Travel
Taiwan’s most thrilling hotel: 4-story freefall and zipline challenges for the brave
Leap from a 4-story sky tower, soar across a 100-meter zipline to take in mountain vistas—these aren’t just activities you’d find at a leisure farm. Unlike typical resort hotels in scenic areas that focus on relaxation, *Fun Trek Motel* has created an adventure-themed hotel tailored for young thrill-seekers.
Taipei’s no-menu izakaya “Momokuredai 2nd Branch” abruptly announces closure at the end of October
Taipei’s well-known no-menu Japanese restaurant “Momokuredai 2nd Branch Machi Washoku” suddenly announced on its fan page on the 1st that it will close at the end of October, shocking many fans. The restaurant stated that it wants to take time to think about its next steps, and will offer a different menu and autumn dishes during the countdown period. Foodies who want to enjoy authentic Japanese no-menu cuisine should seize the opportunity.
Hidden gem in the Huatung Valley: The stunning mountain-and-water scenery of Yuli Wetlands is like a paradise on earth
Located in Yuli Township, Hualien, within the Huatung Valley, there is a wetland ecosystem called "Yuli Wetlands" that even many locals don’t know about. Nestled between rolling green mountains, this man-made ecological wetland features waters that appear even more lush and beautiful under the blue sky and white clouds. Its rich biodiversity has attracted many birdwatchers, making it a hidden spot for photography enthusiasts and nature lovers.
The National Day holiday is here! Essential "5 Traffic Measures" in Yilan to Avoid Severe Congestion
The National Day and Double Ten holidays run from October 8 to 10. To accommodate the expected surge in vehicles and visitors, the Yilan County Government Construction Bureau has not only announced peak hours on national highways but also planned six major traffic diversion measures. Travelers are advised to make use of public transportation when visiting Yilan.
Dianxian 101 Introduces Japanese Family Restaurant Brand JOYFULL; Soft Opening in October
After opening its first overseas branch in the Philippines two years ago, Dianxian 101 is bringing in the popular Japanese family dining brand JOYFULL this year, with a soft launch planned for October. Originating in Oita Prefecture, Kyushu, JOYFULL already has 780 outlets across Japan, ranking among the top three family restaurant brands in the country and is also a publicly listed company.
The key to Lady Goose's Taiwan expansion? The goose. Wang Group: If we can't find a good one, we'll raise our own.
In the first-ever Shanghai Michelin Guide released this year (2016) in Shanghai, Lady Goose in Xinzhuang, a Chinese Cantonese cuisine brand independently created by Taiwan’s Wang Group in mainland China, was awarded one Michelin star. When will diners in Taiwan get to enjoy Lady Goose’s Michelin-starred cuisine? Wang Group Chairman Chen Cheng-hui stated that the key to opening a store in Taiwan lies in whether they can find geese of the same high quality as those in mainland China—if they can find them, they can open the store.
The three-day National Day holiday is coming soon！Yilan has released the "peak traffic schedule for southbound and northbound travel"
This weekend marks the three-day National Day holiday. Yilan, which usually sees a surge in traffic during holidays, has published the periods of heavier traffic flow for both southbound and northbound trips over the three-day break. The Yilan County Government’s Construction Bureau also advises travelers to use public transportation such as Taiwan Railways and national freeway buses when visiting Yilan.
Themed restaurants are all the rage; the world’s first Alien-themed restaurant to begin trial operations in October
The themed restaurant trend is booming across Taiwan, and now even adorable aliens have come to Earth to open their own themed eatery. The global flagship Alien Restaurant will begin trial operations on October 1. Located near the National Father Memorial Hall, the new spot is sure to liven up the local dining scene. Besides being filled with cute alien decor, the restaurant also offers pasta, risotto, cakes, and desserts—with many menu items featuring the lovable extraterrestrials.
New Taipei City Free Attraction: The "Shell" Slide – 5 Thrilling Lanes!
Remember the super-popular giant bowl slide in Yilan? You’ve been wanting to visit but thought it was too far away. Actually, there’s a similar free attraction right at the border of Banqiao and Shulin in New Taipei City — the “Shell Slide.” Hidden within the classic Chinese-style Xibei Ecological Park, it’s also the dream playground loved by both kids and adults nearby.
Come take photos and check in！No-Face and Totoro Bus appear on the streets of Greater Taipei
The Studio Ghibli exhibition that just ended in Taipei in September still left many Hayao Miyazaki fans wanting more. From now until November, the highly acclaimed “No-Face Hekiya Train” display and “Totoro Bus” from the exhibition will respectively appear on the streets of Taipei and Linkou, continuing the excitement for fans. You can take free photos and check in—don’t miss out！
Late-night skewer joint in Puli, Nantou — generous portions of thick, charcoal-grilled squid rolls!
