FunTime LIU
The 2018 Lunar New Year holiday period lasts six days. Have you planned where to go yet? In recent years, the festive atmosphere hasn’t been as strong as before. Instead, Taoyuan Airport is always packed with travelers preparing to go abroad. Today, we’re introducing several great countries to visit during the Lunar New Year. Even if you’re not having a reunion dinner in Taiwan, the whole family can still travel abroad together!
The best destination for traveling with elders during the Lunar New Year holiday is none other than Kyoto. With its slow-paced life and quiet streets throughout the city, plus a convenient transportation network that makes it easy to reach every attraction, Kyoto is full of historical sites—each corner might hold traces of the past. The charming, historic Kyoto is perfect for a family trip during the Lunar New Year!
■ Recommended must-visit attractions in Kyoto: Kiyomizu-dera, Yasaka Shrine, Kinkaku-ji, Fushimi Inari, Arashiyama (see more must-visit spots in Kyoto).
■ Recommended transportation in Kyoto: bus, subway, bicycle.
(Photo via Flickr, by Pedro Szekely, CC License)
In Japan’s Kansai region, Kyoto is great for the elders, while Osaka is the playground for the young. When traveling in the Kansai area, Kyoto and Osaka are often included in the same itinerary. After taking the elders to Kyoto, it’s the young people’s turn to shop up a storm in Osaka!
Among all regions in Japan, Osaka is one of the most beloved shopping cities by Taiwanese, second only to Tokyo. It gathers global fashion trends, well-known Japanese drugstores, must-buy electronics, and authentic local delicacies you have to try in Japan—Osaka has it all. Besides being a bustling shopping paradise, Osaka also has many attractions suitable for visiting with the elders.
■ Recommended must-visit attractions in Osaka: Dotonbori, Shinsaibashi, Osaka Castle Park, Tsutenkaku, Umeda.
■ Recommended transportation in Osaka: subway.
(Photo via Flickr, by Kristoffer Trolle, CC License)
Visiting Busan as a family during the Lunar New Year is highly recommended. Unlike Seoul’s fast-paced life, Busan is coastal, more laid-back, and enjoys a slower tempo—making it an ideal vacation city.
When traveling to Busan as a family, you can enjoy the crystal-clear seascape at Haeundae, feast on fresh and affordable seafood at Jagalchi Market, or go on a shopping spree in Seomyeon. Busan is truly a great place for a family outing during the Lunar New Year. Escape the hustle and bustle of daily work and head to Busan to unwind and relax!
■ Recommended must-visit attractions in Busan: Seomyeon, Haeundae, Gamcheon Culture Village, Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, Jagalchi Market.
■ Recommended transportation in Busan: subway, taxi.
(Photo via Flickr, by cotaro70s , CC License)
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During the Lunar New Year, Taiwan can be quite chilly. Why not pack up the family and head to a tropical paradise? Stay in a nice villa where you can gaze at the blue sky and ocean every day, feel the sea breeze, breathe in the fresh air, and sip on a bottle of beer. Isn’t that a wonderful way to spend the holiday?
Traveling with the whole family to a tropical island has its perks. It’s generally more convenient and relaxing, but do note that transportation options in some areas may not be as developed. If you prefer convenience or have elderly or young members in the group, be sure to plan and assess the risks in advance.
■ Tropical island destinations: Hawaii, Guam, Saipan, Phuket, Okinawa. ■ Recommended transportation: flight, ferry.
(Photo via Flickr, by Thomas Depenbusch , CC License)
Mainland China has many cities with breathtaking scenery that elders are sure to love. When it comes to Guilin in China, everyone thinks of the saying, “Guilin’s scenery is the best under heaven, and Yangshuo’s is the best in Guilin.” Just seeing Guilin’s landscapes will confirm how true that is. Guilin’s picturesque scenery is like a painting—spending the entire Lunar New Year holiday surrounded by mountains and rivers is truly a life highlight.
Taking a boat along the Li River to Yangshuo offers some of the most beautiful scenery in Guilin. Between the mountains and the river, there are no honking cars or noisy crowds—only the sound of flowing water and rustling leaves. Enjoying Guilin’s landscape and leisurely passing the Lunar New Year holiday is incredibly peaceful.
■ Recommended must-visit attractions in Guilin: Li River cruise, Elephant Trunk Hill, Sun and Moon Pagodas, Silver Cave, Longji Rice Terraces.
■ Recommended way to explore Guilin: join a tour group.
(Photo via Flickr, by Grey World, CC License)
Besides escaping to tropical islands to avoid the cold, Bangkok in Thailand is also a great option during the Lunar New Year period. Thailand is pretty much summer year-round, so during Taiwan’s Lunar New Year, it’s actually the cool season—perfect for unwinding in Bangkok. Try authentic Thai cuisine, experience iconic floating markets, and enjoy affordable and soothing Thai massages.
■ Recommended must-visit attractions in Bangkok: Chatuchak Market, Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha), Maeklong Railway Market, Pratunam Market, Wat Pak Nam.
■ Recommended transportation in Bangkok: subway and taxi.
(Photo via Flickr, by Jane Selomulyo, CC License)
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During the Chinese New Year holiday, if your budget allows, bring the whole family to vacation in Australia in the southern hemisphere. January and February are the height of summer in Australia—perfect for escaping Taiwan’s cold weather. A great holiday in Australia is definitely a solid choice. Beautiful surfing destinations like the Gold Coast, iconic sights such as the Sydney Opera House, visiting the zoo and taking photos with koalas—these are just a few options.
In Australia, you’ll never run out of places to go, only out of time to explore them all. A family vacation to Australia is a unique experience you’ll never forget.
■ Must-visit attractions in Australia: Sydney Opera House, Bondi Beach, Gold Coast, Taronga Zoo.
■ Recommended transportation in Australia: subway and taxi.
(Photo via Flickr, by M M , CC License)
This year’s Chinese New Year holiday isn’t too long, nor too short. Aside from Australia, there are plenty of other countries you can easily explore and enjoy. But if you want to spend the New Year with your whole family in sunny Australia in the southern hemisphere, consider using a few days of your annual leave to make the most of the trip.
[FunTime Travel Recommendations]Authorized reprint. Original article from [Where to Go During the Chinese New Year? 7 Great Holiday Destinations We Recommend for You!]