Family Trips
300 million players worldwide go crazy for the mobile game Battle of Balls as it makes a strong debut
The globally popular mobile game Battle of Balls, which has been played by 300 million people worldwide, is now making a strong debut on both platforms in collaboration with LINE, the leading messaging app. Liu Xiao-chuan, chairman of the game’s distributor, 8888Play, stated that this is a magical, fun, and all-ages-friendly game.
Zhongshe Flower Market’s Grand Floral Feast Welcomes Family Travelers
Get ready for a sea of flowers with a fresh look during the holiday season! The Zhongshe Sightseeing Flower Market in Houli District is hosting a Lily Season in its European-style garden. Local flower farmers have selected heat-resistant varieties, planting over 100,000 lilies of more than 40 types that will bloom in rotation until mid-June. This floral spectacle is complemented by a 6-hectare expanse of bougainvillea, roses, salvia, and feverfew, offering a “feast of a hundred blooms” to attract families looking to celebrate Children’s Day with an outing. Known as the “Mini Flower Expo of Houli,” the Zhongshe Sightseeing Flower Market follows its soothing Tulip Season with this lily showcase. Yesterday, six Ukrainian dancers were invited to perform samba in the flower fields, waving colorful lily bouquets and putting on a glamorous flower fairy runway show to highlight the beauty of these lovely blooms. Flower farmer Lai Chi-wen noted that the garden spans 6 hectares, with its 300-ping European-style garden focusing mainly on bulbous flowers. This season, the lilies have been specially selected; based on Taiwan’s spring and summer climate, heat-tolerant varieties such as Longiflorum, Oriental, Red Power, and Golden General have been chosen, totaling over 100,000 plants that will bloom in turns until mid-June.
Visit Pingtung’s Funfair to Fund Care Services for Patients in Vegetative States
To help raise funds for HowToTrip / Universal Mall’s initiative supporting the vegetative care patients of Pingtung’s Chuang Shi Foundation—specifically for their home-based and nursing home dual-track services—a “Happiness Fairy Tale Kingdom: Family Fun Fair” was specially held on April 30 at Pingtung Park. In addition to food stalls and family DIY activities, the event also featured special appearances by the Pingtung Police Department’s Traffic Squad and Criminal Investigation Division, who brought along police officers’ babies and BMW police motorcycles to interact with visitors and provide accurate self-protection information. Universal Mall Pingtung Store Manager Wang Guozhang stated that, apart from offering inflatable game equipment for children to enjoy, the mall has also set up a fair ticket sales booth at the first-floor service counter starting today. Customers are welcome to join in caring for underprivileged families with vegetative patients in Pingtung. Pingtung County Criminal Investigation Bureau Chief Hsiao Jui-hao said that Pingtung is a land of joy, but unfortunately, crime and drugs still exist. To promote a safe and prosperous living environment, the bureau hopes to use the funfair to share more accurate crime prevention and anti-drug information with the public, while also spreading awareness about this charitable event.
