Family Trips
Taoyuan Summer Family Art Festival Kicks Off with Korean Show
Now in its seventh year, the Taoyuan Summer Family Art Festival will run from the 15th to the 22nd, featuring five major series of activities—all completely free. Tonight’s opening act will be JUMP, one of Korea’s top four performance shows. This year also introduces an interactive art experience area, including tin can telephones, funhouse mirrors, and kaleidoscopes, aiming to combine education and entertainment so that children spending their summer vacation in Taoyuan can create joyful memories. Cultural Affairs Bureau Director Qiu Zhuangxiu-mei said the Taoyuan Summer Family Art Festival has been running for many years, and its biggest feature is that it never repeats last year’s events—so every year the team brainstorms new tricks and activities. This year’s theme is “Little Rascals,” featuring five major series: Little Rascals Grand Theater, Little Rascals Family Theater, Little Rascals Art Adventure, Little Rascals Expedition, and Little Rascals Story House. Director Qiu Zhuangxiu-mei said this year...
Kinmen Launches Summer Family Travel Package – Explore Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Animal Husbandry
Let’s go!Bring your whole family to Kinmen for a journey where you tell your own story. The county government’s Tourism Department officially launched today (6th) a “4 Institutes & 1 Garden” family fun travel program – Discovering the Happy New Routes of Kinmen. It will take everyone to visit the Agricultural Experiment Station, Livestock Experiment Station, Aquatic Products Experiment Station, Forestry Affairs Station, and the Botanical Garden, leaving behind unique memories in Taiwan’s happiest city. With over 40% green coverage and known as the “Park on the Sea,” Kinmen is highlighting its natural ecological landscapes this summer. By combining agriculture, forestry, fishing, animal husbandry, and greening resources, the county has created an educational and entertaining family travel package, hoping to bring Kinmen closer to everyone, help people get to know Kinmen, and foster closer family bonds through hands-on experiences and nature-based learning. The county government’s planned activities include riding a tandem bike or bicycle around the Agricultural Experiment Station, making handmade loofah soap, and creating decoupage art.
Yangmei Parent-Child Farm Experience Camp Opens Registration for 7 Days
The Taoyuan City Yangmei District Office has launched a 2-day, 1-night package tour for the Yangmei Parent-Child Farm Experience Camp this summer vacation. Through getting close to small-scale farmers and experiencing agriculture, the camp promotes local organic vegetables, flowers, rice, grass jelly, and Xiucai tea, among other agricultural specialties. Participants can also explore century-old trails, camphor trees, and historic sites in the area. Registration opens at 10 a.m. on the 7th. The district office’s summer travel itinerary will take participants to explore the Hakka old house “Jiangxia Hall” in Yangmei, a 750-year-old camphor tree, and the Baojia Ancient Trail. They can also pick organic vegetables by hand and experience activities such as kiln firing for a taste of farm life.
The Down Syndrome Foundation launches a tourist factory
Riding the DIY and baking trend, the Down Syndrome Foundation is setting up a sheltered workshop in the style of a tourist factory, producing handmade cookies and bread, as well as offering baking experience classes. It is inviting families and even tour groups for half-day or full-day visits. The Foundation recently selected nearly 100 ping (about 330 square meters) of space on the first floor of Xinzhuang National Sports Center, which is currently under intensive renovation, with plans to open as early as August. Lin Cheng-hsia, chairman of the Down Syndrome Foundation, said that the newly built sheltered workshop, designed with the concept of a tourist factory, is the first of its kind in Taiwan. The nearly 100 ping space will house a baking classroom where baking instructors have designed hands-on experiences suitable for adults and families. Children with Down syndrome will serve as little assistants, guiding visitors in making cupcakes and various cookies and candies. Lin Cheng-hsia said that the public still holds stereotypes about products from sheltered workshops, believing they are inferior to branded goods on the market and are purchased only out of charity.
