Travel
Dreamy Blue-Green Transparent Floor & Gradient Walls: Nantou’s WARMiN’ Hills Unveils New Space
Early summer is the perfect time to escape the heat in the mountains, sit quietly with a few friends, sip tea, and unwind over a cozy afternoon. Nantou’s WARMiN’ Hills, using the local Fengshan District’s pineapple from Baguashan, has introduced classic Taiwanese flavors that visitors can’t get enough of. Recently, it has also redesigned its “Tea Tasting & Serving” space, blending a traditional courtyard house with the natural surroundings, creating a relaxing atmosphere where guests feel like they’re visiting a friend’s home.
The Beauty of Classic Japanese-Style Old Houses: Yuli’s “Yuli Credit Union”
After leaving the “Hualien Yanliao Harbor Sugar Refinery Yamato Factory” in Hualien’s Guangfu Township, Watanabe next headed to Yuli Town. He left behind exquisite hand-drawn sketches of the elegant “Yuli Credit Union,” nearby red-brick buildings, and a Japanese-style residence he spotted by chance on Bo’ai Road. Check it out with us at “Cultural Renewal Stories”!
Taiwan won’t have just one – aside from the flagship Taipei store, Ichiran Ramen may open more branches.
On the 19th, Ichiran Ramen announced that its flagship Taipei store in Taiwan will officially open at 11:00 AM on June 15. However, when Ichiran Ramen’s president, Yoshitomi Yoshitomi, was interviewed by TVBS last year (2016), he mentioned that there would only be one store in Taiwan and that no additional branches would likely be opened. Nevertheless, Hanai Iori, who oversees Ichiran’s overseas operations, revealed that aside from the Taipei flagship, the possibility of opening more branches has not been ruled out.
Melt Girls’ Hearts: Hualien’s Most Beautiful Building Features a Dreamy Dried Flower Ceiling
If you’re from Hualien, Zhongshan Road will definitely be familiar to you. And if you’re a long-time local, you’ve probably heard countless stories about the three-story white building at No. 48 Zhongshan Road. With the passage of time, this white building has recently reopened under a brand-new dining concept, “Black Gold Passage,” featuring a magical dried flower ceiling on the second floor that has quickly become a must-visit new Instagram-worthy spot for girls visiting Hualien.
Thailand isn’t just about sightseeing and shopping – 13 Thai businesses visit Taiwan to promote “wellness tourism”
Recognizing the potential of tourism development between Thailand and Taiwan, 13 Thai businesses and 30 Taiwanese travel agencies jointly held a travel product exchange event today (26th), aiming to introduce a new type of “wellness tourism” to Taiwanese travelers, offering them not just sightseeing and shopping in Thailand but also opportunities to heal the body and mind for a healthier, more relaxed experience.
A Once-in-a-Lifetime Romantic Honeymoon: Top 5 Themed Honeymoon Destinations & Hotels Worldwide
The sweetest exclusive memory for a newlywed couple is their honeymoon trip. Based on five major travel themes—natural scenery, gourmet feasts, cultural journeys, historical heritage, and beach vacations—popular accommodation websites have selected five perfect honeymoon destinations and stays. Whether you’re a couple who loves thrilling adventures or prefers a lazy, romantic island getaway, you can create unforgettable honeymoon memories.
A year after the earthquake... still hanging banners to thank Taiwan Kumamoto Governor: We are recovering
China Airlines' "Three Bears Friendship aircraft," a collaborative effort between Taiwan and Japan, made its maiden flight from Kaohsiung to Kumamoto on the 26th. The super-cute Kumamon and Kumamoto Governor Ikuo Kabashima personally appeared at the airport to welcome passengers, holding up a banner thanking Taiwan and warmly welcoming travelers to visit Kumamoto. China Airlines General Manager Hsieh Shih-chien said that currently, the Kaohsiung-Kumamoto route operates three flights per week with an average passenger load factor of 80%. In the future, they may plan to increase it to five flights per week, and there is even potential for daily direct flights.
Popcorn ice cream buy one get one free during Korea’s Dragon Boat Festival holiday, limited to 3 hours daily
The popular Korean ice cream brand Sweet Monster is setting up a pop-up booth at Taipei Shin Kong Mitsukoshi A11 from May 19 to June 13. Their signature treat features popcorn stuck all over the ice cream—satisfying two sweet cravings in one. It has recently gained huge popularity on Instagram. For the four-day Dragon Boat Festival holiday, they’re offering a buy one get one free deal, but only from 14:00 to 17:00 daily (3 hours).
Up close with lemurs！Stay at Liufu Village’s “Star Animal Program” and sleep in a zoo
Dreaming of spending a night in a zoo with giraffes? It’s not a dream anymore！Located in Guanxi, Liufu Village is Asia’s first animal eco-experience lodge. Guests can open their eyes and windows to see wild animals right outside, as if they were staying on the African savannah. To give Taiwanese visitors an authentic taste of Africa, the management invited master contemporary Tinga Tinga painters from East Africa to create artwork throughout the lodge. The vibrant style is truly captivating.
Street-style food stalls authentically recreated—Hong Kong’s super popular trendy retro restaurant, Li Haowei
If you’re in Hong Kong and want to try some authentic local flavors, besides the must-visit street-side food stalls, there’s a new trend that's gaining popularity: adding creative twists to traditional Cantonese dishes. Located in Central, Li Haowei is designed inside and out with a strong nostalgic and vintage vibe, making you feel as if you’ve stepped into an indoor version of a street food stall. The restaurant also takes many classic Cantonese dishes to the next level by developing new flavors and ways of serving them, all while staying true to the essence of Hong Kong cuisine—even locals can’t resist its charm.
