Travel
The most authentic local Kyoto experience — the beautiful "Kamo River" in all seasons
When it comes to Kyoto, aside from Kiyomizu-dera Temple, the "Kamo River" (かもがわ) is undoubtedly another place that needs no introduction. Stretching 31 kilometers through the city, the Kamo River roughly divides Kyoto into the central (Rakuchō) and eastern (Rakugai) areas, as well as separating various districts.
Sweat and passion this summer—sports tourism is booming. Climb Mt. Fuji in 5 days for just 40,000 Yen
On the first day of the 2017 Taipei International Travel Fair, 65,000 visitors flocked to the event. Today marks the second day, which falls on a holiday, and the momentum remains strong, especially for short-term trips to Northeast Asia, Hong Kong, and Macau—the public’s favorites. Travel packages and theme park tickets that sold out instantly on launch day continue to be snapped up. To tap into the current fitness craze, ten popular mascots from both domestic and international regions were invited to kick off a morning fun run this morning. Major travel agencies have also introduced a variety of exciting sports and outdoor activity packages, such as climbing Mt. Fuji, partying in campervans, and running marathons, with on-site discounts saving nearly 10,000 Yen.
Taipei’s High-Value Affordable Japanese Cuisine – Signature Large Bowl of Sushi Rice
San Duo Wu Dad’s Mouth has known about this high-value sushi rice specialty shop for a long time, but due to a packed schedule, hadn’t had the chance to try it on previous trips to Taipei. This time, I carved out a lunch break to meet up with friends here. It’s only about a 3–5 minute walk from Taipei Main Station, and actually closer to the Jingmao Transit Station. San Duo Wu Dad’s Mouth is located right at the corner.
Pushing for Tainan? 47 Famous Hotels in Kaohsiung Slash Prices in May – Second Night Stay for Just NT$888
Following the huge success of Tainan’s campaign where 23 hotels offered “Stay 2 Nights in Tainan, Second Night Free,” now you can save big when visiting Kaohsiung too. The Kaohsiung City Government Tourism Bureau has partnered with around 70 tourism businesses including accommodations and shops to launch the “Stay One Night in Kaohsiung, Get Travel & Shopping Perks” promotion. Stay at well-known hotels such as Huayuan, Huawang, and Formosa Fun, and enjoy the second night for just NT$888. Take advantage of this offer and experience Kaohsiung’s sunny warmth and vibrant hospitality.
Super cute and photogenic — Yunlin’s “cat-painted” convenience store, where even the staff are feline-themed
During my last trip to Douliu in Yunlin, I dropped by Magic Cat House 7-11 Douliu Baozhuang Branch to experience this cat-themed 7-11. Not only can you get a lovely hug from “Karen Mok” (a reference to the popular cat character), but the combination of 3D paintings and real-life elements lets you feel the warm hugs from the kitty staff here too. You can also enjoy a complimentary extra-large cup of freshly brewed coffee. With a variety of fun murals, I had an amazing time taking photos.
How much do you know about coffee... Turns out sweet traces = Caramel Macchiato?
There’s no such thing as “American coffee” in America, nor is there “Viennese coffee” in Vienna. In fact, an “Americano” isn’t truly American-style coffee—it’s made by Italians by diluting espresso with hot water to create a lighter-tasting brew. Italians call it Americano, which is also their way of hinting at Americans’ casual approach to coffee drinking.
A forest in a Tainan community? 300 Chinese parasol trees create a hidden "Little Alishan" retreat
Located in Shanhua District, Tainan City, the "Ximei Community Forest Park," known locally as "Little Alishan" or "Little Xitou," was originally a nursery for the Shanhua Sugar Refinery. Later, due to market changes, the area was transformed into a park. It has gained some fame for planting nearly 300 Chinese parasol trees. When the summer heat hits, strolling through the woods offers a cool respite, making it a hidden retreat to beat the heat. The lush green canopy not only attracts families but also many couples looking for photo opportunities.
Popular American-style Restaurant in Kaohsiung: A Super Long 30cm "Hot Dog Burger"!
The Hardy American Restaurant, which had been closed for several years, finally made a comeback in 2016. The new location is on Měishù Dōngsì Lù (East Fourth Road of Fine Arts), and it operates under the new brand name WEEE. When it first reopened, it only served lunch and dinner. We had also shared a dining review with everyone at that time. It wasn’t until early 2017 that the restaurant began developing and launching its brunch series.
A summer must-try: ultra-dreamy 4-color gradient ice bricks available in both Taipei and Kaohsiung
Looking for an “ice brick” destination? How can you not think of Ice Fruit Sweetheart? The two hugely popular ice brick icons — “Midsummer Sweetheart – Mango Ice Brick” and “Rock ‘n’ Roll Sweetheart – Pitaya Ice Brick” — have now been joined by two more fantastically dreamy fruit ice bricks, thanks to the chef’s creative ingenuity. Not only do they offer a visual treat, but every bite also brings a taste of happiness. Perfect for family gatherings or sharing with close friends, you can enjoy delicious flavors and pure delight anytime, anywhere.
