Travel
2017 Taiwan Hot Spring Food Festival Kicks Off: Nationwide Promotions Aim to "Make Soaking a Habit"
With autumn and winter arriving, it's also the season for hot spring bathing. The Tourism Bureau’s cross-year hot spring extravaganza “2017-18 Taiwan’s Best Springs” series officially kicked off on September 28. This year’s theme, centered around a “New Hot Spring Lifestyle,” featured a launch ceremony in Guanziling Hot Spring Area in Tainan. A series of promotional activities across northern and southern Taiwan will follow, aiming to spark a nationwide hot spring tourism boom and make soaking a regular part of daily life.
Admission to Yida Theme Park is just 10 RMB (Taiwan)! Quickly gather those born in October, those with a birthday on the 10th, or kids who are 10 years old.
This year, the Mid-Autumn Festival and the Double Ten National Day holiday are just two days apart. To help everyone celebrate from Mid-Autumn all the way through to Double Ten, Yida World of Adventure is launching an exclusively discounted “10” promotion. Anyone whose official birthday is in October, who is turning 10 this year, or whose birthday falls on the 10th can enter the park for the coin-like price of just 10 RMB.
A rustic campsite-style eatery offering curry with thick-cut pork cutlets in a small iron pot!
The “Camp Curry” shop embodies its name with a true-to-life camping vibe, serving a variety of meat and vegetable curries. The cement-finished light industrial space is filled with camping ingredients and utensils, creating an authentic outdoor camping atmosphere.
Get ready for the Olympics: Japanese hotel introduces butler robot Relay for room service
Robots have been gradually appearing in hotels across Asia, and in preparation for the Olympics, the Shinagawa Prince Hotel in Japan has launched room service with butler robot Relay. This butler robot is equipped with an Intel RealSense camera and can deliver items and documents upon command. It will now bring ordered food to your door according to your needs.
Enjoy authentic Guizhou cuisine as The Westin Taoyuan Daxi welcomes guest chefs from Guizhou Renaissance Hotel
The Regency Park The Westin in Taoyuan’s Daxi district will present the “Food Craving: Guizhou Gastronomic Feast” from September 29 to October 31. For this special event, Chef Rao Weisong and Chef Li Xianyang—renowned for his expertise in cold dishes—have been invited as guest chefs from Renaissance Guiyang Hotel to the Lixuan Chinese Restaurant at The Regency Park. They have curated a selection of over 20 authentic Guizhou dishes, with à la carte prices ranging from NT$280 to NT$1,380.
Let’s shine together: 520 devoted little penguins have moved to Taoyuan
The Crystal Banquet Hall is hosting the third stop of its "Crystal Banquet Hall 520 Penguin Flash Love Action" at the Taoyuan branch. From September 23 to October 15, 520 super cute and adorable penguins will meet friends in Greater Taoyuan. When the exhibition was held at the Taipei and Zhubei branches, it attracted thousands of visitors. Whether you want to take stunning social media photos with the penguins, or if you’re a group of besties, couples, spouses, or families looking to show some love and shine together, this is the perfect event.
Popular Kyoto spots for autumn foliage viewing in Japan!Be enveloped in romantic red leaves at “Nagaoka Tenmangu Shrine”
Located in Nagaokakyō, “Nagaoka Tenmangu Shrine” is a place closely associated with Japan’s god of learning, “Sugawara no Michizane.” The shrine has long been highly regarded by successive imperial families and once possessed a vast estate spanning over 100,000 tsubo. After the Meiji Restoration, the estate shrank significantly, reducing it to its current size of around 20,000 tsubo. Nagaoka Tenmangu Shrine is not far from “Nagaoka-Tenjin” Station on the Hankyu Railway. It takes about a 10-minute walk from the station to see the shrine’s stone torii gate.
100% locally sourced ingredients – Japanese cuisine Xiangyun Ryugin that exists only in Taiwan
In Taiwan, many Japanese restaurants or sushi shops claim that their ingredients are all imported from Japan. But does Japanese cuisine have to use ingredients from Japan? Can it not be called Japanese cuisine if it doesn’t use Japanese ingredients? Liang-Ping Hiehda, the head chef of Xiangyun Ryugin, doesn’t think so. He carries on the unique culinary worldview of Chef Yoshiharu Yamamoto, believing that no matter where you are, Japanese cuisine can showcase the beauty of the local area through seasonal, locally sourced ingredients.
Luggage ribbons are so last season — try these 5 'creative ways' to identify your suitcase
Does your luggage often get lost on the baggage carousel? Tying a strap or ribbon is way too old-school. Get creative and customize your suitcase so it becomes uniquely yours. Foreign media have suggested five methods—why not give your suitcase a cool makeover right now?
Hearing the tender words of aged wood merchants, Taiwan’s floral-tiled heritage houses—only found in Chiayi
“At least a third of the cypress from Alishan has been felled,” Xu Jinlong slowly opens the wooden door at the base of the house. “The back door of the old lumberyard used to have a log storage pond—it’s been filled in now.” He keeps digging into his memories, also unearthing treasures from the lumberyard’s warehouse. “This old plaque was found in the warehouse,” he says, looking up at the four characters “Merchants Gather from All Directions,” their strokes encapsulating the glory days of Chiayi as the capital of timber.
