Travel
Banqiao Brunch Street: Satisfy your hearty brunches and sweet afternoon teas here
Amid the ongoing brunch craze, New Taipei City’s Banqiao has emerged as a brunch hotspot, with a brunch spot seemingly on every few blocks, each offering its own unique charm. On Guangzheng Street near Banqiao Railway Station, in addition to well-known Good Morning 2nd Branch and popular dessert shop Dian Dian Tian Tian, there have recently been three more brunch spots with distinct styles—ranging from vintage to industrial to minimalist. Whether you're looking for healthy light meals, hearty feasts, or tempting desserts, you can find them all along this one street. Spend a wonderful weekend afternoon here with your friends!
The classic "red bean pancake" with an old-time Taipei flavor from Dadaocheng—double filling and even a cabbage flavor!
The bright red, large "Red Bean Pancake" sign on the cart quickly caught my attention. The signboard had the character "Huang," but it’s widely known online as the "Liangzhou Street Wandan Red Bean Pancake" or "Dadaocheng Wandan Red Bean Pancake." I’d passed by many times when it was closed, but on this day, to my surprise, it was open. Without even having lunch yet, I immediately bought one to try!
Taiwan’s only one！ Huatai Ruiyuan selected among the Top 10 National Park Stays — Enjoy accommodation discounts to celebrate
Nestled within lush greenery, the low-profile, all-white Huatai Ruiyuan Kenting Hotel near Kenting National Park offers a tranquil retreat where you can listen to the breeze rustling through century-old trees and birds singing softly, immersing yourself in nature’s charm. With its simple, serene, and laid-back atmosphere, the hotel has been ranked by the travel booking site Booking.com as one of the world’s Top 10 Best National Park Stays — the only hotel in Taiwan to make the list. To show their gratitude, Huatai Ruiyuan has launched a special thank-you offer.
WANG Group launches new brand: Sichuan-style spicy hot pot "Ma Laoda" to open at the end of May
Following the launch of the "CooK BEEF!" steak rice brand, WANG Group will debut another new brand — Sichuan-style spicy hot pot "Ma Laoda" — at the end of May. WANG Group Chairman Chen Zhenghui stated that this new brand will feature the lowest price point within the group and the highest takeout ratio, with an average per-customer spending of under NT$200. The first outlet will be located on Zhongcun Road in Taichung’s Central District.
Bookings full until 2025！9 restaurants harder to get into than Harvard
Many restaurants become impossible to book after gaining media attention, even locals who used to frequent them find them out of reach. Some trends fade, but in reality, popular restaurants see long queues every day. CNN has compiled a list of nine restaurants around the world that are harder to get into than Harvard—give booking a try！
Public Toilets Aren’t as Dangerous as You Think Experts: No Need to Lay Toilet Paper or Squat
Using the toilet while traveling is one of the most annoying things, especially when it comes to public toilets that don’t look very clean. Most people lay toilet paper on the seat, while others dare to use them only by squatting over the toilet. There are of course bacteria on the surface of the toilet, but in reality, unless you have an open wound, these bacteria won’t do you much harm even if someone just used the public toilet.
Prawn tempura lovers, rejoice: 7 irresistibly golden prawn tempura rice bowls in Taipei
Delicious Japanese prawn tempura, with its crispy golden batter, is enough to make anyone’s mouth water just thinking about it. Beyond big-name Japanese brands that have expanded to Taipei—like Kinsei Honnosuke and Shimotakaido TenN< Akimitsu—there are also hidden gems tucked away in Taipei’s alleys. ETtoday EBC has specially selected 7 Japanese restaurants in Taipei where you can enjoy these “golden prawn tempuras.” Prawn tempura fans, add these to your must-try list now!
Celebrate Mother's Day！Children's New Paradise Welcomes Moms with Free Entry & Lucky Bags for Check-ins
To honor hardworking moms, Taipei Children’s New Paradise invites moms to enjoy free entry on Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 14. Moms can ride the Fruit Ferris Wheel as many times as they like and spend joyful time with their little ones. Additionally, anyone who takes a photo anywhere in the park, tags Children’s New Paradise, and posts it on Facebook will receive one free lucky bag upon verification at the Visitor Service Center.
Tainan’s National Museum of Taiwan History: Its gray-and-white geometric architecture is surprisingly photogenic, and admission is free on weekends!
May 18 is International Museum Day. Not only has the National Palace Museum announced free entry that day, but the National Museum of Taiwan History in Tainan will also offer free admission on May 13 and 14, inviting the public to explore the stories and memories hidden deep within Taiwan’s history. If you’re looking for an intellectual getaway in southern Taiwan, May is the perfect time.
Jurassic driftwood art sculptures resembling dragon bones—capture the wild beauty at Laomei Windmill Park
In addition to the nationally renowned Lushi Trough, Laomei area’s windmill park has recently become a popular destination. With vast sandy grounds perfect for flying kites and the boundless ocean offering a healing atmosphere, the wooden art installations here have also become a must-visit photo spot for visitors.
