Travel
Travel back in time to Taiwan 30 years ago with "Taichung's Treasures" – a modern-day scavenger story
Can you still vaguely remember the first CD you saved up to buy, or the trading cards you played with as a child? A modern-day "scavenger story" is unfolding before our eyes — A-Mei’s debut CD, posters from *Titanic*... Vintage items from the 1980s and 1990s fill the treasure trove of time known as "1983 FINE ∞ Treasures," where anything goes and nothing seems out of place.
Breaking News: Current Status of Hualien’s “Golden Needle Flower Sea on Liushishi Mountain” — Most Beautiful Around Late August
Hualien’s most anticipated summer tourism event, the “Liushishi Mountain Golden Needle Flower Festival,” has officially kicked off and will run until September 24. Regarding the blooming status of the golden needle flowers, which is the top concern for travelers, the Fuli Township Farmers’ Association reports that due to recent consecutive sunny days and little rainfall, the flowering period on Liushishi Mountain has been delayed by about 10 days on average. The flowers are expected to be at their most beautiful by the end of August.
Pure white "scenic glass house" by the cliff Heart-shaped garden & romantic afternoon tea instantly capture girls' hearts
Sunlight streams through the pure white glass house. Located in the scenic café of Jingda Vacation Manor, it combines three elements beloved by girls—pure white, a glass house, and breathtaking views. The European countryside-style decor exudes a touch of nobility, while the hollow-carved clock facade makes you feel like you've stepped into the world of Alice in Wonderland.
Okura Prestige Taipei Buffet Gets an Upgrade: Free Live Abalone Dish with Lunch and Dinner
In response to fierce competition in the buffet market, the Okura Prestige Taipei Hotel located in the Zhongshan shopping district will begin offering a complimentary live abalone dish—valued at NT$1,000—during both lunch and dinner periods starting August 16. In addition to the abalone dish, classic à la carte items from The Okura Tokyo will also be available unlimited, including the Duck Pot Pie, Xi-style Beef Sirloin Wrapped in Pastry with Red Wine Sauce, Seafood Puff Pastry with Cream Sauce, and Duck Liver and Beef Dumplings with Blueberry Sauce.
Orchid Island’s Delicious “Sea Turtle Pancakes” – Limited Flavors Change Daily
These “sea turtles” are edible! In recent years, Orchid Island has actively promoted sea turtle conservation, and turtles are often spotted in its waters. A small stall on Minsheng Road also crafts lifelike sea turtle-shaped treats. Each serving of sea turtle pancakes comes with four little turtles, with a texture similar to American-style pancakes—hence the name “Sea turtle pancake.” These pancakes are chewy and firm, with a crispy exterior wrapping different flavored fillings.
Traveling to Japan will cost you more in these 3 ways starting soon — Rent a Japan/Korea Wi-Fi router for just $99/day until the end of August
Japan is the top overseas travel destination for Taiwanese, but future trips there will come with even higher costs. Just recently, the country announced an increase in consumption tax, and now it’s also following the example of European countries by imposing a “departure tax” on all international travelers. In addition, Kyoto will join Tokyo and Osaka in charging a “accommodation tax” on visitors, which could be implemented as early as 2018. Leading Wi-Fi rental brand Youkebang has exclusively partnered with ETNEWS to offer special Wi-Fi router rates for ET readers.
No need to go to Taipei — ZAKUZAKU Puff Taichung Store Opens in September
The “ZAKUZAKU Puff” brand under the Jerry’s Food Group has set a record since the opening of its Taipei store, achieving daily sell-outs for over six months. In the second half of 2017, the brand will expand to central and southern Taiwan, with new stores opening in Taichung and Kaohsiung in September and October respectively. Regional limited-edition ZAKUZAKU treats are also planned to give consumers in those areas early access to unique flavors. The Taichung store will be located at Shin Kong Mitsukoshi Taichung.
Only found in fairy tales—a "forest-themed homestay" just a 5-minute walk from Brown Highway!
The boundless plains and unhurried pace of Taitung attract city dwellers. Nestled between Brown Highway, Heaven’s Road, and the famous "Chen Guangqi Tree," "The Crops Are Ripe" is the first homestay in Chishang. The old house is adorned with deadwood and creeping plants, resembling a dream cottage straight out of a fairy tale.
Chasing childhood memories in the wind: The Hsinchu City International Kite Festival kicks off on the 26th and 27th!
Besides its famous rice noodles and meatballs, Hsinchu is also renowned across Taiwan for its “wind.” On the green lawns of Hsinchu Fishing Port, families flock here on weekends to fly kites, with many creations by well-known kite designers even tested and flown in the harbor area. The completion of the international kite flying field has further elevated Hsinchu’s kite-flying environment. This year’s “2017 Hsinchu City International Kite Festival” will be held on August 26 and 27. Visitors can head to the international kite flying field to fly kites, make kites, admire kites, and experience the upgraded charm of Hsinchu Fisherman’s Wharf.