6 In-depth Travel Routes – Embark on an Educational Summer Adventure in Pingtung This Summer!
This summer, Pingtung County Government has launched the 2017 “Explore Pingtung Through Learning” program, featuring 6 carefully planned routes that offer deep travel experiences for families and students. These itineraries take participants deep into local communities and indigenous villages to explore Pingtung’s scenic landscapes and rich ecological environment. Visitors can also experience the traditional lifestyles and cultures of the island’s indigenous peoples and Hakka communities, enjoy authentic local cuisine, and gain a profound understanding of Pingtung. All 6 routes are 3-day, 2-night trips, including “Travel and Learn with VUVU,” “Experience Tribal Life with the Snail,” “Deep Immersion in 185 Farming Experiences,” “Mountain and Water Eco-Experience Camp,” “Explore North Pingtung,” and “In-depth Cultural Guided Tours of the Six Villages and Hengchun Peninsula.” Prices range from NT$4,500 to NT$6,999 per person. Wang Huilan, Director of the Education Department, said this is the third consecutive year the county government has offered summer travel programs. Unlike previous years where schools were the main participants, this year’s program is community- and tribe-led, guided throughout by local guides who introduce participants to the area’s ecology, daily life, and culture. Travelers will stay in homestays or guesthouses, fully immersing themselves in the local way of life for a truly in-depth travel experience.
Mid-range hotels compete for family travelers: kids stay free this summer
To welcome the peak summer season, mid-range hotel operators in central Taiwan are competing for family travel spending. Among them, Hotel Royal Spa has added multiple popular facilities to its Aqua City this year following the success of its "Light Summer Sports" event last year, which ignited a trend in family sports tourism, bringing more joy to family trips and boosting summer bookings. The Howard Plaza Hotel, meanwhile, has launched the "Kids’ Playroom & Fun Stay" package to capture the market. Hotel Royal Spa stated that, optimistic about the family travel market during summer vacation, its “Royal Vacation Family Fun” program officially opened for bookings in June. During the July and August summer break, each room can accommodate one child for free, and guests can also receive a complimentary one-day pass for the Nantou Bus Lake Tour bus to explore Sun Moon Lake independently. Positioned as a new resort concept centered around family hospitality, Hotel Royal Spa has introduced the “Venezia Aqua City” outdoor celebrity slope water mist cooling event from now until the end of September to tap into the family travel business. This summer, the hugely popular “Water Balloon Drifting Boat” will feature an added “water balloon target game” to bring more fun to family water battles. Nearby, there are also popular activities such as the “Bubble Sand Bath House,” “Golf Bingo,” and “Fancy Foot Pool,” creating a joyful family water world.
Summer vacation family trip!Experience old-fashioned rural life at the Zhonghe District Farmers' Association Cultural Museum
Summer vacation is just around the corner, and are parents still wondering where to take the kids? Welcome to the Zhonghe District Farmers' Association Cultural Museum, located on the 2nd and 3rd floors of the Liancheng Branch of the Zhonghe District Farmers' Association. The museum displays many early Taiwanese agricultural tools, household items, and toys. With vivid explanations from the museum volunteers, it takes you on a nostalgic journey through time! The 2nd floor of the Zhonghe District Farmers' Association Cultural Museum is a small exhibition area featuring a “Gods’ Hall,” “Grandma’s Room,” and a “candy store,” among others. By recreating period-appropriate settings, visitors can get a closer feel of life in those times. The 3rd floor houses traditional agricultural tools. In the olden days of rural life, there were no automated modern machines—manual labor was the main source of power. Volunteers explain how these tools were operated, helping visitors understand the hard work of farmers.
Princess Cruises Offers Exclusive Deals for Families
The scenic beauty of Okinawa’s ocean views is dazzling, with the island featuring splendid remnants from the Ryukyu Kingdom, limestone caves, and the shopping paradise of Kokusai Dori — all of which awaken your vacation instincts and make you eager to take your family to soak in Okinawa’s waters and enjoy the tropical scenery this summer. Cruising to Okinawa is the most relaxing way to travel. Enjoy the onboard facilities while slowing down the pace of your journey for a more laid-back experience. Cruising is a refined and elegant option, but contrary to the common perception of being expensive and unattainable, the international luxury cruise brand Princess Cruises is launching limited-time summer offers targeting families, with children’s tour fees starting as low as NT$9,900. Princess Cruises has carefully curated a range of rich and fun maritime entertainment options, such as a starry sky cinema, stargazing at sea, science and music lessons suitable for all ages, and even professional childcare services for parents, along with a dedicated youth activity center for children.
