Travel
2016 North Coast Sea Music Festival: Wei Ruyun and 831 Take the Stage in Relay
The brisk beat of drums paired with blues-infused rock funk music weaves through the crashing waves against jagged rocks, stirring the soul’s deep yearning for release. The northeast monsoon brings the whispers of autumn, while the interplay of light and shadow crafts a dazzling coastal spectacle. This year’s most spectacular musical extravaganza along the North Coast is set to grandly debut at Huhai Bay in Wanbo Mountain, Keelung.
Direct flights from Hong Kong to Israel available now!
Hong Kong can now fly directly to Israel!
Are budget airlines always the cheapest? Essential airfare comparison tips before heading to the travel fair!
With the 2016 Taipei International Travel Fair just around the corner, the overwhelming amount of information often makes it hard to know where to start. Skyscanner compared traditional airline and low-cost carrier ticket prices for the top 10 most popular travel destinations among Taiwanese travelers in 2016, and found that the prices of traditional airlines have broken away from their previously expensive image—some are even comparable to those of low-cost carriers. This result gives travelers more choices when it comes to airfare.
Climb to Phu Si Hill, the highest point in Luang Prabang, and enjoy the most stunning sunset in Southeast Asia in 360 degrees.
Since Luang Prabang in Laos was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage city, it has attracted global travelers eager to experience traditional Lao culture and its serene, laid-back atmosphere. To take in the full panorama of the city, make sure to hike up to the summit of Phu Si Hill, located right in the city center, where you can admire the ancient town’s scenery and witness the most beautiful sunset in Southeast Asia from every angle.
Taiwan's Haidilao No. 2 branch to open at Banqiao Big City Mall, expected to launch early next year
The service-oriented hot pot chain Haidilao has had its first Taiwan branch open for over a year, and now it’s finally getting its second location. It has been confirmed that the new branch will be situated at Banqiao Big City Mall, with an expected opening in March or April 2017. The mall already hosts popular restaurants such as Din Tai Fung, Tim Ho Wan, and three dining spots from MGGA 50, marking the emergence of a new food hub in Banqiao.
The last Wednesday of every month: Free entry to palaces and art museums on Korea’s “Culture Day”!
Many tourists who love Korean culture enjoy visiting palaces, royal tombs, and art museums when they come to Korea. To “expand culture in daily life” and make it easy for both locals and foreign visitors to participate in cultural activities, the Korean government has designated the last Wednesday of every month since 2014 as “Culture Day,” offering free or discounted admission to cultural and artistic institutions such as palaces, art museums, museums, and cinemas.
Reviving a Classic: Grand Formosa Regent’s Tianxianglou Launches Crabs from China’s Three Lakes
Do you love hairy crabs? This year, Tianxianglou at Taipei’s Grand Formosa Regent Hotel draws inspiration from traditional Hong Kong crab specialty shops by sourcing exclusively from three renowned producing regions—Yangcheng Lake, Taihu Lake, and Changdang Lake—and proudly offering crabs weighing over 5 liang (approx. 250g)! In addition to à la carte crab options, from November 1 to November 30, the “Tianxiang Autumn Crab Feast” will feature over 20 dishes including fragrant seasonal vegetable crab roe cups, all showcasing hairy crabs, crab roe, and fresh crab delicacies.
A must-save list: 8 breathtaking night views recommended by the director of the Taipei documentary
Whether you're planning a romantic date or just want to unwind away from the hustle and bustle, watching the night view is a fantastic evening activity for city dwellers. But where in Taipei can you see the most stunning night views? And what are the hidden gems? Chen Borui, a student at Shih Hsin University’s Graduate Institute of Broadcasting and Television who traveled all over Taipei while filming the urban documentary Taipei and is also an avid photographer, is here to recommend 8 of his favorite night view spots in the city—each one absolutely mesmerizing.
A must-visit in a lifetime！The Venice Carnival—the mysterious grand event in Italy’s water city～
The annual “Venice Carnival,” also known as the Carnival of Venice, is a vibrant and mysterious time in Italy’s water city. What faces and stories lie behind the colorful and elaborate masks? Filled with the unknown and the unpredictable, the Venice Carnival stirs the imagination...
Sydney counts down to welcome 2017—top three chef-hatted restaurants that foodies will love!
Planning to ring in the New Year 2017? Ditch the cliché of counting down at Taipei 101 and instead head down under with your best mates or girlfriends to soak up the summer vibes and celebrate New Year’s Eve in Sydney!
Sapphire Princess Cruise 2017 Sets Sail from Keelung – Choose 1 of 3 Early Bird Gifts!
See the world from the sea, and enjoy it from a perspective that breaks tradition – it’s definitely a unique delight. The world-famous Sapphire Princess will set sail from Keelung in 2017. No need to wait for a flight abroad – you can easily enjoy a joyful ocean holiday on a luxury cruise. Are you excited yet?