Still in Kaohsiung, the 2nd branch of Gyudon no Wangzai opens at Hanshin Department Store Main Hall
The Chinese cuisine chain "Gyudon no Wangzai," which sells 2 million dumplings daily in Japan, launched in Taiwan in April. Its first Taiwanese branch opened at Hanshin Dome in Kaohsiung. Although the prices are significantly higher than those of Taiwanese potstickers, it has still attracted a certain customer base. Originally, many hoped it would open branches in northern or central Taiwan, but on the 28th, the official Gyudon no Wangzai Facebook page announced that its 2nd branch will open at Hanshin Department Store Main Hall in Kaohsiung—still within the Kaohsiung area. The 2nd branch is expected to open in mid-November.
Seasonal Creative Ice Shop in Kaohsiung: A Whole “Peach” Snowflake Ice
A large, tender peach, stuffed with a whole Meiji ice cream, sits atop layers of fluffy Japanese-style shaved ice piled high with a variety of vibrant fruits; even more indulgent, it’s surrounded by wisps of smoke from dry ice. This feast for the eyes can then be drizzled with the shop’s special black sugar syrup, before you elegantly share and enjoy the burst of juicy, tender peach flesh within.
Affordable Canteens Near Tainan’s Chihkan Tower: Laksa Noodles, Matcha Ice, and Pudding for Just NT$158!
As an office worker, Fat Bi’s mission is to discover budget-friendly eats. Lunchtime is when the real gems are found. Thankfully, I can sneak out during lunch to unwind, grab a bite, and head back to work recharged—so planning ahead what to eat is essential!! Otherwise, just stepping out in this scorching heat could leave you dizzy. Come on, place your bets—let’s check out what I had for lunch that day.
"Smart Living" is going on location Up!The best tips for Mid-Autumn barbecue are revealed
It’s all about barbecue during the Mid-Autumn Festival!Preparing for an outdoor barbecue means hauling around a bunch of stuff — why not just head straight to a yakiniku restaurant instead? It’s hassle-free and convenient. Tonight at 7 PM on ETNEWS’ live-streaming show "Smart Living," featuring on-location correspondent Prince Zeng Ziyu and charming sweetheart Yumi, will take you to a Korean-style restaurant with a camping theme, where you can enjoy the feeling of urban camping.
EVA Air to increase Taipei–Vienna flights to daily service next year
EVA Air announced that the Taipei–Vienna route will increase from four flights per week to seven starting March 9, 2018, operating daily. Of these, three will be non-stop flights and four will make a stop in Bangkok, offering passengers more diverse flight timings to better plan their itineraries.
Travel to Nantou and awaken your Instagram soul!A mysterious hill hides 40 themed backdrops perfect for photos
Another spot to snap till your fingers ache!Located in the mountainous area of Yuchi Township, Nantou, “Mari’s Hill” is a romantic park originally popular among couples for wedding photo shoots. Due to its soaring popularity, the operators eventually opened it to the public. Many social media influencers have flocked here to take photos, and with around 40 different themed backdrops, your phone’s memory will be full in no time!
Exclusive for Banqiao residents: Taipei Hotel Cham Cham begins trial operation — stay in a luxury room for just NT$2,017
Hotel Cham Cham, a trendy brand under the Caesar Park Hotels & Resorts chain targeting the younger market, created an adventure-themed hotel in Tainan that became highly popular for its on-site thrilling experiences such as rock climbing and free-fall activities. Now, Taipei Hotel Cham Cham (Hotel Cham Cham Taipei) officially launched its trial operation in August this year, offering Banqiao residents the special chance to stay in a nearly NT$10,000 room for just NT$2,017.
Hand in hand for a sweet stay: Hotel unveils 6-color rainbow rooms in support of the LGBTQ+ community
Love knows no bounds, and people of all nationalities and genders have the right to love. To celebrate the May 24 same-sex marriage ruling and create a more inclusive and welcoming diverse environment, CHECK inn Queer Hotel has launched the “When We’re ‘Together’” 3-day-2-night package. Just check in hand in hand as a same-sex couple to enjoy a special discounted rate.
The best travel companion for loners – the RoBoHon mini robot at Haneda Airport is full of surprises
On the way from Haneda Airport to the Keikyu Electric Railway, a new series of counters has been set up specifically for foreign travelers, offering services such as exclusive discount tickets for non-Japanese passengers, luggage forwarding, hotel booking, and Wi-Fi rental. Among the most unique is the RoBoHon robot, which was introduced in April this year. It can act as your travel buddy, engaging in conversation, functioning as a phone, and even walking on its own. If you're a loner who can't find friends to travel with, why not rent a robot travel companion at Haneda Airport?
A Bright & Minimalist Renovation of an Old House in Changhua Serves Authentic Australian Home-Style Cuisine
Changhua Has an Aussie Flavor Too! Just an 11-minute walk from Yuanlin Railway Station will take you to the popular IG hotspot “Nihon Coffee,” the nearest of its kind. Hidden under an unassuming signboard, this spot boasts a clean, bright space. Transformed from an old house, Nihon Coffee also serves the most authentic Australian home-style dishes.