Available only three days a week: cantaloupe container ice cream at Tainan's Dadong Night Market
Summer is all about ice cream ! A new food stall called “Mu Yu Ting” has recently popped up at Tainan’s Dadong Night Market, specializing in refreshing ice cream. But what sets one of their offerings apart is that it comes served in a fresh cantaloupe — after you finish the ice cream, you can eat the cantaloupe too. The ice cream flavors paired with the cantaloupe container change from time to time, and the cantaloupe containers are available in limited quantities and sell out quickly. The stall is only open on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Fridays each week.
Newly Opened Ice Cream Shop in Taipei Brings a Pink Pool and Blue-and-White Sailboats Indoors
In a Taipei alleyway, a new pink summer ocean-themed ice cream shop called “ICE Mountain” has opened, serving creative shaved ice and freshly blended juice milk. Just the pastel blue color scheme of the shop makes you feel cool.
Flashing love can also save you money！Kiss for 10 seconds & enjoy a couple’s adventure at Leofoo Village for just NT$999
Want to take your partner out on Qixi but also save money? Just a 10-second kiss gets you a discount. Leofoo Village has launched a Valentine’s Day promotion — from now until the end of August, couples who share a romantic 10-second kiss on-site can enter with the price of a couple’s ticket. It’s the little happiness only for lovers.
Floating Shiba Inus and rabbits are super cute — these 3D cotton candy drinks are so healing
Have you noticed the super cute "Shiba Inus" floating on top of bubble tea that many people have been posting on IG lately? These are the new "Minister Fresh Milk Tea" from Mr. Yutian’s Handbrew Drinks in Taipei’s East District. Besides Mr. Yutian, there are also other cafes introducing 3D cotton candy drinks that are just as adorable.
Why Are Famous Japanese Ramen Shops More Expensive? Industry Insiders Reveal Three Key Reasons
Because the Japanese head office requires anonymity when commenting on other businesses, the manager of a well-known Japanese ramen chain with nearly 10 outlets in Taiwan analyzed: “The price difference between affordable and premium ramen can be over 100 yuan. Aside from high franchise fees required by purely Japanese brands, the broth simmering time and quality control are also key factors affecting the price.”
Wu Pao Chun Mai Fang Taichung Flagship Store Opens, Launches 7 Taichung-Exclusive Expo Bread Varieties
The third flagship store of Wu Pao Chun Mai Fang, located in Taichung’s 7th Redevelopment Zone near the new civic center, officially opened on August 17. Designed with a “theater concept” to complement the nearby National Taichung Theater, the bakery allows customers to observe the bread-making process through large transparent windows, turning a simple bread purchase into a theatrical experience.
Depart before the end of the year！ Low-cost carrier winter sale: Taipei–Okinawa from NT$988
Summer vacation is coming to an end, making now the perfect time to plan your autumn and winter trips through the end of the year. Low-cost carriers Vanilla Air and Tigerair Taiwan have both launched winter promotions. Vanilla Air’s promotional fares include Taipei–Okinawa one-way from NT$988, Taipei–Tokyo from NT$1998, and Taipei–Osaka from NT$2198. Tigerair Taiwan offers Taipei–Hakodate from NT$1599 and Taipei–Jeju Island from NT$999, with an additional 12% discount when entering a promo code.
Complaining about Taiwan’s ramen being too expensive, a Japanese man sells 100-yuan ramen in Taiwan—and even offers free refills
“In 2008, I was studying at National Taiwan University. When chatting with my juniors and seniors, everyone complained that the Japanese ramen sold in Taiwan was very expensive,” said Takao Nozaki. “The pricing of Japanese-style ramen in Taiwan is very polarized—Japanese chain ramen brands are too pricey, while the cheaper ones lean toward Taiwanese-style ramen and lack authenticity. I wanted to create an affordable Japanese ramen that lets people enjoy it without spending too much.”
South Korea to develop 'Hyperloop'—Seoul to Busan in just 16 minutes
South Korea has announced plans to develop a 'Hyperloop' system, expected to be completed by 2021. Once finished, the travel time from Seoul to Busan will be reduced to just 16 minutes, allowing travelers to commute between the two cities effortlessly in the future.
The rush is on – Haidilao’s Hsinchu branch begins trial operations on August 21, bookings open from August 18
The well-known mainland Chinese hotpot chain Haidilao’s Hsinchu branch, located at Hsinchu Big City Mall, is set to open soon. Its official Facebook page announced that trial operations will run from August 21 to August 24, with the official opening on August 25. Bookings for dining between August 21 and September 30 are now open starting August 18. Are friends in Hsinchu ready to be among the first to try it?
HowToTrip’s Deluxe Capsule Hotel Debuts – Single Suites Also Feature Private Bathrooms
The newly opened Gumo Boutique Hotel in 2017 is located in a bustling school district, adjacent to the Guting, Gongguan, and Da’an Park commercial areas. It’s just a 15-minute walk to the lively Yongkang Street, popular with international visitors. Capitalizing on the convenience of its prime location, the hotel has created a premium version of a “capsule hotel.” Unlike typical design-oriented boutique hotels that attract foreign tourists with Chinese aesthetics...