Asia - Taiwan Will Touch Your Heart: A Virtual Tour

View Full Version : Taiwan Will Touch Your Heart: A Virtual Tour

lin821

Nov 29, 07, 5:40 pm

Thanks to Chien-Ming Wang (http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=7502) (his official website: here (http://web.40chienmingwang.com/index.jsp)), Taiwan was showcased in Yankee Stadium. I believe the shown clips (about 10.5 minutes) capture Taiwan pretty well:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gRu2oK0Kqc4

I recall seeing posts/threads requesting info about Taiwan (short visit, transportation, sightseeing..etc). I find this site (http://www.go2taiwan.net/) by Taiwan Tourist Bureau provides quite a few good pointers. Thought it will be useful to our fellow FTers who plan to visit Taiwan, my home country.

PCheng

Nov 29, 07, 6:10 pm

jimbo99

Nov 29, 07, 7:31 pm

One thing I always find puzzling is why Taiwan attracts so few Western tourists.
Taiwan has good shopping, excellent food, and exciting nightlife; National Palace Museum has the best Chinese collection in the world bar none; the east coast of Taiwan has beautiful natural scenary; Kenting, Green island, and Peng-Hu all provide superb diving and watersport fun. Whether you are here for the food, the culture, the scenary or just to have fun I believe Taiwan is every bit as interesting as Thailand (which is one of the most popular tourist destination in the world), and way better than Hong Kong or Singapore in terms of variety.
Taiwan also has excellent intercity public transportation, a well developed road network, and a wide range of lodging and dining options. The people are warm and friendly, and the cost of living is pretty affordable compared to the US.
With all the positives Taiwan possesses, why can't Taiwan become a major tourist destination?

Sorry, cannot agree. Much as I like Taiwan, both as a resident and visitor, I think it doesn't serve western tourists well. Things are easier from the US, but from Europe there are few direct flights. No non-stop flights at all from London (EVA stops in BKK). EVA cut Paris completely recently. Compare this with multiple daily direct non-stop flights to HK, Singapore, Thailand etc. Flights to Taiwan work out expensive, too.

You compare the cost of living with the US... but what about costs in other places in the region? Taiwanese hotels are more expensive than Thailand and other Asian destinations you mention. If you like Chinese-type cuisine food in Taiwan, its great. Most Chinese people I know from outside of Taiwan love the food there. But international cuisine just doesn't measure up to what you can get in other Asian places. Even good non-Chinese Asian food is hard to find. I have yet to find a decent Vietnamese restaurant, for example. Thai restaurants are often heavily localised. The big exception is, of course, Japanese food which is great in Taiwan and probably the best outside of Japan.

As for shopping - again I cannot agree. Western "big name" brands are expensive in Taiwan. Foreign foodstuffs are expensive/hard to find. I regularly stock my fridge by food runs to Hong Kong or when coming back from London.

Then there is the language problem... English isn't as widely spoken as in HK, Singapore. In Thailand, Vietnam, Hong Kong etc., shop owners will often speak English or not be shy to "have a go". This is rarely the case in Taiwan. A non-Chinese speaker will struggle.

Public transport is so-so. The high speed train has only just opened. The MRT in Taipei is rather small - though more lines opening soon. And still no train link from the airport to Taipei. Crazy.... the high speed line runs so close. My Taiwanese friends explain this by saying either "the high speed line is designed for people travelling within Taiwan, not for foreigners" or "the airport bus companies have good political connections and blocked an airport spur". Buses are fine and clean. But maps/bus stops are unintelligible to the non-Chinese reader.

There is good stuff in Taiwan. Its the "small" things I like. The fact that public transport, such as it exists, is clean. Taxis (in Taipei anyway), are plentiful, very clean, and very honest. Bizarrely the locals would have me believe they are dishonest, all criminals and if its after midnight and you're female you're bound to be raped.

There seems to be very little street crime. There is nowhere I feel unsafe in Taiwan. (Except when aboard a China Airlines plane? Joking...)

And despite the annoying lack of choice of connecting transportation, I like the airport. A bit sterile perhaps. But clean, friendly, always works. Really stress free.

I agree Taiwanese people are warm and friendly. When locals overcome their shyness to speak English, they will take good care of foreigners. If you can speak Chinese, its great to be a foreigner in Taiwan. I saw Ma Ying-jeou (KMT presidential candidate) at Taichung railway station a few weeks ago. I went over and said hello. He was very friendly and easy going. The numerous police were also very laid back and relaxed. In other places I probably wouldn't have been let through because of security worries etc.

In the end, Taiwan is a bit isolated. The tourist business such as it exists seems aimed at locals. There is nothing particularly wrong with Taiwan, in my opinion. Just no compelling reason for most western tourists to go there. Whatever you are looking for, there are better options elsewhere in the region.

Seems to me that Taiwan's best chance for tourism is mainland Chinese. But... I think that will have to wait a little.

taipeipeter

Dec 1, 07, 6:13 am

In sum, Taiwan has the potential to be a great destination for international tourism, but it would take a lot of work. ....And who wants 'em, anyway?

dtsm

Dec 1, 07, 7:21 am

Sorry, cannot agree. Much as I like Taiwan, both as a resident and visitor, I think it doesn't serve western tourists well.
The big exception is, of course, Japanese food which is great in Taiwan and probably the best outside of Japan.

As for shopping - again I cannot agree. Western "big name" brands are expensive in Taiwan. Foreign foodstuffs are expensive/hard to find. I regularly stock my fridge by food runs to Hong Kong or when coming back from London.

I agree Taiwanese people are warm and friendly.

In the end, Taiwan is a bit isolated. The tourist business such as it exists seems aimed at locals. There is nothing particularly wrong with Taiwan, in my opinion. Just no compelling reason for most western tourists to go there. Whatever you are looking for, there are better options elsewhere in the region.

Seems to me that Taiwan's best chance for tourism is mainland Chinese. But... I think that will have to wait a little.

Excellent post and totally agree.....Taiwan is a rough gem.

And although all my family and local friends hate to listen to me, it really is now nothing more than a province of China. If and when the politics get resolved and Taiwan opens up to China, it will rebound back strongly, both economically and culturally.

lin821

Dec 1, 07, 4:16 pm

...And although all my family and local friends hate to listen to me, it really is now nothing more than a province of China...
Being a Taiwanese, I can tell you Taiwan is NOT a province of China. Period.

I have no intention to bring in any political debate/implication to my "Taiwan Will Touch Your Heart" thread. Please leave all the political thingy to OMNI. Thank you!

Now back to our normal scheduled programme: Taiwan: Formosa (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Formosa), The Beautiful Island.

jimbo99

Dec 1, 07, 6:29 pm

I have no intention to bring in any political debate/implication to my "Taiwan Will Touch Your Heart" thread. Please leave all the political thingy to OMNI. Thank you!

Agreed... suggest it goes into OMNI under "Province of China - Touch a Raw Nerve" :D:D:D

lin821

Dec 1, 07, 6:38 pm

Agreed... suggest it goes into OMNI ...:D:D:D
Edited:
It's all good now after jimbo99 fixed his fat fingers. :p:)

Taipei

Dec 1, 07, 7:08 pm

[QUOTE=lin821;8821107]Being a Taiwanese, I can tell you Taiwan is NOT a province of China. Period.

I have no intention to bring in any political debate/implication to my "Taiwan Will Touch Your Heart" thread. Please leave all the political thingy to OMNI. Thank you!

I agree that Taiwan is not part of China, but it's debatable subject. As far as tourist market, there is quite a few Japanese that visit Taiwan (maybe the biggest market), and quite a few Taiwanese visit Japan. I was surprised to see two JAL 747's at Kaoshuing a few weeks ago.

That said, I think tourisum in general is not important factor in Taiwan's ecomony. Taiwan is more an outbound market it seems.

dtsm

Dec 1, 07, 9:24 pm

That said, I think tourisum in general is not important factor in Taiwan's ecomony. Taiwan is more an outbound market it seems.

The sad and ironic thing is that Taiwan used to be such a great great place, competitive as one of the original tigers and with a charm of it's own....as i said earlier a rough gem/diamond.

Outbound markket - yep, primarily it's commercial/management skills. How many Taiwan (aka ROC) citizens live in Shanghai alone (Hongqiao)? Estimates btw 300,000 t0 500,000, which is btw 2-3% of the total population of Taiwan living in one Chinese city. And how many in the Pearl Delta region (southern China)?

Let's all get a reality check.....

PCheng

Dec 1, 07, 9:47 pm

Outbound markket - yep, primarily it's commercial/management skills. How many Taiwan (aka ROC) citizens live in Shanghai alone (Hongqiao)? Estimates btw 300,000 t0 500,000, which is btw 2-3% of the total population of Taiwan living in one Chinese city. And how many in the Pearl Delta region (southern China)?

Let's all get a reality check.....

I think the OP has made it abundantly clear that she doesn't want this to degenerate into a political debate, stop beating a dead horse will ya?

This thread is about the beauty of Taiwan, and the deficiencies that prevents it from becoming a viable tourist destination for Westerners, so please keep your political views to yourself because I don't see how being a province of China (or not) has anything to do with Taiwan being a tourist destination.

taipeipeter

Dec 1, 07, 10:13 pm

The point, I think, is that on the one hand Taiwan has spectacular natural beauty (mountain trails, some shore cliffs and beaches--esp. on the offshore islands); a competitive amount of cultural stuff (including but not limited to museums); a great restaurant scene and a generally nice night life; and very friendly people. I'm sure that list could be expanded.

But on the other hand, Taiwan is not very well set up to receive foreign tourists. It would take a series of short-term and long-term reforms to establish an internationally competitive tourist industry. Also, Taiwan has some pretty big negatives. The built environment, for example, is about the ugliest in the world, and tin shacks impinge on many of the most beautiful sites, ruining them (the east coast shore highway, for example).

But I think Taiwan is crowded enough already. More tourists are really not needed.

lin821

Dec 1, 07, 10:35 pm

The sad and ironic thing is that Taiwan used to be...
Let's all get a reality check.....
I can tell you have a lot to say and tons of observations to share about the state of Taiwan.

With all due respect, I would suggest you to start your own reality check thread at the proper subforum/forum, so this Taiwan beauty thread can stay focused. @:-)

Your cooperation is much appreciated.

BTW, I don't mind hearing negative feedback about Taiwan at all. No country is perfect. No matter how much I love it, I do know Taiwan still has such a long way to go to be a hot spot for international tourists, westerners or not.

jimbo99 made a good point that limited (direct-) flights from Europe make Taiwan less attractive to Europeans in comparison to, say BKK/Bali. That's just a simple fact and limitation Taiwan has to deal with. There are only so many things we the local can do or change, and some are just cold hard facts that we have to accept. Constructive criticism, observations and feedback from international and our FTer friends will only help us Taiwanese improve ourselves under the international spotlight.

lin821

Dec 1, 07, 11:05 pm

The sad and ironic..
I think the OP has made it abundantly clear that she doesn't want this to degenerate into a political debate, stop beating a dead horse will ya?....
Thank you, thank you, thank you, PCheng.

...Taiwan has spectacular natural beauty... ; and very friendly people. I'm sure that list could be expanded...
Bolding mine. :D:D

Let me name one nature wonder for you. Green Island may not be THE best diving destinations in the world but it has its own merits and uniqueness (Diving in Green Island (http://greenislanddiving.com/about-island.htm)). There are only three seawater hot springs on earth, one in Kyushu, Japan and another in Italy. Green Island happens to be one of its own kind in terms of the geographical layout/surroundings. (In case you don't know, you can swim in the seawater hot springs in Green Island.)

I try to let others speak for the beauty of Taiwan, instead of projecting my own "biased" observations/judgement. :p So, here's what Terri and Martin Hirsch had to say about Taiwan:

Splendors of Taiwan (http://en.epochtimes.com/news/6-9-9/45813.html)

dtsm

Dec 2, 07, 8:07 am

jimbo99 made a good point that limited (direct-) flights from Europe make Taiwan less attractive to Europeans in comparison to, say BKK/Bali. That's just a simple fact and limitation Taiwan has to deal with.