Spring Break in April: Family Travel Recommendations
With spring in full bloom, a four-day holiday runs from April 1 to 4. Attractions including Yangmingshan, Lili Magao, Hsinchu Lihpao Resort, Janfusun Fancyworld, Fullon Hotels, and Yunglo Tourism Group will each launch diverse family-friendly tours such as a Volcano Adventure, Giant Tree Journey, and Kids’ African Fun Festival, offering fun across Taiwan. Yangmingshan is currently in full flower, alive with signs of spring. The Yangmingshan National Park Headquarters will host the “Spring Tour: Cultural Yangmingshan, Explore the Mysteries of Hushanli” event on April 12 and 15, priced at NT$500 per person. Additionally, three sessions of the “Yangmingshan Volcano Journey” will be held on April 21, 22, and 30, starting from Xiaoyoukeng, ascending the main peak trail of Qixing Mountain, descending through Dream Lake on the East Peak, and ending at Cold Spring Valley. The tour includes commentary on the formation and phenomena of the Datun Volcano and a firsthand look at volcanic activity, with a registration fee of NT$800 per person. Contact number:
Children's Day is coming – Tamsui Heritage Museum invites families to make exclusive DIY gifts together
With Children's Day in April approaching, the New Taipei City Tamsui Heritage Museum has launched the "New Taipei Innovative Chicken(Machine) Children’s Treasure Hunt – Family DIY Series," transforming historic sites such as the Cheng Family Ancestral House and Fort San Domingo into family-friendly playgrounds. Through collaborative hands-on activities, parents and children can create unique Children's Day gifts. The Tamsui Heritage Museum explained that to help the public celebrate Children's Day while further appreciating the beauty of heritage, it has partnered with wood artist Lee Chin-ching to offer a series of parent-child woodworking classes with an airplane-building theme. These classes will be held every Saturday in April at the Cheng Family Ancestral House along Siangtian Creek, with two sessions per term, allowing both adults and children to build their very own personalized airplanes together. Additionally, Fort San Domingo will host printmaking experiences and bamboo windmill craft activities on Children's Day and every Saturday in April. Led by resident artist Liu Yufang, children will print their own designs, while the bamboo windmill activity uses bamboo materials paired with Fort San Domingo patterns to create charming, heritage-inspired windmills with a wooden texture—perfect for making memories as a family. For details and schedules of the Tamsui Heritage Museum’s Children's Day events, please visit the official website.
Explore 17 Schools in One Trip – A Fun Family Learning Adventure
Last year, the Hakka Affairs Council launched the Route 114 Hakka Village Study Tour Program, which received widespread acclaim. This year, not only is the program continuing, but it has also expanded to include the “Romantic Taiwan Route 3,” championed by the Tsai Ing-wen administration. The number of participating schools has grown from 6 to 17 along the route, featuring uniquely local Hakka-themed itineraries that include community hidden gems and creative hands-on activities, inviting families to explore together. Taipei Mayor Cheng Wen-tsan said that Route 114 centers around Taiwan’s only Hakka fishing port, ?utoucuo (now Yong’an Fishing Port), and follows the Shèzǐ Stream, known as the “rice granary” and “land of fish and rice,” all the way to Yangmei and Zhongli. It was an important migration and settlement route for early Hakka pioneers. Route 3, on the other hand, bears witness to the evolving cultural legacy of the Hakka people, stretching from Daxi and Longtan. The city government has connected 17 schools along both Taoyuan Route 114 and Taiwan Route 3 to jointly launch the “Taoyuan Hakka Village Themed Study Tour,” showcasing Hakka industries, culture, and ecology.
The Lin Yuan "Kǎo" Onion Festival Attracts Family Travelers
Kaohsiung’s Lin Yuan District is the original home of onions in Taiwan. In recent years, Pingtung has overtaken it in production, but last year’s typhoons devastated Pingtung’s onion crop. Seizing the opportunity, Lin Yuan farmers actively replanted, leading to a relatively stable yield this year and full pockets for growers. On the 5th, the Lin Yuan District Office hosted an Onion Festival, inviting the public to “kǎo” (dig up) onions in the fields, hoping to reshape the area’s image through agricultural experiences and move beyond its reputation as a cluster of factories. Lin Yuan District Chief Xie Shui-fu said that onions grown in Lin Yuan are sweet and fragrant, with no pungent aftertaste. However, in recent years, Pingtung has gained more recognition. Last year, two to three consecutive typhoons caused a sharp decline in onion production across the region. But Lin Yuan farmers took a contrarian approach, replanting their fields four times. As a result, although this year’s planting area shrank by 40%, leaving only 42 hectares under cultivation, the overall yield remained similar to previous years, showing relative stability. Hengchun and Fangliao had no onion harvests this year, so traders could only source from Lin Yuan. Xie Shui-fu noted that in the past, an onion purchase price of NT$13 per kilogram was already considered good. This year, prices soared to NT$21, leaving farmers beaming with joy.
