Family Trips
"Sightseeing Stocks" Xiong-Bao Focuses on Differentiated Experiences, Aiming to Boost Japanese Repeat Visitors
Tourism operator Lion Travel (2731) has partnered with Baobao Travel to launch a joint venture, Xiong-Bao Travel, next year to capture inbound tourism opportunities in Taiwan. Xiong-Bao Chairman Dai Qiheng believes that past inbound tourism products were too uniform, resulting in a very low revisit rate among Japanese visitors to Taiwan. Xiong-Bao will focus on experiences and offer a diverse range of differentiated travel products, hoping to increase the rate at which Japanese visitors return to Taiwan. Dai Qiheng pointed out that many Japanese visitors are either coming to Taiwan for the first time or haven’t been here for decades. Aside from a significant imbalance in travel traffic between Taiwan and Japan, the revisit rate of Japanese visitors is also very low. She believes this is mainly because the tourism products offered to Japanese visitors are too monotonous and consistent, often focusing only on the northern region while neglecting the unique local customs and cultures found across Taiwan. Dai Qiheng also cited past experience, noting that if tour itineraries to Taiwan remain unchanged for long periods, the likelihood of attracting Japanese visitors back remains low. In addition to whether guides can introduce Taiwan’s local customs to Japanese visitors and resonate with them, "experience" is also a key element to be emphasized moving forward—such as through themed travel like cycling and in-depth tours—to gain a deeper understanding of Taiwan’s local culture.
Celebrate Christmas on the New Taipei Riverside: A Fun-Filled Family Pedaling Adventure
To welcome the festive spirit of Christmas, the New Taipei City Government organized a series of activities for the Joyful Christmas City event. On the 2nd, the “New Taipei Riverside Christmas Celebration – Coming-of-Age Ceremony & Leisure Ride” kicked off at the Crescent Bicycle Rental Station. The ride was led by Vice Mayor Hou Yu-ih, with participating students setting off on their bikes. Starting from the Crescent Bridge, they cycled along the Dahan River to the Sunshine Sports Park, Dadaocheng, Breeze Canal, and finally to the Bali Mi-Fei Park, taking in the scenic views of New Taipei City’s riverside parks along the way. This event was guided by the New Taipei City High Ground Engineering Office and organized by the Republic of China Leisure Culture and Sports Association, attracting over 500 participants. The activities included a coming-of-age ceremony, a leisure ride, and a Push Bike fun race. Registered participants also received a T-shirt and a water bottle each. Vice Mayor Hou
Zhubei County Reading & Imagination Park Promotes Parent-Child Reading
To celebrate Taiwan Reading Day and cultivate reading habits among young children, the Zhubei County Government Cultural Affairs Bureau Library promoted reading on the 2nd through parent-child challenge games, creative DIY activities, and the NG Books Incredible Picture Book Exhibition. Participants could exchange prizes upon completing activity challenges, with the goal of spreading a love for books. The Joy of Reading Imagination Park event, organized by the Zhubei County Cultural Affairs Bureau Library, was held from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM on the 2nd in the outdoor plaza of the Cultural Affairs Bureau Library. The event featured nine major themes: parent-child challenge games, Happy Market, Bring Your Books to Trade, Collect Hearts for Book Sets, Creative DIY, NG Books Incredible Picture Book Exhibition, Read Picture Books and Listen to Stories, Magic Fantasy Journey, and Max Battle, inviting families to join in. The event began at 9:00 AM with classes by "Joyful Reading Sprouts"
Sun Moon Lake Cycling Carnival – Family Fun Adventure
The 2017 Sun Moon Lake Cycling Carnival attracted cyclists from 11 countries, with 3,000 riders coming together for two consecutive days at Sun Moon Lake. They first took on the challenge of the New Central Cross-Island Highway beneath Yushan Mountain, then cruised along the Sun Moon Lake cycling route, ranked among the world’s top 10 most beautiful bike paths, bringing another highlight to Taiwan’s cycling festival. The “Sun Moon Lake–Taroko” challenge route, launched on the 11th, spanned a total of 80 kilometers. Originally, 900 riders had signed up, but due to heavy rains in June that caused landslides on parts of the New Central Cross-Island Highway between Caotou and Taroko, the Nantou Forest District Office, prioritizing rider safety, rerouted the course from its planned start at the Sun Moon Lake Xiangshan Visitor Center to the endpoint at the Taroko Visitor Center. The new route now finishes with a turnaround at Caotou, situated at an altitude of 1,105 meters — still offering a considerable challenge. Nantou Forest District Office Director Hong Weixin stated that the main event on the 12th will take place on the Sun Moon Lake Loop, recognized as one of the
Local Spotlight – Lukang Winter Festival: Fun, Food, and Cultural Delights
Changhua: Riding the strong northeastern monsoon winds, the lively and exciting Lukang Winter Festival series of events has kicked off. The Lukang Township Office has organized a variety of activities including a family fun park, Dream Sound Stage, food banquets, sightseeing markets, and concerts—dozens of large and small events spanning one and a half months. Events will be held at Lukang Guild Hall and Art Village, with weekend performances continuing to deliver a rich cultural feast.
