Travel
Ignite your artistic soul!3 “super Instagrammable” art museums across Taiwan handpicked by us
Think artworks are too highbrow for you and avoid art museums? Beyond the exhibits, the uniquely creative indoor and outdoor designs are much more approachable—appealing to everyone, whether you’re an art enthusiast or not. ETNEWS has handpicked 3 super photogenic art museums across Taiwan where you can enjoy the exhibits and snap some stunning, atmospheric photos at the same time!
Free entry phone line overwhelmed—Taoyuan Xian Valley now offers "online reservations" with daily limit
A message circulating on LINE until December 15, 2017 claimed that residents of Taoyuan and Hsinchu could reserve free entry by phone, saving the 350 NTD admission fee. The park confirmed the offer was real but clarified that the viral content was partially misleading, leading to a flood of calls. To address staffing shortages, the park announced yesterday (28th) that online reservations are now available, with a daily limit of 300 slots.
Locals' breakfast choice: The unnamed egg pancake in Sanchong, New Taipei — served with an iron clip, super unique
Ever since I joined food groups, I’ve been constantly tempted by all kinds of dishes. One day, I saw this novel egg pancake made with an iron clip and immediately tagged my friend from Sanchong. Do even locals eat breakfast this boldly? We finally had a chance to visit Sanchong during the daytime with plenty of time on our hands. Even though light rain had just started to fall, we decided to head straight there for breakfast anyway!
The desolate beauty of Tainan’s wooden-frame grassland!
New Hua Mu-Jia Mountain, known as the "Yangmingshan Qingtian Gang of the south," is an undeveloped, rugged hidden gem overgrown with silvergrass. Its remote location makes it hard to find, but those who love this kind of abandoned-style scenery can come here to shoot photos, capturing a unique, melancholic beauty of autumn and winter.
Step into Date Masamune’s stronghold!Princess and armor experiences at Shiroishi Castle fuel your “Sengoku spirit”
The tales of Japan’s Warring States period have always been a major draw for travelers, and Shiroishi Castle in Miyagi Prefecture was one of the key strongholds of the legendary warlord Date Masamune. At Shiroishi Castle, you can not only explore the classic Japanese castle but also don the full gear of a samurai warrior—perfect for satisfying your inner “Sengoku spirit”!
Ring in the 2018 New Year’s dawn! Tickets for the Alishan Forest Railway’s “New Year’s Eve Sunrise Train” now on sale
To accommodate passengers traveling during the New Year holiday, the Alishan Forest Railway will operate from December 30, 2017 to January 1, 2018. On the main line (Chiayi–Fenchihu), two round-trips of the Alishan Limited Express trains and one round-trip of the Zhongxing Local trains will run daily. Tickets for the scheduled (non-cruise-style) limited express trains will go on sale via online booking starting at 6:00 AM on Friday, December 15, 2017. Booking site: http://alishan.railway.gov.tw/.
Is the most beautiful scenery people? Foreigners say so... Living in Taiwan means giving up "3 things"
A recent article by Forbes columnist Ralph Jennings points out that although Taiwan has made progress in human rights, same-sex marriage, and the rights of indigenous peoples and workers, based on his 10 years of living experience in Taiwan, he says that living in Taiwan requires giving up three things: "peaceful living and working space," "right of way," and "effectiveness of complaints."
Elegant chiffon cake rolls tucked away in Kaohsiung’s alleys – a humble yet charming cake shop
White, minimalist, elegant, and infused with floral motifs in a Korean style, a white-toned dessert shop named “Chill Bake” has appeared in Yancheng, Kaohsiung. There’s no signboard outside the shop; its biggest feature is the all-white wooden structure. Its clean and simple appearance always attracts many visitors to take photos.
JAL now allows pets in the cabin! Japan’s first pet-only flight takes off
Japan has now permitted pets to travel in the cabin, so pet owners no longer have to worry about finding childcare for their furry friends when traveling or about their anxiety while staying in the cargo hold. Now, owners and their pets can fly together in the same space.
Affordable Japanese "Pufferfish" Set Meal: Sushi, Fried Dishes, and Sashimi All in One
This was one of the last stops on Wisely’s trip to Yamaguchi Prefecture. We had thought it would just be a simple lunch at the ‘Chōfu Tourist Hall,’ but little did we know—we were about to witness a live pufferfish dissection right before enjoying the pufferfish set meal. The translator with us couldn’t bear to watch, and afterward, she barely touched the pufferfish, but the rest of us enjoyed it immensely.
Golden flower sea in the cold wind: Front Street Coffee’s lupine blooms are in full glory
It’s not just cherry blossoms that bloom bravely in the chilly spring—Taipei’s Front Street Coffee lupines also defy the frost, persistently unfurling their tiny golden bell-shaped blooms against a fresh green backdrop each year. The Taipei City Government’s Department of Urban Development’s Bureau of Soil and Water Conservation, in collaboration with local farmers in Front Street Coffee, sowed lupines on fallow farmland around the Camphor Tree Trail late last year. Now, they are in full bloom, carpeting the land with a vibrant yellow-gold tapestry.