Biggest in 10 years! Fulong International Sand Sculpture Festival kicks off — viewing sand sculptures from a paddleboard on the water adds to the fun
The 2017 Fulong International Sand Sculpture Festival grandly opened today at Fulong Beach. This year marks a milestone as the event celebrates its 10th anniversary, themed “Golden Sands of Fulong: A Decade of Dreams.” Combining the classic castle designs often seen in past sand sculptures, the festival has created Taiwan’s largest sand sculpture castle, standing an impressive 13 meters tall. In addition, the themed area “The Whimsical World of a Little Girl” breaks new ground by drawing inspiration from the dreams of a 10-year-old girl, with the concept running throughout the entire exhibition to give it a more story-driven feel. A total of 80 sand sculptures are on display this year, and mysterious superhero characters will also make surprise appearances throughout the event, adding an extra layer of excitement.
Hidden gem for creatives: Don’t call yourself a photo enthusiast if you haven’t visited these three “markets”
This time, ETtoday EBC News Cloud has compiled a list of three “markets” that defy traditional perceptions—not only are they fresh and photogenic, but they also incorporate cultural and creative elements, breathing new life into old markets. As a photography enthusiast, how can you miss such hidden gems?
Dalí’s melting clock décor is outrageously wild at Yilan’s “Time Capsule” vegetarian Cantonese dim sum restaurant
Known for its Cantonese-style vegetarian dim sum, “Time Capsule” has successfully overturned the public’s stereotypes about plant-based food through chefs’ creative cooking techniques that transform ingredients into highly sought-after dishes. The restaurant also incorporates elements of Dalí’s melting clocks, making its walls, furnishings, and dining chairs incredibly eye-catching and whimsically surreal.
Untouched white-sand paradise with breathtaking sea views – 4 must-stay Samui hotels for a luxurious island getaway
With its ocean-meets-sky backdrop and pristine white sands, the dreamy tropical island scenery is right before your eyes. As Thailand’s third-largest island, Koh Samui boasts over 80 scattered islets of various sizes, along with pristine beaches and hidden forest retreats, attracting droves of tourists each year for vacation and relaxation. As a popular holiday haven, the island is dotted with five-star hotels and villas. Below, we recommend four must-stay Samui hotels for your island escape.
The best time of your life: 6 things "a solo female traveler learned"
Solo adventures always need some reasons—heartbreak, wanting a career change, or simply a desire to see the world. The foreign website Sacha Strebe shared her story of flying from Australia to Spain, then to Italy and Greece, and finally heading to the island of Kos, which she called "the best time of my life." Throughout the trip, she didn’t feel lonely at all and generously shared the six things she learned with fellow travelers.
Combining local produce: Chiayi’s popular trendy ice shop — fruit ice for under NT$50
Aside from memories of Chiayi’s chicken rice and square crackers, there are actually quite a few nostalgic ice shops from the olden days in Chiayi, such as Yongfeng Ice Parlor in Puzi and Ma|於盎蚴鞘星?暮７纾?永系胤阶苣芡诰虻嚼鲜贝?纳?罴且洌?还?馄??樯艿牡故且患蚁嗟笔芑队?男滦吮?辍敬蛎ū??摇浚?涫邓敌乱膊凰阈隆?
It looks like blocks stacked upward—Moyi Hotel near Fengjia Night Market with an unbeatable rooftop night view
Located in the suburbs of the Fengjia commercial area, Moyi Hotel is a low-key, minimalist gray-black building. Its block-like structures stacked upward resemble building blocks, exuding an asymmetrical yet harmonious design aesthetic. This tranquil spot amid the hustle and bustle blends into a well-connected lifestyle district, making it popular among many young people. At night, there's even a free shuttle bus to and from Fengjia Night Market—very thoughtful.
Kobe beef burgers don’t add value — Celebrity chef Bourdain: Skip these three foods to avoid wasting money
No one likes getting a bad meal, no matter what you’re eating, but the question is how to tell so you don’t waste your money. Renowned American chef Anthony Bourdain advises travelers that if they see certain items on a menu, they might as well walk out of the restaurant. While his opinion may be a bit extreme, it’s occasionally worth considering his high culinary standards.
Breathtaking lakes and mountains offer serenity — Taoyuan’s pocket-sized “Doumai Pitian”
No need to travel abroad — there’s a hidden gem in Daxi that resembles a fairy-tale forest. With its stunning lake-and-mountain scenery, netizens have dubbed it the “mini version of Yunshan Water,” making it a delightful surprise for visitors.
Known as the "No. 1 Hawker Stall in the World" – a hidden eatery inside a Taipei market
Many food connoisseurs firmly believe that the most authentic Taiwanese street food culture thrives in markets, especially traditional ones—even if the dining environment can sometimes be less than ideal... BUT sometimes “delicious” really doesn’t need so many buts, howevers, or caveats; it’s simply about what wins when the food hits your mouth. Today, I’m introducing a food stall located in Zhongshan Market that has quite the reputation—it has won the Taipei City Market Food “No. 1 Hawker Stall in the World” gold award multiple times.
Secret rooftop spot in Taichung for night views—enjoy food with the breeze and get a “Surprise 4-in-1 Choice”!
Located on the rooftop of Motel Mouché, Mouché GALLE has been open for over two years and has recently launched a new menu. Below, we’ll introduce it one by one. As part of our special offer, from now until the end of June, simply show the 《ETtoday Eastday News Cloud》 app when you visit the restaurant to enjoy a “Surprise 4-in-1 Choice” discount featuring Cheesy Potato Fries, Margherita Shrimp Pot, Ai Wei Yun (loosely translated as “Tipsy Delight”), and Happy Sweetheart.