Constructive criticism, observations and feedback from international and our FTer friends will only help us Taiwanese improve ourselves under the international spotlight.

Maybe I was too candid with my comments - they were not meant to be construted as a political attack but to address how tourism (and general economy) of the island could be improved.

One reason tourism is down is the general malaise in the government...but as requested, I won't go into that....

Here are a couple of interesting (I hope) observations:

According to a family insider at NY China airlines, although bookings for CAL are the highest of the north american offices, they continue to lose money? I recently (this spring) did a 2 for 1 with my Amex platinum and was surprised and disappointed at the state of the aircraft - old 747 jumbo from the late '90s, hadn't been upgraded in years, antiquated A/V system....generally equivalent to Asiana (same poor situation). First time I took CAL in over 10 yrs and my last!

Eva historically gets high marks on both service and safety so happy to see a non-stop service from east coast....this will help and hopefully force CAL to upgrade, starting Dec 4th:
http://www.evaair.com/html/b2c/english/eva/news/2007/news200709280003

Second point and not to hit a sore spot again, one of the major problems with tourism in the 21st century is that much of the investment of capital and management skills is being diverted to the mainland. Whether you are a MNC brand hotel or local operator, if you did an analysis of return, where would you invest when constructing new hotels/facilities.....?

Case in point, Les Suites - a small boutique and my favorite Taipei hotel. They started a general trend in Taipei several years back, and been immensely successful, reaching 90% average occupancy. The owners are local Taiwanese....but guess where they decided to re-invest their profits....yep you got it! Luxury boutique hotel on the Bund, Shanghai.

Another example - a subject that will interest many - golf resorts and courses. Back in 90's, Taiwan went on construction madness, especially in middle/southern part of island - many 'world-class' courses, great club-houses, etc. At that time, 80% of golf was up north in Taipei area but forecast was to balance it to 60/40. Unfortunately, it was also the same period when all the mfg/factories and owners/operators moved to southern China...so many operated at loss and/or forced to shutdown.

Many have felt the only way to resurrect economy is to attract mainland chinese tourists - they are dying to visit ....anyone who travels in asia will note the large numbers of chinese tourists in HK, Singapore, KL, etc. etc. And the number of chinese airlines with non-stop direct flights to same countries. One could also argue attracting mainland investment (eg HK) is another solution but now we're straying back to politics (so I will back off).

Compare that to someone from Taiwan (or reverse) wanting to fly to Shanghai - which if direct flights permitted is a short 80-90 minute hop! I had to attend funeral in Shanghai over Lunar New Year this past spring while in Taipei: left Les Suites Hotel 6:30 am for 10 am Eva flight to HK with connection to Shanghai....won't go into what happened but finally arrived at my hotel in Shanghai at 8:30 pm that night.

Regardless of the politics of the two nations, why won't the current Taiwan govt agree to direct flights and at least opening up the air space between the two nations?

And my last point (and last comment on this thread) is when you talk with locals re what/where they want to go during their vacation, how many say Kenting park or Green island and how many will say Hainan Island or Shanghai, or Great Gorge, etc. etc. Be honest in your reply!

IMHO.

mario33

Dec 2, 07, 10:17 am

Taipei

Dec 3, 07, 10:04 pm

I have not been to Taiwan though I have transited through Taipei on quite a few occasions. I cannot find a reason to spend even a night or two there. Perhaps I am a little ignorant or even a little biased, but I am not exactly impressed by the video posted above which reinforced my orginal perception of Taiwan, nothing new.

The behaviour of most Taiwanese tour group participants abroad (inconsiderate, rude, loud, arrogant, demanding) also does not give me a very good impression on the friendliness of its citizens though it might not be representative of an entire "nation".

I am willing to be persuaded to change my somewhat narrow views but can someone tell me what I am able to experience in Taiwan that cant be found in mainland China ? culture, food, scenery ???

Well in my opinion (An Japanease American doing business business in Taiwan), most Taiwan toursium is geared toward locals, as many things are in local Chinese. This is the big problem, for non Chinese speakers. Also things that are attractive to me and locals, the food, night markets have some interest to Westerns but but a lot. Also they market Hot Springs, a lot more to liking of Japanese. For locals or people who can read CHinese (as I can) transport is very good and easy. But if you can not, it can hard to move around, compared to other places in Asia. Afain to me, it seems forgien toursium is not a big priority. There is marketing effort, but it is not priority number one. As for the Taiwan ecomony in general, it seems fine to us, as our outbound student (meaning students who study in USA) travel study market is good. So get back to the question, well proball many other Asian countries are easier and cheaper to travel, so Taiwan would have hard time to compete.

ionlyflyupfront

Dec 9, 07, 5:25 am

ionlyflyupfront

Dec 9, 07, 5:51 am

jpatokal

Dec 10, 07, 2:57 am

The behaviour of most Taiwanese tour group participants abroad (inconsiderate, rude, loud, arrogant, demanding) also does not give me a very good impression on the friendliness of its citizens though it might not be representative of an entire "nation".
I'd still wager a fair sum that they're rather more considerate, quiet, humble and meek than the average mainland Chinese tour group!

I am willing to be persuaded to change my somewhat narrow views but can someone tell me what I am able to experience in Taiwan that cant be found in mainland China ? culture, food, scenery ???
Japanese-style hot springs? Street food that won't give you food poisoning? Decent scuba diving? World's best collection of Chinese art in a single place?

A few stories from Taiwan beyond the electronics factories:

http://extra.wikitravel.org/blog/jani/tall_taiwan_tales_index

mario33

Dec 10, 07, 7:42 am

I'd still wager a fair sum that they're rather more considerate, quiet, humble and meek than the average mainland Chinese tour group!

Dont think I agree with that, perhaps they behave differently towards a blue eye blonde than say a poor Cambodian; but then I tend to be more forgiving towards the "ignorants" than the "arrogants" ;)

mario33

Dec 10, 07, 7:54 am

Japanese-style hot springs? Street food that won't give you food poisoning? Decent scuba diving? World's best collection of Chinese art in a single place?

I would head to Japan for the hot spring if japanese-style is what I am looking for. I am generally not a fan of street food and prefer somewhere like the foodcourt at Siam Paragon. I dont scuba dive but if I do; the Perhentians, Sipadan or even the Maldives are much closer to home.

Alright the world's best collection of Chinese art in a single place sounds interesting. Thanks :)

inlandrev

Dec 10, 07, 8:14 am

[QUOTE=jpatokal;8867958]I'd still wager a fair sum that they're rather more considerate, quiet, humble and meek than the average mainland Chinese tour group!

I would agree with that, that compared to tourist from China, Taiwanese in general are more polite and friendly. But, for us Chinese here in Johor/S'pore, many of us can understand Taiwanese, so maybe we can understand them better, so maybe that has infulenece on our thinking.

Also back on topic, I like Taiwan, but it helps a lot if you speak/read Chinese and Taiwanese, as English is not used as much. The food is nice, if you can read Chinese pick upa magazine call TaipeiWalker or KaoshuingWalker, it has lots of interesting food and fun travel info and photos, every month. (it seems Taiwanese version of a Japanese Magazine).

dtsm

Dec 10, 07, 12:45 pm

Bowgie

Dec 10, 07, 3:55 pm

I spent five days in Taiwan a few years ago. It was a stopover back to LAX on our return MH flight from Malaysian Airlines' 30-day all-asia pass. I researched everything well so that we caught a train on arrival to the east side of the island to stay two nights at the lodge at Toroko Gorge. Back in Tapei, my wife and I saw the usual sights including the CKS Hall, the museum, and night markets. One afternoon, I went to the Computex show next to the nearly complete Taipei 101 tower, while the wife went to the jade and flower market.

I can say for sure that the Taipei attractions are very good and Toroko Gorge is even better -- completely a world-class destination for a nature-orientated resort-like stay.

I will be back in Taipei for a couple of days in early June on my return from the SU: OSL-to-HKG fare deal. I don't really expect many changes in Taipei except for the chance to check out the food court at the top of Taipei 101.

As for why Taiwan does not reach its tourism potential, I think those in leadership positions understand very well why this is so, but there simply isn't the national will to make the relatively minor adjustments that are necessary.

1. Clueless tourism marketing to westerners. When I was Taipei, the head of the Taiwan's govt tourism board said that their whole approach, while OK with asian tourists, is a waste for Americans and Europeans. He specifically said that the cartoon character and "touch your heart" theme simply does not work with westerners, and I have to agree. He held out the example of the Spain Tourism Board as one who does it right, and it shows in the amount of tourists Spain attracts. This is was at least three years ago that I know Taipei fully understood the problem with the marketing APPROACH, but there is no change that I see. Taiwan in all reality should be getting just as many adventure tourists as Costa Rica, Australia, New Zealand and so on. Lose the sappy cartoon and slogan. Americans aren't smart enough to discover a destination on their own unless someone tells them. Taiwan, that's your job!

2. Weak Zoning Protections. Same head of the Taiwan Tourism Board said that a good reason to visit Taiwan was the it was where the "authentic" and "traditional" China can still be seen and enjoyed. I knew that he was thinking about things like gardens, food, traditional medicines, and a sensibility unspoiled by the upheaval of the Cultural Revolution and the worst excesses of rampant consummerism.

However, there is negative side: Rampant ugly development that is also poorly located. Ever try to photograph the outside of the national museum? Hard to do without also getting the ugly apartment building right across the street. Too much of urbanized Taiwan is an unplanned sprawl, and it shows.

3. Misc. -- Lack of Roman alphabet signs, too few ATM's that link to international banks, emergency services that are sub-par to Japan, a government, while democratic in form, looks a bit too much like Chicago in 1968 or San Diego in 2007 (Duke Cunningham is unque only in that he got caught.)

MW147

Dec 10, 07, 8:09 pm

My first trip to Taipei was 1983, and was there many times between then and about 2000, all for business. Now it is almost all China. I have only been back once in the past 5 years, this past August. I took my 15 year old son to see China, and we I just had to take him to Taipei for a couple of days just for him to see it and meet some old friends.

The Taiwanese people are amazingly warm and friendly. I am still in touch with people I consider valued old friends, even though I have not done business with some of them in 5 or 10 years.

The food in Taiwan is second best in the world (to Hong Kong). But in some food areas, like Peking duck, Taiwan is better. There is nothing in the world like Mongolian BBQ in Taipei (Genghis Khan is still the best to me).

There are some sites that are really great, like the National Palace Museum. Taipei 101 is spectacular. But in general Taiwan is a place that is set up for business, not for tourism. Cities like Beijing and Xian have more to offer tourists.

jpatokal

Dec 11, 07, 1:44 am

I would head to Japan for the hot spring if japanese-style is what I am looking for. I dont scuba dive but if I do; the Perhentians, Sipadan or even the Maldives are much closer to home.
Well, you did ask what Taiwan has that mainland China does not, not the entire world.

Overall, though, I agree with both sides of the argument: there are few truly spectacular/unique destinations a la Angkor Wat, Pyramids, Forbidden Palace etc in Taiwan, but they've got a pretty decent combo of interesting stuff and it's just marketing that's let them down. Attractionwise I'd put eg. Malaysia on pretty much the same line as Taiwan, but one of 'em has a good marketing department and the other doesn't...

mario33

Dec 11, 07, 6:49 am

Attractionwise I'd put eg. Malaysia on pretty much the same line as Taiwan, but one of 'em has a good marketing department and the other doesn't...

Malaysia has tropical beaches, cheap luxury hotels and its muslim-friendly (for middle eastern tourists). Dont think their marketing is particularly good .

Taiwan however is overshadowed by China these days. It used to be highly popular (at least with Asians) before China opens up to the world. Now every Ah Beng, Ah Lian and Chu Kang seems to be visiting China instead ;)

lin821

Dec 13, 07, 8:08 am

Thanks to all who'd shared your thoughts about Taiwan being a tourist destination.

I know by heart, in so many ways, Taiwan is not and will not be the number one country for the world to see. People like different things and adventures, also have different budgets. What works for the eastern world may not have the same effects on the westerners. What locals prefer may not be as attractive to the visiting tourists. In comparison to Bali, Taiwan is not a cheap destination. Taipei is not as fashionable as Paris. Sadly, I have to agree, Taiwan hasn't done a decent job marketing herself to the international tourists.

