Travel
Cathay Pacific’s First Heartfelt Deals of 2017: Round-Trip Taipei–Hong Kong from NT$3,200, Taipei–Osaka from NT$4,500
Ready for your next adventure? Cathay Pacific and Cathay Dragon have launched their first “Heartfelt Deals” of the year, offering exclusive limited-time flight promotions on the official website every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from April 11 to May 4, 2017. Tickets can be purchased every Tuesday through Thursday, with surprise discounted fares for featured destinations announced at midnight every Tuesday.
Common travel issues you must know: How to protect yourself when flights are overbooked
Overbooking of domestic and international flights is not uncommon. YOYO, a blogger who has worked at 101 Travel Agency and frequently shares aviation and travel information, shared several common questions about flight overbooking to help passengers protect their rights when facing such issues.
Check out the latest cherry blossom spots in Kyoto this season: The cherry blossoms meet you at Uegaito Embankment
Latest news on cherry blossom viewing in Kyoto, Japan. The "Yodogawa Sansen Kousui Area Sakura de Ai Kan" (Sakura Meeting Hall of the Yodogawa Three-River Confluence), which officially opened only on March 25th of Heisei 29 (2017), and the current state of the blossoms — Captain Nasa’s first-hand on-site report. On April 9th, the spectacular cherry blossoms at Uegaito Embankment were almost fully bloomed after several sunny days.
Meifu Revival Restaurant’s gourmet offerings: Seven Fairies cold platter, squid and snail garlic dish available
How can food be combined with paintings? Young illustrator Liang Gen collaborated with Chef Dong Qingqin of Mi Xiang, the Taiwanese cuisine restaurant at Meifu Hotel, to launch the “Painting Out Nostalgic Flavors” Cantonese-style restaurant cuisine event from April 15 to June 15, transforming the deliciousness and warmth of Taiwanese cuisine into hand-drawn creations. Chef Dong Qingqin’s Cantonese-style dishes start at 320 yuan per dish, including the Seven Fairies cold platter, braised turtle with chestnuts, jade bamboo shoot eel, and squid and snail garlic—all classic representative dishes of Cantonese-style cuisine. The venue also displays several original artworks by painter Liang Gen themed around Taiwan.
Three "stunning green tunnels" across Taiwan — a giant canopy woven by Chinese parasol trees
Wandering through an endless green tunnel feels like time-traveling and transforming into an elf. The Chinese parasol trees are in full bloom, their leaves turning the branches lush green, forming a natural canopy that shades the sky. ETtoday EBC has focused on the Chinese parasol tree this time and compiled three green tunnels in Chiayi, Tainan, and Pingtung. Take advantage of the beautiful scenery and go for an outing with your family or close friends.
Only 6 days — Instant Ichiran Ramen pop-ups in Kaohsiung and Taipei, plus tasting
Ichiran Ramen, a must-try for many travelers to Japan, is set to open its first Taiwan store in June. Can’t wait? The instant version (also known as cup noodles or instant packs) of “Ichiran Ramen (Special Edition Packaging)” is now available in Kaohsiung and Taipei. It will be sold from April 14 to 16 at Dream Mall B1 in Kaohsiung, and from April 21 to 23 at Taipei Xinyi Breeze B1, with tastings available on-site.
Order a coffee with a side of airplanes — the café next to Kaohsiung Airport is beautiful both day and night
Taipei’s “Binjiang Street Lane 180” is a well-known airplane-watching spot, and Kaohsiung has its own long-established “Dad’s Airport Café,” which allows residents in southern Taiwan to witness the breathtaking sight of planes taking off and landing without having to travel far. In addition to viewing takeoffs and landings up close, you can also experience the thrill of planes roaring overhead.
Regent welcomes graduation season – 11% off at buffet restaurants with teacher or student ID
Tourism Center / Comprehensive Report Graduation season is approaching. Taipei Regent Hotel has integrated resources from its in-house and external restaurants and banquet halls to launch a variety of teacher appreciation promotions starting today, catering to gatherings from two people up to over a hundred guests. From May 1 to June 30, the “Beautiful Campus” campaign offers a flat 11% discount on regular weekday lunch and dinner at Park Lane, Thai Bazaar, or Italian Bistro for all diners—regardless of group size—upon presentation of a teaching license or student ID. In addition, a “Teacher Appreciation Banquet” double-bonus promotion is also available. During the campaign period, groups of 20 or more can enjoy a 21% discount (79% of original price) on their banquet meal. Furthermore, those who share a designated Regent Hotel article on Facebook 100 times or more can avail an even greater discount of 31% (69% of original price) on their banquet. At the same time, as part of the “Power of Sharing” double-reward initiative, diners visiting the three aforementioned buffet restaurants during July and August for weekday lunch or dinner can also enjoy a 21% discount (79% of original price) on their meal by presenting the shared post—this offer is valid for unlimited uses.
Loaded with Italian flair—Costa Cruises' new Costa neoRomantica sets sail in Asia for the first time
The international Carnival Cruise brand “Costa Cruises” has made its debut in Taiwan, holding a grand maiden voyage ceremony for the Costa neoRomantica at Keelung Port today (April 12), marking Costa Cruises’ official entry into Taiwan’s cruise market. In 2016, Costa Cruises was honored with Japan’s “Best Cruise of the Year 2016” award. This launch in Taiwan is not only the ship’s first voyage in Asia but also a special limited-time opportunity exclusive to Taiwan. Three Keelung–Japan routes have been planned, including: Keelung–Miyako Island–Okinawa–Ishigaki Island, Keelung–Kagoshima–Nagasaki, and Keelung–Miyako–Ishigaki Island, inviting Taiwanese travelers to experience the charm of “Italy at sea.”