Free High-Speed Rail Tickets Help Sick Children – A Winter Vacation Family Trip to Taichung
With bright, sunny smiles on their faces, some of these children may look no different from others at first glance, but due to heart conditions, they require long-term treatment and care. To help these children gain more learning opportunities, Taiwan High Speed Rail specially invited parents and children from the Taiwan Children with Heart Disease Care Association to take a one-day trip to Taichung on February 7. Taiwan High Speed Rail’s Nangang Station Manager, KU Li-an, presented a symbolic large-format ticket today (3rd) to Ms. CHIN Fang-ling, Chairperson of the Taiwan Children with Heart Disease Care Association. During the ticket presentation ceremony, the association arranged for the children to perform a sign language song. With beautiful melodies paired with expressive hand movements, the children earnestly showcased their enthusiasm and vitality, expressing their gratitude while also demonstrating the results of their regular practice. Because of health and safety concerns,
Hualien Yuan Yung Ocean Park – A Fun and Educational Experience for the Whole Family
Hualien Yuan Yung Ocean Park is Taiwan’s first international-standard marine-themed amusement park, centered on ecological conservation. Through games and entertainment, it brings visitors closer to ocean culture. To celebrate the Lunar New Year, this year the park will combine newborn marine mammal babies, the aquarium, the marine mammal pavilion, and both physical exhibits and virtual reality equipment to offer visitors a unique eco-tourism experience. Visitors to the ocean park shouldn’t miss the aquarium within the park, which showcases the fascinating features and evolutionary traits of various marine species, from the tropical water ecosystem at the entrance to the deep-sea world of the final ocean tank. This year, the aquarium has also integrated virtual reality (AR) with special habitat tanks, allowing guests not only to observe up close but also to use their mobile phones or other devices to see the unique ecological behaviors of featured creatures in their specific environments. Additionally, themed games can be downloaded so that children can continue learning about ecological conservation while playing at home.
Special Exhibition of Japanese Art at the Southern Branch of the National Palace Museum – Holiday Discounts for Families
The Southern Branch of the National Palace Museum has launched a special discount campaign for families to visit together during the winter holiday to see the “Best of Japanese Art” exhibition. From the 14th to February 12th, one parent purchasing a full-price ticket can bring up to three junior high school students or younger for free to view the exhibition. The National Palace Museum announced today that this winter vacation coincides with the museum’s “Best of Japanese Art – Treasures from Tokyo and Kyushu Museums” exhibition, which showcases classic Japanese cultural artifacts. To encourage family visits, the Southern Branch has introduced a special family package ticket promotion. The museum noted that from the 14th to February 12th, as long as one parent buys a full-price ticket (NT$250), they can bring three students under junior high school age for free to enjoy the “Best of Japanese Art” special exhibition. There are also other discount programs available for groups, students, and residents of Chiayi City and County.
Winter Wonderland for Kids: A Family Fun Park in New Taipei
The Winter Wonderland for Kids, held for five consecutive years, has become as popular as the Happy Christmas Town during the Christmas season in Banqiao. This year, family-friendly facilities have been added, allowing not only children to have fun but also parents to enjoy quality time with their kids. Since its opening on the 10th, the park has seen a huge influx of visitors daily, with weekends being completely packed. Banqiao District Chief Lin Jingbang stated that the Banqiao District Office has organized the Winter Wonderland for Kids event since 2012, innovating every year to bring more unique experiences and ensure the best and most joyful amusement park experience for everyone. He said the idea behind creating the Winter Wonderland for Kids was that, to children, the whole world is the best playground, filled with happiness and beauty. This year, a variety of free amusement facilities have been set up, including a five-story Ferris wheel...
Christmas Family Trip: Eslite Launches a Super Long 3M Picture Book with 135 Reindeer Spotted at Songshan
Have you decided where to spend Christmas this weekend? For the fourth consecutive year, Eslite Songshan Store’s Christmas Reindeer Creative Competition has gathered 135 brands at the first-floor entrance this year, making it a popular photo spot. Among them, eyecandle wrapped an entire reindeer in white wax that can even be lit with a candle; some reindeer are dressed in Qing Dynasty attire, instantly transforming into princesses; while others take on a forest-themed look. Eslite Bookstore is also offering a range of children’s Christmas gifts at up to 40% off, with the spotlight on a picture book stretching 3.75 meters that has caught the most attention from readers. Additionally, Eslite Lifestyle will surprise visitors with a performance by the “Red Nose Circus,” a group of four Taiwanese young men who have charmed audiences both in Taiwan and abroad with their humorous and entertaining artistry, even placing third in a 2016 mainland Chinese comedy reality show. On Christmas Eve, December 24th, they will perform interactive shows at four themed restaurants in Songshan — “VVG Action Good Thing,” “KIKI THAI CAFÉ,” “Springwater Tea House,” and “Gao Ji” — bringing festive joy and heartfelt emotion to the holiday season.