The Winter Tour Season in Lukang Kicks Off with the Northeast Monsoon, Running for One and a Half Months with Weekly Events
Riding on the northeast monsoon, the lively and fun series of events for the Lukang Winter Tour Season has begun. With dozens of activities including a family-friendly amusement park, Dream Sound Stage, food banquets, markets, and concerts, the event spans a full one and a half months. Every Saturday and Sunday, the Lukang Guild Hall and Art Village will host puppet troupes, bands, and theater groups, offering a rich cultural and artistic feast. Lukang Mayor Huang Zhenyan stated that wind is a defining feature of Lukang in winter. The winding lanes tame the northeastern monsoon, showcasing the town’s architectural charm. The Lukang Township Office has specially planned a series of fun and delicious winter activities, which last year attracted an impressive 8.74 million tourists. This year’s Lukang Winter Tour Season kicks off with the “Fun Family Amusement Park” event, taking place from 2:00 to 5:00 PM on October 29 at the square of Lukang Ecological Leisure Park.
"Sightseeing Stocks" Lion Travel Targets Family Travelers; Cruise Revenue Expected to Hit NT$660 Million Next Year
Lion Travel (2731) is ramping up efforts in the cruise tourism market. Nearly 90% of the two exclusive sailings for the "Majestic Princess Cherry Blossom Tour" in March and April next year have already been sold. This time, targeting the family segment, the company has partnered with Costa Cruises to add three new sailings to Okinawa and Miyako Island in February and March. General Manager You Guozhen expects Lion Travel’s cruise revenue next year to grow by 33%, reaching as high as NT$660 million, accounting for up to 40% of its themed travel offerings. You Guozhen pointed out that this year, Lion Travel offered exclusive voyages on Princess Cruises’ Sapphire, Costa Cruises’ Fortuna, and Costa neoRomantica, with the number of available cruise sailings continuously increasing. The estimated number of passengers served is expected to reach 22,000–23,000, a significant jump from 14,000 last year. The company anticipates that themed travel revenue for this year will hit NT$1.4 billion, of which cruises will contribute around NT$500 million—about one-third of the total. Looking ahead to next year, Lion Travel will continue
Revitalizing Traditional Markets in Pingtung City: A Parent-Child Market Adventure
With changing consumer habits, traditional markets have been gradually declining. Recognizing the unfamiliarity of parents and young people with these markets — and the challenge of selecting ingredients here — Pingtung County Government has partnered with vendors at Pingtung Central Market to launch the “First-Time Market Experience.” This initiative allows families to explore the market together, revisit cherished memories, and rediscover the value of traditional markets. Today, seven families visited the central market. With a budget of NT$1,000 per family and limited to one hour, they had to purchase ingredients for three dishes. One participant joked that the vendors were incredibly cooperative — not only did they share cooking tips, but they also gave out chili peppers, old ginger, and even advice on how to store leftovers properly. “They’re really full of heart,” said one visitor. Wu Jinghua, chairperson of the Central Business District Development Association, noted that the central market has a 60-year history and is the first public market in Pingtung City. In the past, its first and third sections used to be the fashion hubs for locals. However, due to the rise of cheap ready-to-wear clothing and issues such as limited parking, the market has gradually declined, and the once bustling atmosphere is now a thing of the past.
Tainan Training Center for the Disabled: Parent-Child Trip to Xitou Monster Village for Family Bonding
When Ah Sheng was a child, a fever left him with multiple disabilities, making speech and walking difficult and requiring significant care. He has been placed at the Tainan Training Center for the Disabled under the Ministry of Health and Welfare for 26 years. His 86-year-old father, Mr. Lin, picks him up to celebrate holidays such as Chinese New Year, Mid-Autumn Festival, and his birthday. Over the past two days, the Tainan Training Center organized a parent-child outing to the Xitou Educational Area. The center prepared assistive devices to ensure both father and son could enjoy quality family time.
