Travel
2016 Xindian Creek Journey Local Arts Festival — Discover the Beauty of Xindian’s Mountains and Rivers
Xindian District is surrounded by mountains and water, with its stunning natural scenery and rich cultural history attracting many artists and writers to the area. To celebrate this, the Xindian District Office has specially planned the “Xindian Creek Journey” local arts festival, developing a series of events centered around Xindian Creek. This collaborative effort between government departments, artists, and local residents has created a community celebration, allowing people of all generations to witness the history and beauty of Xindian Creek and its local culture.
A 34-meter-tall world’s largest “steel torii gate” stands in the middle of a rice field – its simple and serene vibe is breathtaking
The “torii gate” in Japan symbolizes the passage connecting the divine and the mortal realm and serves as the entrance marker to many shrines. In Ōyamaichō, Wakayama Prefecture, Japan, a massive steel torii gate stands tall amid lush green fields, silently guarding this once-sacred land.
It feels like stepping onto a movie set—Keelung’s century-old charming ruins of the Agana Shipyard
This isn't a ruin—it's a century-old historic site. The towering cement pillars show the weathered traces left by time, and the concrete, eroded by sea winds and years gone by, has peeled away severely. Located in Keelung, the Agana Shipyard drew public attention earlier this year when it was ruthlessly demolished by an excavator, and it has recently become a secret destination that netizens flock to visit.
Tourists and industry players complain alike: No performance bond insurance & unpaid debts – KKday: Not true
Taiwan’s travel experience platform KKday is beloved by many local travelers for enabling users to book international travel itineraries and tickets in one place, along with frequent promotional offers. However, recently a reader complained to ETtoday EBC News Cloud, alleging that KKday does not have performance bond insurance — meaning that if a trip purchased on the platform is canceled or the company goes bankrupt, compensation may not be available. In response, KKday officially clarified that the above complaint is not factual.
EVA Airways' First Flight to Chicago Non-stop Route Saves 7 Hours
EVA Airways launched its first flight to Chicago today (the 2nd), officially opening its 8th destination in North America. The Taipei–Chicago outbound flight takes approximately 14 hours, and the return journey about 15-plus hours, saving around 7 hours compared to the previous route via a transfer in Los Angeles.
Unforgettable sweetness of meeting 50 years ago！ Grandpa makes the annual pilgrimage to Lishan on the same day to remember his beloved wife
What would drive a 75-year-old grandfather to make the arduous trip up to Lishan every October 26? Recently, Lishan Hotel shared the story titled “The Promise of October 26” on its Facebook fan page, recounting how this grandfather comes to the hotel on the same day each year because it was on that very day 50 years ago that he had his first wonderful encounter with his beloved wife.
Will this year’s Loy Krathong Festival go ahead? Thailand’s Tak Province to float 9,999 lanterns in tribute to the late King
Following the passing of King Bhumibol Adulyadej and the nationwide period of mourning that suspended all entertainment activities for 30 days, some festivals were canceled. However, the Tourism Authority of Thailand recently announced that the 2016 Loy Krathong Festival will proceed as planned across the country, albeit in a low-key manner. Celebratory and festive elements may be scaled back out of respect for the late King during the mourning period.
Taiwan Also Has a Scene from *Your Name* — The Miyahara Shrine and Historic Ruins in Miaoli Are Perfect for Photos
When traveling to Japan, traditional and quaint shrines are often included in must-visit itineraries. The historic Japanese shrine architecture and torii gates exude a serene and solemn atmosphere. Have you seen the Japanese animated film *Your Name* and want to take beautiful, atmospheric photos in front of a shrine? In fact, there’s a historic Japanese-style shrine in Miaoli, Taiwan, that lets you step right into the movie scene.
Yakitori Ya Hachiyobi Blow-Up Yatai Tornado | 13 Yatai Dishes Limited to Breeze Store
When traveling to Fukuoka, Japan, you must not miss the yatai, which are similar to Taiwan’s night market food stalls. Hachiyobi Tenjin Style Breeze Store, also originating from Fukuoka, offers a special selection of 13 Fukuoka-style yatai dishes prepared by Executive Chef Junichi Tsuchiya. These include dishes like beef intestine hot pot, yakisoba, mentaiko (spicy cod roe), and Hakata gyoza—all aimed at showcasing the most authentic yatai flavors.
The world’s second-best ice cream pineapple bun is coming to Taichung – opening in mid-December
Friends in the Greater Taichung area are in for a treat! After opening its second branch in Taipei, the world’s second-best freshly baked ice cream pineapple buns is set to make its way to Taichung. The new location will be on the 10th floor of Shin Kong Mitsukoshi Taichung, with the anticipated opening date in mid-December — just over a month to go before you can try them.
