Family Trips
Summer Family Trip – From Muddy Village to Paradise in Linzinei
Before 2008, no one would have thought of visiting Linzinei in Baihe Township, Tainan, and most likely hadn’t even heard of it. Even local youths didn’t want to stay in their hometown, leading to severe population outflow. Reverend Hsiao Jui-chiao of Linzinei Church said, “It was a gray village devoid of hope.” Reverend Hsiao spoke while playing a documentary. The film opened with footage of a flood – torrents of mud and sand rushing through the community, submerging streets. The scene was shocking. I asked, “Is this from Typhoon Morakot?” Reverend Hsiao replied, “No, this was just from an ordinary heavy rain.”
Student + Family Duo Groups See Double the Proportion
With the conclusion of mainland China’s middle and high school exams and the arrival of summer vacation, the number of student tourists has been gradually rising in recent days; meanwhile, many student faces have also appeared within the Shanghai Expo site. According to statistics recently released by the Shanghai Municipal Tourism Administration, among group tourists, ordinary groups accounted for 2.8256 million visitors, or 92.35%; primary and secondary school groups totaled 213,800 visitors, or 6.99%; and university student groups reached 20,100 visitors, or 0.66%. The tourism administration anticipates that the Expo is about to enter a peak period for student visitors, with university student groups showing the greatest potential for growth. An analysis of the “China 2010 Shanghai Expo Visitors Survey” conducted by the Shanghai Survey Corps of China’s National Bureau of Statistics revealed that the majority of visitors—82.8%—were young and middle-aged adults aged 18 to 44;
Summer Family Trip – Splashing Fun & Animal Encounters at Yue Mei & Fei Niu
Soaking wet, screaming with excitement, kids’ faces lit up with huge smiles… summer is all about wild water play. What’s it like to plunge down a 21-meter (about nine-story) water slide headfirst? Forget about the fear or the near-urination thrill—what’s most obvious, even to bystanders, is how your square-cut swim trunks instantly turn into a thong under high-speed friction. When visiting the Lihpao Land in Taichung, remember to keep your swimsuit pulled up tight. ■Like a Prank Show Film Set The most thrilling part of summer is playing in the water, but looking graceful or dignified at Yue Mei is simply impossible—it feels more like a prank show set. Beyond the aforementioned “Speedy Warriors Thong Moment,” there’s also Asia’s most powerful wave-making machine, capable of generating 2.4-meter-high waves...
Summer Family Trip – Escape the Heat in Dalat, Vietnam, and Enjoy French Romance
It’s true—Vietnam is only 20 degrees. Just spend some time in Dalat, and you’ll be so cool you won’t want to leave. With temperatures constantly hitting new highs, the mere thought of going outside can be daunting. But Dalat, a mountain city about 300 kilometers from Vietnam’s capital Ho Chi Minh City, is currently a refreshing 20 degrees, completely shattering the common perception of sweltering Southeast Asian summers. It’s so cool here that hotels don’t even need air conditioning, you can walk around without breaking a sweat, and ever since the French colonial period, it has been a beloved summer retreat for locals, exuding the elegant charm of a French mountain town. ■ Fun in the Cool French Mountain Town It only takes 40 minutes to fly from Ho Chi Minh City to Dalat on a domestic flight. As soon as you step out of the airport, the cool mountain breeze greets you, instantly banishing the summer heat. Tour guide A-Ping says: “Dalat sits at an altitude of about 1,500 meters, with an average annual temperature of around 20 degrees.”
Agricultural Specialties Exhibition and Seedling Giveaway
Where to go on the weekend? Head to the Southern Taiwan Agricultural Specialties Exhibition and enjoy a free giveaway of 400 pots of cheerful seedlings, plus fun challenges in a color painting game competition. The event takes place on the 10th and 11th at Kaohsiung Light Tower (opposite No. 215, Tongmeng 2nd Road, Kaohsiung City), featuring great deals such as agricultural specialties starting at just NT$1. The Kaohsiung City Government’s Department of Economic Development is hosting this summer fun event, where you can get 400 free pots of happy seedlings, experience rural traditional games, bid on agricultural products starting at NT$1, and enjoy the debut of a leisure agriculture sketching and painting activity. These two upcoming weekend holidays are perfect for family leisure trips—bring the whole family to Kaohsiung Light Tower for a relaxing and enjoyable outing. The Southern Taiwan Agricultural Specialties Promotion Event is jointly organized by the Kaohsiung City Government Department of Economic Development and the Kaohsiung City Farmers’ Association, and is held regularly on the second weekend of every month at a fixed location.
