Classic Itineraries
Typhoon Triggers Rescue: 5 Hikers Stranded on Daxue Mountain Rescued Safely
Five hikers climbing a mountain were stranded in the mountains due to Typhoon Lekima, which caused a major landslide on a forest road. After police and firefighters formed a joint rescue team to search the area, the rescuers located the five hikers at 7:44 a.m. on the 13th after nearly two days of trekking. All were unharmed and immediately began descending the mountain with the rescue team. The group has now reached the 9K point of Forest Road 230 and plans to continue toward the Xiaoxue Mountain Visitor Center before nightfall.
Hiking to a High Mountain Peak, Only to Spot a Sofa – Leader’s Face Changes as They Urgently Descend
Stories about mountain climbing are endless – the higher the mountain, the more spiritual it is. Many experienced hikers know that strange things encountered in the mountains should be approached with reverence. A netizen shared a bizarre incident their relative experienced while hiking a high peak. This usually skeptical relative never dared to challenge that mountain again afterward.
No need to fear fewer Chinese mainland tourists—New Taipei City’s Mountain Hiking Festival unveils 9 tour packages to boost tourism
To mitigate the impact of Chinese mainland restrictions on independent travel for mainland tourists, New Taipei City Government has significantly expanded various tourism activities. The flagship event, “Activity Instead of Consumption,” in collaboration with travel agencies and local specialty stores, launches the New Taipei Mountain Hiking Festival, promoting 9 carefully selected deep mountain trail tour packages. With transportation, meals, and activities all included for under NT$2,000, the initiative aims to invigorate the tourism market.
Five hikers stranded on Daxue Mountain’s Forest Route 230; Snow Mountain National Park Police deploy rescue team
Five hikers stranded on Daxue Mountain’s Forest Route 230; Snow Mountain National Park Police deploy rescue team
The Daokeng Trails No. 1 and No. 3 are temporarily closed due to landslides
The Daokeng Mountain area, a favorite among central Taiwan hikers, has been severely affected by persistent heavy rainfall. Landslides have caused large amounts of soil and rocks to collapse along Trails No. 1 and No. 3. In addition, the structure of the wooden boardwalks is partially suspended in mid-air, creating dangerous conditions. The Taichung City Tourism and Travel Bureau stated that Mayor Lu Shieu-huan has ordered the temporary closure of Trails No. 1 and No. 3, with immediate repairs to follow. Safety warning tapes have been installed around hazardous sections to prevent accidents.
Mandarin Airlines teams up with Zhongzhu Car Rental to seize self-drive tour opportunities: 35% off rentals every day, no weekday/weekend difference
To help air travelers easily connect to ground transportation and tap into the self-drive tourism market, Mandarin Airlines has partnered with Zhongzhu Car Rental for the first time. Starting today, customers can book car rentals through the Mandarin Airlines official website. Presenting a Mandarin Airlines boarding pass entitles travelers to rental discounts—35% off for car rentals across Taiwan, regardless of weekday or weekend. Travelers can conveniently rent a car and start their self-drive adventure right after landing. Mandarin Airlines has become the first domestic airline in Taiwan to collaborate with Zhongzhu Car Rental.
Xining Launches RV Self-Drive Tours to Expand Qinghai’s Tourism Scale
With the growing popularity of tourism in Qinghai, Xining has leveraged its strategic location as a gateway connecting eastern and western China, becoming a key rest stop and supply hub for self-drive tourists before they continue their journeys. Statistics show that in 2018, Xining received a total of 1.453 million self-drive vehicles from outside Qinghai and accommodated 5.086 million self-drive tourists.
AVIS car rental invites you to explore Penghu by self-drive
The world’s largest car rental brand, AVIS, celebrates seven years of operations in Taiwan. Upholding its service philosophy of “We Try Harder,” the brand has reached a new milestone. To thank customers for their continued support, AVIS is rolling out multiple promotions and new services this year. Among them is a Taiwan-first initiative: an international car rental brand establishing a presence on an offshore island — the AVIS Penghu branch. In collaboration with a star-rated hotel, AVIS has created the ultimate summer self-drive package in Penghu, inviting travelers to embark on an unforgettable summer adventure with AVIS. Additionally, show your Uni Air boarding pass when renting a car to enjoy a 55% discount on weekdays and free airport transfers. Get accommodation and transport all in one go, and let your journey begin with AVIS.
Taiwanese Tourists in Japan Face Backlash for Illegal Parking, But Japanese Netizens Respond with Kindness
Taiwan and Japan have frequent exchanges. Taiwan is not only the top overseas destination for Japanese travelers during Golden Week, but Japan is also the most beloved travel destination for Taiwanese. Recently, a user on the forum BaoFei Commune exposed bad behavior by Taiwanese tourists in Japan — they parked a taxi in a convenience store parking lot for over half a day and were questioned by the police. In response, many Taiwanese netizens criticized the act as bringing shame to Taiwan, but Japanese netizens had a different take. One said that people with low quality exist in every country, and he wouldn’t think Taiwan is a terrible place because of this. Moreover, Japanese people really, really like Taiwanese.
