MOOK Scenic Spots 2014 Top Ten Popular Attractions & Event Topics

By Zhang Yingying   Source / MOOK Scenic Spots Travel Life Network Editorial Department

Reviewing the popular tourist attractions, event topics, and focal points of 2014, MOOK Scenic Spots analyzed annual web traffic and fan page interactions (likes and responses) to compile this year’s top ten activity topics. Together, let’s document the key highlights of travel and leisure in 2014, and continue to embrace the passion for travel in 2015 by conquering even more fascinating destinations.

1. 1600 Pandas World Tour & Yuan Zai

Starting early in 2014, the 1600 Pandas World Tour kicked off its exhibition in Taipei, followed by displays across Taiwan, and concluded just before the inauguration of the National Taichung Theater. During its run, pop-up events and MRT carriages adorned with panda designs created photo-taking frenzies at major attractions such as Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, Taipei City Hall, and the Presidential Office. The topic of wildlife conservation also gained traction through these activities. Panda charm was further amplified by Yuan Zai, the baby panda at Taipei Zoo, whose first birthday on July 6th was celebrated with related events and festivities, offering heartwarming and memorable moments for panda lovers from around the world.

2. Camphor Tree of Takeshi Kaneshiro & Yilan Literature Museum

Following the surge in popularity of the Bangrang Boulevard due to Takeshi Kaneshiro’s commercial for EVA Air in 2013, the large tree under which he was seen resting and drinking tea—dubbed the “Camphor Tree of Takeshi Kaneshiro”—became a major attraction. On one hand, the overwhelming number of visitors caused inconvenience to local residents, and on the other, the booming tourism led to the continuous development of facilities like the Chihshang Sightseeing Bus. In July, Typhoon Matmo uprooted the camphor tree, sparking renewed attention and discussion. Fortunately, EVA Air invited renowned Japanese tree doctor Mr. Toshio Yamashita and his team to provide free expertise for the 40-plus-year-old Formosan alder tree, which has since gradually recovered. This year, Kaneshiro’s appearance in a Chunghwa Telecom commercial once again stirred up excitement, drawing crowds to cultural spots like the Yilan Literature Museum and Hesheng Tai Ping Café, both housed in historic Japanese-style buildings.

3. LINE Friends Interactive Exhibition & Cartoon/Comic Star Craze

2014 saw numerous cartoon character exhibitions in Taiwan, ranging from Hello Kitty celebrating its 40th anniversary, Snoopy’s 65th birthday, the One Piece original illustration & image exhibition, to year-end events like Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Road Chip, The Little Prince special exhibition, and Disney’s 90th Anniversary Exhibition, all capturing the attention of children and adults alike. The Teddy Bear Carnival in Taichung, which gained immense popularity since its debut last year, returned for its second edition at the end of 2014 with an upgraded “big bear with little bear” theme, creating another wave of buzz. Among these adorable-themed exhibitions, the LINE Friends Interactive Exhibition—propelled to fame by the messaging app—garnered nationwide attention. The limited-edition merchandise sold exclusively at the event was a major highlight, with many fans planning mini-trips just to attend. The exhibition also added momentum to the year’s travel activities. In late October, Taiwan’s first official LINE Friends merchandise store opened at Breeze Songgao, attracting large crowds of enthusiasts and generating significant commercial opportunities.

4. Spring Cherry Blossoms, Autumn Maple Leaves & Flower Seas

Taiwanese people love flower seas, and these floral events have grown more spectacular year after year. Starting with plum blossom viewing at the beginning of the year, January through March marked the peak cherry blossom season across Taiwan, with hotspots including Wuling Farm, Alishan, Tamsui Tianyuan Temple, and Yangmingshan—all drawing continuous crowds. This was followed by the tung blossom and golden rain tree seasons, with Tainan’s golden rain tree displays and Baihe’s lotus festivals attracting increasing attention. From August onward, the daylily season brought vibrant hues of gold and orange. Other memorable floral events included the Grass Mountain Ancient Trail silvergrass season, Tongluo Chrysanthemum Festival, and the East Rift Valley Flower Sea. Autumn brought stunning foliage from north to south, along with seasonal flower exhibits at the Shilin Official Residence. Among these, the annual Xinshe Flower Sea Festival at year’s end stands out as Taiwan’s most significant flower-related event.