My research may not be thorough or complete. All I can try is to introduce some of the nice things I know Taiwan is or has. If you like what you see (or read, should I say), please come and witness the beauty of Taiwan yourselves. Let's me start by introducing Sky Lantern at Pengsi, Taiwan.

As Christmas is a big holiday for the west, Lunar New Year is THE celebration for Chinese culture. The year of the Rat will start on 2/7/08. (If you were born in 1912, 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996 - you were born under the sign of the rat.) Traditionally, the celebration of Chinese New Year will last for 15 days. There is a unique ritual/task to perform on every single day. On the 15teen in Lunar January, it's the Lantern Festival. Other than eating sticky rice balls (the round shape of rice balls signify the full cycle and the togetherness of the family) to conclude the New Year celebration, lantern riddles/puzzles will be played. In Pengsi, Taiwan, a unique Sky Lantern Festival is held annually. Sky Lanterns will be released, pleading for blessings and safety for the loved ones and families from God/s. The release of Sky Lanterns during Lunar New Year has become a big event for locals and those in the knows.

A Video Clip of Sky Lantern at Pengsi, Taiwan (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j0QtdpgT41k)

Something about Sky Lantern (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sky_lantern)

The Origination of Sky Lantern Festival at Pengsi, Taiwan (in Traditional Chinese) (http://www.epochtimes.com/b5/4/2/2/n458737.htm)

************************************************** ******
2/18/08 Update:

Video Clip from February 16, 2008::-: 2008 Pingsi Sky Lantern Festival 平溪國際天燈節 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8hqIrvQUZN0):-:

(More photos: here (http://mag.udn.com/magimages/5/PROJ_ARTICLE/342_3281/f_111240_1.jpg), here (http://mag.udn.com/magimages/5/PROJ_ARTICLE/342_3281/f_111240_2.jpg), & Thai-Style (Squared) Lanterns (http://mag.udn.com/magimages/5/PROJ_ARTICLE/342_3281/f_111240_3.jpg))

dtsm

Dec 13, 07, 7:16 pm

lin821

Dec 13, 07, 7:40 pm

I actually plan to visit/spend time in ROC/Taiwan/Formosa during Lunar New Year as a tourist and will buy firecrackers for any fellow FTer's hanging out.

Let's meet at Taipei 101 new year's eve, around 11:45 pm -...
I thought that's what our CommunityBuzz! forum is for, setting up DOs, mini or large. I think you guys are in need of some NEW eye glasses so you can find the the right forum(s) to post. :p:D:D

CommunityBuzz! Forum (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=380)

cblaisd

Dec 14, 07, 12:59 am

Off-topic, OMNI-esque, and personal jab posts deleted.

If you wish to discuss political questions concerning Taiwan, please do so in OMNI. Further such here will be deleted or will cause the thread to be locked.

If you wish to civilly discuss Taiwan as a tourist destination, please do so here. :)

Thanks,

cblaisd
Senior Moderator

lin821

Dec 14, 07, 5:07 am

If you are into cultures and museums, you have to visit the National Palace Museum (http://www.npm.gov.tw/en/home.htm) in Taipei, Taiwan. The Museum (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Palace_Museum) had been recently renovated and holds one of the largest collection of Chinese artifacts and artwork in the world. I always have a great time when visiting NPM.

I believe the digital museum project is still ongoing. Before your actual visit, you may get some "virtual "flavours of the impressive collections by:

1. downloading Multi-Media (http://www.npm.gov.tw/en/downloads.htm) (Movies/calendar/screensavers...)
2. visiting NPM e-learning (http://elearning.npm.gov.tw/index_en.htm)

The famous Shilin Night Market is nearby. If you are paying the museum a visit, do schedule the night market as your side-tour so you can get the true "taste" of Taiwan culture and food. Night Markets in Taiwan have been a good subject for sociology and cultural study. Night markets are more than just foods. You can do quite some shopping too. Just bring your adventurous minds. Be prepared for the cultural shock, if you are foreign to night markets. :) Dawn Stanton (http://www.thingsasian.com/contributor/dstanton;jsessionid=8871A87D9BA3661CC7CDD4A4DE6D7A 85), a freelance writer from Oregon, Portland, has her take on Taipei Night Markets (http://www.thingsasian.com/stories-photos/1547).

ETA: 10/17/08

A Trip to Shihlin Night Market with CYeat (http://cyeat.blogspot.com/2008/01/shihlin-night-market-taipei-taiwan.html) (1/30/08: w/ photos)

jpatokal

Dec 14, 07, 7:33 am

Malaysia has tropical beaches, cheap luxury hotels and its muslim-friendly (for middle eastern tourists). Dont think their marketing is particularly good.
I was actually thinking about this the other day when I saw back to back ads for "Malaysia Truly Asia" and "Visit Indonesia 2008".

The Malaysian ad showed attractive Westerners lazing about on the beach, shopping, getting spa treatments, sitting in a rickshaw, being greeted by pretty girls with big smiles, doing all kinds of stuff that tourists can easily do and making it look like fun. Gut reaction: "Mm. I should go there again."

The Indonesian ad showed bulls running on a dusty plain, some guy with facepaint yodeling while paddling a canoe through a jungle, and one of those Balinese dancers with way too much makeup. Gut reaction: "...? This is more hardcore than anything I've seen, and I've got dozens of Indo stamps in my passport."

No wonder Malaysia gets 5x as many visitors as Indonesia despite having 10% of the population...

jimbo99

Dec 14, 07, 2:30 pm

"Malaysia Truly Asia"

I thought those adverts were great, if a little old and cliched now. Think I first saw them around 2000? Great images, music etc. The "Taiwan Touch Your Heart" message just doesn't do it for me. Maybe the cartoon thingy works better for regional visitors.

dtsm

Dec 14, 07, 8:16 pm

Great monument/memorial, great park, home of concert hall and other cultural centers and one of the many sightseeing venues for locals as well as tourists.

I remember taking many overseas business VIP visitors to visit this place years back, but now the center of more Taiwan politics:
http://www.chinapost.com.tw/editorial/2007/12/04/133412/War-over.htm

And more fighting re the characters: 大中至正

Another quite balance perspective on the fight over this venerable tourist spot - CKS Memorial Hall
http://michaelturton.blogspot.com/ Dec 14, Friday

And back to our regular programming, a very helpful website for potential tourists:
http://www.travelblog.org/Asia/Taiwan/

lin821

Dec 14, 07, 11:53 pm

Thanks lin821 - aka Mr....
Sorry, it's not a Mr... :) I am not the one who got mods involved. Things happened even before I knew it. That's nice! Thanks to our MOD team! :cool:

What I can tell you I always try my best to give a hand to fellow FTers if I spot their misplaced posts/threads (you can look up my post history to verify). Most of the time, they are newbies who are trying to find the way in our FT world. I was a newbie once myself and had appreciated the pointers very much. Just thought giving back to our FT community as much as I can or know how is a right thing to do. That's all.

splatnz

Dec 15, 07, 9:06 pm

I've visited Taiwan a couple of times now and have just booked a third trip back. As a European who speaks only a little Mandarin it can be a little challenging but that's half the fun of travelling. If I'm lost or can't figure out how to say something I just find I school kid as they all seem to speak fairly good english :)

The things I like the most are the same things I like about New Zealand, relatively small countries, great scenery - the east coast of Taiwan is spectacular. Taiwan also has some very good shopping, prices are competitive and ofcourse the food is fantastic whether you're eating at a stall in a Night Market or a top restuarant.

Taiwan certainly does have room to improve if it wants to attract more european tourists. Signage can be confusing as the english pronounciations aren't standardised (an area where China is very good) and outside the main cities there's a lack of top chain hotels (also similar to NZ). Having said that the buses and high speed rail make travelling simple and the highways are very good and not usually too clogged with traffic.

I've always found Taiwanese people to be very friendly and helpful so I think that tourism will continue to improve there. It doesn't matter how stunning a country is, if the people are unwelcoming tourism will never last.

Well that's my two cents worth :D

PS I actually quite like the 'Touch Your Heart' slogan and logos.

lin821

Dec 17, 07, 12:29 am

...I've always found Taiwanese people to be very friendly and helpful so I think that tourism will continue to improve there. It doesn't matter how stunning a country is, if the people are unwelcoming tourism will never last.
(Bolding mine)
Amen! Can't agree with you more!

I've visited Taiwan a couple of times now
.....The things I like the most are the same things I like about New Zealand, relatively small countries, great scenery - the east coast of Taiwan is spectacular....
I've always heard wonderful comment about the beautiful coastline in Taiwan. There are more and more people opting for (scuba) diving and bodysurfing as hobbies nowadays. One of the advantages of Taiwan being an island is that water/ocean is closer than you would expect! :)

If you are into bodysurfing, come visit the east coast in Taiwan. You won't regret it and I have the "waves" to back me up:

Bodysurfing Taiwan (Formosa!) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iRk0pEtHTMQ&feature=related)

jimbo99

Dec 17, 07, 1:34 am

Thank you, thank you, thank you,.

Amen! Can't agree with you more!

:rolleyes:

I'm sitting here on the beautiful island looking at the lovely concrete skyline made even more lovely by the "soft focus" effect created by the pollution. Some of the buildings twinkle as the sun moves across them - all the apartments have metal bars at the windows. The occupants worry they'll be broken into by the other warm and friendly people of Taiwan - though one local did helpfully suggest that most of the crime here is done by foreigners.

ionlyflyupfront

Dec 17, 07, 2:32 am

Jim dont forget the sea of debris at the roadsides as they dont want to get their nice clean cars dirty and its better dumpd on someone else instead of outside gthier own door or even taking the trouble to put it in the garbage can. Talking of which you notice the 24/7 stores now dont have garbage cans outside as people use them to deposit their garbage, especially in Taipei where you pay to dump your garbage in officially issued bags

splatnz

Dec 17, 07, 8:13 pm

I guess like most countries not everywhere is pollution free (Kaohsiung is quite bad) but the country is a lot cleaner than the eastern seaboard of China or cities like Hong Kong. If you're up in the mountains or on the east coast then the air is very clean and you can see for miles.

ionlyflyupfront

Dec 18, 07, 4:06 am

you can also see the trail of garbage and junk dumped at the side of the road - NIMB syndrome - not in my back yard

taipeipeter

Dec 18, 07, 8:22 am

To bring this back to the general question of tourism in Taiwan, I noticed a few days ago the government announced brilliant initiatives which seemed to consist of 1) paying for or otherwise encouraging more charter flights from Europe (hence without losing them in HK or Tokyo, presumably); and 2) giving out cash prizes: so the 100,000th tourist to arrive next year (or whenever it happens) gets TWD100,000, and it goes up to the 400,000th. Well, something like that,as best I can remember. I didn't read the article that closely, since it all seemed a bit pathetic.

More importantly -- for me, if not the Tourism Bureau -- I am about to make my loosely biennial trip around the island over the next 2 weeks, and problems of visual and some other pollution notwithstanding, I expect to enjoy myself quite a lot. I hope the good weather continues, but I can appreciate a few bad days driving me to the hot springs as well.

jimbo99

Dec 18, 07, 9:20 am

more charter flights from Europe (hence without losing them in HK or Tokyo, presumably)

Think I mentioned, EVA just cut Paris - their only non-stop flight to Europe. They now only fly to Vienna, London and Amsterdam - all non-daily and via BKK. Don't know which way CI are going ... so some extra charter flights coupled with intelligent marketing to foreign travel agents would be helpful. Competitions based around welcoming the Nth tourist will get little publicity beyond Taiwan itself.

Its a relatively good time for UK travellers at GBP1 = about NT$67. "pubs" in the "foreigner-friendly" zone can still charge £2-3 a pint though, even at this rate. Taipei got painful on the wallet when it was below 50 to the GBP a while back, but now some hotel rates look more reasonable.

Think its a similar story for Euro-zone travellers as the NT$ has tended to follow the weakening US$.