Huang Ji Huang Three-Sauce Braised Pot to Open on 11/17, Goes Head-to-Head with Haidilao Hot Pot
As the weather gradually turns cooler, it’s once again the peak season for hot pot. Tiancong International is optimistic about Taiwanese consumers’ love for hot pot and has introduced Huang Ji Huang Three-Sauce Braised Pot, one of Beijing’s top ten famous hot pot restaurants. Its biggest feature is that not a single drop of water is added during the cooking process, earning it the title of “hot pot without soup.” The first Taiwan branch is set to open on November 17th on the 4th floor of ATT4FUN in Taipei’s Xinyi District, going head-to-head with fellow mainland Chinese chain Haidilao Hot Pot.
Don’t worry about pumpkin dishes for Halloween—master chefs teach you how to serve them for just 5 yuan!
When you think of Halloween, “pumpkin” is absolutely essential—but what other dishes can you make with pumpkin besides pumpkin pie? This time, Chef Chen Qiwen, who has been in the industry for 20 years, will show you in his new book “Expert-Guided Golden Recipes: Chinese Noodles and Pastries” how to create delicious pumpkin snacks for just a 5-yuan cost!
Rows of monks soliciting alms along the road — the most beautiful humanistic scenery in Luang Prabang at dawn
The mornings in Luang Prabang, Laos, are not filled with the sounds of insects or birds, but rather with a serene and solemn atmosphere. That’s because, during this time, monks emerge one after another from various temples to go on their daily alms rounds for food. Although tourism and commercialization have increased in recent years, the reverent mood compels even those present to suppress their smiles and respectfully place the food they’ve brought into the monks’ alms bowls. It is a completely different scene from the usual mornings in Luang Prabang.
Bringing the Fish Market into the Restaurant – Oedocho Live Seafood Teppanyaki Soft Launch on October 26
Taichung-based Daioh Catering Group, known as the “Little Mitsui” of the city, leverages its seafood procurement expertise to bring a fish market and meat aging room right into the restaurant. They’ve launched an innovative fish market–themed teppanyaki concept called “Oedocho Live Seafood Teppanyaki.” For just NT$690 per person, the value-packed premium seafood and meat combo for two includes 11 dishes such as seasonal fresh fish and Angus black-haired beef tenderloin steak. The soft launch is on October 26, with the official opening on December 1.
Taste high-quality German Riesling white wine – get to know its six sweetness levels first
When it comes to Germany, besides beer, the white wines it produces are also renowned in the wine world. The fame of German white wines lies in the Riesling grape variety. Wine experts say that German white wines can be divided into two quality categories: “table wine” and “quality wine,” and within the quality wine category, there is also a “premium quality wine” classification. This “premium quality wine” is further divided into six levels based on the sugar content of the grapes, from low to high.
Challenge the "Four Gradients" Experience in Tainan: A Bitter-to-Sweet Creamy Beverage Sensation
Tainan has recently seen a surge of specialty beverage shops, and you absolutely can’t miss the creamy drink series at Zhenxin Shifu Restaurant. Last time, ETtoday EBC News Cloud introduced their unique Japanese-style old house “creamy” drinks that were previously unheard of in Tainan—available as both coffee and black tea. But this time, what’s even more special is their upcoming launch of the “Four Gradients” series, which will definitely blow your mind.
Every snapshot looks like a postcard shot here — how could you miss such a place as Chishang when visiting Taitung?
Most people who come to Taitung head straight for the city area. Unless it’s harvest season for the rice paddies, most wouldn’t specifically visit Chishang, let alone stay there. But this sparsely populated township at the border between Taitung County and Hualien County actually holds picturesque corners that make you want to take photos at every turn. From the moment you step off the train until you leave, every second feels like you’re immersed in a living painting.
Men and women are different: The Cantonese braised soups at Renaissance Sixty-six Hotel are divided into “male” and “female” versions
As the solar term of Frost’s Descent arrives, it’s the perfect time to enjoy a bowl of braised soup. In response, Cantonese cuisine restaurant Yuelyang at Renaissance Sixty-six Taipei has launched a new autumn-winter braised soup series, offering authentic Hong Kong-style soups. With the creative concept of “male” and “female” soups, the series officially debuts on November 1st, priced at NT$360 per bowl plus 10% service charge.
Grab a drink after work! Dreamy beef short ribs and scallion chicken from Taipei's izakaya that pairs perfectly with alcohol
The "Yuchuanchang Izakaya," once located in the East District shopping area, has now relocated to Huashan 1914 Creative Park on Section 1, Bade Road, and continues operations with a fresh new look. It offers an à la carte fisherman-style cuisine. Wisely was also invited to dine there with friends and see how the flavors compare to the previous menu.