Summer Family Trip – Stargazing, Cold Spring BBQ & Fruit Picking in Zhuolan
The water pears and grapes in Zhuolan are ripe for the picking this summer season. Enjoy fruit picking with your kids, soak in the cold springs at Tai’an, and have a BBQ under the starry sky—guaranteed fun for the whole family. At the Jing Shan Fengshui Pear Specialty Production Area, located at the border of Zhuolan and Dahua in Miaoli, a fruit farmer picked up a small pear and began peeling it. I thought to myself, “How stingy, giving us such a tiny one.” But once the peel was off and I took a bite, the pear burst with juice in my mouth, making me feel like a character from a Stephen Chow movie—running along the beach in a white gown, my face smeared with sweet, blissful pear juice. Li Xianqi, owner of Zhengxing Orchard and head of the local production and sales group, along with his wife Zeng Suzhi, looked at me with a knowing smile that seemed to say, “Now you get it, huh?” Zeng Suzhi explained that the specialty of Jing Shan’s Fengshui pears is just how juicy they are. Though they may look small—about the size of a fist—they can sometimes weigh up to half a pound, packed with moisture.
Summer family trip – A real-life version of Ponyo on the Cliff
A new homestay has just opened on the East Coast of Hualien. Its stunning cliffside location not only witnessed a successful marriage proposal but also provided families with an exciting, splash-filled adventure amidst the mountains and sea. Additionally, the long-established homestay “Bridge No. 12 Space” has newly launched a fruit and vegetable farm along with a stream-trekking eco-tour, which is very popular with children. As for the creative cuisine by Amis warrior Yao Zhong, it has even earned praise from the president of a five-star hotel – definitely worth a try.
Budget Planning – A Family of Four Trip Won’t Break the Bank at 10,000 NTD
If traveling from Taipei to Hualien by public transport, it’s recommended to take the train to Hualien Station. The Tze-Chiang Limited Express costs 794 NTD per person round-trip, totaling 3,176 NTD for a family of four. To get to Yashang, you can take the Coastal Bus (Hailine Bus) from Hualien Bus Station in front of the train station and get off at Dongxing Station. Walk back about 5–10 minutes to reach the destination, with a bus ride of around 1.5 hours. To get to the 12th Bridge Space, get off at the 12th Bridge Station, where the homestay is right next door, about a 30-minute drive. For accommodation, taking Yashang as an example, the cost for four people is 4,500 NTD, including breakfast, afternoon tea, and dinner — not a hefty expense. If you’d like to drive and enjoy the scenic views along the East Coast, it’s recommended to rent a car near the train station, starting at 1,600 NTD per day, with fuel costs around 800–1,000 NTD per day. The total travel cost for a family of four for a 2-day, 1-night trip, including meals, accommodation, and car rental, starts at about 10,000 NTD.
Summer Family Trip – Macau in 3 Days & 2 Nights for Under 10,000 RMB
Traveling to Macau with your kids? Don’t worry — no drinking, no gambling, just fun, food, and fascinating cultural fusion. This 3-day, 2-night self-guided tour includes flights, accommodation, local transport, and three meals per person, all for around 10,000 RMB per person. Macau may be small, but it’s packed with variety. Ride the Macau Tower for thrills, explore the Science Center for hands-on fun, and step back in time at UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Plus, the local cuisine is affordable yet delicious. A 3-day, 2-night trip to Macau will broaden your horizons and enrich your knowledge. **Thrill Level No. 1: Macau Tower – Experience the SkyJump** Even a Superman wearing size S had to strap on a safety harness before daring to fly. Ever seen such a bold “Superman”? I was lucky enough to witness it — right here at Macau Tower. This young “Superman” is from the UK and has been traveling the world since May. Finally...
Summer Family Trip – Stay at Macau’s New Hotels
New hotels are constantly opening in Macau. What stunning accommodation options have emerged over the past year? After reading this report, you’ll definitely be eager to check them out. The City of Dreams features three premium hotels: Grand Hyatt, HARD ROCK, and Crown Towers Macau, each with its own distinctive style and unique appeal. Among them, the “Jacky Cheung Room” is particularly eye-catching. Additionally, the City of Dreams Boulevard, which connects the three hotels, offers shopping areas, entertainment zones, and the grand free 3D multimedia show “Dragon’s Treasure.” Just one year after its opening, its popularity continues to soar. In September, the latest large-scale aquatic performance “The House of Dancing Water” will also debut here, making it Asia’s top-tier entertainment destination.