Enjoy your trip!

lin821

Dec 19, 07, 1:15 am

Just read the news and want to share this story with you guys. (Stay tuned: this post will be updated throughout the next couple of weeks when local media release more stories about this biker's journey.)

Mr. Vladimir Alexeevich Yarets is a 67-year-old man who wants to be in the Guinness records as the first deaf and mute person that travels around the world. He embarked his journey in May 27th, 2000. He's been to more than 41 countries. He had a crash in 2003 while touring America and was forced to take a year off for recovery. Some coverage of his US journey can be found here (http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/newsletter/2003-08-01.shtml), here (http://www.yarets.com/arhive_eng.html), and here (http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=21291). I don't think Mr. Vladimir Alexeevich Yarets is a blogger himself (his website: here (http://www.yarets.com/index_eng.html) with his trip mileage summary). The last coverage of his ongoing adventure I could find by googling was from December 6, 2005 (http://www.seancoon.org/2005/12/rock-on-comrade.html).

Hospitality Without Borders:
Taiwan Welcome a World Traveler with Special Needs

1. Source one: http://udn.com/NEWS/NATIONAL/NAT5/4144528.shtml (In Traditional Chinese)

(I don't think this news article will be kept online for more than weeks. In order to serve our FT "general public", I will try my best to provide the highlights of the story.)

On December 11, 2007, Vladimir Alexeevich Yarets arrived with his motorcycle in Keelung, Taiwan. He just completed his trip from Japan. As a routine procedure, Keelung Customs inquired about the purpose of his Taiwan trip. They couldn't figure him out with his deafness, muteness and very limited English vocabularies. Not until an interpreter arrived his Taiwan mission was revealed: touring around the island on his BMW as part of his Guinness-records-to-be. The problem is he needs permit and license for his bike.

Keelung Customs Office was determined to help out the man. The office went the extra mile and has been taking care of him in the last 7 days. The office applied for a temp permit on his behalf and the permit was just issued on Tuesday, 12/18/07. Mr. Vladimir Alexeevich Yarets was thrilled and can't wait to kick off his biking trip in Taiwan.

2. Source Two: http://news.chinatimes.com/2007Cti/2007Cti-News/2007Cti-News-Content/0,4521,110503+112007121900444,00.html (Again, in Traditional Chinese, sorry!)

According to this article, Mr. Vladimir Alexeevich Yarets will spend the next two month in Taiwan to complete his around the island trip. His original plan, however, was to visit China in mid December. China refused to issue a temp permit/licence for his bike. He had to change his plan then took the ship from New Zealand to Okinawa then arrived in Keelung, Taiwan on 12/14/07. First he was very worried since he had no idea how to claim his bike from the customs. Since his Day One in Taiwan, the authority has been trying their best and made sure the man would get whatever assistance he needed. The man was as happy as a clam when he finally got the permit and the bike (see the photo below).

ps. (From OP: Don't ask me why the arrival date is different from Source One. I am just the messenger, not the reporters. Don't shoot me! :p). From his personal log, his arrival date in Keelung was 12/11/07. So the source one is accurate.

pps. I think Source Two got his name wrong. (SIGH!) From his website, his name is Vladimir Alexeevich Yarets or Vladimir A. Yarets. Now the local media gave him a Chinese name: 葉瑞茲 (from Yarets).

Here's his most recent photo in December 2007 (http://www.chinatimes.com/content-image/110503/C96c19K0.jpg) (Taken by Mr. Wang: 王貴郎攝)

I would say sometimes language barriers can be a plus in the right place at the right time. The language "barriers" never stops the man and he already put more than 100K miles on his bikes over the years. The universal "body languages" can be as effective. :)

In so many ways, Mr. Vladimir Alexeevich Yarets shares our spirits as a true FTer, even though he's not doing it by flying. I am glad that he became an "accidental tourist" and includes Taiwan as part of his life-long adventure. Hope Taiwan will be part of your memory map in the future as well.

************************************************** ***
Trip Update: 12/22/07

Mr. Vladimir Alexeevich Yarets Arrived at Hsinchu, Taiwan (http://udn.com/NEWS/DOMESTIC/DOM3/4148985.shtml): photo on 12/21/07 (http://udn.com/NEWS/MEDIA/4148985-1760519.JPG)

"I don't want to get up at 7:00 am. I am going to stay in bed till 11:00!"
Mr. Vladimir Alexeevich Yarets insisted!

Upon learning his Taiwan mission, Moto Lines, Taiwan 重車地平線 (http://www.moto-lines.tw/) (the bikers club forum 重車地平線論壇 (http://www.xn--cesw2ocr2aqfoeod.tw/moto_forum/index.asp)) decided to be Mr. Vladimir Alexeevich Yarets' host in Taiwan (the announcement: here (http://www.xn--cesw2ocr2aqfoeod.tw/moto_forum/TopicOther.asp?t=5&BoardID=8&id=2504)). To ensure he has a pleasant biking experience in Taiwan, the club has arranged local members to host this special guest and he will have local guides wherever he goes! The local host will take care of his accommodation and meals.

Last night, he was put in a "self-claimed" 6-star "motel" in Hsinchu (薇閤精品汽車旅館新竹館). Being used to tents, hostels and home stay while on the road, Mr. Vladimir Alexeevich Yarets was so spoiled by the king-size bed and jacuzzi that he insisted to sleep longer this morning. Man, you've got taste! ;)

OP's note:
"Motels" are a very different animal/concept in Taiwan. Don't confuse it with the Motel-6 or Motel-8 types in the US. 薇閤精品汽車旅館 is very famous for its exotic-themed decor in Taiwan! :D:D More readings on Taiwan motels (in Traditional Chinese): from sina (http://news.sina.com.tw/life/infotimes/tw/2007-08-26/100912673828.shtml) and one book on motels in Taiwan (http://www.twmotel.com/discussion.php?Kind_sn=1&id=40&dis_keyword=&leaf=discussion_contents)

************************************************** **
12/30/07 Update:

Mr. Yarets' Taiwan itinerary: The Full Disclosure
Mr. Yarets (葉瑞茲) doesn't want camping in Taiwan!
(Man, I don't blame you. :p)

From Moto Lines Forum 重車地平線論壇: more & MORE photos (If you want to see him with his bike fully loaded with his luggages while on the road, check it out!)

MORE (http://www.news100.com.tw/viewtopic.php?p=58173&sid=c164fe3e8deac6e6ac524087317efc21): His Taiwan trip photos and the photos of his temp license plate

His (Tentative) Trip Itinerary:
12/11/07: Arriving Taiwan!
12/11/07- 12/17/07: Keelung 基隆
12/18/07-12/21/07: Taipei 台北
12/22/07: Hsinchu 新竹
12/23/07: Nantao 南投
12/24/07: Hwaliang 花蓮
12/25/07: Taitung 台東 (local media coverage (http://udn.com/NEWS/DOMESTIC/DOM1/4153535.shtml))
12/26/07: 南迴公路 (The view he's going to see: here (http://www.travelone.tw/taitung723.php))
12/27/07 - 12/28/09: Heading south?
12/29/07-12/29/07: Taitung 台東 (台9線往楓港); Pingtung 屏東
12/30/07-12/31/07: Kaoshiung
Jan 2008: Southern Taiwan
1/17/08: Departure from Kaoshiung (to Hong Kong)

************************************************** **
12/31/07 Update: Happy New Year!

Mr. Yarets Arrived in Kaoshiung & Concluded His 1000 KM Taiwan Tour (http://udn.com/NEWS/NATIONAL/NAT5/4160397.shtml)

Ever since the beginning of his Taiwan journey, Mr. Yarets has been enjoying the hospitality of Taiwan people, especially the bikers from the Moto-Lines. They make sure he would get company everywhere he goes, which is very different from his Japan trip. He was mostly a lone rider who needed to camp while touring Japan.

Mr. Yarets is very impressed by the passion from Taiwanese. He gets a lot of assistance with lodging and sponsorship so he doesn't have to break his "tight-budget" bank. He will stay and explore the southern Taiwan before he leaves for Hong Kong in mid-January.

Mr. Yarets' notes:
- Mileages on motocycles: 270KM+
- Taiwan: 47th country visited
- The "high" point: Taipei 101
- The most beautiful view in Taiwan: The Central Cross-Island Highway (中橫最美).

OP's note: the view he might have seen:

Taiwan Central Cross-Island Highway in December-中橫支線之旅 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/fish_at_taipei/sets/72157594406597972/)

************************************************** **

1/15/08 Update: See Mr. Yarets in Action!

1. Mr. Yarets "talks": here (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=299rPBKBNqs&feature=related)

2. Mr. Yarets Workouts: his daily bedtime routine (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JNmQsieJoOs&feature=related)

The above videos are clips from the award-winning TV program, "See & Hear (聽聽看)" in PTS (Taiwan Public Television Service Foundation, similar to PBS in the States), when they interviewed Mr. Yarets weeks ago. The original goals of "See & Hear" were to serve the people with hearing disability, introduce the subculture and (Taiwanese) sign language to the general public. It was first aired in November 1995. Over the years, the program becomes a big success. The current foci of the program are expanded to serve people with special needs. The program also introduces cross-culture comparisons (US and UK) to its informative, entertaining, and educational scheme.

Mr. Chen (陳濂僑), the co-host of the program, is a person with hearing disability himself. He's the one you see in the videos "talking" to Mr. Yarets. Even Mr. Chen and Mr. Yarets "speak" different sign language, they communicate well with each other! :)

If you are interested in seeing or learning more about the program, "See & Hear", please try the following video tag from Truveo (http://www.truveo.com/tag/%E8%81%BD%E8%81%BD%E7%9C%8B) or visit their official website here (http://www.pts.org.tw/~seehear/) and online viewing (http://www.ch5.tv/VOD/content.php?media_id=16683&sublevel_id=598&lk_ch=T&theMode=0&) (in Traditional Chinese). More about Taiwan Public Television Service Foundation (PTS): here (http://www.pts.org.tw/).

************************************************
1/21/08 Update:

Want to get a visual on Mr. Yarets' whereabout while in Taiwan? Here (http://img99.imageshack.us/img99/7480/034kz7.jpg)

I don't think he rode as much in mid-January. The most recently updated photos of his (http://202.39.234.24/moto_forum/dispbbs.asp?boardID=31&ID=3269&page=1) were from early January (if you scroll down to post #5 there, you will see the young Mr. Yarets.) I believe Mr. Yarets had said his farewell to Taiwan by now.

Good bye, Mr. Yarets! Hope to see your name in the Guinness records soon!

jimbo99

Dec 19, 07, 8:21 am

Taiwan Welcome a World Traveler with Special Needs

Yep.. but don't try to get a wheelchair onto a bus into Taipei.... No way could this island be described as "special needs" friendly...

My own street has those "dimples" in the pavements to help blind people to know where to cross. Going one way, they just stop suddenly. Going the other way, they hit a metal box (a transformer I think). Where they turn into a road to show you where to cross, there's invariably a car parked in the way. Seems someone had a great idea a few years back and implementation has been totally half-hearted since.

If you are "handicapped" (the English word used here) you will get some patronizing smiles plus genuine sympathy and help, but not the rights of access you enjoy in Europe. Generally there are enough people "kind enough" to take "pity" on you.

Shouldn't be a big deal to temporarily import a motorbike for your personal use.

lin821

Dec 21, 07, 2:37 am

The Beauty of Alishan (http://coatwn-lohas.blogspot.com/2008/04/blog-post_4562.html) ( length: 21 minutes 41 seconds; in Chinese, English, Japanese & Korean):
Mount Ali is composed of 18 large mountains. This video introduces the naturally beautiful views of Mount Ali and its history. Magnificent scenes of the mountain in spring, summer, fall and winter are also shown. The sunrise, forest, cherry flowers, sea of clouds, and ancient train attract countless visitors each year. Another nice video clip from youtube: Alishan: Sunrise and the Train (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IfLkB3txJUs)

If you are a railway/train fan, you surely don't want to miss Alishan (shan means mountain "山" in Chinese). The Alishan Forest Railway (http://railway.forest.gov.tw/Eng/ContentView.aspx?Type=4) at Chiayi, Taiwan, is a scenic ride in the network of narrow gauge railways. For nature lovers, the Alishan National Scenic Area (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alishan) is one of the most popular attractions in Taiwan.