Opening confirmed！The Banqiao branch of 8-Color BBQ opens on June 2. Reservations now open for June.
The Banqiao branch (Store No. 3) of 8-Color BBQ, originally scheduled to open in late May, has had its opening date slightly postponed to officially open on June 2. Limited-time promotions will be available from June 2 to June 4—just share on social media to enjoy different discounts. In-person waitlisting only during these 3 days. Also, reservations for June 5 to June 30 open starting May 23. Going forward, reservations for the following month will open at 12:00 noon on the 20th of each month.
Local’s Unfiltered Recommendations: 7 Must-Try Classic Eateries at Kaohsiung’s Sanmin Market
Sanmin Market takes on a different vibe during the day and night. By day, it’s a bustling vegetable market frequented by homemakers and families, while in the evening, it transforms into a compact food night market—a veritable culinary paradise highly recommended by locals. The main lively area of Sanmin Market lies between Zhonghua 3rd Road and Ziqiang 1st Road, and it’s no exaggeration to say you’ll find an old eatery just steps away. Nearly every stall has been around for over 40 or 50 years. Whether you’re in the mood for noodles, rice dishes, or even a post-meal dessert or drink, you’ll find it all here. Come evening, the place is buzzing with activity and the business is thriving.
Mandarin Oriental last welcomed Hyun Bin with a water sword for Jung Woo-sung, this time greeting Tom Cruise with a mummy chocolate
Following Hugh Jackman and Jung Woo-sung, international superstar “Tom Cruise” chose to stay at Mandarin Oriental Taipei during his visit to Taiwan. Like other celebrities before him, the hotel prepared a series of thoughtful arrangements. While Jung Woo-sung received a giant chocolate sword, Tom Cruise was greeted with an edible “mummy” chocolate as a welcome gift.
Taiwan’s New Cultural Youth Spot “Yide Western-Style House” – Free Photography with Century-Old Red Brick Walls and Archways
Haven’t decided where to go during the holiday yet? Taichung has a new cultural youth hotspot to explore. In 2007, the Taichung City Government’s Cultural Affairs Bureau registered the former residence of Lin Mao-yang as the “Yide Western-Style House,” a Taichung municipal historical building. After nearly a century, this historic structure has been renovated into a nostalgic arts and culture space. Visitors can explore the red-brick heritage house and step back in time to experience the glorious days of a prominent family from the past.
Superb one-day trip to Yilan – Don’t miss the Monkey Cave Waterfall!
If you’re looking to relax and enjoy an afternoon tea in Yilan, SOLO’s top recommendation is definitely First Joy Café. Every corner of this place, inside and out, is so beautiful – you can tell the owners put a lot of effort into the decor. Since this is the food section about the café’s scenery, I’ll save that part for the travel section. Now, let’s get back to the main topic.
Relive the beauty of ocean soundscape at the "Big White Sand" beach in eastern Taiwan, where you feel like you’re walking right into the middle of the sea.
Eastern Taiwan also has a spot reminiscent of Hsinchu’s Sea Soundscape Scenic Area. Green Island’s most beautiful beach, “Big White Sand,” is composed of coral particles and crushed seashells, stretching hundreds of meters along the coastline. With its serene and picturesque scenery, this dreamy white sand bay actually hides an extended seascape similar to that of Hsinchu’s Sea Soundscape, making it a hidden gem in many people's hearts.
So many pearls it’s overflowing—Taichung drink shop that’ll make you doubt your eyes
Located in Taichung, “CHA ME 恰迷红茶专家” is famed for Taiwan’s unique premium “Red Jade Black Tea.” With its bright red and clear tea broth, it boasts a natural cinnamon aroma along with a hint of mint, leaving a memorable aftertaste that makes it a true gem among black teas. But now this drink shop has once again taken over IG feeds with its super-popular beverages “Q-Cup” and “Black Bruleé Milk Tea.”
Head Chef of National Treasure Caliber Takes the Helm: A Tianmu Italian Restaurant That Updates Its Menu Every Three Months
If you’re looking to entertain or dine out in Tianmu and don’t want to disappoint your partner, 1988 is definitely one of the top choices. Not only does it boast a national treasure-level Italian head chef, but the fact that the menu is updated every three months and that it was the first to bring authentic Italian cuisine to Tianmu makes it simply unbeatable.
Living, eating, drinking, and everything else—all on the water: The amazing "floating village" of Cambodia’s Tonlé Sap Lake
Just imagine waking up to an expanse of blue waves stretching as far as the eye can see—what seems like a dreamlike scene is actually the daily reality for residents of Cambodia’s Tonlé Sap Lake. Though it may look like a dream, the lake water is far from crystal clear. The muddy-colored water is everything these floating villagers rely on for survival. Police stations, schools, and hospitals are all floating on the lake, and this extraordinary sight has become a must-visit destination for tourists.
【Youqun’s Take】Dining at a urinal? A London abandoned public toilet transformed into a stylish café
The café I’m in, “The Attendant Restaurant,” used to be a public toilet back in the 1890s. After lying abandoned for fifty years, it was redesigned into its current café form by designers Pete Tomlinson and Ben Russel.