Mayor Ko Wen-je’s Hotel Stay Becomes Pilgrimage Spot; Businesses Offer 70% Off Discounts Amid “One-Day Two Towers” Craze

▲ Mayor Ko Wen-je takes on the “One-Day Two Towers” challenge, later drawing fans to pilgrimage along the “Ko Route.” (Photo / Provided by Taipei City Government)

Reporter Lin Yuying / Comprehensive Report

After completing the “One-Day Two Cities” cycling challenge in January, Taipei Mayor Ko Wen-je raised the difficulty level at the end of February by taking on the “One-Day Two Towers,” cycling from the Fugui Cape Lighthouse in Keelung to the Eluanbi Lighthouse in Kenting. Originally planning to keep a low profile and not disclose the detailed route to avoid crowds, related information kept leaking, and even the hotel he stayed at that night was exposed. Later, it attracted many Ko fans who came to pay homage and specifically asked for the same suite the mayor had stayed in. Smart businesses also offered discounts to those wanting to take on the “Ko Route”—anyone who cycles past the hotel, takes a photo, and checks in can enjoy 30% to 50% off on accommodation and dining.

▲ The hotel where Mayor Ko stayed has been revealed. (Photo / Provided by He Hotel / same as below)

Following the “One-Day Two Cities” route from Taipei to Kaohsiung in January, Ko Wen-je took on the “One-Day Two Towers” on February 27, cycling from the Fugui Cape Lighthouse in Keelung to the Eluanbi Lighthouse in Kenting, covering a total distance of 520 kilometers. The night before, he and his team stayed at He Hotel on the North Coast. Business owners said that although Ko appeared slightly tired, he still interacted warmly with the staff. Early the next morning, before setting off, he was already fully geared up and seemed completely at ease, leaving the hotel around 5 a.m.

The hotel’s large ship-shaped building is quite eye-catching, and due to Ko’s stay, the hotel reported a noticeable increase in bookings and foot traffic, with many specifically requesting the “Norwegian-themed double room” that the mayor had stayed in. In addition, commemorative goods such as mugs and postcards signed by Ko Wen-je were also in high demand among “Ko fans” who wanted to buy the same items.

▲ Fans even requested the same room type that the mayor had stayed in.

Smart businesses, in response to the “One-Day Two Towers” craze sparked by Ko Wen-je, mobilized their outlets across Taiwan, offering housing and dining discounts every day, allowing cyclists who want to take on the “Ko Route” to enjoy consumption at 30% to 50% off. The promotion is divided into light, medium, and heavy-level cycling challenges, open for booking from now until June 30. The “Light Level” involves a one-day cycling trip on the North Coast—those who take a photo at the hotel can enjoy a 50% discount on dining. The “Medium Level” is the Taipei-Kaohsiung bike tour, starting from the Shimen Flagship Hotel and cycling to Kenting Starry Resort, with those who check in eligible for a 40% discount on accommodation. The “Heavy Level” route goes from the Shimen Flagship Hotel through Kenting Starry Resort and on to Hualien Sunrise Hotel—those who take photos at all three locations can enjoy a 30% discount on accommodation at all three hotels.

▲ In addition, commemorative goods such as mugs and postcards signed by Ko Wen-je are also popular, with many “Ko fans” wanting to buy the same items.