Take a Princess Cruises vacation with your kids this summer, starting from just NT$9,900
Your child’s childhood memories can’t wait—seize the chance to create wonderful moments together. Princess Cruises hopes to bring families more unforgettable experiences through its sea voyages. It has also launched the “My Little Princess” online campaign. Visit the campaign website (http://www.mylittleprincess2017.com.tw), upload a photo of your child, and you could be featured as the Star of the Week on the Princess Cruises Facebook page. Plus, you’ll have the chance to win a nearly NT$100,000 self-guided five-day cruise to Okinawa, giving your family of three a rare opportunity for quality time at sea. Princess Cruises is also offering special children’s rates—starting from just NT$9,900 for the third and fourth passengers, and up to NT$10,000 off for double occupancy rooms. Departures are from Kaohsiung Port.
This summer, take your little princess to Okinawa — Princess Cruises are all the rage
Compared to the Maldives and Hawaii, our neighbor Okinawa feels much more approachable. Not only does it boast stunning ocean scenery, but the island is also home to the brilliant remnants of the Ryukyu Kingdom, fascinating limestone caves, and the shopping paradise of Kokusai Dori — all of which awaken the vacation spirit. It’s tempting to just pack up the family this summer and dive into Okinawa’s waters to enjoy its tropical charm and gentle sea breeze. Taking a cruise to Okinawa is the most relaxing way to go. Beyond the luxurious experience onboard, you can also slow down the pace of your journey and embrace slow travel. Cruising is refined and elegant, yet it’s not as expensive or unattainable as many people might think. The international luxury cruise brand Princess Cruises has launched limited-time summer offers targeting families with children, with child fares starting from just 9,900. Worried your kids might get bored on the cruise? This year, Princess Cruises has carefully curated a series of fun and enriching onboard activities.
Gather your family and friends for a creative trip to Sun Moon Lake
Sun Moon Lake, with its picturesque scenery, has long attracted literati and artists to admire the views and draw inspiration. From the lake area to surrounding villages, they bring out their brushes and compose poetry in praise of the landscape. It’s a delightful experience for a few artistic friends to travel together while sketching. Recognizing the increasingly well-developed scenic facilities, the Sun Moon Lake National Scenic Area Administration will place greater emphasis on spiritual enrichment and quality enhancement in the future, fostering a stronger arts and culture atmosphere. Chen Chih-hsien, deputy director of the Sun Moon Lake National Scenic Area Administration, stated that in-depth travel and creative journeys at Sun Moon Lake represent a new and worthwhile field to develop. The lake’s diverse beauty across mornings, evenings, rainy days, and sunny skies can only be fully appreciated when one sets aside worldly distractions and finds a tranquil, comfortable environment to immerse oneself — allowing for the expression of an expansive and boundless aesthetic space. The Classic Grand Hotel, which opened in early 2014, once co-hosted the Yuchi Arts Festival with Yuchi Township Office, inviting over 40 renowned artists to stay and providing sketching and creative travel programs. These allowed creators ample time to explore high-quality attractions, soak in the ambiance, and capture the cultural and scenic beauty of Yuchi Township and Sun Moon Lake through their art.
Yangmei Parent-Child Farming Experience Camp Is a Hit
Summer vacation is peak season for family travel. Eastson Mountain Resort Hotel has partnered with Yangmei District Office and Yangmei City Farmers' Association to jointly host the first-ever “Yangmei Parent-Child Farming Experience Camp.” Parents and kids are invited to head to the Hakka countryside together to harvest sweet potatoes, build an earthen oven (earth kiln), and catch loaches. Children can enjoy the fun of farm life and discover the beauty of Taiwan’s local culture, while adults can relive childhood memories. Eastson Mountain Resort Hotel General Manager Chiang Hui-ming stated that the first “Yangmei Parent-Child Farming Experience Camp” is a two-day, one-night itinerary that combines local ecology, the natural environment, and rural experiences, giving everyone the opportunity to get to know and appreciate the beauty of Yangmei. This type of light rural travel is perfect for families. The itinerary follows guides to visit the Jiangxia Hall — the largest, best-preserved, and century-old Hakka ancestral home still in existence — and also explores the longevity secrets of the country’s third-largest 750-year-old camphor tree, before taking a stroll along the beautiful Baojia Ancient Trail within Eastson Mountain Resort Hotel to uncover the hidden beauty of the tung blossom trail and enjoy authentic Hakka cuisine.