Princess Cruises Leads with Shared Home Port; Sun Princess Targets Family Travelers
The world’s largest cruise group, Carnival Corporation, under its Princess Cruises brand, has deployed three different ships this year with Taiwan as their home port. By adopting a “shared home port” strategy, it connects Yokohama, Nagoya, and Osaka in Japan with Keelung in Taiwan, setting a precedent in Taiwan’s cruise tourism market. To attract family travelers, Princess Cruises has assigned the newly refurbished Sun Princess—tailored for the family market—for its summer season from July to September, operating out of Taiwan. The ship offers a 5-day independent sea vacation itinerary that includes Amami Oshima. This marks the first time the Sun Princess has sailed from Taiwan, and also the first time that Japan’s Amami Oshima, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site, has been included in a cruise itinerary departing from Taiwan. New family-friendly features on the Sun Princess include: 1. An age-specific children’s activity space and “Discovery at SEA” program in exclusive collaboration with the Discovery Channel.
Crazy Cruise This Summer! Set Sail on the Sun Princess to Amami Oshima for Quality Family Time
The Asian cruise market is booming. Recognizing the trend of younger passengers and a high proportion of family travelers, Princess Cruises has launched a Japan-bound voyage on the Sun Princess, themed around family fun. Built by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, the Sun Princess exudes a strong Japanese ambiance. With a total displacement of 77,441 tons, it can accommodate over 2,000 passengers. The ship’s restaurants offer a variety of gourmet delights, including two main dining rooms serving five-course formal meals, the Sea Sushi Restaurant where professional chefs prepare fresh sushi, udon noodles, and sashimi, and the popular International Dessert Bar loved by kids, which serves special treats 24 hours a day. For families, the Sun Princess highlights three key features. Feature one: Set sail and travel together—parents and children traveling as a family enhance family bonding.
Children’s Month – Fun-Filled Family-Friendly Venues
April is Children’s Month, and the Taipei City Government has launched 33 discounts at venues and cultural events across Taipei and New Taipei. In addition, it has partnered with the Chinese Cultural Association to host “2018 Chengnan Is Interesting,” featuring multiple concerts, plays, and markets geared toward families from the 1st to the 8th. However, when Taipei Mayor Ko Wen-je attended the opening ceremony of Chengnan Is Interesting on the 1st and noticed that while he was giving his speech under the blazing sun, the sunlight seemed to lessen when other guests took the stage. He surprisingly remarked, “Am I the chosen one?!”
Children's Art Festival Hotel Deals – Family Travel Across Hsinchu City
The 2018 Hsinchu City Children's Art Festival will take place from April 4 to 8 at Xiangshan Water Resources Park. The city government has partnered with multiple hotel operators to launch special "Children's Art Festival Hotel Packages," allowing kids to enjoy playgrounds, ocean views, magic shows, and a full experience on land, sea, and air — all while staying well-fed and well-rested for a happy holiday. The city government noted that the annual Children's Art Festival, which has been held for three consecutive years, attracted 250,000 visitors in 2017. In 2018, the event has been expanded to encourage the public to explore Hsinchu City, enjoy a 3-day-2-night trip, and take part in the free "Old Town Mini Tour" guided walks. In addition, discounted room rates have been offered in collaboration with various hotels across Hsinchu City and County. Several hotels have also designed special programs for families, including cake baking DIY, hands-on crafts, storytelling activities, adventure missions...
The Qigu Salt Mountain invites you to a salty picnic adventure!
Riding on the popular picnic trend, Taiwan Salt Co. has launched a limited-time, limited-quantity themed picnic set for the first time at the Qigu Salt Mountain grassland during the consecutive holidays leading up to Children’s Day. From April 4 to April 8, families are invited to enjoy a picnic together with Taiwan’s largest lucky penguin and four adorable baby penguins!