Just wait half a month – GD’s favorite Japanese ramen shop to open on 2/15
The Japanese ramen shop Yūsoba Tokyo Abura Soba, loved by K-pop star GD, has officially confirmed its opening date: February 15th (11:30 AM). The ramen shop will be located in Taipei’s East District and is brought to you by Taiwan’s fast-food chain Ding Gua Gua. Originating from Ikebukuro, Tokyo, the main branch of Yūsoba Tokyo Abura Soba has over twenty outlets across Japan, with its parent company being a 70-year-old noodle-making specialist based in Japan.
Another ruin site added to the list! A vast-open-space, big-steel-drum-filled spectacle at Changbin Ruins
There are truly plenty of huge platforms here! Taiwan has recently seen a surge in "ruin tourism," with more people opting to explore off-the-beaten-path destinations instead of crowded tourist spots. This trend has also sparked a sense of adventure in many, leading them to discover more abandoned sites. The Changbin Ruins, located near the junction of Taiwan Provincial Highway 1B and Highway 61 in Changhua, have caught the public’s eye with their massive abandoned factory buildings standing at a key transportation hub, making it one of the emerging ruin attractions.
Kaohsiung Xingzhong Night Market Cheat Sheet: The 50-Year-Old Mushroom Meatball Soup Only Locals Know
Operating for a full 12 hours from day to night, Xingzhong Tourist Night Market is a go-to spot for foodies in Kaohsiung. Conveniently located next to the San Duo commercial district, the night market is just a two-minute walk from the San Duo Business District MRT Station. Most food stalls and vendors are concentrated along Wenhen Second Road, creating a striking contrast with the nearby department stores and boutique fashion shops on San Duo Road.
Head out immediately when it gets cold! A short hot spring trip in Nantou — explore Dongpu Suspension Bridge and the Glass Bridge of Light
Cold winter days are perfect for soaking in hot springs. Dongpu Hot Springs is located in Xinyi Township, Nantou County, near Yushan National Park. There are many famous natural attractions nearby, including Rainbow Waterfall, Father-Son Cliff, Batongguan Ancient Trail, and the Glass Bridge of Light. Its prime location attracts many travelers heading to these scenic spots, who stop here to soak in warm springs, stay overnight, and fully unwind.
A Guide to 5 Romantic Spots in Daegu, South Korea — You’ll Fall in Love with This City Instantly After Reading!
Daegu is the fourth-largest city in South Korea. Since May last year, when low-cost carrier Tigerair Taiwan launched flights to Daegu, it has attracted an increasing number of Taiwanese travelers to visit this picturesque city rich in cultural history and natural beauty. First-time visitors to Daegu can check out the following 5 must-visit spots. Once you’ve experienced them yourself, you’re sure to fall in love with this city, which offers a completely different vibe from Seoul, making for a relaxing and leisurely trip.
Three must-see exhibitions this early year: Cup Noodles and Crystal Universe to ignite your photo spirit
Tired of playing mahjong until your eyes blur and your hands ache during the holidays? Step away from the table and check out one of the unmissable exhibitions this year. From late last year to early this year, three particularly unique and fun exhibitions have opened at Taipei’s Songshan Cultural and Creative Park, Huashan 1914 Creative Park, and Sanxing Living Mall. The exhibitions run only through February and April this year, so don’t miss your chance to visit them in time.
Don't feel lonely celebrating the New Year away from home – Foreigners with residence permits get 40% off Lihpao Land tickets
Have you all visited Taichung's new landmark Ferris wheel, "Dreams of the Sky"? Lihpao Outlet officially opened in January, combining a theme park and hotel to create Taiwan's largest resort. To celebrate the Spring Festival holiday, in addition to children under 10 enjoying free admission from the first to the fifth day of the Lunar New Year, foreigners can also enjoy discounted entry to experience Taiwan’s warm hospitality.
Must-read for you if you’re giving red envelopes this year: 8 key etiquette tips and taboos for “lucky money”
With Lunar New Year approaching, it’s time to prepare red envelopes for elders and younger relatives—but how should you do it without being impolite? ETtoday Eastday News Cloud has compiled 8 etiquette rules and taboos for lucky money that you might want to keep in mind.
Japanese custom: Devour a fortune roll before the start of spring for a year of good luck
Eating a "fortune roll" on the night before the start of spring is an ancient custom in Japan’s Kansai region. By smiling and facing this year’s lucky direction while devouring the entire roll, you can attract good fortune for the whole year. This year, the start of spring falls on February 4th, with the auspicious time being February 3rd, and the lucky direction is north-northwest.