Travel
First-time Introduction of Japan’s Three Famous Crabs — Kurogeya Launches Limited-Edition Snow Crab Shabu-Shabu Hot Pot
Kanpai Kurogeya is introducing snow crabs from Japan for the first time. These crabs, known as the “King of Winter Flavors,” are only available for harvest during the winter season. Starting today, Kurogeya is offering a seasonal snow crab shabu-shabu hot pot dish priced at NT$1,380. The set also includes a seafood platter featuring large clams, seasonal fresh fish, squid, and handmade sakura shrimp balls, allowing diners to enjoy a variety of seafood in one meal.
Secret Forest of Bald Cypresses in Changhua: Stroll Along a European-Style Lakeside & Sip Coffee While Admiring Winter’s Beauty
Every autumn and winter, those seeking a light getaway to refresh their mind and body often choose to chase maple leaves or admire bald cypresses—the most popular seasonal activities. The Jingfang Garden in Changhua features vast forests of bald cypress trees that create the illusion of being by a European lake. In winter, as sunlight filters through and a gentle breeze blows, you’ll feel completely relaxed in this hidden paradise.
Taichung’s late-night eatery: A refreshing spicy "oden" tucked in an alleyway
But let us be upfront—the space design and ambiance of "LaLa Zhu" (Spicy Boiled) appealed to us more than the food itself. Maybe it’s because we had pegged it as spicy oden, yet for two spice-loving eaters like us, the heat was barely noticeable, which was a bit disappointing. The ingredients were great, but the broth and dry noodles weren’t particularly impressive. Still, adventurous diners should give it a try—tastes really are subjective after all.
3.5-Meter-Tall Golden Roosters Announce Good Fortune as the Tri-Star Flower Carnival Kicks Off
The Sanyi Township Office in Yilan has unveiled a pair of 3.5-meter-tall golden roosters as the zodiac mascots for 2017, heralding the upcoming Lunar New Year and the flower carnival. The roosters are scheduled to be displayed at the flower field area in front of the Sanyi gas station from mid-January to the Lantern Festival of 2017 (106 in the Republic of China calendar). The pair consists of a male and female rooster, handcrafted by local artisans Cai Wenbin and Xie Meie.
A Christmas gift for your sweet tooth: Adorable holiday-themed snowman snow globes you can eat!
To satisfy the visual and taste buds of girls, Taipei’s Yum Yum Deli has launched two cute snowman dessert cups that are almost too adorable to eat. Meanwhile, Thinking Bar has teamed up with the Happy Angel Bakery to offer a limited-time Santa Claus ice cream, spreading warmth in the cold winter while supporting a good cause!
Monet’s “Japanese Bridge” comes to life here—a Dasi restaurant that feels like stepping into an oil painting
Is there a garden that matches your dream scene? The fragrance of flowers wafts on the breeze, lotuses dot the emerald-green lake, while insects chirp, frogs croak, and butterflies flutter about, as if a symphony of the countryside is playing in your ears. In Guanyin District, Taoyuan, there’s a hidden gem called the “Monet’s Garden” landscape restaurant, where countless flowers and plants flourish, making you feel as though you’ve fallen into one of the paintings by the French Impressionist master Claude Monet.
Hurry if you want to go—the 5 most stunning bald cypress spots in Eastern Taiwan, where every photo looks like a European landscape painting
In Taiwan, if you want to experience autumn and winter scenery, besides the fiery red maple leaves, the uniquely desolate beauty of bald cypress forests is also captivating. Eastern Taiwan not only boasts beautiful mountains and waters, but many areas are also covered with vast bald cypress forests, waiting for you to come and admire them. 《ETtoday East News Cloud》 has carefully selected 5 locations in Eastern Taiwan where you can enjoy bald cypress trees, but some of the scenery is located within homestays and is not open to the public—be sure to check before you go.
When a chocolate Pen pierces an apple-shaped steamed bun at PPAP Café—the hottest spot!
The globally viral song “PPAP” performed by Japanese entertainer PICO Taro (ピコ太郎) has inspired countless celebrity imitations, turning him into a beacon of Japanese culture promotion—so much so that he now has his own café, located inside Tokyo’s iconic landmark, the Tokyo Skytree.
“Mini Electric Pot” Red Bean Tangyuan for Just a Healing Price of NT$30 – Students’ Favorite Winter Little Joy
Although this year’s Winter Solstice isn’t as cold as usual, you still might want to enjoy some tangyuan to mark the occasion – so head to these two adorable dessert shops. Located in Pingtung, “Sunny Day Café,” and in Hsinchu, “Translucent Cotton,” are the students’ favorites. With Japanese-style vibes and pocket-friendly prices, they’re perfect for a cozy little gathering or chat – a true winter little happiness.
It’s not just the north — these 6 buffet restaurants in central and southern Taiwan also offer great value
Recently, internet data analytics firm DailyView Network Thermometer selected the top 10 all-you-can-eat restaurants, but since most of the listed restaurants are in the north, many netizens felt this should be called the "Taipei Top 10." They also pointed out that Zhenshan Meizhen in Taichung and A Li Hai at Gui Tian Hotel in Kaohsiung are just as good as the top-ranked Xiangshi Paradise. ETtoday EBC News Cloud has compiled 6 buffet restaurants in central and southern Taiwan that have received positive reviews from users. What do you think, netizens from central and southern Taiwan?