The "miracle tree" (阿里山神木) (http://zh.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E9%98%BF%E9%87%8C%E5%B1%B1%E7%A5%9E%E6%9C%A8) is another must-see in Alishan (sorry, I can't find the reference in English. :o). The 1st generation was an endangered Chamaecyparis formosensis, which was over 3000-year-old. Due to the nature disaster (lightening strikes in 1956, heavy rains in 1997) in the last century, it was finally put to rest in 1998. The 2nd generation "miracle tree" 阿里山香林神木 is about 2300-year-old. It was "crowned" and named in early 2007. More photos of the 2nd generation: here (http://www.flickr.com/photos/big_tree_cczy/sets/72157601208603802/)

Want to see steam locomotive in sakura (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zZINV5Vhv4Q&feature=related), come to Alishan in the spring!

------------------------------------------------------------------
12/27/07 Update:

Alishan Forest Railway will be 96-year-old in 2008. In celebration of its birthday and New Year, there are special tours and events (Sunrise in Alishan Concerts) from 12/29/07-1/1/08 (Taipei Philharmonic Orchestra (http://www.tspo.org.tw/)-台北愛樂室內樂團演奏; concerts; Tsou (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tsou_people) Tribe traditional performance-鄒族樂舞表演..etc.). The official website/programme is here (http://2007ali.emmm.tw/?ptype=info) (in Traditional Chinese, I can't find the info in English. Sorry. :(). You can see the online photo gallery here (http://2007ali.emmm.tw/?ptype=album).

If you happen to be in Taiwan for the New Year, check it out.

************************************************** **********
3/14/08 Update: 2008 Alishan Sakura Season (3/15/08-4/15/08)

This year, Alishan Sakura Festival will kick off on 3/15/08 and last for about a month. As a matter of fact, there are sakura blossoms from mid-Feb through April every year. I recall the sakura in Washington DC were imported from Japan. In Alishan, the variety of sakura include both Japanese and Taiwanese trees. This site (http://www.nine.com.tw/2008sakurafestival/type.htm) provides you with the pictures of 7 variety of sakura in Alishan (Please just enjoy the photos if you don't read Chinese. :))

Prunus campanulata Maxim (http://www.californiagardens.com/Plant_Pages/prunus_campanulata.htm) (Taiwan Flowering Cherry:台灣山櫻花或緋寒櫻; more photos: here (http://www.letsgo-alishan.com/bg/image/999/2-03.jpg) & here (http://alishan.cyc.edu.tw/uploads/tadbook2/221_DSC_7207.jpg)) and Prunus nipponica (http://www.ibiblio.org/pfaf/cgi-bin/arr_html?Prunus+nipponica) (Japanese Alpine Cherry:千島櫻) usually arrive first during the sakura season (see a mini slideshow of Japanese Alpine Cherry here (http://www.flickr.com/photos/iamgeorg/tags/nipponica/show/) or 12-photo collection here (http://alishan.cyc.edu.tw/modules/xcgal/thumbnails.php?album=62).). Prunus Yedoensis (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prunus_x_yedoensis) (Yoshino Cherry:染井吉野櫻) are the most popular in Alishan and in season in late March (another Yoshino Cherry mini slideshow: here (http://210.66.36.129/c93a055/flower/flower02.htm)). It was introduced to Alishan by Japanese in 1903 and has outnumbered all the other varieties of sakura in Alishan.

Even though Alishan is crowded during sakura season, there are much more than just sakura in Alishan. Throughout the year, you can visit Alishan and enjoy different sightings. I found a nice recommendation for flower viewing seasonal schedule/route in Alishan (http://www.letsgo-alishan.com/bg/ali601.html). When visiting the site, please enjoy the music from the Tsou tribe (鄒族) (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tsou_people) choir "TAMAYAEYANA" (達瑪雅耶合唱團). Even though it's from a local travel agency site but the tabulated recommendation is very easy to follow for those who read Chinese. ( Public Service Note: If I find time later, I will try to translate the route and seasonal charts. :))

More about TAMAYAEYANA Choir (http://www.e-tribe.org.tw/tanayigu/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabId=206): "TAMAYAEYANA" means cricket in Tsou language.
The choir picked the name for three reasons:
1) TAMAYAEYANA is the name of their home village, which was named because crickets were polulated in the village when it started.named
2) TAMAYAEYANA (crickets) make beautiful chirping sound.
3) TAMAYAEYANA, with a quiet sedate nature, will fight diligently to protect their home base when needed.

TAMAYAEYANA Choir sings all the folk and traditional Tsou songs. They intend to pass on their traditional culture and languages. Since 2001, the choir has recorded 3 CDs so far.

Currently there are 13 legally recognized aboriginal tribes in Taiwan. (More to come: posts on the Taiwan aboriginal cultures and tourist destinations.

:-::-: List of 13 Aboriginal Tribes in Taiwan in 2007 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taiwanese_aborigines) :-::-:
1. Ami
2. Atayal
3. Bunun
4. Kavalan
5. Paiwan
6. Puyuma
7. Rukai
8. Saisiyat
9. Sakizaya
10. Tao
11. Thao
12. Tsou
13. Truku

lin821

Dec 25, 07, 5:26 pm

Another heart-warming story how Taiwanese played host to another international friend. By reading the news article, I think Mr. 小口良平 (his personal profile: Here (http://profile.ameba.jp/gwh175r/[/url)) was a ship-mate to our other friend with special needs, Mr. Vladimir Alexeevich Yarets. What a lovely coincidence! :-::-:

Taiwan is friendly, not just because I biasedly say so (:D). If you hear the first account stories from these international visitors, you know Taiwan is a friendly country! Friendliness is a two-way street as well. I read comment about the personalities of our biker Mr. Yarets and cyclist Mr. 小口良平. Both are easy-going (and their lovely smiles didn't hurt! ;)) Folks enjoyed spending time with them. Both are open-minded. What more to ask for a happy journey!

Eight Days in Taiwan: How A Japanese Cyclist Spent Less Than $30 USD Touring Taiwan (http://udn.com/NEWS/NATIONAL/NATS9/4154003.shtml) He said, "it's all because of the friendiness of Taiwanese. I ate, lived, and fixed my bike, all free of charge!"
(in Traditional Chinese)

小口良平 (his Japanese blog: here (http://ameblo.jp/gwh175r/)), a 28-year-old realtor in Japan, wants to travel around the world on his bike. He first had this idea in his senior year while in college. He's been working hard and saving money for his grand plan. He's ready to tackle the plan this year. Taiwan is his chosen 1st stop of his world trip simply because he likes Taiwan. He will visit Korea, China, SE Asia next May and plan to travel the world in 7 years. He's dressed up in the traditional Japanese costume when he travels.

He lives in Nagano, Japan. He arrived at Keelung, Taiwan on 12/11/07 from Okinawa by ship. He's greeted and hosted by the local cyclist club members (you can read and see some of his adventures from another Taiwanese cyclist blog in Chinese: here (http://tw.myblog.yahoo.com/susam5721-bikelife/article?mid=5454&sc=1), with lots of photos). His 8-day trip included Keelung, Taipei, Taitung, Hwaliang, Yilang. He's back to Keelung on 12/25/07.

Mr. 小口良平 was on a tight budget and could only afford the most econimic way for his world trip. Before he left Japan, he asked for assitance online with the most inexpensive accommodations in Taiwan (by way of Japan Adventure Cyclist Club, I believe). He wanted to spend as little money as possible on housing and meals. Never had he expected to be welcomed like this.

"Taiwanese are very passionate, Everywhere I go, people greet me in Japanese!", he said happily. "I've never got turned down when I ask for help. One time, my bike broke down. Someone took me to the bike shop and even paid for the repair!" In Hwaliang, another biker shop owner provided him both housing and board for free. The owner even found him a cyclist companion with a similar age on his way to Yilang.

He said Taiwan is his first stop to the world. He's going to conclude his world trip in Taiwan as a full cycle because he really likes Taiwanese people. Mr. 小口良平 has returned to Japan on 12/25/07.

So long, our Japanese friend. Taiwan will see you again in 7 years!

jimbo99

Dec 25, 07, 7:22 pm

Was that bump necessary? Why not write something from your OWN travelling experiences....? If Mr Yarets wants to contribute to FT, then let him do so.

I really can't see this island as particularly "special needs" friendly. People are no more friendly here than anywhere else. People should be under no illusions. Sometimes people are friendly, sometimes they are not. I find Taiwanese driving particularly selfish as regards to pedestrians. I'm near a small junction that is a pain to cross. Nobody will make way. A complete contrast to Vietnam, for example, where I have also lived.

The posts about Mr Yarets, and "you know Taiwan is a friendly country" seems to be just what the government's "Taiwan Touch Your Heart" campaign wants us to think. The reality is much more complex than the propaganda would have us believe.

dtsm

Dec 26, 07, 10:30 am

Happy holidays

lin821

Dec 27, 07, 2:39 am

...Why not write something from your OWN travelling experiences....?
...moderator has this thread on a tight lease :(

Even though OP denies it, I still he works for Taiwan news agency or some quasi-cultural bureau, maybe even a freelancer....
Nobody can change what/how one thinks. You are your own ultimate master. :)

However, I don't think the non-factual speculation is helpful to the discussion of the beauty of Taiwan. I am just a Taiwanese student studying in US. None of your speculation fits my discipline. BTW, I am not a he. :D

When I searched our FT threads about Taiwan under Asia forum in November, there weren't many. Giving the size of our FT community, I thought I could bring the beauty of Taiwan to more fellow FTers. Thought I may be able to contribute a little and introduce Taiwan, from my views of being a Taiwanese. I admit, I don't know it all. I can only try my best. I am spending my own personal time looking up the info online, let it be culture, people, news...etc. I don't make things up. I post what I think worth mentioning or introducing, so folks can "experience" the beauty of Taiwan. As the thread title put it, this is a virtual ride. Some tour Taiwan on motocycles, some on bicycles, in cars, on trains, or even by foot. Whatever their choices of transportations are, their Taiwan experiences are unique in themselves. Sharing those experiences only gives people more ideas how to explore Taiwan. Folks have been chiming in with their own experiences, tourists or not; positive or not. This line of discussion will only enrich this Taiwan thread, as long as it's not about politics.

If my ways of introducing Taiwan sounds cliche or over-zealous, I apologize for my English. (As my advisor always tells me, my writing needs editing. :o) Even if you dislike my way of talking about Taiwan's beauty, that shouldn't take away what Taiwan is or has to offer. Don't take it out my personal incompetence on Taiwan. I will continue to post my findings and research on Taiwan, preferrably in English. ;) If the content of my posts is inappropriate, please let the moderators know. Our mod team has been doing very good jobs in FT fora. You may revisit post #30 (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showpost.php?p=8893494&postcount=30) and FlyerTalk Guidelines & Rules (http://www.flyertalk.com/help/rules.php) to see how mods can be of assistance.

Thanks to those who have been tuning in and please stay tuned!

jimbo99

Dec 27, 07, 4:49 am

Even if you dislike my way of talking about Taiwan's beauty, that shouldn't take away what Taiwan is

But some posters WILL have an issue with what "Taiwan is". Regardless of style, its the content and the impressions it gives that I wish to challenge.

Taiwan is not as beautiful as you would have us believe. Many westerners would be horrified if they could see the view out of my window right now. A hotch-botch of concrete structures that are the result of decades of industrial development without caring a jot for urban planning. There are some hills in the distance which on a clear day you can make out between some of the gaps. But its rarely clear enough - the pollution haze sees to that. It is a mixed picture - a rough gem as an earlier poster mentioned.

I am spending my own personal time looking up the info online, let it be culture, people, news...etc. I don't make things up. I post what I think worth mentioning or introducing, so folks can "experience" the beauty of Taiwan.

