Travel
A hall-of-fame croissant worth queuing for two hours — August Tang’s first Taipei branch opens on 9/8
August Tang is a Taiwanese brand that collaborates with Japanese techniques to create “hall-of-fame croissants.” Its very first store in Taiwan opened in February this year at Zhongyou Department Store in Taichung, which immediately drew long queues upon opening. Then in June, the second branch opened in Tainan, where customers had to wait one to two hours just to buy one. Now, August Tang’s first Taipei branch will open at SOGO Zhongxiao Department Store on September 8.
Feeding wild dolphins & exploring shipwrecks — the dreamy "Dolphin Island" you must visit in a lifetime
Hand-feeding dolphins isn’t something you can only do at an aquarium. The small island of Moreton Island, near the Sunshine State’s capital Brisbane, is a paradise for ocean lovers. With its stunning coastline, pristine white sands, and unique wildlife, you can also "hand-feed wild dolphins" for a truly unique summer experience.
Got hit by a ghost while playing ball at Taichung Park? Returned to the room and encountered a woman in a red cheongsam—weight dropped from 60kg to 50kg
It’s that time of year again—Qixi Festival, or rather, the seventh lunar month. Every year around this time, many friends share their ghost stories with me, but the one that left the deepest impression was an actual experience my friend Ah Xin had in Fengyuan, Taichung. Standing 174 cm tall, he once lost weight from 60 kg down to 50 kg after a ghost encounter in his youth...
Before reaching hidden gems, you’ve got to get your shoes dirty — Discovering Kenting’s South Cape Secret Spot (Part 1)
To reach the secret spot of Kenting’s South Cape at Taiwan’s southern tip, not only do you need a professional guide, but the journey is also fraught with challenges: thorny woods that can scratch you, mud that can ruin your shoes in an instant, and dark ravines where you’ll have to use both hands and feet. Even though the destination boasts breathtakingly stunning views, if you’re just here for Instagram-worthy photos, even a fairy might fall from grace and return to earth.
Taichung’s “Forest of Dreams” Offers an Escape from Urban Bustle – Step into an Artist’s Fantastical Realm
Created as a large-scale art space by six interdisciplinary artists at the Chi Mei Cultural and Creative Village, the “Forest of Dreams” presents a fantastical woodland brought to life through the artists’ delicate brushstrokes. Blending visuals and sounds, it invites visitors to leave the noise of daily life behind and enter a dreamlike world.
Your island getaway deserves a stay in a dreamy paradise！ 2 Luxurious Villa Resorts in Southeast Asia
As one of the world’s renowned luxury hotel and resort brands, Banyan Tree boasts luxurious resorts across the globe. From Singapore, mainland China, Macau, Thailand, and Vietnam to Mexico and Japan, its themed resorts incorporate diverse local cultures and traditions. For those dreaming of a luxurious island escape in Southeast Asia, Banyan Tree Samui and Banyan Tree Danang are excellent choices.
A Natural Green Oasis Without Filters: Hualien’s Version of “Monet’s Garden” – Matai’an Wetlands
Emerald green, the color of summer, stretches as far as the eye can see, giving your eyes a soothing spa-like experience and relieving screen fatigue. Located in Guangfu Township, Hualien, “Matai’an” is a natural swamp wetland formed by spring water, spanning 12 hectares. The water surface is covered with lotus flowers, offering boundless views that make you feel as if you’re inside Monet’s painting Water Lilies, immersing yourself in the artist’s serene elegance.
Three-Cup Scallions, Sakura Shrimp & Makau W Hotel’s Welcome Bites Designed by André Chiang’s Team
Combining local tourism with international culinary experiences, W Hotel has launched the “Taipei Insider” accommodation package. The package invites the RAW team—led by Michelin-starred chef André Chiang and winners of Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants—to design the “Super Chips” welcome snacks. Using three iconic local ingredients—Yilan’s Three-Cup Scallions, Donggang’s Sakura Shrimp, and Qilan Mountain’s Makau—along with three types of super grains, the team has created a healthy tea snack that is both distinctive and delicately flavorful.
There are more and more delicious food options — 5 newly opened chain restaurants in Hsinchu since summer vacation
Targeting the huge business opportunities in Hsinchu’s Hsinchu Science Park, an increasing number of restaurant operators have been opening branches in the area. For example, Haidilao, a mainland Chinese hot pot chain, recently opened its Hsinchu branch, and PUTIEN Putian, a Michelin-honored brand, launched its Hsinchu branch in Zhubei’s Guangming District in mid-August. Since the start of the summer vacation, a total of five new restaurants have opened in the Hsinchu area.