Adorably girly – Taipei W and Kate Spade collaborate on an afternoon tea set
Taipei W Hotel has teamed up with New York fashion brand Kate Spade to create a vibrant, summery South American-inspired “Sunny Escape” duo afternoon tea set. From now until August 31, the Taipei W Hotel x Kate Spade collaboration “Sunny Escape” duo afternoon tea will be available daily from 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM in limited quantities at the 31st-floor Purple Lounge, priced at NT$1,800 + 10% per set. The set includes 10 sweet and savory items, two servings of tea or coffee, unlimited coffee refills, and four selected cocktails.
Hong Kong Urban Love Story: 4 Unforgettable Movie Scenes from "Love Off the Cuff"
"Yvonne saves Chang Chin-ming~ saves his whole life~" Chang Chin-ming's sudden heartfelt singing in "Love Off the Cuff" left many deeply moved, and this urban love story resonated with audiences everywhere. Beyond the plot and theme song, the film also features several memorable movie scenes that show a different side of Hong Kong.
Taoyuan ATT Kuaishishang Officially Opens on May 13, Giving Away 500 Free Meal Vouchers
After expanding beyond Taipei at the end of 2016, the ATT Group established the all-in-one food flagship store ATT Kuaishishang in front of Taoyuan Railway Station. Following more than four months of trial operation, the store will officially open on May 13. The number of dining brands has increased from 19 to 39. On the opening day, a special closed-door feast event will be held—simply like and check in at the ATT Kuaishishang fan page to receive one free meal voucher, limited to 500 vouchers.
Paddle a canoe to admire the romantic sunset & enjoy "non-motorized water activities" in Houbi Bay to protect the ocean
Are you ready to embrace the warm embrace of Kenting’s sunny beaches this scorching summer? As a renowned water recreation destination, Kenting’s popular beaches are crowded with colorful umbrellas during peak season, while the sea is filled with sailboats and jet skis. Although people enjoy the lively fun, marine life can’t find peace. To balance tourism and ocean conservation, Houbi Bay in Kenting actively promotes non-motorized water activities such as canoeing and the emerging SUP (stand-up paddleboarding). The "Non-Motorized Launch Fun" event will be held on the 14th.
Celebrate Summer at the Busan Sea Festival！ Asiana Airlines Early Bird Sale – Round-Trip Flights from Just 5,000
August marks the Busan Sea Festival in Busan, South Korea. From August 1 to 8, a variety of water sports and Busan’s largest festival performances take place at locations such as Haeundae Beach. The event features lively dance festivals, music concerts, rock music celebrations, and more. Beat the summer heat while enjoying the beach and joining in the festive fun—experience the full charm of Korea’s maritime capital, Busan, and enjoy a spectacular ocean-themed musical celebration for all senses.
Free Admission！The "Zhongping Road Story House," an 87-Year-Old Japanese-Style Building, Reopens
Who says Taoyuan is a cultural desert? The "Zhongping Road Story House" in Zhongli, Taoyuan, has recently reopened, offering a new photo spot for fans of historic Japanese-style houses. Built from an 87-year-old Japanese-era former dormitory, every brick and tile, every window and j? holds unique stories. The space not only showcases the long history of the building but also provides a relaxing environment, allowing visitors to feel the rich social textures of the past.
Cool Summer Tonics: Sanfan Honke Introduces a Limited-Time Five-Course Water Pot Chicken Hot Pot
Limited Time Only！Located on the B3 level of Taipei’s Regent Hotel, Sanfan Honke is offering the “Five-Course Water Pot Guiding Chicken Hot Pot” from now until June 30. Featuring Taiwan’s Guiding chicken as the star ingredient, the dish uses chicken breast bones and wings to create a collagen-rich broth, paired with the chef’s specially prepared Guiding chicken breast yukke-style dried overnight, salt-grilled wing tips, fried chicken thighs, and other variations on Japanese-style chicken.
Romantic May Snow Falls Everywhere！ Tourism Bureau Launches Tung Blossom Tour Packages—Buy 4 Get 1 Free
It’s that time of year again—the romantic season of May snow is here！ To allow visitors to easily enjoy the view of tung blossoms, which look like snow covering fresh green branches, the Tourism Bureau of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications has coordinated with travel agencies to launch 32 one- to two-day Taiwan sightseeing bus Hakka Tung Blossom tour packages from now until June 30, 2017. Among them, a special offer is available before the end of May: “Gather 4 people, get 1 free” for weekday one-day tour routes.
Australia’s Summer Getaway: Phillip Island with Stunning Seascapes & Penguin Parade
Just two months away from summer vacation—ready to leave Taiwan behind for a summer escape? Just a 90-minute drive from Melbourne, Phillip Island in Australia, known as Penguin Island, boasts abundant natural resources and diverse wildlife. The daily spectacle of penguins returning to their nests at dusk attracts global travelers, making it a perfect family-friendly summer destination.
How dreamy ! The reflection of a whole “starry sky” at the Snow Mountain Trailhead Service Area is absolutely stunning
Have you taken some amazing landscape photos in the mountains? Do you also enjoy such an itinerary? On your holiday, why not head to the Snow Mountain Trailhead above Wuling Farm and admire the beautiful alpine lake scenery? At an altitude of about 2,140 meters, the wooden boardwalk platform in front of the service station at the Snow Mountain Trailhead offers an extremely wide view, and there is also a small pond with picturesque reflections. When the weather is good, it reflects the small cabins, mountains, blue sky, and white clouds, creating a truly beautiful scene.