Over 3,000 maple trees at Shimen Reservoir are turning red — catch the peak fall foliage by month’s end!
The Maple Trail at Shimen Reservoir is a popular spot for locals in northern Taiwan to admire autumn leaves. The Water Resources Bureau of the Ministry of Economic Affairs' North Region has planted more than 3,000 green maples around the reservoir, and their leaves are now gradually turning red. By the end of the month, if the northeast monsoon strengthens, it will be the best time to enjoy the fall foliage.
From Obscure to Viral: Have You Visited Taiwan’s Top 10 Overnight Sensation Hidden Spots?
With the rise of social media, many once lesser-known “hidden gem” scenic spots across Taiwan have transformed into popular photo-taking destinations thanks to netizens’ check-ins and word-of-mouth. Secluded forests, thrilling cliffs, and abandoned old railways—these hidden beauties of Taiwan have become a hot topic this year. 《ETtoday Travel Cloud》 has selected the top 10 hidden gems most loved by netizens this year. See how many you’ve been to!
It can cleanse impurities and even beautify your skin – Here’s what the Japanese must do during the winter solstice!
December 21st is the winter solstice – have you eaten tangyuan (sweet glutinous rice balls)? In Japan, they also celebrate the winter solstice, but for the Japanese, the essential activity on this day isn’t eating tangyuan, but rather “taking a yuzu bath” and eating pumpkin.
A Pure Summer Journey in New Zealand: Stay at Iconic Hotels, Enjoy a Leisurely Trip
The seasons in the Southern and Northern Hemispheres are opposite. While Taiwan is bundling up, New Zealand is in the midst of its vibrant summer — with pleasant weather and stunning scenery, making it the perfect winter escape. Choose a high-quality tour endorsed by the Quality Tourism Association’s Golden Tourism Award. The double-gold-award-winning (2014, 2016) New Zealand itinerary from Oia Travel is your assurance of exceptional quality.
Exclusive Winter Experiences in the Nordic Region: Two Romantic Aurora Dream Packages
Don’t stay indoors this winter—the silver-white world of the Nordics is vibrant on land, sea, and air, waiting for you to explore. With Euyatour’s Nordic journeys, we guarantee your stay in a glass-domed aurora cabin to await the magical northern lights, while experiencing seven major winter highlights: ice fishing on frozen lakes, aurora night tours, visits to a purple quartz mine within the Arctic Circle and the unique tree ice formations in Rokua, exploring snow fortresses, dog sledding and reindeer sleigh adventures in the wilderness, and a visit to Santa Claus Village in the Arctic Circle.
Last few spots left for the ultimate Lunar New Year holiday proposals in both hemispheres!
The long-awaited Lunar New Year holiday, anticipated all year, is the perfect time for a family getaway. Popular destinations like New Zealand, Northern Europe, and Vietnam each offer unique charm, making for heartwarming reunions abroad. HowToTrip’s top Lunar New Year holiday packages in both the southern and northern hemispheres feature handpicked meals and premium accommodations, allowing you to make the most of your short break. Don’t miss out on the final available spots!
Tokyo’s popular fries specialty store AND THE FRIET makes its Taiwan debut – opening on December 31
Another beloved Japanese Tokyo food trend is coming to Taiwan！ The wildly popular street snack AND THE FRIET, which has taken Tokyo and Seoul by storm, is set to open its first Taiwan branch on December 31. AND THE FRIET brings the Belgian way of enjoying potatoes—guests can choose from six seasonal potato varieties and cuts, and enjoy the fun of pairing them with various sauces and toppings.
Japan’s Fukuoka “Dead Fish Ice Rink” Controversy Ends with Sudden 2017 Closure Announcement
The Japanese amusement park that caused an uproar on social media last month—the Space World ice rink in Fukuoka—embedded dead fish in the ice to create an underwater effect but has recently and quietly announced it will close next year.
A dazzling fireworks display kicks off the New Year: Top 5 must-see countdown fireworks shows across Taiwan in 2016–17
With less than 10 days left until the end of 2016, have you decided how you’ll ring in the New Year? Fireworks displays are a staple of every year’s countdown, and this year the “Sky Dream,” reputed to be Taiwan’s largest Ferris wheel located within the Lihpao Resort in Taichung, will also join in the celebration, making the central Taiwan night sky even more spectacular. ETtoday EBC News Cloud has compiled a list of the five must-see countdown fireworks shows this year—let’s welcome the New Year together!
Relive old-school dating: more than just swan boats — new seasonal ways to enjoy Wulai and Bitan
Historic Wulai is a well-known hot spring tourist destination in Taiwan. With its stunning scenery and picturesque landscapes, even foreign visitors make special trips here. Meanwhile, Bitan, once a classic dating spot, has become even more vibrant in recent years thanks to new developments and revitalization efforts, with improved environmental quality. If you haven’t planned anything for the weekend, why not take a one-day trip to Wulai and Bitan? Soak in the hot springs, take a leisurely stroll, breathe some fresh air, and enjoy a unique retro-style date.