You've mentioned you are a Taiwanese based in the US. Well I'm a foreigner in Taiwan. I have made regular visits here since 1994 including living here. I have a good friend in a wheelchair here. I have also dealt with the bureaucracy here. On the basis of stuff from the web, you've posted on both "special needs" in Taiwan and the attitude of officialdom to non-Chinese speakers. The opinions I've posted are based on very real, not virtual experiences of both.

Aircoco

Dec 28, 07, 6:35 am

How to you get from Taipei to Alishan? Can you take a train from the central railway station? How long does it takes?

Besides Shilin night market, what other night markets are worth visiting in Taipei?

I will be in Taipei for 5 days, any good recommendations for food?

Thanks!

A nice video clip from youtube: Alishan: Sunrise and the Train (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IfLkB3txJUs)

If you are a railway/train fan, you surely don't want to miss Alishan (shan means mountain "山" in Chinese). The Alishan Forest Railway (http://railway.forest.gov.tw/train/train-eng.asp) at Chiayi, Taiwan, is a scenic ride in the network of narrow gauge railways. For nature lovers, the Alishan National Scenic Area (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alishan) is one of the most popular attractions in Taiwan.

The "miracle tree" (阿里山神木) (http://zh.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E9%98%BF%E9%87%8C%E5%B1%B1%E7%A5%9E%E6%9C%A8) is another must-see in Alishan (sorry, I can't find the reference in English. :o). The 1st generation was an endangered Chamaecyparis formosensis, which was over 3000-year-old. Due to the nature disaster (lightening strikes in 1956, heavy rains in 1997) in the last century, it was finally put to rest in 1998. The 2nd generation "miracle tree" 阿里山香林神木 is about 2300-year-old. It was "crowned" and named in early 2007. More photos of the 2nd generation: here (http://www.flickr.com/photos/big_tree_cczy/sets/72157601208603802/)

------------------------------------------------------------------
12/27/07 Update:
If you happen to be in Taiwan for the New Year, check it out.

taipeipeter

Dec 28, 07, 9:25 pm

Aircoco:
Getting to Alishan from Taipei: A bit under an hour and a half from the Taipei main station to Chiayi on the high speed rail (www.thsrc.com.tw); then you have to get to the Alishan line station—I’m not exactly sure of the distances between them. Then there are generally 2 Chiayi-Alishan trains a day—a bit over 3 hours to the top. See www.ali.org.tw for the park. But if you’re coming now, it will be very, very cold.

Restaurants: search previous threads.

taipeipeter

Dec 28, 07, 9:32 pm

A few thoughts on the ‘beauty of Taiwan’.

First me: a foreigner who has been visiting Taiwan for 20+ years and living in Taipei for the last 5. I’ve just taken my first trip around the island in a long time.

The built environment is about the ugliest in the world. Human constructions, whether in city, town or village, are nothing but visual pollution. Having said that, I think the cities, especially Taipei, “work”: they are reasonably efficient producers of jobs, entertainment, food (the restaurants!), and general urban pleasures ala the model modern city (eg, New York, London, Tokyo, etc.—granting that Taipei much less other Taiwanese cities simply don’t have the same scale). In the end, Taiwanese cities are not aesthetically much worse off than their mall-ized American counterparts or the European banlieue, though they remain thoroughly architecturally bankrupt.

The natural environment—the central mountain ranges in particular—are absolutely beautiful and reasonably accessible. Although there is no virgin forest left (thanks to exploitation under the Qing, the Japanese, and the Nationalists alike), the woods and alpine meadows are memorable. Absolutely great hiking: often above the clouds or, nearer the coast, ocean views.

Building in mountain areas is generally disallowed by law, so the mountains have largely preserved their natural beauty. The system of ‘youth hostels’ (青年活動中心) in fact provides decent 3-star-ish hotel rooms as well as dormitories in remote (and not-so-remote) areas.

The coast is a bit more iffy; naturally, it is more built up than the mountains. The east coast in particular has its beautiful sections, open to cliff hiking and in a few places swimming. The east coast is so open to the Pacific, though, with few sheltered bays, that the surfing/swimming is not great.

An earlier post compared Taiwan to New Zealand, which seems right in some ways (I’ve also spent considerable time in New Zealand). But note: NZ has a population of about 4.2 million on about 268,000 square km, while Taiwan has a population of 23 million on a mere 36,000 square km (and most of which is uninhabitable mountains). Taiwan is naturally more crowded, with all that means for pressure on resources and urban density. On my recent trip, Xitou 溪頭 (at mid-week) was pretty full of families & school groups, though still quiet in spots. Mid-week Kenting 墾丁 was—hardly deserted—but certainly not crowded, in spite of the superb weather & lovely swimming conditions (at least for hardy folks).

lin821

Dec 30, 07, 1:22 pm

...Besides Shilin night market, what other night markets are worth visiting in Taipei?...
taipeipeter had covered how to get to Chiayi from Taipei. I'd fixed the broken link for Alishan Forest Railway, so you should be able to see more info (in English) from the official site.

As for night markets in Taipei, did you read Dawn Stanton's blog: Taipei's Famous Night Markets (http://www.thingsasian.com/stories-photos/1547), which I mentioned in post #31? She'd covered the major ones: Snake Alley (Hwahsi Jie), Shilin, Tunghua, Kungguan, Shida,..etc. You probably won't be able to hit them all in your 5-day visit. If you don't speak or read Chinese, you probably would feel quite "lost" in the night markets, since there's (generally) no menu for all these street food. Bring a local friend/guide (if you have one), so you can enjoy yourself much more. :D

If you will be in Taipei for the New Year, I heard Taipei 101 is going to have another big firework show again (sample photos: 188 seconds of firework in 2008, here (http://mag.udn.com/magimages/5/PROJ_ARTICLE/342_3126/f_104238_1.jpg) and here (http://www.chinatimes.com/content-image/110501/C9710110.jpg); Firework Show in 2007 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dsiWaJMFMNI); The Countdown in 2006 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rzccmmDdgsA)). Do keep an eye on the show.

Happy New Year!

lin821

Dec 30, 07, 2:23 pm

I just realize there may be folks dropping by every now and then, asking (very) specific questions about travels in Taiwan. I am sure our fellow FTers in the know will be more than happy to provide the answers or some good pointers. I certainly don't know it all and don't expect this to be the master-cover-it-all thread about traveling in Taiwan. Besides, I don't think this thread can be any competitor to those website set up specifically for travels in Taiwan.

On the other hand, what I can try are to offer some highlights of Taiwan (from my personal point of views, of course! ;)), share stories from the international tourists and visitors, look up some useful info and resources, so our future guests (to Taiwan) can take advantage of. I am sure our fellow FTers are more than happy to chime in with their thoughts, findings and suggestions for travelling in Taiwan as well, so the FT community can benefit from a wider and broader angle.

Here's one resource I just "discovered.' Not to divert our FT traffic to another site (:p), but I do find this online travel forum offering good advices and info on ways to explore Taiwan with much more details and "instructions": Travel Forum in Forumosa (http://forumosa.com/taiwan/viewforum.php?f=55).

Forumosa claims to be Taiwan's largest online community in English, "a living community of residents, Taiwanese, Taiwanphiles and their friends." I believe for our fellow FTer who are visiting or about to visit Taiwan, Forumosa Travel Forum (http://forumosa.com/taiwan/viewforum.php?f=55) can give your some good guidelines and answers. If you feel like visiting their other fora other than Travel, that's fine with me too. :)

Happy Travelling!

ps. I am in no way affiliated with Forumosa and don't know any single soul there. Just thought it would be a good resource on Taiwan travels for FTers.

username

Dec 31, 07, 1:22 am

Wow, I did not discover this post until just now.

I grew up in TPE and still go there regularly. The city just gets better and better - better air, better traffic, more fun things and more polite people. It is not as grand as HKG, not as clean as SIN, not as wild as BKK but it has its own characteristics and plenty of things to do and eat.

I think Taiwan is still the best place to see and understand the Chinese culture - the food, the Palace Museum and the person-to-person interactions. You can get all that without the chaos, rudeness and ripoffs you might get in a lot of cities in China - and you don't need to get a visa. Unfortunately, the word "China" is really not acceptable in Taiwan right now so they don't market that. Even in the "Touch Your Heart" video, it did not say anything about Chinese food (says Taiwanese food)!

I think cost is another problem. Let's face it, with the exception of certain electronics, TW is not a shopper's paradise anymore. The Taiwanese go to HK, BKK, SIN or the US to shop. Stop fooling the foreigners. Backpackers will go to cheaper places. So, you need people who have some money and want to explore in a safe and exotic/interesting place.

Nature is only beautiful in certain parts. Why would one go to Kending/Kenting if you can go to HKT/DPS?

To me, the strengths are the mix of the new and old, the warm and kind people (at least to westerners and in TPE :D), the Chinese tradition and the unique Taiwanese blend (the natives, the "Taiwanese" (people who migrated to TW before the KMT), the Mainlanders, the Japanese, the people who have returned from the west, etc.)

If the Taiwan-Mainland situation changes in 2008, I think the tourism business in Taiwan will have endless visitors from China (I think now is capped at 1000/day). That will be a huge boom and that will distract any need/effort to get western visitors. I am not sure if that is a good thing for the long run though.

If TW has regular nonstop flights with China and foreigners are allowed on them, TW can be easily added as a stopover/re-charge point for US/Canadian tourists to China. Right now, people have to go through HKG/MFM/KR/JP for TW and there is just no point to go to TW also. This will also hopefully make more companies put their operations in Taiwan (if it is not too late).

However the marketing is done right or wrong, it does it its own ways. If you look at how large international companies like Acer, BenQ, China Airlines and EVA/Evergreen do business, you can see it is still heavily Taiwanese flavored. EVA does not even want to join an alliance because it does not see the need (financial benefits). So, I guess that is what makes Taiwan Taiwan :D

username

Dec 31, 07, 1:40 am

While I am at it, I was at the Palace Museum the other day with an American friend. We took the free English tour and it was Horrible.

They are now using those military draftees (people who have special language skills/connections so they get to work in a museum instead of the battle field or stand as a statue in shrines:D) as tour guides, instead of professional full time employees. The young guy we had, supposedly a graduate of University of Toronto, spoke English terribly. Everything was plural and the tenses were just totally mixed up.

On top of that, his knowledge of the stuff there was shallow. One of the first questions our group asked was that if everything there is authentic or some are replica. He could not answer it. The way he was introducing things were from a 20 year old's view (e.g. comparing the curio boxes to Nintendos) and the group were older people.

I was very disappointed by the tour (free but was bad). He started by saying that the NPM is one of the 4 greatest museums in the world but I was thinking why then would you have a tour guide like this?

By the way, supposedly an unadvertised feature is that foreigners can enter for free. We used the 50% coupon from the MRT Taipei Pass but could have gone in for free.

lin821

Dec 31, 07, 4:50 pm

Ladies and gentleman, may I present to you:

Taipei 101 Firework Show 2008: Live (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aWp9etuArOQ)
:-::-:Happy New Year!:-::-:

Tourists love to visit Taipei 101, for shopping (http://www.taipei-101.com.tw/en/Mall/guide/floor.asp), dining (http://www.taipei-101.com.tw/en/Mall/guide/food/restaurant.asp), or simply for the city view (observatory (http://www.taipei-101.com.tw/en/OB/index_ob.asp)). Taipei 101 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taipei_101) has become one of the most recognized landmarks in Taipei since 2003. Not only has it won several skyscrapers awards (http://www.emporis.com/en/wm/bu/?id=100765), Taipei 101's annual firework show is also one of the most anticipated events for new year celebration in Taipei, Taiwan. CNN had covered the firework show before. Currently, it's the tallest building in the world (http://architecture.about.com/library/bltall.htm).

ps. Even though I personally don't think Taipei 101 fits the theme of "Taiwan touch your hearts', this post is giving Taipei 101 the coverage it deserves for being one of the most popular attractions in Taipei.

jimbo99

Dec 31, 07, 6:03 pm

Tourists love to visit Taipei 101, for shopping, dining,

Do they? Taipei 101 is pretty crap for dining or shopping. IMHO it is only worth going there to say you have been, and take the expensive trip to the top. Check the pollution first - its usually very hazy. (I've only done it once but a friend regularly takes visiting customers there.) Also check opening times - the "observatory" used to be closed Mondays, but it should now be open all week. Cost when I did it was NT$450 - roughly US$15.

