Travel
Japan’s Tallest Building “Abeno HARUKAS” – The Best Hidden Photo Spot Is Actually the Restroom
Since its official opening in 2014, Japan’s tallest building, “Abeno HARUKAS,” has quickly become a favorite among travelers from around the world. Its three-story observation deck, wrapped in large glass windows, creates a naturally open and airy atmosphere, allowing visitors to enjoy breathtaking city views from 300 meters above the ground. But the most photogenic hidden gem here isn’t the indoor observation area or the rooftop helipad—it’s the restroom inside the observation deck itself.
A Transformer as the God of Wealth? Taiwan’s Coolest Bike-Borne Deity – Seek Good Fortune at the Tamsui Riverside in New Taipei
As the Year of the Rooster nears, homes and neighborhoods are filling with festive cheer, and many are already planning their Lunar New Year trips. Visiting a God of Wealth temple is an annual must-do for many during the holiday. Here’s a little secret: a new “alien” God of Wealth has just arrived at the Crescent Bridge in New Taipei City, ready to bring everyone good fortune!
Wai Wu Thai Group’s New Chinese Cuisine Brand “Shi Shi Xiang” Officially Opens; First Outlet Opens in Taichung
The sixth new brand of Wai Wu Thai Group, “Shi Shi Xiang RICE BAR,” made its debut on January 25. Its first outlet is located on the 9th floor of the New Taipei City branch of Shin Kong Mitsukoshi in Taichung, adding another dining option to the mall. Shi Shi Xiang centers around rice culture, bringing together popular Chinese dishes and exclusive recipes, allowing diners to enjoy a variety of “cross-cuisine Chinese flavors” in one meal.
Tainan’s Hidden “Seafood Congee” – Enjoy White Shrimp, Fresh Oysters, and Mussels!
Tainan boasts many must-try local delicacies, and this time Pingzi wants to recommend Guanjin Seafood Congee, tucked away in the alleyways of Kangle Market on Haian Road. If you love Tainan’s savory congee, you can’t miss this spot. The seafood congee here is generously filled with ingredients and is a hidden gem loved by locals – a delicious taste that will linger in your memory long after your meal.
Yeh Chu-lan Appointed President
The Foundation Legal-Person / Taiwan Tourism Association held a board meeting on January 25, where all directors unanimously voted to elect Yeh Chu-lan as the new president. Yeh Chu-lan has previously served in key government positions including Legislative Yuan member, Minister of Transportation and Communications, Chairman of the Council of Indigenous Peoples, Executive Yuan Political Affairs Committee member, Vice Premier of the Executive Yuan, Acting Mayor of Kaohsiung, and Secretary-General of the Presidential Office, and is highly experienced in tourism affairs.
Travel off the beaten path during Chinese New Year – an IG hotspot guide to four must-visit spots in Tainan
It’s all about beautiful views and great photoshoots here. Known as the “Capital of History and Culture,” Tainan often gives off a strong historical vibe—as if there’s nothing but ancient ruins to see. But ETtoday EBC News has specially rounded up a lazy guide to four ultra-popular Instagram-worthy spots in Tainan that have been trending lately. Whether it’s a dreamy location that feels like you’re abroad or a cultural creative park given new life, each stunning photo will totally change your old impression of Tainan—and you’ll be itching to visit the city during the Lunar New Year holiday.
Breathe in the forest this Year of the Rooster: Spring Festival opening hours and transport info
Known as the "Treasure Island," Taiwan boasts diverse natural ecosystems. For those wishing to explore the beauty of forests, the national forest recreation areas scattered across the island are a great choice. These areas are rich in ecological and cultural resources, offering activities such as flower viewing, birdwatching, hiking, and mountaineering, providing a variety of eco-tourism experiences.
ZADO only offers one set meal — no other dishes can be ordered — but the menu is updated weekly.
Fans of hot pot are likely familiar with “22:02 Hot Pot. Lifestyle,” a highly popular hot pot restaurant in Taipei. Surprisingly, the owner has opened another new restaurant, “ZADO就一套” (ZADO — Just One Set), next door in what used to be the office. As the name suggests, this restaurant only serves one set meal — nothing else can be ordered. However, the set menu is updated every week. It operates on a membership reservation system and is only open from Monday to Friday. Originally, it was intended to accommodate the overflow of customers during holidays at the hot pot restaurant, making it a hidden dining spot.
Iron Man and Duffy are his magic creations—meet the mastermind behind Hong Kong Disneyland’s behind-the-scenes desserts
We all know that Disneyland is a place full of magic. Aside from the various attractions, every corner is filled with delightful surprises. There are shows to watch, games to play, and of course, desserts to enjoy as well. And at Hong Kong Disneyland, there's a mysterious magician who can turn even the toughest superhero like Iron Man or the adorable little bear Duffy into lifelike desserts that you just can’t bear to eat.
New Year’s hottest activity: Ride a double-decker sightseeing bus to explore Taipei and Kaohsiung & enjoy love river fireworks
Haven’t planned where to go during the Spring Festival holiday yet? The newly launched open-top double-decker buses in Kaohsiung and the double-decker sightseeing buses in Taipei will operate as usual during the break. Starting January 31, Kaohsiung will also offer an exclusive, limited-edition love river fireworks tour bus. In Taipei, there’s a limited-time deal of “buy one, get one free for two people,” and on New Year’s Eve and Lunar New Year’s Day, each passenger will receive a miniature model of the bus.