Taichung buffet features roast suckling pig and lamb leg — 7 kinds of freshly sliced delicacies change daily
Star Delicacy International Buffet launches a BBQ grilling season this scorching summer. In addition to serving 30 exquisite grilled dishes that rotate daily, from mid-October onward, they also offer freshly grilled and sliced delights every Monday to Sunday evening at 6:30 PM. Monday brings "Tomahawk Pork Chop," Tuesday has "Grilled Lamb Leg," Wednesday serves "Sweet Cherry Duck," Thursday offers "Tender Roast Pork/Luscious Crispy Pork," Friday features "Grilled Big Fish," and on Saturdays and Sundays, there's a "Fresh Fish Slaughter Show." Starting promptly at 6:30 PM each day, the dishes are sliced fresh and served on the spot until they run out.
Popular brunch & wine bar in Tainan – Eat from morning till night!
Sunlight Xuxu is a well-known brunch spot in the south. At Southern Homestead, besides classic brunch options, they also serve dinner and wine-paired meals. The prices are great, portions are generous, and the set meals include a main dish, salad, soup, and bread – you’ll definitely leave full.
Newly opened Hong Kong-style dim sum restaurant in Hsinchu offers nearly 70 unlimited buffet dishes
A new restaurant has just opened in Hsinchu City again！ Located in Zhubei City, the Hong Kong Hong Kong New Life Dim Sum is in trial operation from August 10 to September 30. The restaurant serves a variety of Hong Kong-style dishes, including roast duck, roast suckling pig, and nearly 70 dishes available for all-you-can-eat, plus beverages, priced from NT$528 to NT$628. Additionally, during the trial period, anyone with “Hong Kong” in their name can enjoy one free meal, and those with either “香” or “港” in their name can get a 50% discount.
After six months’ hiatus — Explore former military relics at Kinmen’s “Lieyu Visitor Center” reopening
After six months, the Kinmen National Park Headquarters announced that the Lieyu Visitor Center and its surrounding area have completed renovation works and will reopen to the public starting today.
No need to go to the beach to beat the heat—Nantou’s new summer retreat, “Ginkgo Forest Trail”!
Want to cool off in summer without getting sunburned? Head to a forest trail to breathe in some phytoncides (airborne compounds released by plants)! Nantou County boasts abundant natural landscapes, and its classic hiking trails are popular spots for watching sunrises and sea of clouds. Trails such as the Lulin Mountain Trail, Little Qilai Trail, and Dream Valley Waterfall Trail are great for hiking. The Ginkgo Trail in Nantou is also a fantastic place to escape the heat.
Apart from Dad’s Burger and Naples, these 3 fried chicken spots are also incredibly delicious
In recent years, the fried chicken market has been highly competitive. Not long ago, the hottest spot was probably Dad’s Burger. But aside from Dad’s Burger, KFC, and Naples, there are actually hidden gems of tasty fried chicken all over Taiwan. ETNEWS News Cloud has rounded up 3 delicious fried chicken joints, one of which is an ultra-popular option in Tainan that’s only open for 4 hours a day.
Fangliao Art Village Has "Cows" – A New Highlight for Leisurely Exploration in Pingtung
Many "cows" have recently appeared in the F3 Art & Cultural District of Fangliao, Pingtung. Teacher Dai Weili, the designer behind three mosaic cows, said that during the early agricultural era, herds of water buffaloes were commonly seen grazing along the Beishi Stream in Fangliao. Back then, water buffaloes and rice fields were lifelines for people’s daily lives—a beautiful sight from the old days that is now rarely seen.
Specially for ramen lovers: 5 must-try Japan-themed tourist taxis
Many tourist destinations in Japan offer “tourist taxi” services. Matcha has compiled a list of such services in Wakayama, Tottori, Tokyo, and Kyoto—affordable rides that take you to all the famous spots.
Limited crème brûlée and tiramisu added to shaved ice? A new sweet treat and dessert shop has opened in Taoyuan
It’s not easy to stand out in the crowded world of frozen desserts, but Taoyuan’s “Chen Shi ·庶民甜品” (People’s Desserts) not only offers matcha azuki bean shaved ice, but also gets creative by combining desserts like crème brûlée and tiramisu with shaved ice — limited to about 10 portions per day. Just over a month after opening, it has attracted many foodies eager to try it out, sparking a visual treat trend on Instagram.
More and more dining options in Taoyuan – Five major chain restaurants open at JC PARK Taoyuan Springtime Mall
Taoyuan is no longer a food desert anymore. In addition to numerous local snacks, major chain restaurant brands have been setting up shops in Taoyuan. At the recently opened JC PARK Taoyuan Springtime Mall, for instance, five popular chain dining restaurants have moved in, including the highly sought-after Kura Sushi and SANHE Yuan.
Exclusive for Yilan Locals: Second Person Half Price on Dinner Buffet at Laoji Hotel in Jiaoxi on Specified Dates
Here’s an exclusive deal just for Yilan residents. To give back to the people of Yilan, Laoji Hotel in Jiaoxi’s Cloudy Sky Buffet is offering a limited-time “Buy One, Get the Second at Half Price” promotion for diners on specified dates. Residents registered in Yilan County/City are eligible for this offer, available on August 29 & 30, and September 4–6. Yilan locals, gather your friends and head out for a meal now!