Travel
No mistake — grab accommodation vouchers at the food expo, with deals under 50% off, all in one place
The Taiwan Gourmet Food Expo officially kicked off on the 21st. Many people have likely already set their sights on discounted hotel meal vouchers, but while most hotels are focusing on food coupons, some are also offering accommodation promotions. ETNEWS has compiled a list of accommodation vouchers with discounts of 50% or more for you to consider whether to snatch them up or not.
Challenge your taste buds: Golden Micbrewery launches craft beer mixed with soy sauce, tofu, and more
Golden Micbrewery is getting playful and making its first foray into the beer cocktail market by pushing the boundaries of your taste buds. It has created a new line of locally inspired cocktails that blend classic Taiwanese flavors such as soy sauce, tofu, starfruit juice, and brown sugar ginger syrup with craft beer. These unique drinks will be exclusively available starting July 22 at the Sky Bar of Golden Micbrewery’s Miramar branch.
UberEATS reveals the top 10 most popular foods in Taipei and New Taipei – Taiwan fried chicken takes the top spot
The food delivery tech platform UberEATS officially entered Taiwan last year and currently partners with 1,500 restaurants. On the 21st, UberEATS announced the top 10 most popular foods, top 10 popular restaurants, top 10 popular Chinese restaurants, the hottest summer drinks, and the rankings of popular late-night eateries in the Taipei and New Taipei area.
The new landmark on Jibei Island, "Pearl Sprite," is criticized for resembling Chucky; artist says it's a shell spirit
The recently unveiled three new art installations on Jibei Island, a must-visit destination in Penghu, were designed based on the local stone weir landscapes and cultural background. They include Auspicious Shell, Sea Light Sprite, and Pearl Sprite. Among them, Pearl Sprite, conceptualized as a spirit sitting inside a clamshell, drew criticism from many netizens for its large eyes and smile, with comments such as "creepy" and "looks like Chucky." In response, the artist responsible for the design, Wu Feida, stated: "It’s actually a shell spirit."
Kenting’s Popular Bun Shop – This “Rose Steamed Bun” Is a Must-Try for Girls with a Sweet Tooth!
Traditional buns and steamed buns were once great choices for breakfast or afternoon tea in the old days, but in recent years they’ve evolved into adorable forms that even young people find perfectly acceptable to hold in their hands. A popular local bun shop in Kenting has won over hearts with its colorfully designed rose steamed buns – and you might miss out if you don’t head out early!
Oyster lovers have a new option — Pinhua Garden launches an all-you-can-eat American jumbo oyster buffet
Another restaurant is offering an all-you-can-eat oyster buffet now. Starting July 21, Pinhua Garden introduces an all-you-can-eat “American Jumbo Oysters” buffet available on weekdays (dinner only) and weekends (lunch and dinner), along with unlimited Kentucky Bourbon & Cola whiskey. Weekday dinners cost NT$880 + 10%, while weekend lunches and dinners are NT$980 plus an additional NT$300, but you can also enjoy an all-you-can-eat lobster and American oyster combo.
Explore Taoyuan’s natural beauty through 17 scenic mini-tours and art journeys
Taoyuan’s grandest art exhibition, the “2017 Taoyuan Land Art Festival,” will take place from August 18 to September 3 in Guanyin and Bade, Taoyuan. This year’s event, themed “Discovering Landscapes in Hidden Places,” integrates exquisitely designed artworks by artists into Taoyuan’s unique natural landscapes such as fishponds and melaleuca tree-lined trails, showcasing the beauty of Taoyuan’s scenery. In addition, to allow the public to easily explore both the Land Art Festival and Taoyuan’s distinctive attractions, the Taoyuan City Government has collaborated with 12 district offices to launch 17 guided mini-tours led by local experts, offering participants an in-depth experience of Taoyuan’s diverse culture and rich landscapes.
Japan's Autumn Maple f Dragon Trail: Admire Crimson Leaves in the Deep-V Gorge & Poetic Gassho Village
The journey along the "Great Way" unveils breathtaking maple views! Japan's Hokuriku • Central region "f Dragon Trail" combines stunning mountain scenery with natural history, blending the rhythm of modern cities with the Zen charm of ancient towns. Visiting in autumn allows you to fully immerse yourself in the area's unique landscapes.
Japan’s Shikoku Night Festival Countdown: Kagawa Takamatsu Fireworks Await You This Passionate Summer Night
Japan’s most traditional summer festival takes place in Shikoku, featuring energetic dances and dazzling nighttime fireworks. This nationwide craze has made Shikoku incredibly popular and attracts countless foreign visitors. This year’s festival is heating up—don’t miss out on the excitement ahead of time.
A Sweet Japanese Girls’ Getaway: Admire the Scenery in Kurashiki and Rejuvenate at Hot Springs for a Beauty Boost
Okayama Prefecture is located at the heart of the Chūgoku region in Japan, which also happens to be the central point of the entire country. To the north, you can explore the lesser-known San’in and San’yō regions, while heading south takes you to the currently trending Shikoku area. To its left lie Osaka, Kyoto, and Kobe—the most culturally rich hubs in Japan—while to its right are Hiroshima and Kyushu, both strongholds of culture and world heritage sites. With such an ideal location, it serves as the perfect gateway for those who wish to delve deeper into Japan.
NYC’s Local Farmers' Green Market – Fresh from the Source, Fun to Explore!
