Hokkaido Welcomes Red-Crowned Cranes, Taipei Promotes “Small Joys” Travel

By Li Xinyi, compiled and reported

The Hokkaido Prefectural Government and Kushiro City Government gifted precious red-crowned cranes to Taipei City. On the evening of the 13th, Tourism and Communications Bureau Director Zhao Xinpeng took the opportunity of her trip to Japan to welcome the cranes, introducing at a welcome banquet hosted by the Japanese side the “Taipei ‘Small Joys’ Journey,” four specially curated free independent travel itineraries for Japanese visitors, and announcing travel discounts for residents of Hokkaido.

The “Taipei ‘Small Joys’ Journey” is specially designed for independent Japanese travelers, featuring four themed itineraries: “Leisurely Exploring Mountains and Forests with Elegant Design,” “Discovering Hidden Charms in Alleys and Streets,” “Historic Sites Tour for Good Fortune,” and “Cultural Banquet for Leisure and Longevity.” Among them, the “Leisurely Exploring Mountains and Forests with Elegant Design” itinerary combines a visit to Taipei Zoo with the theme of the “2011 Taipei World Design Expo,” inviting travelers to explore the zoo, Maokong (cable car rides and tea tasting), Zhinan Temple, the Taipei World Design Expo, and the Xinyi Shopping District.

EVA Air will launch the “Taipei Happiness Trip” package in mid-October. The first 1,888 Hokkaido residents who purchase the “Taipei Happiness Trip” product and confirm their travel will receive a Taipei Cable Car Edition Taipei Pass from Taipei City Government. In addition to NT$250 in value, which allows unlimited rides on the Maokong Gondola, Taipei Metro, and city buses for one day, the pass also comes with coupons from 100 merchants.