Changhua County Environmental Education Tour: Calling on families to explore mountains, seas, and waters together
Step outdoors with your family and embark on an environmental education journey together. This year, the Environmental Protection Bureau of Changhua County’s Parent-Child Learning Together and Fun Environmental Education Tours program has launched eight major themed routes, running on holidays from April to July. Online registration opens at 9 a.m. on the 28th, and the entire program is free of charge. Each person may sign up for only one session, so act fast if you want to join. In response to Earth Day on April 22 and World Environment Day on June 5, the Environmental Protection Bureau first organized a series of environmental education tours last year. These offered food, fun, and new experiences, drawing such enthusiastic responses that 90% of spots were filled on the first day of online registration. This year, the program has been expanded—from 28 sessions and 1,365 participants last year to 44 sessions and 2,220 participants—aiming to encourage more families in the county to temporarily put aside their phones and tablets and explore the beauty of Changhua’s local environment together. Jiang Peigen, Director of the Environmental Protection Bureau, stated that
Taipei 101 Celebrates Children’s Month: Family Fun at the Observation Deck with Free Crayons
As Children’s Day holidays approach, Taipei 101’s 89th-floor observation deck is encouraging parents to spend quality time with their kids by launching a special parent-child duo ticket offer from April 1 to 30. For just NT$600, one adult and one child can enjoy a discounted twin ticket to experience the 37-second high-speed elevator ride and take in a 360-degree panoramic view of Taipei. As a bonus, visitors will also receive a free set of Taipei 101 crayons. During the campaign period, Taipei 101’s souvenir shop has also set up a themed display area for its popular items, with bestsellers available at a 30% discount. Additionally, the observation deck participates annually in the Taipei City Government Education Bureau’s Children’s Month activities, helping elementary school students fulfill their dream of seeing the city from above. Students aged 12 and under can enter for free by presenting the 2018 Taipei Children’s Month event brochure at the observation deck (accompanying family members must purchase tickets). For more details, visit http://t
Liu Fuzhuang Hotel exits the market as Xiadu City Hotel stakes its claim in Tainan
Invested by Guantian Steel Corporation, the Xiadu Hotel Group has further allocated NT$800 million to establish Xiadu City Hotel in the southern district of Tainan City. Slated to officially open on April 12, it aims to aggressively capture the business traveler and family-with-four-guest-rooms markets, as well as local dining opportunities in buffet, bar, and banquet services. To boost the visibility of the new location, it’s even offering an unprecedented promotion through travel fairs — buy 10 buffet meals, get 4 free, undercutting competitors who mostly offer buy 10, get 2.
The Taipei International Spring Travel Fair kicks off tomorrow — Farm for a Day in Kaohsiung with a chance to win an iPhone X
The 2018 Taipei International Spring Travel Fair will be held from the 16th to the 19th at Taipei World Trade Center Hall 1. The Kaohsiung City Agriculture Bureau is heading north to participate, featuring its “Farm for a Day” experience as the main highlight. A series of in-depth activities have been specially planned for visitors from northern Taiwan, including seedling planting, the Rural Knowledge King quiz game, craft workshops, and more. In addition to offering discounted tour packages, the fair booth will also feature value-packed limited-edition lucky bags, gashapon (capsule toy) draws, lantern riddle games, and on-site tastings of Kaohsiung’s agricultural specialties. Visitors from northern Taiwan are welcome to attend. The “Farm for a Day” experience in Kaohsiung will introduce seven unique tour programs at the Taipei International Spring Travel Fair. To coincide with the April Children’s Day holiday, the program “Tidy Up My Little Farm” invites families to experience the hard work of farming together. Additionally, the “Rural Knowledge King” turns farmland into a classroom, teaching children about the features of organic farming, while “Pastoral Camping Fun” offers...
Learning and Fun Together: Central City Library Launches Community Tabletop Game Events for Seniors
In recent years, the popularity of tabletop games has surged. The Fengyuan Branch of the Central City Library, a library characterized by its focus on serving the senior population, has brought this trend into the lives of older adults. Starting in 2018, with the design concept of “elders serving elders, learning together and having fun together,” the branch planned a series of tabletop game activities for senior citizens. For the elderly, playing tabletop games not only stimulates brain activity to slow aging but also helps bridge interaction gaps between parents and children, as well as grandparents and grandchildren. Currently, the Fengyuan Branch has a collection of over 100 types of tabletop games. Library staff have initiated training for seed senior volunteers, allowing them to find joy in the process, and have arranged community-based tabletop game events to bring the gaming culture into neighborhoods, inviting the public to join in the experience. The ongoing community events are held in Wengzi Community, Xi’an Community, the Changqing Academy’s Vitality Classroom, and Toyota Community.
Family Travel — A Night Cruise on the Nile: A Night Filled with Love and Human Warmth
At three o’clock in the morning, my phone’s alarm went off — time to get up. It was the earliest wake-up call in our four-month journey, all for the Temple of Abu Simbel. It’s hard to forget this night. We huddled together in the cold wind, with the three kids squeezing in close to mommy for warmth, while I sat in front of them to block the wind. Even in the chilly breeze, that night cruise along the Nile with my family was truly beautiful. After about ten minutes, we arrived at the dock and had to wait for the minibus to pick us up. The kids were freezing and kept asking if the vehicle was coming yet? We felt the same, and could only do our best to keep them warm. During those twenty minutes of waiting, even though the cold cut to the bone, we could still feel the warmth of family unity. I’ll never forget the genuine kindness of the homestay owner — he must have been around sixty years old, yet he stayed up late to accompany us on the boat ride and saw us off onto the bus. Most of the passengers on the bus were