North American Self-Drive Road Trips & Joyful Travel – Air Canada Offers Special Flight Deals
Renting a car for a road trip in Canada or the U.S. is becoming an increasingly popular travel choice for many visitors. With your own wheels, you can drive to any attraction or city, pull over to admire scenic views along the way, and even encounter wildlife during your journey. For joyful self-drive adventures across North America, Air Canada is now offering round-trip flights from Taipei to Vancouver starting from NT$18,693 (taxes included), and to Fort St. John from NT$21,909. These special prices are only available until 23:59 on April 7.
Self-drive tours and property-viewing trips are booming—new travel trends for Chinese tourists going abroad
Chinese tourists traveling abroad are no longer just sightseeing and shopping—they now have other purposes, including obtaining an International Driving Permit (IDP) on South Korea’s Jeju Island, viewing properties or investing in emerging markets such as Cambodia, Thailand, and Malaysia, or taking their children to visit prestigious universities in the U.S. and the UK to gather more study-abroad information. All of these have become added values to overseas trips. Currently, one of the hottest itineraries is the IDP trip to Jeju Island. On October 23, the 2018 China (Jinan) Self-Drive Travel Conference held in Jinan, Shandong, released official statistics from the Chinese mainland, showing that in 2017, self-driving trips accounted for over 65% of the tourism market, exceeding 3.1 billion trips, especially among the post-80s and post-90s generations.
From Guilin to Ha Long Bay in Vietnam — an overland self-driving tour begins
On the morning of June 1, following consultations between the Guangxi region of mainland China and Vietnam’s Quang Ninh province, the cross-border self-driving tour along the Guilin–Ha Long Golden Tourism Route was officially launched at the Dongxing Port in Fangchenggang City. The Belt and Road Initiative has not only accelerated commercial exchanges between mainland China and neighboring countries but also expanded people-to-people interactions, with tourism being at the forefront of such exchanges. On the morning of June 1, a convoy of 48 self-driving vehicles from mainland China and 18 from Vietnam drove across the China-Vietnam Friendship Bridge, kicking off a five-day cross-border road trip. This new cross-border self-driving route connecting Guilin in mainland China with Ha Long in Vietnam traverses six cities in Guangxi — Fangchenggang, Qinzhou, Nanning, Laibin, Liuzhou, and Guilin — as well as two locations in Vietnam: Mong Cai and Ha Long City. This route marks a significant milestone in the development of Guangxi’s tourism industry. Industry insiders noted that the stretch from Guilin to Dongxing in Fangchenggang is a key tourism corridor in Guangxi. Quang Ninh Province, on the other hand, is the most resource-rich tourism destination in northern Vietnam, home to the world-famous Ha Long Bay — one of the “New7Wonders of Nature” and a UNESCO dual World Heritage Site. The introduction of self-driving tours allows mainland travelers to drive directly to these attractions, making travel more convenient.
Belt and Road fever: Road-tripping around neighboring countries in China
Liu Sendao, a 90-year-old resident of Chengdu, has been road-tripping across China by car for the past month. In each city he visits, he sends blessings back to family and friends who care about him. This time, his top destination is Mongolia — he wants to see the vast deserts and stay in a traditional yurt. Traveling by car across China is nothing new, but more and more people are not only exploring domestically, but also extending their road trips to destinations further north such as Russia and Mongolia, as well as those to the south like Vietnam and Laos. The Belt and Road Initiative has not only brought China closer to its neighboring countries, but also broadened the travel horizons of its people. Do you remember on May 3, 2018, at 10 a.m. in front of the administrative building of Sichuan University, 90-year-old Liu Sendao and cycling painter Yunshui (the pen name of Liu Sendao’s son Liu Yunshan) officially kicked off their cross-country road trip around China.
Guangxi to Ha Long Bay, Vietnam: Self-drive Tours Available from June
The cross-border self-drive route from Guilin, China to Ha Long Bay, Vietnam, along the golden tourism corridor, opened on June 1, allowing travelers to drive to Ha Long Bay themselves. According to relevant regulations, the Dongxing border crossing permits a maximum of 50 vehicles to exit China for self-drive trips to Vietnam per day, with visitors allowed to stay in Vietnam for no more than five days. Additionally, in the second half of this year, a self-drive route from Pingxiang, Guangxi to Lang Son Province, Vietnam, is also expected to open. Guangning is the most tourism-rich province in northern Vietnam. Ha Long Bay, known as the “Ha Long Bay on the sea” or “Maritime Guilin,” is a top destination for both domestic and international tourists visiting Vietnam. Statistics show that in 2016 and 2017, the number of entries and exits through the Dongxing border crossing reached 7.156 million and 9.965 million respectively. From January to April this year, the number has already hit 4.0802 million. Especially between March 13 and 22 this year, the daily entry-exit record was broken four times within just ten days.
