A top city choice for independent travelers！ Taipei joins forces by land and air to conquer the Hong Kong International Travel Expo

▲ Taipei City Government Department of Information and Tourism Director Janice Yen (簡余晏) and tourism industry representatives promote Taipei tourism in Hong Kong. (Photo / Taipei City Government Department of Information and Tourism)

Life News Center / Comprehensive Report

As one of the world’s top ten regions in outbound tourism spending, Hong Kong represents a massive market for independent travelers. From August 15 to 18, the Taipei City Government’s Department of Information and Tourism participated in the Hong Kong Travel Expo, joining forces with two major airlines — “China Airlines” and “EVA Air” — as well as the “Taoyuan Airport MRT” and “Taipei Sightseeing Bus” to roll out exclusive deals. With a combined land-and-air effort, the goal is to offer Hong Kong travelers a new experience of Taipei’s convenience and fun.

For independent travelers, the foremost criterion when choosing a destination is transportation convenience — and this is precisely where Taipei, as a metropolitan travel hub, shines. Taipei boasts an exceptionally convenient transport network. Aside from its comprehensive MRT system, the MRT line connecting to the airport is already operational. The dense network of public buses, along with dedicated bicycle lanes throughout the city, make Taipei an ideal choice for independent travelers. This year, Taipei has also launched a “Double-Decker Sightseeing Bus” to serve international visitors, giving them a fresh perspective on exploring the city.

Director Janice Yen noted that from August 19 to 30, during the Taipei 2017 Universiade, over 10,000 athletes from more than 100 countries will gather in Taipei — making it one of the most significant international events in recent years. Visitors can not only enjoy thrilling sporting competitions but also live performances by artists such as A-Lin and Wang Leehom. Universiade tickets are now on sale and can be easily booked online.It’s extremely convenient, and Hong Kong friends are welcome to come cheer on their athletes！

▲ Director Janice Yen and Taipei Double-Decker Sightseeing Bus CEO Xu Haoyuan promote the sightseeing bus. (Photo / Taipei City Government Department of Information and Tourism)

Janice Yen said that given the shared language and writing systems, Hong Kong’s vibrancy, food culture, and lifestyle are very similar to Taipei’s — which is why visitor return rates are so high. In recent years, Taipei has undergone tremendous transformation. Areas like Dadaocheng are must-visits for hipster travelers, while Beimen (North Gate) serves as an extension of the Ximending experience. Beyond the hip and trendy culture, visitors can also delve deeper into Taipei’s historic streetscapes.

Janice Yen emphasized that this time, she especially recommends that Hong Kong travelers take the Taipei Double-Decker Sightseeing Bus — hence the preparation of 3,000 “Taipei Double-Decker Sightseeing Bus 4-Hour Tickets.”Worth NT$900,000 in total, these tickets are available to those who purchase bundled air, hotel, and tour packages from China Airlines or EVA Air during the Hong Kong Travel Expo. She also announced 300 meal vouchers as additional gifts for these bundled packages. On-site discounts from recommended shops along the bus route were also offered — valid until the end of September this year, with exclusive offers available upon presentation of promotional leaflets.

Taipei has not only tailored essential food and activity itineraries for Hong Kong travelers, but also specially invited travel influencer Ah Xiang (阿翔) to shoot the short film “Fun Taipei,” showing how to make the most of limited time in the city.Ah Xiang said he loves this type of hop-on-hop-off, in-depth travel style. Within just a few hours, he not only admired the original architecture of Taipei’s historic North Gate but also experienced the cultural elements extending from it. Most notably, what sets Taipei apart from Hong Kong in terms of tourism is the hot spring experience！Ah Xiang joked that Director Yen’s flawless skin must be thanks to regular visits to the beauty-enhancing hot springs, so Hong Kong friends coming to Taiwan must give them a try. Meanwhile, those who love a hipster vibe should definitely explore Taipei — areas like Huashan 1914 Creative Park, Songshan Cultural and Creative Park, and many other thoughtfully curated cultural districts will leave creative souls thoroughly enchanted.

▲ Director Janice Yen invites travel influencer Ah Xiang to help promote Taipei tourism. (Photo / Taipei City Government Department of Information and Tourism)

Traveling along the sightseeing bus route from west to east also allows exploration of Taipei’s blended culture. Around Yongkang Street, in addition to Taiwanese snacks from both north and south, there’s also an infusion of international culture.International tourists particularly enjoy wandering through the small alleys here to soak in the literary atmosphere. The area is also home to many universities and dormitories donated by renowned professors, such as “Ching Tian Qi Liu,” all tucked away in the lanes.At the entrance to Qingtian Street, you’ll find the lush “Da’an Forest Park,” known as the “Lungs of Taipei.” Its wealth of phytoncides and natural wildlife rivals that of New York’s Central Park. Traveling further east along the sightseeing bus route, the iconic Taipei 101 comes into view. Taipei is a metropolitan blend of tradition and modernity — just like riding the sightseeing bus, it rewards those who take the time to savor it from a different perspective. Ah Xiang warmly welcomes Hong Kong visitors to join him in Taipei, ride the sightseeing bus, and enjoy an amazing Fun Taipei adventure.

During the expo, China Airlines and EVA Air also launched special “independent travel bundled air-and-hotel” packages to celebrate the event. China Airlines Hong Kong Branch General Manager Chung Wan-chun announced a three-day-two-night travel package deal at NT$4,992 (1280 HKD × 3.9 exchange rate), while EVA Air Hong Kong Branch Director Chang Ming-hong unveiled a similar package priced at NT$5,031 (1290 HKD × 3.9 exchange rate). These are great deals available exclusively at the expo. At the Taipei Pavilion in the Taiwan Pavilion, a roulette quiz interactive game and QR code scanning activities are being held, with limited-edition eco-friendly bags, hotpot meal vouchers, and Wenshan Baozhong tea among the prizes for participants — ensuring a rewarding experience for all visitors to the Taipei booth. Don’t miss out！

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