Taichung City launches 6 industrial experience bus tours on October 6
With a significant drop in the number of mainland Chinese tourists visiting Taiwan, Taichung City’s Economic Development Bureau has introduced six industrial experience bus tours starting October 6 to tap into the domestic travel market. These tours cover local wood and lacquer artisans, tourist factories, industry story museums, well-known souvenir shops, and renowned cake and pastry stores. For just NT$300, participants can explore Taichung’s culture that blends tradition and innovation. Each tour includes in-depth guided visits, DIY experiences, specialty meals, and transportation. Online registration opens at noon on the 27th (tomorrow).
Family-friendly Travel in Taoyuan – Admire Lotus Flowers and Savor Peaches
With summer vacation just around the corner, the Tourism Bureau’s online platform “Taoyuan Self-Guided Tours” will launch four major summer themes and nine new tour routes starting in June. These include the Guanyin Lotus Festival, Land Art Festival, and North Cross-Tribal Experiences, combining the season’s most exciting local festivals and nearby attractions to create the best family travel experiences. For as low as NT$830, you can enjoy food, fun, and activities — online registration is now open 24/7. The first highlights include the Guanyin Lotus Gardens, known as the “South’s White River and North’s Guanyin,” which, in conjunction with the Lotus Festival, offer two limited 1-day tours. The NT$880 “Happy Lotus Pond Tour” takes you to Yangguang Farm and the Lin Family Ancestral Home to pick flowers, shell lotus seeds, and enjoy an interactive performance with the internationally renowned “Old-Time Puppet Show” face-changing act. The NT$830 “Mysterious Algal Reef Exploration” takes you to the Lotus Pond to experience floating on a giant king lotus and visit the precious thousand-year-old living fossil algal reef formations. Both tours let you admire lotus flowers swaying in the sea breeze and savor lotus-flavored meals.
The North Kaohsiung Family Service Center held a "Tabletop Miracle" event in Qishan District to teach children how to play board games.
On the 10th, the North Kaohsiung Family Service Center organized the "Pinocchio Children's Talent Camp ~ Tabletop Miracle" event at the Qishan Service Office, inviting 20 parent-child pairs to participate. Using the currently popular brain-engaging activity—board games—they created a joyful shared experience together. The event also promoted child protection concepts to enhance children’s awareness of self-protection.
New Summer Travel Routes in Taoyuan Invite Families to Enjoy Lotus Blooms and Taste Peaches
With summer vacation approaching, the Tourism Bureau’s online platform “Taoyuan Self-Guided Travel” will launch four major summer themes and nine new travel routes starting in June. These include the Guanyin Lotus Festival, Land Art Festival, and experiences in the North Cross-tribal areas, combining the most exciting local summer festivals and nearby attractions to create the best family-friendly journeys. For as low as NT$830, you can enjoy food, fun, and activities — online registration is now open 24 hours a day. The first highlights include the Guanyin Lotus Gardens, known as the “South White River, North Guanyin” of lotus beauty. In line with the Lotus Festival, two limited 1-day tours are planned: the NT$880 “Happy Lotus Pond Tour” visits Yangguang Farm and the Lin Family Ancestral Home to pick flowers and peel lotus seeds, and includes an interactive performance with the internationally renowned “Nostalgia Puppet Show” face-changing act. The NT$830 “Mystery Algal Reef Exploration” takes you to the Lotus Pond to experience floating on a giant lotus and visit the precious thousand-year-old living fossil algal reef formations. Both tours let you admire the lotus flowers swaying in the sea breeze and savor lotus-flavored meals.