Summer Family Trip – Building a Wonderland in the Wilderness at E-DA World for a Fun-Filled Holiday
The Daxi Township in Kaohsiung County, adjacent to the Gaoping River, has long been known for its serene rural charm, with produce like lychees and pineapples. However, in recent years, enterprises expanding from the nearby I-Shou University have completely transformed the township’s ordinary atmosphere. What was once a peaceful countryside town has now become "E-DA World," a massive development encompassing hotels, residential areas, an amusement park, and a shopping mall — the most dazzling new town project in Kaohsiung County. Among its attractions, E-DA Theme Park is the newest themed amusement park to debut this summer, already generating quite a buzz. ■ Everything Is Bigger Located just 15 kilometers from the Zuoying High-Speed Rail Station, E-DA World can be reached by car in under 15 minutes. Along the way, the scenery is rather desolate, with straight roads lined with E-DA World flags, giving the impression of entering a private kingdom. Lu Chi-wen, manager of the marketing planning department at E-DA World, said: "After years of..."
Kenting Caesar 3-Day Tour – Indulge in Culinary Madness
This summer, Kenting Caesar launches the “Summer Madness Caesar” 3-Day Tour, where you can enjoy 20 exciting activities and savor a wide selection of Taiwan’s finest cuisines — all for just NT$18,000 per couple. The resort’s Lan Yuan Chinese Restaurant presents the “Hengchun Flavor Meal,” featuring hot spring eggs, rain mushrooms, and Donggang seafood, paired with a specially brewed traditional herbal tea by the chef to beat the heat. The chef also recommends the à la carte “Summer Fruit Splash Meal,” crafted with seasonal mangoes and longans for an unforgettable taste. Discovery Western Restaurant offers the “North-South Food Fair,” serving treats like Checheng mung bean sprouts, white clam omelets, and Keelung bubble ice, ensuring you can sample Taiwan’s diverse flavors even while staying at a resort hotel. For a complete summer escape in Kenting, book the all-inclusive “Summer Madness Caesar” 3-Day Tour, which includes three delicious meals (two breakfasts, one lunch, and one dinner), as well as family-friendly activities such as parent-child kayaking, crab-spotting, DIY crafts, bike benefits, and guided tours to Frog Rock. Enjoy a fun-filled vacation exploring all the highlights of Kenting. Kenting Caesar has also designed the Little Caesar Kids Camp (for ages 4–12), allowing parents to leave their children in trusted hands. For more details, visit the Kenting Caesar official website (kenting.caesarpark.com.tw) or connect on Facebook by searching for Kenting Caesar, liking the page, and joining the fan benefits.
Happy Summer Fun Holidays – Special Room Rates for Exam Takers
Although summer is the peak travel season, to boost occupancy rates during non-weekend periods, leisure resorts located in various scenic tourist areas across the country are still launching various themed promotional room packages to attract guests. In addition to enriching package content through value-added strategies, these businesses also offer discounted room rates specifically for students and exam takers, hoping to encourage young people to travel together during the break.
Summer Trip to Macau – Early Bird Super Low Prices
It only takes 90 minutes to fly from Taiwan to Macau. With visa-free entry and Mandarin widely spoken, it’s perfect for planning an independent trip. The Macao Government Tourism Office recommends that families planning a summer trip include their children in the planning process, allowing them to express their ideas. This not only enhances parent-child communication but also helps kids become little travel experts. The Macao Government Tourism Office offers free travel information for those who wish to learn more.