Summer fun at the leisure farm: Parent-child scarecrow creativity contest adds warmth
Summer vacation is here!Come to the leisure farm with your family to experience hands-on activities and feel the warmth of the soil!To let the public rediscover the joy of playing in the rice fields of olden times, the Hobe Leisure Agriculture Area Development Association will hold a parent-child scarecrow creativity contest on August 19 (Saturday) in the Hobe Leisure Agriculture Area. Up to 100 groups of participants are welcome to sign up. The first-place winner can receive a prize of NT$6,000, with total prize money reaching NT$20,000. Parents and children are invited to join in the fun and compete in creativity.
Competing for a slice of the family travel market, HowToTrip Mountain Resort Hotel hosts a small farmers' experience camp on the 28th and 29th
Spotting that summer vacation is peak season for family travel, HowToTrip Mountain Resort Hotel, in collaboration with Yangmei District Office of Taoyuan City and Yangmei Farmers' Association, is holding the first “Yangmei Family Farm Experience Camp” on the 28th and 29th. Parents and kids are invited to head to the Hakka countryside together to harvest sweet potatoes, build an earth oven (a traditional underground cooking pit), and catch loaches. HowToTrip Mountain Resort Hotel General Manager Jiang Huiming stated that the first “Yangmei Family Farm Experience Camp” is a two-day, one-night itinerary and can be considered the hottest family trip this summer. It combines local ecology, natural surroundings, and rural experiences, giving everyone the chance to get to know and appreciate the beauty of Yangmei. This kind of light rural travel is perfect for families. Jiang Huiming pointed out that participants can follow guides to visit the Jiangxia Hall—the largest, best-preserved, and century-old Hakka ancestral house still in existence—and will also explore the longevity secrets of the country’s third-ranked 750-year-old camphor tree before returning to HowToTrip Mountain Resort Hotel to discover the beautiful hidden world of the tung blossom trail and enjoy local Hakka cuisine.
Only 2 days left until the 2018 Taipei International Winter Travel Fair!The Princess Cruises booth is drawing huge crowds.
Only 2 days left until the Taipei International Winter Travel Fair!The cruise exhibition area inside the fair is experiencing booming sales. Princess Cruises, a brand under Carnival Corporation, has been actively expanding its presence in the Asian market in recent years. From now until the 8th, visit its booth at A622 to A722 in Hall 1 of the Taipei World Trade Center to say hello. This year, for the first time, it has introduced the ultra-luxurious Majestic Princess, the family-friendly Sun Princess, and the Japan-themed Diamond Princess. The three cruise ships depart from Keelung, offering Taiwanese consumers a brand-new travel experience. Board the Majestic Princess for a northeast Asia cherry blossom tour—on April 11, set sail on a seven-day trip to Kochi–Hiroshima–Kagoshima, where you can visit Hiroshima Mint Bureau to admire double-petal cherry blossoms and the wisteria sea at Kagoshima’s Wakamiya Park.
Business Weekly Parent-Child Fun Trip—Diving into the White World: Learning to Ski from Scratch
With winter vacation approaching, besides reuniting for the New Year, where else can you take your kids? alive recommends an all-in-one parent-child travel solution—a single destination that takes the hassle out of travel planning for parents. No more rushing between cities or switching hotels, allowing kids to learn through play and turning the winter break into a shared learning journey for the whole family. Riding the cable car up to the mountaintop, 7-year-old Hong Zijun excitedly gazes at the snow-covered landscape. Before long, he stands atop the hill and glides down the vast snowy expanse, relishing the thrill of skiing through the trees. With steady steps, he smoothly comes to a stop at the designated point. The Australian instructor nods in approval, praising his perfect form. This is the Sahoro Ski Resort in Hokkaido. It’s hard to imagine that just three days ago, Hong Zijun was a complete skiing novice. In recent years, ski resorts have introduced all-inclusive packages, perfect for families looking for a winter holiday experience.