A popular market in downtown Manhattan – the “Greenmarket,” also known as the “Farmers Market” – gathers numerous small-scale local farmers selling their own freshly harvested fruits, vegetables, flowers, and meats. It’s a compact reflection of the local diet and lifestyle culture, with a laid-back and welcoming atmosphere. Highly recommended for a visit!
Bye-Bye Chiu Chiu and I’m Too Cool for You Restaurant Opens – Adorably Designed Cakes You Can’t Bear to Eat
Illustrator Bye-Bye Chiu Chiu has teamed up with Japan’s popular sticker character I’m Too Cool for You for a cross-brand collaboration, while also partnering with Nood Food Concept Dining to launch a limited-time themed pop-up restaurant. Located at Nood Café Wuchang Branch, the restaurant officially opened on July 20. Currently, only on-site queuing is available, but the restaurant uses a number-drawing system so customers don’t have to wait on the spot—notifications will be sent via SMS. The Bye-Bye Chiu Chiu x I’m Too Cool for You x Nood Café Wuchang Branch is a limited-time pop-up, operating only until October 31.
Crazy! You can climb the Great Wall even on a layover flight Netizen "6 hours" flash visit to the top
What else can you do during a layover in Beijing besides shopping at duty-free stores? Of course, climb the Great Wall!* One netizen shared in a travel group their experience last year of conquering the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall in Beijing during a layover. Not only was there plenty of time, but they also got to enjoy local snacks and take beautiful photos. The total time for the drive and hike was less than 6 hours, and the overall cost was under NT$2,000. It also offers travelers with long-haul flights and layovers a super unique way to spend their waiting time!*
Local Snacks on Miaoli Nanzhuang Old Street: Handmade Noodles with Q-Bounce Pork Skin!
Nanzhuang Old Street is home to the well-known Osmanthus Alley, but I personally prefer exploring local markets or evening markets for the most authentic snacks — especially this place, Songhe Snack Shop, which serves Nanzhuang’s unique pork skin rice (or noodles) and Guoguo noodles. I find them really distinctive and full of flavor. I recommend trying the dry pork skin noodles, as they’re made with Nanzhuang’s famous handmade noodles that are firm, Q-bouncy, and chewy — absolutely delicious.
Howard Plaza Hotel Hualien Launches "All-You-Can-Eat Brunch" – Buy 3 Get 1 Free
The brunch trend is taking off in Hualien. Howard Plaza Hotel Hualien, ranked No. 1 in the 2017 Asia’s Best Family-Friendly Hotels, has launched its “Sunshine Embrace Brunch” starting today. Combining outdoor amusement facilities with the hotel’s outdoor spaces, the brunch offers à la carte main courses paired with an all-you-can-eat buffet, making it the only five-star hotel in Hualien to serve brunch.
Tainan’s A-Cai Beef Soup Opens New Brand in Kaohsiung – Enjoy All Parts of the Cow!
Whether it’s warm or cold outside, when you’re craving meat, feeling under the weather, or just want to nourish your body, the traditional Tainan-style hot pot beef soup made with fresh beef is truly nostalgic. Tainan’s long-established Anping eatery, A-Cai Beef Soup, has launched its new direct-operated brand “Niu Shuang” in Kaohsiung, so friends in Kaohsiung no longer need to go out of their way or travel far to enjoy the freshest, sweetest taste of beef hot pot to their heart’s content!
Opening on August 6th: Get a Sneak Peek at the Nighttime Light Test of Chiayi’s New Landmark — the “KANO Sphere”
The “KANO Baseball Park,” located next to Chiayi Municipal Baseball Stadium, will officially open on August 6th. One of its major highlights is the giant “KANO Sphere,” made of aluminum alloy, with a diameter of five meters and weighing four metric tons. Yesterday, photographer Hong Nianhong shared aerial photos of the sphere’s nighttime light sculpture test on his personal Facebook page. Under the vibrant lights, it looks even more stunning!
Simple and classic flavor: Taipei’s no-frills dry noodles with a splash of black vinegar and spicy chili bits—perfectly satisfying!
If there’s a street food stall that closes on weekends, specifically Saturdays and Sundays, it must be really something special. I’ve got quite a few such places on my must-try list. For office workers, it just means waiting for the right opportunity—and sometimes fate lends a hand, letting me finally get a taste. <Hualin Dry Noodles> is only open on weekdays, from 6:30 AM to 2:00 PM. It’s not that hard to get some if you just wake up early and beat the morning rush.
The best beer in all of Tokyo is in Ginza—crisp, smooth, and refreshingly pure.
When it comes to drinking, I rarely think about having a proper sake while in Tokyo. Somehow, that feels like something you should do in sake-producing regions like Nada. Instead, I often find myself thinking, “I should have a beer.” Like when I bump into an acquaintance on the street (which happens surprisingly often in Tokyo), when eating fried foods, ramen, or dumplings, when walking along a route inspired by Murakami Haruki’s novels or essays (a habit many seem to share), when meeting friends at an izakaya, or when I’m in Ebisu. Actually, even in Ginza, I can’t help but want a beer.
Don’t miss out—wait till next year for these summer events in Tamsui. A relaxing one-day weekend getaway.
Still only strolling the old street and eating A-gei when you visit Tamsui? This summer, Tamsui is ready to offer you a completely different five-sensory experience. Spend your day riding carousels at Fisherman’s Wharf Hip Hop Land to relive the joy of childhood, catch a live rock performance while watching the sunset at Fisherman’s Stage as evening falls, then take a romantic stroll along the illuminated riverbank with your loved one in the evening, enjoying a perfect summer day in Tamsui.