Info Window – Summer in Macau This Year: Fun for the Whole Family with a Parent-Child Free & Easy Trip and Group Deals
The joyful summer vacation is just around the corner, and are you still wondering how to plan your holiday? Now, simply visit the Macau Travel Blog to check out carefully curated Macau travel itineraries shared by bloggers from all over. Moreover, if you can gather a group of four, you can enjoy an early-bird special for a three-day, two-night free & easy trip to Macau, starting at just NT$7,300 per person. The first 100 completed transactions will also receive a travel-specific safety waist bag and a personally signed copy of Zhou Youting’s essay book "You, Listen to You". Those departing before June 15th will also have a chance to win Cirque du Soleil tickets. In addition, by voting for your favorite Macau tourist attraction, you could win a round-trip flight to Macau for free, or a three-day, two-night free & easy Macau trip for two. Now search online for “group up to play in Macau” or enter the URL: (http://blog.ya
Trail Grading – Easy Family-Friendly Routes
Based on trail difficulty, the Xitou Nature Education Area classifies its routes into three categories: Easy, General, and Challenging. Among these, the recommended easy route for families is: Service Center – Forest Ecology Exhibition Center – University Pond – Open-Air Concert Stage – Canopy Walkway – Sacred Tree – Bamboo Cottage – Service Center. This 6.6-kilometer route is very gentle, taking about 4 to 5 hours to enjoy at a leisurely pace. Xitou Travel INDEX ★Xitou Nature Education Area / No. 9, Forest Lane, Lugu Township, Nantou County / 049-2612111 / Full fare NT$200, discount fare NT$160, 20% off on weekdays / GPS: N23.670173, E120.788519 ★Mimi Hotel / No. 1, Mimi Street, Neihu Village, Lugu Township, Nantou County / 049-2612299
Farm Tour Proposal 1 – A Family Adventure Through the Grape Tunnel, Enjoying Grapes Along the Way
The bountiful grape tunnel heralds the official start of the grape season in Changhua. Huang Junshi, the third-generation owner of the farm, says: “June is the season for Honey Red grapes, July for Kyoho grapes, and August for Golden grapes. Among them, Honey Red grapes are the most delicate to cultivate and the most expensive.” As one of the earliest farmers in Taiwan to grow Honey Red grapes, Huang Junshi explains: “Honey Red grapes are a Japanese variety. Our family has been growing them for 20 years. Their skin is very thin and easily damaged, but they have an intense fruity aroma—twice as strong as Kyoho grapes—and once you try them, you’ll be hooked.” Despite being nearly twice the price of Kyoho grapes, pre-orders for Honey Red grapes alone are almost enough to sell out this year’s entire harvest. Although you can enjoy Honey Red grapes through home delivery, the farm environment at Road Grapes is perfect for family outings. Especially noteworthy is the 200-meter-long grape tunnel at the entrance, a rare and atmospheric feature not commonly found in other vineyards. The young Huang Junshi hopes visitors will enjoy the cool shade and leisurely vibe under the grapevines, while also getting a close-up look at the ecology of grapevines.
Spending Board – Silks Place Yilan Encourages Family Travel
To encourage family travel, Silks Place Yilan has launched the “Family Portrait Package.” On weekdays, the rate is NT$8,888 per room, which includes accommodation for four in a deluxe room, breakfast and dinner for four, children’s DIY activities (for two children), and free access to the Fullon Health Club facilities. This package is available from now until February 28 (not applicable during the Spring Festival period from February 2 to 6, with an additional NT$500 per room on peak days and NT$1,800 per room on holidays), with a daily limit of five rooms. For more details, visit the Silks Place Yilan official website: www.silksplace-yilan.com.
Renting bikes makes family trips even more fun
Wufeng is perfect for family outings. Besides seeing pigs, petting sheep, admiring church architecture and agricultural cooperative industries, you can also learn about disaster prevention and visit the Provincial Assembly to explore Taiwan’s democratic political development. The attractions in Wufeng are all within just a few kilometers of each other. It’s recommended to start at the 921 Earthquake Education Park, where you can rent a bike to visit the various sites, or bring your own bike for added convenience. You can reach Wufeng in under 10 minutes by taking the Wufeng Interchange off Highway 3 to get to the 921 Earthquake Education Park. Alternatively, you can take a high-speed rail or train, transfer to Bus 50 from downtown Taichung, and enjoy a richer itinerary by combining it with a tour of downtown Taichung or Nantou.
Winter vacation & Chinese New Year – Latest overseas family trips – Hong Kong Disneyland newly decorated for the new year
Hong Kong Disneyland’s “Magical Moments” 5th Anniversary has officially begun. Following the unveiling ceremony of the 5th Anniversary celebration, presided over by Andy Bird, President & CEO of The Walt Disney Company Asia Pacific, and Michael Moriarty, CEO of Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, the park has officially donned its themed celebration attire. Mickey Mouse, Tinker Bell, and all the beloved Disney characters have gathered together in front of the brand-new Tinker Bell Castle, creating an exceptionally lively atmosphere. For the first time ever, Tinker Bell makes her debut in the park, joining forces with Sorcerer Mickey to cast magic and sprinkle magical stardust across the entire park, kicking off an unexpectedly wonderful “Magical Moments” experience right away. The globally unique and first-of-its-kind “Disney Paint the Night Parade,” which features a parade stage elevated 40 feet high for performance, makes a grand entrance. Located in the center of the park, Sleeping Beauty Castle will be transformed into the dazzling “Tinker Bell Castle.” All your favorite Disney characters are dressed in new outfits, with themed updates spanning from dining, merchandise, and hotel activities to the overall decor of the resort.