Princess Cruises at Taipei International Winter Travel Fair – Win a Round-Trip to Okinawa for Two on Majestic Princess
Princess Cruises, the leading Asian cruise brand under the world’s largest Carnival Corporation cruise group, has achieved remarkable success in Taiwan since entering the market in 2014. Next year, it will make its debut with three luxury cruise ships operating in succession to Taiwan. These include the flagship luxury ship Majestic Princess, the family-friendly favorite Sun Princess, and the Japanese-style refined service renowned Diamond Princess. All three will be based in Keelung, offering Taiwanese travelers nearly eight months of cruise services. This year, the 2018 Taipei International Winter Travel Fair will be held grandly at Taipei World Trade Center Hall 1 from January 5 to 8. In addition to the Princess Cruises brand booth at the fair, ten contracted travel agencies in 2018 will also set up sales booths, providing a variety of fun and rewarding promotions and activities. Aside from officially introducing...
Cross-Strait Parent-Child Puzzle Competition Kicks Off in Kinmen
The 4th Cross-Strait Parent-Child Puzzle Competition, the 2017 edition, kicked off this afternoon (23rd) at the Kinhu Sports Complex. A total of 451 children and adults from Xiamen, Quanzhou, Fujian on the mainland and local participants in Kinmen spent a holiday of sharing, cooperation, and accomplishment by piecing together colorful large and small puzzles. This cross-strait parent-child event is one of the sub-programs of this year's Kinmen-Xiamen Tourism Festival. It is guided by the Kinmen County Government Tourism Department and the Xiamen Tourism Development Commission, and jointly organized by Yuanxiang (Xiamen) Coast Co., Ltd. and Xiamen Bank. The event is co-hosted by Xiamen International Travel Agency, Baozhong Travel, and Kinmen Wanji Travel Agency. Kinmen County Government Tourism Department Director Chen Meiling, Kinmen County Sports Association Secretary Xin Leida, Xiamen Bank Sales Department Manager Wang Rumin, and Yuanxiang (Xiamen) Coast Co., Ltd. Manager Li Li were among those present.
Get to Know Domestic Timber: A Family-Friendly Landscape Art Tour in Hsinchu County
Come play with wood here and now!From today until the 10th, at the east side of the Hsinchu County Government Plaza, the Forestry Bureau, Hsinchu County Government, and Yongtai Forestry Production Cooperative are hosting the “2017 Hsinchu County Domestic Timber Thinning Wood Landscape Installation Art Workshop.” The event features wooden boardwalks, benches, and winding paths to help the public gain a deeper understanding of timber. Hsinchu County Government Department of Agriculture Director Qiu Shichang stated that this event is guided by the Council of Agriculture’s Forestry Bureau and organized by the county government. From today through the 10th, for three consecutive days from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., the installation will be on display on the east side of the plaza. Through this publicly accessible interactive experience, the public can learn more about domestic timber, develop innovative creative products using thinned timber from domestic forests, enhance product value-added, and promote regional industrial development. The structure was built by members of the Hsinchu County Yongtai Forestry
Yunlin Community Culture Tour: 1-day tour for NT$800, 2-day tour for NT$2,800
The Yunlin County Cultural Affairs Bureau will launch an in-depth community culture tour of Yunlin starting December 9, featuring two 2-day packages and two 1-day packages, with prices ranging from NT$800 to NT$2,800. A discount is available for groups of two. The bureau emphasized that all proceeds go directly to the communities, and encouraged visitors not to let the communities operate at a loss. The 2-day tours are scheduled for December 9–10 and December 23–24. The first itinerary on December 9–10 includes visits to Mahui Zi Farm, Bei Bei Qianqiao Valley Amusement Park, Bei Bei Shi Zai Hen Anquan Farm, Mailiao Chaoyang Green Energy Park, Yuan Organic Farm, Tuku Shuncheng Oil Mill, and Singer Store. Souvenirs include natural soapnut handmade soap, organic liquid fertilizer, and hydroponic vegetables. The other 2-day tour on December 23–24 covers attractions such as Tongxin Park, Huwei Sugar Refinery, Huwei Railway Station, Juetou Community, Jinpeng Jinzhi Parent-Child Museum, a fishing port tour, and Boziliao Community. Souvenirs include wild milt fish roe and DIY towel photo gifts.