Japan’s Top 5 Self-Drive Paradises Revealed: Q Grips Offer Lowest Daily Rate Under ¥700
According to statistics from the Japan Tourism Agency, the number of car rentals by Taiwanese travelers in the first quarter of 2018 had increased 1.7 times compared to the same period in 2015, clearly showing that Taiwanese people love traveling to Japan independently. In addition to taking trains, the Shinkansen, and buses, self-drive tours have also become a popular trend, as they offer greater freedom and solve the mobility issues for remote attractions. They are especially convenient for families who need to carry plenty of essentials. So, which areas in Japan do travelers prefer for self-driving? Based on the sales data of “Tickets & Local Tours” from EzTravel, the top five most popular self-drive destinations in Japan have been ranked, with Okinawa topping the list for car rental demand.
Lancheng Grand Crystal Hotel – Free Self-Drive Volkswagen Cars
Known as the top hotel for family-friendly travel, Lancheng Grand Crystal Hotel has been making waves in recent years. Following the launch of the Fendouqibao children’s electric car-themed floor, which earned it a reputation in the family tourism scene, the hotel also incorporated the New Moon Luxury Cinema into its services, offering guests free access to the latest blockbusters during their stay under the “Happy Cinema” program. These value-added services have delighted both adults and children. Last year, the hotel ambitiously transformed its presidential suite space into the “WOWO Fun Family Play Area,” further elevating its offerings. In 2018, Lancheng Grand Crystal aims to enhance its travel services by investing a bold NT$50 million in a cross-industry collaboration with Volkswagen Taiwan. The hotel has acquired dozens of Volkswagen models and built a dedicated car pick-up center, significantly upgrading the convenience of travel for guests. It is now the only resort in Taiwan that offers an all-in-one vacation experience covering food, accommodation, transportation, travel, and entertainment.
Crazy Road Trip by Couple in DIY Vehicle Draws Police Attention
Two people, one dog, and a campervan—this is the dream of many travel enthusiasts. Guangzhou couple Gao Zhen and Tingting made this dream come true. The stunning videos and photos of beautiful scenery they posted along their journey amazed their social media friends and went viral online. Even the Ministry of Public Security took notice of this romantic story and issued a reminder about modified vehicles. Since setting off after the 2017 Spring Festival, Gao Zhen and Tingting have been traveling for over a year. They previously worked in advertising in Guangzhou, but the high-pressure environment left them feeling numb. They decided to boldly embark on a road trip across China while continuing to work during their travels. Gao Zhen bought an ordinary minivan, did extensive research, and spent three months modifying it. He removed the back seats, added soundproofing and thermal insulation layers, and installed flooring in the vehicle. To make cooking easier, he also added water and electricity facilities. The tires were also replaced...
Lucheng Crystal Yuan Teams Up with Volkswagen to Offer Free Self-Drive Tours in Yilan with Complimentary Stay
Lucheng Crystal Yuan Hotel and Volkswagen Taiwan announced today (29th) a cross-industry launch of the innovative "Carstel" experience service. The hotel has invested NT$50 million to purchase 40 units of three latest Volkswagen models, and starting June, guests staying at Lucheng Crystal Yuan for three days and two nights or longer can freely choose a vehicle for a convenient self-drive tour in Yilan — a first in Taiwan. Lucheng Crystal Yuan has gained fame in the family travel sector with its "Fondoo Castle," and uniquely created an electric car-themed floor for children. In recent years, it has partnered with the New Moon Luxury Cinema located downstairs to launch the "Happy Cinema" service, including a first-run cinema as a complimentary hotel facility. This year, the service experience has been significantly upgraded to provide guests with travel convenience and meet the needs of family vacations. Lucheng Crystal Yuan stated that Carstel is an innovative term formed from the plural of "Car"
Japan cherry blossom peak season travel deals slashed too—grab these cheap overseas trips fast within these 5 days
EasyTravel’s “33 Sensation Festival” will kick off from March 1st to 5th, featuring numerous ultra-low-price options under NT$10,000, including Bangkok one-way flights starting from NT$1,333, Hong Kong flights from NT$2,633, Okinawa 4-day free and easy trips with tax from NT$8,333, Singapore 4-day free and easy trips with tax from NT$8,333, and Seoul 5-day free and easy trips with tax from NT$9,933. Moreover, as Japan’s cherry blossom season from late March to early May approaches, these popular travel packages are even more exceptionally offering discounts. Travelers looking to go abroad should seize this 5-day event to snag great deals. Japan cherry blossom peak season travel costs have always been high, with Tokyo, Hokuriku, and Shikoku cherry blossom tours being popular choices. Yet, during this peak sales period, travel agencies are slashing prices to attract customers, and EasyTravel’s “33 Sensation Festival” is offering a special deal: save NT$3,300 when the second person purchases any travel product.
Live life to the fullest — an 84-year-old grandma goes on a driving adventure
Hu Yueming, an 84-year-old woman from Ningbo, Zhejiang, has made driving a source of joy in her life ever since she got her driver’s license at the age of 70. Every time she goes on a self-driving trip, she invites her classmates from the senior university to join her for an outing. Recently, she got a new car and even took a series of photos with her beloved vehicle.