Super Evil? New Taipei’s Handmade “Cheese Gushing” Steamed Buns — Cheese That Flows Like a Waterfall
As a hardworking professional, there’s nothing more therapeutic than ordering food with colleagues. In New Taipei City, there’s a small but well-known handmade steamed bun shop in the online shopping scene. Here, you can enjoy cheese buns that burst with gooey, stringy cheese — they even stuff three-cup chicken drumsticks and lion’s head meatballs inside the buns. It’s become one of the must-order group-buying foods for office workers, perfect for breakfast, afternoon tea, or even a picnic on the weekend.
Half-Day Stroll in Uji: Savor Matcha, Explore World Heritage Sites & Enjoy the Town’s Charming Scenery
Uji, a small city almost synonymous with matcha, is often considered less significant than Kyoto, Osaka, and Nara by most travelers visiting Kansai. Those with limited time often skip it altogether to visit other destinations, resulting in significantly fewer tourists here. Without the crowds and surrounded by beautiful mountains and water, Uji becomes a fresh, tranquil, and photogenic little town.
Never go hungry at midnight again – enjoy sweet and light beef soup served in Tainan as early as 3 AM!
Yongle Beef Soup is located at the intersection of Guohua Street and Minzu Road in Yongle Market. Pingzi recommends this food street in Tainan, famous for must-try local specialties. To enjoy a hearty breakfast in Tainan, Yongle Beef Soup is open from 3 AM to 11 AM. With its early morning beef soup, you’ll never have to worry about hunger pangs in the middle of the night. The clear beef broth is simmered to perfection, tender and sweet — a must-visit spot for beef lovers.
A “hidden class system” in the cabin? Whether you get bumped or upgraded all depends on priority sorting
On the evening of the 9th, United Airlines forcibly dragged a seated Asian-American male passenger off the plane to make room for crew members due to overbooking, sparking public outcry. As the incident escalated, netizens began discussing standard airline procedures for handling overbooked flights and the boarding priority systems used by airlines—raising the question: is there really a “passenger class system”? The airline industry has responded by outlining standard procedures as well as protocols for special circumstances.
A “pure white Gothic church” stands in the mountains — a San Yi homestay with a secret outdoor photo garden
Just looking at the photos, it’s easy to mistake it for being in Europe. A pure white, roofed, faux-Gothic church is hidden within a Miaoli homestay. Its hollowed-out exterior, paired with a light yellow interior, adds a playful touch. The “♛Holy Garden♛” is a sculpture, and as the owner explains, it represents the “secret garden” of the homestay, serving as a cultural highlight. Couples often gather here, reluctant to leave.
Romance level off the charts: April blooms bring cherry blossom rivers—bike along the riverbanks in Taipei
April brings warm spring weather and the season for azaleas. The Taipei Water Department reports that in the Yanping and Shuangxi Left Bank Riverside Parks, azalea bloom rates have exceeded 70%. The azaleas planted along the embankments resemble vibrant rivers of flowers, with petals drifting onto the grass, adding a splash of color and a wonderfully romantic atmosphere to the riverside parks.
Le Méridien Taipei and LULU GUINNESS Launch Limited-Edition Afternoon Tea – Only 15 Sets Available Daily
Le Méridien Taipei has once again launched a premium co-branded afternoon tea in collaboration with the iconic British handbag designer LULU GUINNESS and her eponymous brand. The exclusive “Playful Fashion ‘Lip Party’” duo afternoon tea draws inspiration from LULU GUINNESS’s whimsical sense of style and elegance, transforming classic red lips into treats like “Bird of Paradise Iced Tea Chocolate” and “Caramel Brownie,” while signature lipstick shapes become an “Apricot Chocolate Cake.” The designer’s doll-like visage is reimagined as a “Blueberry Macaron.” Available starting April 14th, only 15 sets of this afternoon tea are offered daily, each priced at NT$2,280 + 10%.
The top 10 airlines with the most overbooked seats have been revealed – United Airlines only ranks 6th
A video of United Airlines overbooking seats and violently dragging a passenger off the plane sparked global outrage among travelers. In fact, overbooking tickets is an open secret – just because you book a flight online doesn’t guarantee you’ll be able to board smoothly when you arrive at the airport. The well-known travel website Conde Nast has compiled a list of airlines that are worse than United in frequently overbooking tickets. Although these are mostly U.S.-based carriers, travelers still need to be cautious to protect their rights.
New Zealand’s version of “Eagle’s Point” challenges your heart with breathtaking views over the kiwifruit homeland
Located on New Zealand’s North Island, Tauranga is a beautiful harbor town and the birthplace of the country’s kiwifruit kingdom. The headquarters and factory of Zespri, the leading kiwifruit brand, are situated here. Besides indulging in as many kiwis as you can, don’t miss the adventure atop Mount Maunganui — New Zealand’s version of “Eagle’s Point” is so stunning it will take your breath away.
Cheese tart lovers, take note！ Japan’s super-popular Ampurēshu pop-up is coming to Taichung’s Dayeh Takashimaya.
Cheese tart lovers, take note！ Japan’s wildly popular, always-queuing cheese tart “Ampurēshu” will have a pop-up at the City Super area on B2 of Taichung’s Dayeh Takashimaya from April 12 to May 14. To celebrate the launch, for the first three days of sales, the first 50 buyers will enjoy a “buy one, get one free” deal on the original flavor cheese tart—limit one set per person. Don’t miss out if you’re a cheese tart fan！
Operation Save Love: A One-Day Kaohsiung Trip to Win Back My Girlfriend Who Wanted to Break Up – A Huge Success
Hello everyone, I’m Romance Legend. Though my love life is quite legendary, I’m now facing the biggest crisis of my life — my girlfriend of many years is about to break up with me. So I decided to take her on a one-day trip to Kaohsiung to see if we could save our fading love.