"Tokyo Station Yaesu Ichiban-gai" Now Offers Tax-Free Shopping – 3-Step Process Tested!
The must-visit "Tokyo Station Yaesu Ichiban-gai" now has tax refund services too. Since late 2016, Tokyo Station Yaesu Ichiban-gai has introduced tax refund counters where travelers can get refunds if their total purchase amount from designated tax-free stores reaches 5,000 yen (before tax). This article shares the actual tax refund process—just follow these 3 steps to complete your refund smoothly.
Authentic Japanese head chef — newly opened in Yilan, nigiri sushi for under NT$30 per piece!
We heard it’s only been open a short while, but it’s already a favorite among medical staff from nearby St. Mary’s and Bo’ai Hospitals. After trying it ourselves, the flavor is truly extraordinary!! And the prices are very reasonable — for nigiri sushi, some six-piece sets are just NT$150!! That’s an average of less than NT$30 per piece, and made by professional chefs — really impressive!!
Satisfy your sweet tooth with dessert delights！Street Churros launches limited-edition raspberry dipping sauce
Tomorrow marks the start of the Lunar New Year holiday, and the first thing you should do is treat yourself for all your hard work—indulge in a comforting dessert to satisfy your taste buds！Street Churros has introduced a “raspberry dipping sauce” to pair with its signature churros rings, and the limited-time “Churros Wish Combo” is now available until February 1, offering customers more diverse choices.
Pink romance of cherry blossom snowfall scattering everywhere!\n16 Must-Visit Cherry Blossom Spots Across Asia Guide
Can you resist the bliss brought by those tender pink and pure white cherry blossoms? When it comes to cherry blossoms, besides Japan being a hotspot, did you know there are other places also blanketed in pink cherry blossom snow? If you're tired of going to Japan every year and want to find a fresh Asian cherry blossom season hidden gem, this *Asia Cherry Blossom Frontier Preview* thoroughly introduces you to 16 stunning spots to admire cherry blossoms. If you want to know where to find the romance of cherry blossoms, keep reading!\n
The main lantern of the Taipei Lantern Festival has hatched from its egg — the "Little Qi Chicken Family" custom-designed by No2good is super adorable
The 2017 Taipei Lantern Festival’s main lantern was finally unveiled today (the 26th), on Little New Year’s Eve. Created by internationally renowned anime aesthetics artist No2good, the “Little Qi Chicken Family” includes not only the main lantern “Little Qi Chicken,” but also family members: “Victory Bro, Pinky Beauty, and Little Egg Calm.” Breaking away from the traditional setup of a single main lantern as the centerpiece, it introduces four uniquely characterized characters.
NT$300 change back!! Choose from 70 kinds of Korean cuisine all-you-can-eat
This Korean all-you-can-eat restaurant located in the basement of the building next to Seomyeon Station has been on my radar since my first visit to Busan. It’s cheap and offers a wide variety of dishes, but somehow I didn’t come here for years. This time, because I had actually been in Busan for quite a while, I ended up having lunch here. I’ve had plenty of such meals in Seoul, but this was my first time dining at an all-you-can-eat Korean restaurant in Busan.
Cure your eyes with breathtaking sea views—2 must-visit seaside cafes in Kaohsiung
The Lunar New Year hasn’t arrived yet, but your heart’s already on vacation. Why not take a seaside trip during your holiday break? ETtoday EBC has handpicked two popular seaside cafes in Kaohsiung where you can sip a warm cup of coffee, enjoy a sweet pancake, and unwind to the soothing sounds of the ocean.
So wild: Hit the surf first thing after landing—Melbourne Airport’s first-ever “surf park”
Australians generally love outdoor sports, and for coastal residents, surfing isn’t just an adrenaline-pumping water activity but also a way of life. To ensure surf enthusiasts always have waves to ride, the Southern Hemisphere’s first artificial surf park is set to be completed near Melbourne Airport. No need to rush to your hotel after landing—hit the surf right next to the airport. That’s living on the edge in the best way possible.
Explore Hidden Gems on a New Year Trip: Handmade "White Kiln Wood-Fired Bread" – Fragrant and Chewy
On a New Year trip, explore the "Paozi Hiking Trail," admire the cultural scenery of century-old tea farms along the Shenkeng area’s historic paths, hike to the summit for panoramic views of the Greater Taipei metropolitan area, and visit the popular "Paozi Waterfall." Then, head to "Banshan Farm" to savor their exclusive white kiln wood-fired European bread and enjoy the fun of DIY pizza.
Lanterns light up every alley and street, dazzling the night sky of Tainan at the Pujitemple Lantern Festival
The 5th Pujitemple Creative Lantern Exhibition officially lit up on the 21st. For five consecutive years, the “Pujitemple Spring Creative Painted Lantern Exhibition” held in the West Central District of Tainan has turned the romantic sea of lights into a new must-visit attraction during the Lunar New Year. This year marks the temple’s 350th anniversary, aligning with the Year of the Rooster and the legend of Tainan as the “Phoenix City.” As such, the main lantern was designed as a “Colorful Phoenix,” with 1,500 lanterns illuminating Tainan’s night sky — an absolutely eye-catching sight.