Taipei 101's annual firework show is also one of the most anticipated events for new year celebration in Taipei, Taiwan. CNN had covered the firework show before.

I couldn't believe how last year the media here kept banging on about how "CNN showed the fireworks" and you seem to see this as being important too. This is political - so I will refer the "ladies and gentlemen" to this link.

http://www.taiwanembassy.org/ct.asp?xItem=18697&ctNode=2238

splatnz

Dec 31, 07, 7:22 pm

dtsm

Dec 31, 07, 9:27 pm

One of the most overrated 'sights' in Taiwan. Best part of the entire structure are the supermarket/food courts in the basement floor ;)

As far as the fireworks, even the locals say it's 'ma ma hu hu'. And this is last year http://www.chinapost.com.tw/taiwan/2007/12/26/136387/Fireworks-at.htm

PS - Taipei 101 yesterday promised not to include political or provocative words in its New Year fireworks show, defusing recent speculation that the Tourism Bureau would use the show to promote the nation's UN bid by showing "UN for Taiwan" on the city's landmark

Full article available below
http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2007/12/15/2003392600

So much for not mixing politics with tourism...LOL.

dtsm

Dec 31, 07, 9:35 pm

I think Taiwan is still the best place to see and understand the Chinese culture - the food, the Palace Museum and the person-to-person interactions.

Palace Museum is one the best things in Taiwan. What one get's to see is less than 5% of what was actually taken from the mainland when KMT lost China. They do rotate periodically - or at least they used to. Too bad the museum isn't better managed but definitely worth visiting!

Unfortunately, the word "China" is really not acceptable in Taiwan right now so they don't market that. Even in the "Touch Your Heart" video, it did not say anything about Chinese food (says Taiwanese food)!

Be careful...OP will get upset at your political statements!

If the Taiwan-Mainland situation changes in 2008, I think the tourism business in Taiwan will have endless visitors from China (I think now is capped at 1000/day). That will be a huge boom and that will distract any need/effort to get western visitors. I am not sure if that is a good thing for the long run though.

If TW has regular nonstop flights with China and foreigners are allowed on them, TW can be easily added as a stopover/re-charge point for US/Canadian tourists to China. Right now, people have to go through HKG/MFM/KR/JP for TW and there is just no point to go to TW also. This will also hopefully make more companies put their operations in Taiwan (if it is not too late).

Absolutely right on the mark, again ;)

lin821

Jan 1, 08, 1:07 am

..Taipei 101...(I've only done it once....
I couldn't believe how last year the media here kept banging on about how "CNN showed the fireworks" and you seem to see this as being important too. This is political...
With due respect, I am asking you not to put words into my mouth.

I think I am going to step out of my friendly mode for a moment. Giving it's new year, I am only trying to introduce the new year firework celebration in Taipei. Some folks enjoy seeing firework. I found the photos and clips, so people can see it for themselves. I didn't introduce the 101 firework with words of interpretation from anyone. I only presented it in a matter-of-fact manner. Even with my unwillingness to include the new Taipei landmark in this thread, Taipei 101 does "host" firework every year. CNN did cover it before. Important of not, it's in the eyes of the beholders. The viewers can decide for themselves whether the non-local coverage means anything or if the firework is a big deal. I did not want to use more words than necessary. If I had gone on with more "interpretations", I would have every intentions to bring on the political debate for the firework. As I had said it and I am saying it again, this thread is NOT about Taiwan politics. It's about introducing the attractions of Taiwan to tourists.

Please don't blow things out of proportion from every post I contribute. If you are going to put a political spin to an innocently mentioning of a firework that had been covered by non-local media, then anything can be political. If you are going to counteract every story I share that happened to one (or two) international traveller visiting Taiwan, no experience sharing will be possible. I've never emphasized Taiwan being environmentally friendly or accessible to people with disabilites. However, Mr. Yarets (our friend with special needs) and Mr. 小口良平 (the Japanese cyclist) did both have a pleasant visit (you can see the links of photos and blogs in those posts). They did get the chance to witness the beauty of nature in Taiwan.

I am not saying all international visitors will experience Taiwan the same way they did. Everyone sees, expects and experiences things differently. Everyone is entitled to their own opinions. That's the beauty of sharing experiences. I will keep on sharing the good things about Taiwan. There's no point of being judgemental or denying others' experiences. For example, when you don't have to bribe to get in/out Vietnam airports, it doesn't mean bribery doesn't exist in Vietnam (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showpost.php?p=8861137&postcount=7). ;)

Last but not least, Happy New Year!

username

Jan 1, 08, 1:55 am

So much for not mixing politics with tourism...LOL.

In Taiwan, politics is added to everything - we don't even use MSG or soy sauce that much :D :mad:

While I am at it, the new name for TPE is just plain stupid - Taiwan Taoyuan? That is like calling JFK "USA Queens Airport" or EWR "USA Essex Airport". (Taoyuan is the County name.)

I can accept that they dropped the CKS name from it but they should call it something like Taipei Taoyuan Airport (and Taipei Sungshan Airport for TSA).

jimbo99

Jan 1, 08, 3:23 am

As I had said it and I am saying it again, this thread is NOT about Taiwan politics. It's about introducing the attractions of Taiwan to tourists.

Your thread includes, as its title "Taiwan - will touch your heart" which is a government "awareness" raising campaign. Your stated purpose seems to be to promote your homeland, Taiwan to potential visitors - mostly by posting links you have found from internet.

In the case of Taipei 101, you included not only links to the fireworks display, but to Taipei 101's commercial website, with your comment "Tourists love to visit Taipei 101 for shopping, dining" etc.

I don't think you can complain if posters choose to counter this kind of message - especially when they do so from their personal experiences of going there.

With respect, for you the thread might be about "introducing the attractions of Taiwan to tourists". But for me, the thread should be about tourist information for readers - warts and all.

Aircoco

Jan 1, 08, 3:33 am

jimbo99

Jan 1, 08, 4:18 am

For a short 5-day trip in end January, can anyone recommend the kind of food that shouldn't be missed when in Taipei?

Also, I am quite interested to take the high-speed rail on a half-day trip; what would you recommend?

Thank you.

taipeipeter did some excellent posts on food in Taiwan a while back - suggest you search by his name and "food"....

It is much easier if you have some Chinese. If not, the way I started was just wandering by restaurants and going into ones that looked busy and pointing to what other people were eating if it looked good. Some restaurants have English menus, but they are not always well translated. Ditto the staff - some will speak English, but may not be up to giving you a good translation.

I personally like the dumplings (preferring the fried ones) you see around. You can just indicate with your fingers how many you want. Taiwan is cool now, so no need for airconned places. This place is famous http://www.dintaifung.com.tw/en/index.asp but overrated in my cynical opinion. Probably a "must do", along with Taipei 101.

Food courts (typically in the basement of large department stores) are good value and often have plastic mock ups - or its otherwise obvious what they sell). Also don't be put off eating in hotels. Unlike in some places, Taiwan international hotel food is pretty good - they depend on locals for much of their weekend business. (They locals don't stay, just go there for the food.) Many of the big ones have huge buffets.

Japanese food is excellent in Taiwan and I much prefer this to the local cuisine. Decent western food is harder to find. If you need to escape to it, then http://www.alleycatspizza.com/ is my favourite pizza chain. (Somewhat expat oriented.)

I've tried the HSR once - to Taichung - shortly after it opened. It was a taxi ride to the centre. You could try that - but perhaps not worth it for a half-day. The ticket machines were annoying - they took credit cards but put purchases through as cash advances. This meant a silly fee and interest charges. I hope that's been fixed. If buying from the machines and in any doubt, use cash.

dtsm

Jan 1, 08, 8:10 am

For a short 5-day trip in end January, can anyone recommend the kind of food that shouldn't be missed when in Taipei?

Thank you.

The search function is pretty lame but there is at least one (I think maybe two) threads re taiwan restaurants. You'll get lots of feedback from there.

Taiwan used to have the best Chinese food in the world (except for maybe Cantonese cuisine) back in the 70's and 80's. Unfortunately, since early 90's, it's gone downhill. Basically with rise of the middle class and standard of living (which was all positive), many people couldn't tell good from bad food. They would try to show off their wealth by ordering 'expensive' dishes', which then encouraged restaurants to lower their standards, etc.

Best place for Chinese food is probably now HK, although Shanghai is catching up. As noted in earlier post, there is a huge enclave of Taiwanese in western part of shanghai - some of the restaurants (all Taiwan owned) in that area are superb!

And as jimbo pointed out earlier, Taiwan has some excellent japanese restaurants.

dtsm

Jan 4, 08, 9:52 am

As far as the fireworks, even the locals say it's 'ma ma hu hu'. And this is last year http://www.chinapost.com.tw/taiwan/2007/12/26/136387/Fireworks-at.htm
.

Some photos of the fireworks at Taipei 101:

http://img225.imageshack.us/img225/9655/image018zy2.jpg
http://img292.imageshack.us/img292/4292/image014zu9.jpg
http://img98.imageshack.us/img98/636/image010kn9.jpg
http://img98.imageshack.us/img98/5756/image008vu0.jpg

ionlyflyupfront

Jan 13, 08, 2:44 am

Your thread includes, as its title "Taiwan - will touch your heart" which is a government "awareness" raising campaign. Your stated purpose seems to be to promote your homeland, Taiwan to potential visitors - mostly by posting links you have found from internet.

In the case of Taipei 101, you included not only links to the fireworks display, but to Taipei 101's commercial website, with your comment "Tourists love to visit Taipei 101 for shopping, dining" etc.

I don't think you can complain if posters choose to counter this kind of message - especially when they do so from their personal experiences of going there.

With respect, for you the thread might be about "introducing the attractions of Taiwan to tourists". But for me, the thread should be about tourist information for readers - warts and all.

I agree with Jimbo, I find the OP's posts so biased they read sickly. Its as if the OP lives in a fantasy world and fails to mention any of the real Taiwan, only the glossy bits that brochures would have you belive exist.

Regarding Taipei 101, who's bright idea was it to build this tallest building in the world in one of the biggest earthquake areas on the planet ?

Or while we are at it, that monstrosity exhibition centre at Nangang, its years behind schedule, no better than the existing one, no travel links which are even further behind schedule, no hotels and guess what, politicians were responsible for opening it well before it is ready due to the fact they were about to loose the two main trade shows the WTC houses. So now they will drive the visitors away all in the name of not loosing face .

Best thing about Taiwan, TV entertainment, watching the media replay all the video clips of the president saying what he will do if any of his family are involved in scandals, and classic is the wife of him that is too ill to appear in court but OK to go out on 3 hour shopping trips or for all night long dinner parties.

Taiwan will touch your heart, it will give you a heart attack if you spend long enough here

SanDiego1K

Jan 16, 08, 1:25 pm

Let's keep this thread politics free and focused on sightseeing.

Political conversations are welcome in Omni.

SanDiego1K
Senior Moderator

Taipei

Jan 21, 08, 3:17 am

For a short 5-day trip in end January, can anyone recommend the kind of food that shouldn't be missed when in Taipei?

Also, I am quite interested to take the high-speed rail on a half-day trip; what would you recommend?

Thank you.

You could take the high speed rail to Kaoshuing, visit love river walk the river banks at night, nice with cafes and music on weekends. Last train back north is 9:45pm and there now free shuttle in Kaoshuing but maybe its abit far from Taipei (90min). As an Japanese-American in Taiwan, can also say Japanese food is good, department store basements are good place to sample many kinds of foods, as well as local night markets. If you leave from Terminal two at Taipei's airport, try the fake night market, also an place to sample nightmaket food in a cleaner enviroment.

