Travel
A Half-Asleep "Message from Beyond"? A Haunted Hot Spring Bath Experience in Japan
I still remember my trip to Ise Bay in Japan in March. The accommodation and meals arranged for me were all top-tier, making me feel completely at ease. But on the third day, when I checked into a local four-star inn, something strange happened...
Locals' must-visit recommendations: 4 ultra-popular bubble tea shops in Taichung
Taichung isn’t just known for its delicious burgers, pasta, and photogenic spots — it’s also home to many great drink shops. ETNEWS has specially selected 4 popular bubble tea shops that originated in Taichung, some of which you can only find here. Catch the tail end of summer by visiting them one by one for a pilgrimage of flavors!
50th Floor Café Launches Brazilian Food Festival – Enjoy Classic Black Bean Stewed Pork Knuckle
Located on the rooftop of Taipei’s tallest building, Taipei 101’s Mega 50, 50th Floor Café is the highest buffet restaurant in Taiwan. From September 6 to 20, it presents the vibrant “Brazilian Food Festival,” featuring a wide array of authentic Brazilian cuisine. Highlights include the classic black bean stewed pork knuckle, known as Brazil’s national dish, and shrimp fritters with mashed potatoes from Rio de Janeiro. The festival also offers a variety of grilled delights such as tropical fruits, pork ribs, chicken legs, chicken hearts, seasonal vegetables, sausages, and more.
Amplicious No. 3 Store Opens at Zhongli’s Dajiang Shopping Mall – Grand Opening on September 6
Amplicious No. 3 Store is set to open on September 6, with this branch located in Dajiang Shopping Mall, Zhongli, Taoyuan City. In addition to being the third physical store, it marks the brand's expansion into Taoyuan as a second-generation location. The shop features seating areas, as well as specially made ice cream and a variety of beverages, allowing customers to relax and enjoy desserts inside. From September 6 to 8, the newly launched Dajiang-exclusive flavor "Sesame Cheese Tart" will be available with a buy-one-get-one-free promotion.
A bit spooky — Checking into a century-old Shanghai hotel and encountering a revolutionary hero
Many people traveling abroad prefer old hotels and inns with a history of over a hundred years to new ones, as the classic Chinese architecture and courtyards offer a unique vibe. However, Jeff once heard from a friend at a dinner gathering that they dared not stay in such old lodgings because they might encounter paranormal phenomena.
HowToTrip's "Zhan" brand debuts its second location—visually stunning hot and cold drinks steal the spotlight
Since acquiring the charcoal-grilled restaurant "Zhan F-U Kitchen" in May and officially announcing its entry into the F&B industry, HowToTrip has been actively expanding the "Zhan" brand. Its second restaurant, "Zhan F.M.L Café Flower Lounge Latte," officially opened on August 30, offering a variety of open-face sandwiches, handmade pizzas, light meat dishes, and creative beverages. On weekdays, business lunch sets starting at NT$200 are also available.
A resort vibe full of light blue ocean charm – Chiayi’s Budai Cultural Creative Hub is now a three-star hotel
Chiayi boasts many popular photo-worthy spots. In addition to the once nationwide famous Glass Heel Church, the highly anticipated Taiping Skywalk is set to officially open in September. Meanwhile, the “Budai Cultural Creative Hotel,” designed in a blue-and-white style, has recently been rated as a three-star hotel, offering travelers a more quality-assured accommodation option.
Summer Limited Edition: Muto Ramen Launches a Sweet and Spicy Japanese-Style Cold Noodle Dish
In recent years, Japanese ramen has made a strong entry into the Taiwanese market. In addition to many large chain brands, there are also many Japanese entrepreneurs who have come to Taiwan to create their own brands, hoping that ramen-loving Taiwanese can enjoy authentic ramen. Compared to many shops concentrated in the busy districts of Taipei, Muto Ramen, which has been in Taiwan for three years, is located in Neihu. In addition to its signature shrimp ramen and Taiwanese-favorite pork bone ramen, among four flavors in total, it also periodically introduces limited-edition ramen. Until the end of September, the special is a Japanese-style cold noodle dish with a quirky flavor.
Steak Guru Deng Youkui Plays No Favorites – Now You Can Enjoy “Gourmet Steak” in Kaohsiung Too
With over 20 years in the steak industry, Chef Deng has restaurants in Taipei’s Sihwei Road, Dazhi, and Xinyi District. In March this year, he made his first southern foray by opening a brand-new steakhouse, “CAPSTONE STEAKHOUSE,” in Kaohsiung. The beef is carefully selected from U.S. Prime-grade Gourmet cuts, ribeye, tenderloin, as well as Australian 7 and 9+ grade Wagyu. “The meat we use is exactly the same as in Taipei—no favoritism,” says Chef Deng.
Newly opened in Taoyuan City! Taiwan’s exclusive “Condensed Milk & Rose Sponge Cake” is stealing hearts.