The Hong Kong Tourism Board teams up with five major travel agencies to target summer family travel
Last year, the number of travelers from Central Taiwan visiting Hong Kong for overnight holidays increased significantly by 13.4%, making Central Taiwan one of Hong Kong’s key source markets. At the Taichung International Travel Fair kicking off today (the 9th), the Hong Kong Tourism Board has joined forces with five major travel operators—including Lion Travel, Getaway Spirit, Jindi, Taiyuan, and KKday, a travel platform making its first appearance at the Taichung fair—to set up the “Hong Kong Pavilion.” A variety of highly attractive promotional packages have been launched, aiming to capture the summer family travel market. Among them, Lion Travel is offering a special deal: “Pay for 2 adults, get 1 child free” at 5,888 NTD. This 3-day-2-night package includes flights and accommodation. For just 5,888 NTD per adult, two adults can bring along one child under 12 years old for free. The price per person is 3,000 NTD cheaper than last year’s travel fair, and also includes one 500 NTD meal voucher per person for Hello Kitty Chinese Restaurant and one day of complimentary breakfast at the hotel.
Where to go for water fun this summer? Family-friendly water adventures at Da Jia
2017’s ultimate summer water activities are here — the “2017 Taipei Citizens’ Water Experience Event,” organized by the Taipei City Sports Bureau, is now open for registration. To welcome the cool summer and let families and students enjoy the holidays together, from June 10 to August 13 every Saturday and Sunday, the event offers a variety of family-friendly water activities such as tandem kayaking, SUP (stand-up paddleboarding), dragon boat rowing, bamboo rafting, and laser sailboat sailing. There’s no registration fee this year. Just sign up on the official website starting now to experience a range of exciting and diverse water sports that’ll blow your mind. Thrilling kayaking, SUP, and other water activities can be enjoyed solo or with friends. Group activities like team SUP, bamboo rafting, and dragon boating also let you bond with others through teamwork. Moreover, safety is the top priority in all water events.
"Industry" Top Family Travel Destinations for Summer Vacation: Japan Takes 3 of the Top 5 Spots
As the peak summer travel season approaches, many parents are taking advantage of the long holiday to travel abroad with their children. According to sales data analyzed by Eyou Network (EyouNet), among the top five family-friendly travel destinations most favored by parents this summer, Japan secured the 1st, 2nd, and 4th spots with Tokyo, Osaka, and Hokkaido, while Seoul in South Korea and the Singapore-Malaysia region ranked 3rd and 5th respectively. All of the top five destinations are short-haul, nearby countries. Eyou Network noted that when parents travel abroad with their children, they generally prefer short-haul destinations, mainly because the flight duration is not too long and there is no time difference issue, which helps prevent children from becoming overly tired and affecting their mood for the trip. In addition, as the overall cost of a family vacation during the summer break can be quite significant, choosing a short-haul destination can also help save on the budget and reduce financial pressure. Eyou Network stated that Tokyo, which claimed the top spot, has always been a popular choice among travelers from Taiwan,
Limited-time Summer High-Speed Rail Magic Theater Family Train Trips Now on Sale
Taiwan High Speed Rail has partnered with its holiday travel packages to launch the Magic Theater Family Train, inviting theater troupes to interact with passengers using light, shadows, magic, and more during the journey. The service will officially commence during the July summer vacation, with one weekly Saturday train from Nangang to Zuoying, offering 150 family seats. A total of 1,350 seats will be available over nine weekends, and tickets can now be purchased through nine authorized high-speed rail travel agencies. Taiwan High Speed Rail held a press conference today (2nd) for the Magic Theater Family Train. THSR Chairman Chiang Yao-chung noted that since the introduction of family carriages in 2001, the service has been well received. To meet the needs of families seeking fast, long-distance travel, this year’s program has been expanded. By combining cutting-edge audiovisual technology with performances by theater troupes, a limited-edition summer Magic Theater Family Train has been created to enrich the travel experience. Looking ahead, THSR will continue to develop the domestic tourism market, invigorate Taiwan’s tourism industry, and build a high-speed rail-centered tourism network.