene, and romantic—so captivating that it has been listed among Thailand’s 12 most hidden paradises, and is hailed as “the closest place to heaven.”
Cross-industry Collaboration: Taipei Far Eastern & Swarovski Launch "Shining Galaxy" Afternoon Tea
The trend of cross-industry afternoon tea collaborations continues to thrive at hotels. Following their joint offering with French cosmetics brand Guerlain — the “Little Black Dress Fragrance & Makeup Afternoon Tea” — Shangri-La’s Far Eastern Plaza Hotel, Taipei, has partnered with Swarovski for the first time from August 6 to September 4. Limited-edition “Shining Galaxy” luxurious French-style afternoon tea sets will be available exclusively at the Tea Lounge on the first-floor lobby.
Late-night travelers say "want hot food" — Narita Airport opens 24-hour Gyukaku beef bowl shop
Travelers take note: flying red-eye flights to and from Japan’s Narita Airport no longer means going hungry without access to hot meals. Narita Airport has introduced its first-ever 24-hour eatery, “Gyukaku,” which will officially open on the 6th.
Real Shots from an Abandoned Taipei Ruin: A 20-Year-Old Hotel Nearly Overgrown by Trees
Taipei is home to a group called the “Ghost Story Night Tour,” which centers around exploring ruins at night and specializes in nighttime ruin experience events. Since its inception five years ago, the group has organized over a hundred such night tours. ETtoday ETToday Dongsen Travel Cloud collaborated specially with the “Ghost Story Night Tour” to conduct a night tour on the evening of August 3rd, the day Ghost Festival begins.
Dumplings galore and super filling chicken meat—check out this newly opened Korean “Andong-style stewed chicken”!
You’ve probably heard of a few well-known Andong stewed chicken spots in Myeongdong—they’re all pretty tasty, and the best part is that each place has its own unique flavor, so it really depends on your personal preference. I think this new spot stands out because it’s brand new, the service is super friendly, and they offer a variety of flavors—might be worth a try~
The hand-pulled chicken from Xiangji City is really back on the menu again — with a family-secret marinade and low-temperature cooking that makes it even more delicious!
After a 20-year hiatus, Xiangji City is finally making a comeback in the culinary scene. This new-generation Xiangji City is run by the third generation of the family and is located at Bali Left Bank in New Taipei City. It begins a trial run from August 6 to August 31. The most nostalgic classic hand-pulled chicken is priced at NT$499, but during the trial period, it's available at a special price of NT$399.
Summer Dishes from the Men’s Kitchen: Sweet, Crisp “Asparagus Shrimp Balls”
According to *Compendium of Materia Medica*, asparagus can “dissipate nodules and heat, and promote urination,” so let’s use these delicious asparagus shrimp balls to cool down the body this hot summer. * General dietary therapy also believes it has effects such as moistening the lungs, soothing coughs, and expelling phlegm, among others.
Airport operations affected – UAE cancels flights to Dubai today
Emirates Airlines announced the cancellation of its Taiwan–Dubai flights today (4th) due to disruptions at Dubai Airport. Passengers planning to travel are advised to take note.
A food fair whiffs of nostalgia—must-try local delicacy: the classic revival of Chungyuan’s famed rice flour balls
The 2016 Taiwan Culinary Exhibition kicked off in grand style today (5th). Beyond the eye-catching wagyu beef, Peking duck, and railway bento boxes, Taiwan’s humble street foods were another major highlight. This year’s specially curated “Chungyuan Food Era” snack street lined up a variety of traditional treats, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the rich local nostalgic flavors. Among them, rice flour balls are arguably one of Chungyuan’s most iconic street foods—definitely not to be missed！
Tigerair Taiwan reduces winter flights; Nagoya, Fukuoka, and Hakodate see cuts
Tigerair Taiwan’s winter schedule has been released, with reduced flights on the Taipei Taoyuan-Nagoya, Fukuoka, and Hakodate routes. Flights to Zhangjiajie will not operate during the winter season. Tigerair Taiwan spokesperson Lo Dawei explained that these adjustments, including flight reductions or suspensions, are made based on market sales considerations, while other routes remain unaffected.
Must-read: How to fill out Japan’s new “Foreigners’ Entry Card”? We’ll tell you in one go
Since April 1, 2016, Japan has introduced a new version of the “Foreigners’ Entry Card,” streamlining the mandatory entry form for travelers entering Japan by removing many complicated sections, making it easier to complete. This article explains how to fill out the new Foreigners’ Entry Card. If you’re planning a trip to Japan soon, you definitely need to know how to fill it in.
In high demand: Haopozhai adds 99 yuan lodging deals, Yunlang also sells Huayuan Restaurant vouchers
At the food exhibition, the public showed the most interest in meal and lodging voucher discounts. The CityInn hotel chain under Haopozhai Group—its Kaohsiung Pier-2 Special District branch—sold out 40 sets of 99-yuan double occupancy lodging vouchers in an instant upon release. On the 5th, Haopozhai Group urgently added more deals. Aside from the same Kaohsiung Pier-2 products on August 7, at 1:30 p.m. on August 8, they will also offer 40 sets of 99-yuan weekday double occupancy lodging discount vouchers for Taipei Kunming Branch.
Janfusun Fancyworld Launches Qixi Valentine’s Day Promotion – Second Ticket Just NT$1
Valentine’s Day is approaching, and another theme park in Taiwan is offering a special deal. Janfusun Fancyworld is launching a “two people go together, second person only NT$1” promotion. Before 12:00 noon on Qixi Festival (August 9), as long as you wear couple outfits in the same color and style, you can enjoy two people going together with the second person only NT$1 (requires one person to purchase a ticket on-site for NT$799).
The first day of the Taiwan Culinary Exhibition drew 32,000 visitors, marking a 9% year-on-year increase
The 2016 Taiwan Culinary Exhibition, themed “Taiwan’s Pure Food Era,” grandly opened today at Taipei World Trade Center Hall 1. With six major exhibition zones, 19 themed pavilions, and 820 booths, the event welcomed 32,236 visitors on its first day — an 8.65% increase from last year’s opening day figure of 29,669. Tourism Bureau Director-General Lai Su-jen estimated that total attendance over the four-day event would exceed 160,000.
Don’t get stuck in traffic jams on your way there—here’s a quick guide to the traffic controls for the Dadaocheng Fireworks Show
The “2016 Taipei Riverside Music Festival – Dadaocheng Lovers’ Day” will be held in grand style on the 6th at Yanping Riverside Park and around the Dadaocheng Wharf. To ensure smooth traffic flow and public safety, traffic controls will be enforced on nearby roads on the day of the event. Please pay attention or consider taking public transportation instead.