This “Haruika Charcoal Skewers” was discovered while browsing Instagram for #PuliFoodie spots. The moment I saw those skewers neatly arranged on wooden trays, I knew I had to add it to this trip’s itinerary～
Play hard and save more！ Holiday travel deals at Taiwan’s theme parks & forest recreation areas during Double Ten holidays
Where to go during the Double Ten holidays? Major theme parks and forest recreation areas are ready for you！ Whether you’re looking to connect with nature as a family or hang out with friends at a theme park, make the most of these rare discounts and free admission offers to enjoy a more fulfilling trip！
Gradated eaves that seem to stretch from heaven to earth – Laos’ “Wat Xieng Thong” is breathtakingly beautiful
Luang Prabang, where you can experience the complete traditional culture and architecture of Laos, has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Among its most iconic attractions is “Wat Xieng Thong,” often referred to as the textbook of Lao-style architecture. Its eaves that almost reach the floor and golden decorative motifs have made it a must-visit spot for wedding photography and tourism in Luang Prabang.
Tainan Food Festival Kicks Off on October 9, Launches Five Major Themed Events
Entering its sixth year, the Tainan Food Festival will be held from October 9 to December 1. This year (2016), it presents five major themed events: The Chef’s Banquet Showcase, Chefs’ Culinary Showdown, Soy Sauce & Rice Dojo, Dim Sum Skill Feast, and Minced Pork Sauce Warriors. Through these banquets, chefs demonstrate their culinary skills, and renowned food storytellers share the tales behind the dishes, allowing participants to savor delicious food while absorbing the cultural essence of Tainan cuisine, enjoying a "five-senses" gastronomic feast.
The taro paste flows like lava out of the ice dessert—this super-popular line-up ice shop in Minsheng Community is sold out until next time.
As most people know, Minsheng Community is full of hidden gourmet gems, and today we’re introducing one that’s been super viral on Instagram recently. This ice shop’s biggest draw is its taro paste, which pours down the shaved ice like volcanic lava. It has a smooth texture without being overly sweet, attracting many sweet lovers to make a pilgrimage here.
Satisfy your craving for meat！Pork slices stacked up to 20 cm at Yakiniku N< Launches
Following the Japanese yakiniku specialty store “Gyukaku” and the Japanese shabu-shabu specialty store “Shabushabu Wennohana,” the Japanese restaurant group REINS International is bringing yet another Japanese yakiniku specialty store from Japan to Taiwan. The new “Gyukaku Jisanbo” will open on October 7th, featuring its signature “Gyukaku Jisanbo N<” with pork slices stacked up to 20 cm high to satisfy all meat lovers' cravings.
The top six most popular highway service area dishes have been announced — the cheapest one is just 59 NT dollars!
After a month-long vote, the first-ever “Highway Service Area Food Popularity King” has been officially selected. Whether it’s a Chinese-style bento or a Western-style burger, all winners surpassed the popularity threshold with over 24,000 votes out of a total of 300,000, with prices ranging from 59 to 185 NT dollars. Enjoy top-rated food without breaking the bank — affordable and delicious.
Beware of disappointment—the Yilan "National Center for Traditional Arts" will be closed for 3 months and reopen early next year
There will be one less attraction to visit during this year’s National Day holiday break. The Yilan National Center for Traditional Arts, after signing an outsourcing management agreement with the Shin Kong Mitsukoshi Foundation for Arts and Culture, will undergo phased renovation work. As a result, it will temporarily close for three months from today until December 31. The center also announced that it is expected to reopen on January 1, 2017, after the renovations are completed, and will continue operations with a brand-new look.
Alien-Themed Restaurant Officially Opens on October 8th – First 80 Visitors Receive Limited Edition Pillows
After much anticipation from fans, the globally adored Japanese character CRAFTHOLIC Aliens have finally opened their first themed restaurant in Taiwan, “CRAFTHOLIC Café.” The walls, seats, tableware, and even the dishes at the café feature the adorable aliens. The alien-themed restaurant officially opens on October 8th, and the first 80 people in line who spend at least NT$300 will receive a limited-edition alien pillow (retail value NT$2,000).
Taoyuan’s Japanese-Korean Style Ramen Shop – Limited to 20 servings daily: Black Pork Ribs Ramen
I just happened to notice this Akatora Late-Night Ramen shop while out eating a few days ago. It originally started in Taichung. After doing some online research, I found out it’s a Japanese-Korean style ramen shop — pretty interesting. Considering the reasonable prices, I definitely had to give it a try.