The beloved street snack is back with a twist! Located in Taoyuan’s Zhongyuan Night Market, one vendor has come up with a creative idea — adding dried flowers to sponge cake batter, then drizzling freshly baked cakes with condensed milk. Dubbed the “Instagram-worthy sponge cake,” the “Condensed Milk & Rose” version is also Taiwan’s very first, instantly sparking a craze on IG.
Mid-Autumn Moon Gazing at Sea – Hanting Hualien Launches Night Canoeing & Moonviewing Stay Package
Hanting Hotel Hualien has uniquely created a Mid-Autumn experience this year: enjoying mooncakes while gazing at the moon in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. In an exclusive collaboration with the Sufan Marine Foundation, Hanting Hotel Hualien is offering a night canoeing and moonviewing stay package. The activity takes place on Mid-Autumn Festival day, October 4 (Wednesday), starting at 2 PM and ending at 9 PM. Participation is for pairs (ages 12 and above only). Staying on Hanting floors costs NT$5,998+10% per room, with a complimentary buffet breakfast. Only 10 rooms (20 spots) are available.
Okinawa’s “Heppoko, Ipponmatsu” closed to public; barbed wire fences erected to keep visitors out
Okinawa’s northern scenic spot, Heppoko Ipponmatsu (“Heppoko’s Warumi”), located near the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, is just a 10-minute drive away and was renowned for its breathtaking views, making it one of the must-visit spots for Taiwanese tourists in Okinawa. However, it was abruptly closed during the summer vacation of 2017, with barbed wire fences erected around the entrance and signs posted outside the barriers prohibiting entry. Visitors were left unable to access the site and began asking questions in related online communities.
Popular IG check-in spot in Zhongli, Taiwan: Yuzhi Jintang shaved ice loaded with red beans and matcha jelly!
A small shop with subtle Japanese flair, their Yuzhi Jintang shaved ice comes in a huge bowl topped with plenty of red beans, Job’s tears, and matcha jelly. The Job’s tears are well-cooked, complementing the familiar red beans and matcha jelly nicely.
Updated Menu Tiancheng Hotel’s Burger Lab Launches Three New Burgers
Taipei Tiancheng Hotel’s Burger Lab introduces a new seasonal menu quarterly, and has recently developed three new burger flavors: the East-meets-West “Thai Green Curry Beef Burger,” the classic tribute “Italian Caesar Chicken Burger,” and the summery “Southeast Asian Seafood Burger.” Prices start at NT$120 for a single burger, with set meal deals from NT$199.
A new creation at Sweden’s Icehotel — “Ice Leaves” jointly crafted by 28 artists from 11 countries
Located in the remote northern Swedish town of Jukkasjärvi
Free VR underwater archaeology experience at the Sanxianhu Museum – uncover the secrets of Penghu’s “Titanic”!
The Sanxianhu Museum previously launched a “Sleepover at the Museum” event, allowing the public to explore the museum after dark. The initiative was an instant hit, combining education with fun while satisfying visitors’ wildest imaginations. On September 1st, the museum will introduce the “Explore the Prince Ship” VR experience, letting participants dive into underwater archaeology themselves.
Dream Castle Hotel Encounters the Headless Princess and the Old Lady in the Wall
Located by Lake Louise in Canada, the Fairmont Hotel is beloved by travelers worldwide for its stunning views and castle-like architecture. Every year, numerous visitors flock to this dreamy castle, and even though the rates are much higher than those of ordinary hotels, rooms are in high demand during the peak tourist season. However, staying at this hotel may require some mental preparation, as the Fairmont, like many other ancient European and American hotels with over a century of history, often has stories you might not necessarily want to hear.
520 devoted little penguins migrate to Hsinchu Up！A limited-time sweet "flash of love"
In the movie "The Last 5 Minutes," the male lead puts a stone in the ring box when proposing, mimicking the romantic plot where penguins use stones as love tokens, which has also become a classic. Inspired by this, a Taipei wedding banquet hall held the "Penguin Flash Love Event," allowing everyone to take romantic photos with the most loyal penguins in the world.
Taiwan’s First Baozi Sightseeing Factory & Most Popular DIY Classes
Established in 1971, Chi Mei Foods initially offered frozen prepared foods such as “baozi” and fine ready meals, later expanding into various Western-style baked goods. In late 2016, the company launched the “Chi Mei Foods Happiness Factory,” integrating food, tourism, sightseeing, and shopping. To date, its most popular attraction among visitors of all ages is the DIY workshop, which offers regular monthly classes on cupcake decoration, pineapple bun baking, shumai making, and handmade cookies, along with occasional fun and engaging DIY sessions like making zongzi for the Dragon Boat Festival.
September Promotion: Enjoy All-You-Can-Eat at Beautiful Life Rainforest Restaurant on Weekdays for Just NT$600 Per Person (68% of Original Price)
September marks the back-to-school season, and Beautiful Life Garden Hotel is launching the "September Back-to-School Celebration" at its Rainforest Restaurant from September 1 to September 29. From Monday to Friday on weekdays, the buffet is available for NT$600 + 10% per person, regardless of lunch or dinner, down from the original price of NT$880 + 10%. This equates to a 68% discount off the original price.