New Taipei Creative Stir-Fry & BBQ Restaurant — qCheese Mentaiko That Stretches Endlessly
I thought it would just be a casual izakaya for post-work chats and relaxation, but the food turned out to be surprisingly delicious. The menu combines grilled dishes and stir-fried specialties—truly diverse. Especially impressive was the overnight-dried mid-size mackerel prepared by the chef; it was absolutely fantastic. It’s perfect for hanging out with close friends, relaxing over drinks and good conversation.
The last “Seasonal Table Festival Market” of the year: Savor Taitung flavors with seasonal ingredients
The 2016 Taitung Seasonal Table Festival will hold its final market on November 26 at the Tiehua New Village. Over 35 local vendors and eco-friendly small farmers will be invited to share exclusive handmade dishes and their stories. Friends from Korea will also introduce Korean slow food and culinary culture, allowing visitors to enjoy the authentic tastes of Taitung in season.
Santa Claus’s hometown “Greenland” boasts the world’s most beautiful aurora. Industry insider: September is the best time to go.
Santa Claus’s hometown “Greenland” is the world’s largest island. Without needing to go out of your way, you can enjoy the aurora just by looking up, or take a small boat through icebergs—the breathtaking scenery makes it a dream destination for many travelers. But when is the best time to visit? Anika Krogh, Air Greenland’s business manager, says, “September is the best time to travel to Greenland!” and recommends her favorite hidden gem for aurora viewing.
Lim Jung-sik and Kang Min-goo are popular guests in Taiwan – only dinner seatings remain available
The two hottest Korean male chefs in Korea, Lim Jung-sik and Kang Min-goo, are teaming up for their first joint guest appearance in Taiwan. From November 3 to 5, they will be at Robin’s Steakhouse on the second floor of Taipei’s Regent Taipei, and on November 6 at Robin’s Steakhouse on the first floor of Grand Formosa Regent Tainan, presenting the “K-Cuisine Superstars x2” gourmet feast. Lunch seatings are nearly fully booked, with only a few dinner slots still available.
Travel with the Malayan Tapir (Laimo)! Seibu Railway Launches Japan Rail Pass
To boost awareness of the Japan-exclusive “Seibu Railway Pass (SEIBU RAIL PASS)” for foreign tourists and attract more visitors to Kawagoe, Seibu Railway Co., Ltd. has launched a collaboration campaign with renowned Taiwanese illustrator “LAIMO (the Malayan Tapir)” starting November 4, 2016.
Friday cycling perks: Free coffee for bike commuters!
The “Coffee for Bike Commuters” event offers free coffee distributed every Friday from 7:30 AM to 9:30 AM, with a daily limit of 50 servings. Anyone riding a bicycle past 12 designated spots can enjoy coffee and light snacks!
No need to go all the way to Tainan — 13 classic local snacks are now available in Taipei
The Tainan Food Festival, now in its sixth year, kicked off on October 9th. One of its five major themed events, the Kung Fu Dim Sum Banquet, will be held from November 24th, with two sessions daily until November 27th. The event takes place on the 12th floor of Taipei’s SOGO Department Store Zhongxiao Branch, bringing together 13 Tainan-based eateries and their classic snacks. No queues, no trip to Tainan — you can enjoy Tainan’s famous street food right here in Taipei.
Taipei International Travel Fair Opens Tomorrow – Mandarin Airlines Giving Away 40 Free Domestic Flight Tickets
The 2016 ITF Taipei International Travel Fair will be held from November 4 to 7 at the World Trade Center Hall 1. China Airlines and Mandarin Airlines are jointly participating and have specially launched the “Double Travel Delights” promotion, where customers who purchase international flight tickets from either airline will receive a 5.5% off round-trip domestic ticket voucher from Mandarin Airlines. Mandarin Airlines is also giving away an additional 40 free domestic flight tickets — participants who purchase independent travel or group tour packages can enter the on-site lucky draw for a chance to win them.
Advancing into the Aged Beef Market: Wang steak Launches Wet-Aged Ribeye with Angus Black Cattle
As the Golden Horse Awards draw near, the organizers have partnered with the restaurant brand Wang Steak for the first time, providing a variety of dishes at both the opening ceremony reception and the red carpet reception during the awards ceremony. In addition to signature dishes like Wang’s signature beef short ribs, Wang Steak has specially created a flame-grilled wet-aged ribeye made from PRIME-grade Angus black cattle and aged using the wet-aging method — marking the brand’s first-ever introduction of wet-aged steak.
Fried chicken N< rice overflowing with meat — A cozy "courage" tucked in an alley
Nowadays, people are looking to get the most out of their money, so many restaurants have started offering high-value or large-portion meals. Located in Banqiao, New Taipei, “Courage Cafeteria” specializes in Japanese set meals, teishoku, N< rice, and more. The highlight? Each dish comes in surprisingly generous portions — the toppings on the N< rice are practically overflowing. Come check it out if you’re curious!