About High speed rail, I have never had a problem using the machines but mostly pay by cash, as my American credit card has a surchage for non US purchases. Also avoid peak hour travel and holiday travel as trains are full.

lin821

Feb 7, 08, 8:36 pm

Due to its geographic location, Taiwan has been a unique habitant and shelter for some special species in the world. Black-faced spoonbills (photos: here (http://www.ettoday.com/newspic/1003/i1003653.jpg) and here (http://web1.tainan.gov.tw/economic/magazine/ShowPicture.aspx?pid=471&imgmode=bmp)) probably know the best. They see Taiwan as the 2nd home in the last hundred years.

Black-faced Spoonbill (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Platalea_minor) is an endangered bird, even rarer than panda. Every year, between September and the next spring, about two thirds of its global population will visit Taiwan, mainly at Chi-Ku (or Cigu), Tainan. In order to raise the public awareness of their beauty and importance, the local authority has been running the yearly Happy Campaign since the year 2002. The Happy Campaign is named because the shorthand pronunciation of black-faced spoonbill in Chinese, 黑琵 (Hey-Pi), sounds very similar to the word "happy".

Those effort has been rewarded by their increased local presence. The number of black-faced spoonbills visiting Taiwan has been up from 252 (in the year 1997) to 1151 (in the year 2007). Hong Kong Bird Watching Society coordinates the annual international census of black-faced spoonbills (http://www.hkbws.org.hk/waterbird/bfs.html). Among the participants are China, Japan, Macau, Philippines, South Korea, Taiwan and Vietnam.

This year's campaign, Happy Day 2008 (http://www.wretch.cc/blog/happyday2008&category_id=11639807), coincides with Lunar New Year celebration (2/7/08-2/21/08). A lot of activities will bring you the must-know about black-faced spoonbills and the flavors of Chinese New Year. So if you happen to be in Taiwan, do check it out.

Watching Black-faced Spoonbill in the mouth of Zengwen River (曾文溪出海口)
(source: http://www.swcoast-nsa.gov.tw/en/02_tour/scenery_view.aspx?sn=143)

Best Season/Time:
In winters. They rest during the day. Best time to watch and observe will be around around 4:00 or 5:00 pm so you can see them in action.

Equipments:
single-lens telescope with 25 to 30 multiple, bird illustrated handbooks, and dressed casually without bright colors. For Black-faced Spoonbill photoshooting, the telephoto with over 600mm is appropriate.

Transportations and directions to Cigu:
By cars：
Choice 1: Take No.1 national highway, the same as Zhone-Shan Freeway, and exit at Ma-Dou interchange to No. 176 Provincial highway Road to Jia-Li; then take Tai 17 Road to Cigu, the destination.

Choice 2: : Take No.3 national highway and connect to Xin-Hua system interchange to No. 8 Freeway and then exit at Xin-Ji interchange; continue onto No.19 provincial highway to Jia-Li and take No. 176 Provincial highway to Cigu; by the end, turn onto Tai 17 Road and follow the signs in the Lagoon to the destination.

By Bus：
Take Singnan shuttle bus. Its station is near the Tainan Train Station or Jia-Li station. The detailed schedule could be checked by service number : (06)2653121.

ps. More about black-face spoonbills:
1. Cigu Educational Tour (http://www.swcoast-nsa.gov.tw/en/02_tour/Topic_view.aspx?sn=7)
2. Black-face Spoonbill Conservation Association (http://mail.tnssh.tn.edu.tw/~bfsa/en/ep01.htm)(台南縣黑面琵鷺保育學會)
3. Tainan Wild Bird Association (http://www.birds.org.tw/)(台南縣野鳥學會)
4. Wild Bird Society of Tainan (http://210.59.17.8/~bird/modules/about/)(台南市野鳥學會)

************************************************** **********

:-::-::-::-::-: Happy Chinese New Year :-::-::-::-::-:

2008: The Year of Rat

************************************************** ***********

3/11/08 Update: (Source: here (http://news.chinatimes.com/2007Cti/2007Cti-News/2007Cti-News-Content/0,4521,110503+112008031200415,00.html))

According to the 2008 census (conducted between 1/11/08 and 1/13/08), the global population of black-faced spoonbills population in the year 2008 (i.e. 2065 total) is 22% more than the year before and 7 times more than the mid-1980s. One thousand and thirty of them (about half of the total population) are spotted in Taiwan. The participants in 2008 are: China, Hong Kong, Japan, Macau, Philippines, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam.

jonslow

Feb 9, 08, 5:20 pm

lin821, thanks for sharing some tips on your country. My wife and I are looking forward to an all too short visit to Taipei and other Asian cities courtesy of United's Mileage Plus program. Our adult son came back from a much longer trip to Taiwan and other Asian cities with a firm conviction that the people of Taiwan made a foreigner feel very welcome.

bhmlurker

Feb 9, 08, 10:22 pm

I just turned from taking two well-traveled friends to Taiwan before continuing on to India, where I became the guest and they were the host. The whole experience caused me to rethink Taiwanese tourism a bit, since usually when I go home it's just visiting relatives and eating out. This was the first time I tried to see Taiwan from a foreigner point of view.

What the Taiwanese think tourists want to see, may not be what tourists want. My friends thoroughly enjoyed walking around in neighborhood markets of Taipei, seeing food vendors and people going about their daily business. They especially enjoyed the feeling of safety, even though I told them pickpockets definitely exist. As a Taiwanese I thought the market is where we buy food, but for the tourists it's quite a treat.

What the Taiwanese think tourists want to eat, may not be what tourists want. My friends wanted to eat Taiwanese food (something one can't get elsewhere), but my relatives only wanted to take them to western/chinese buffets or Japanese restaurants, which are all the rage in Taipei. Taiwanese often do not realize what is so wonderful and unique about Taiwan; I know I didn't. We ended up having my friends eat virtually every vendor food there is, plus a vegetarian buffet and obligatory western/chinese buffet with relatives. When I asked, the vendor food was the highlight for my friends; they really enjoyed the variety, the taste, and the health safety of it all (no one got sick, and they often did in the past when traveling).

Lack of English capability really hampers tourism. Taiwanese usually prefer tour groups that bus you around and feed you. Unfortunately many foreign tourists prefer self-guided tour, and Taiwan simply isn't setup for that. My friends had a wonderful time walking within Taipei, even trekked from SunWorld hotel/Giant Egg baseball park to Taipei 101, something that none of the locals would ever do ("why didn't you take the bus?" "No taxi?"). Some tourists simply enjoy walking and taking in the sight and sound, as they do when traveling in Europe. Unfortunately that's as far as they could've walked. Taipei's bus system to foreigners is impossible to fathom and there are no English on bus stop signs, although there often are on the bus itself! Most taxi drivers do not speak English, as they're often older folks. Train? Forget it! Again none of the signs are in English. Luckily we guided my friends around, and they enjoyed ever aspect of traveling in Taiwan, including TPE airport, highway, bus, train, and taxi (we missed out on high-speed transits); they would've gotten incredibly lost if they tried to bus/train on their own. My friends asked if they can take a bus to Ah-li mountain and I just laughed at them.

Taiwan is very clean. My friends told me about this repeatedly. I was surprised to hear that, because when I think of a clean country I think of Singapore, but when I started to observe, they were right - Taiwan is very clean and not THAT polluted. When I translated this for the locals/my relatives, they were all surprised too, and then pleased at the fact. Again, another example that often Taiwanese do not appreciate what exists locally.

Taiwanese are genuinely friendly. My friends enjoyed the fact that they didn't feel that they stuck out like a sore thumb. Nobody gawked, stared, and pointed at them, nor surrounded them to ask for money. People that they interacted with, with or without my mother or I around, were nice to them and tried to help as much as possible. They also didn't get a sense of false politeness, i.e. smiles and bowing but secretly talking trash about these gaijin. Also there were no cases where vendors would hike up price because they see foreign tourists, something that my friends truly appreciated, after having traveled all over. Of course when I told my relatives this, they again were surprised to hear this. It's just not in the Taiwanese culture to appreciate what is right here.

Taiwan is worth visiting, if one isn't looking to compare every aspect with somewhere else in the world. My friends enjoyed Taiwan, because they chose to experience the country as a local would, instead of hitting up every tourist attraction and comparing them to places abroad. Of course Taroko gorge is not as deep as Grand Canyon, nor the beaches comparable to exotic destinations worldwide. Thanks to my friends, this Taiwanese dissect out part of myself that always seeked out the bigger, better, faster, and more expensive. There's plenty to see if one sat down and truly observed, as my friend (a traditional artist) bid me to. It's perfectly natural to sit at a cafe in France or Italy and watch people, but who does that in Taiwan?

As a whole, Taiwan has plenty to offer foreign tourists, but it has to facilitate individual travel and not the Asian group tour mentality. Much remains to be done to make the country tourist-accessible, although as far as my friends were concerned, because they weren't hit by any overt gaijin/gringo-targeting tourist traps, they thought it was a diamond in the rough and loved the place. Unfortunately I may have to tour guide for them again unless if Taiwan's tourism board get its act together.

lin821

Feb 14, 08, 2:20 am

Searching for the perfect rose? It's right here (http://udn.com/NEWS/MEDIA/4215589-1793514.jpg)! (Want a close-up? Try here (http://www.cwb.gov.tw/V5/astronomy/Data/picture/images/rosette_20061223.jpg)*)

The photo was taken at Tataka, using a digital camera via a telescope (More beauty of Tataka can be seen here (http://formosabirding.blogspot.com/2006/07/2610-tataka.html)). In Tsao Tribe's language, Tataka means prairie. Tataka Visitor Center (http://english.ysnp.gov.tw/Publication.aspx?CurrentNodeID=1062&Level=3) (塔塔加遊客中心) is located at the highest point on the way to Yushan National Park (http://english.ysnp.gov.tw). You can enjoy a video clip of Tataka and Jade Mountain Here (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8McP1Qa6VKw).

Jade Mountain (Yushan: 玉山) (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jade_Mountain) is the highest mountain in Taiwan (and Far East Asia as well), almost 4K meters above sea level. Not only she attracts mountain-climbers, Yushan National Park is also famous for the wide range of wildlife and ecology. You can find at least 50 special kinds of mammals (including Formosan Black Bear (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Formosan_Black_Bear)(台灣黑熊) and Formosan Rock Macaque (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Formosan_Rock_Macaque)(台灣獼猴)), 151 species of birds, 228 kinds of butterflies, and many many others. Quite a few of the wildlife are unique species in Taiwan.

Jade Mountain is a nature museum in Taiwan. If you are a nature lover, don't miss Jade Mountain when you visit Taiwan!

* If you are interested in the spec of the Tataka Rose, please visit the Central Weather Bureau website (http://www.cwb.gov.tw/) and use the search term "Rosette Nebula in Monoceros" (sorry! can't find a way to link it directly. The search box is at the upper right corner of the screen and you have to search in the Chinese version of website in order to bring up the link to the rose).

ionlyflyupfront

Feb 16, 08, 1:59 am

Taiwan will never be able to cater for westerner tourists, ever. To say it is clean, you are joking of course. Look at Singapore then Taipei. Ask someone cleaning their scooter in Singapore what they are doing and they will tell you they are cleaning the scooter as it is dirty. Ask a Taiwanese why he does not clean his scooter or anything else, like his windows, car, outside of the building and they will tell you there is no point as it will get dirty again. (JIMBO please confirm ) bhmlurker your post is obviouslt Taipei, you shoulr try some of the dumps south of Taipei.

lin821

Feb 19, 08, 12:34 am

The Traditional Lantern Festival is the 15th day in Lunar January, which also concludes the celebration of Chinese New Year. In case you had lost count, this year, the official lantern day is Thursday, February 21, 2008. The traditional food/snack for the day is sticky rice balls (湯圓或元宵) (http://mag.udn.com/magimages/41/PROJ_ARTICLE/279_3276/f_110953_1.jpg).

Other than Pengsi Sky Lantern Festival (flyertalk.com/forum/showpost.php?p=8888082&postcount=27), Taipei Lantern Festival is another event the local authorities hold to attract tourists. Taipei Lantern Festival 2008 (http://www.taipei-festival2008.com/e00_00.htm) will last for about 10 days, from 2/15/08 to 2/24/08. Different from previous years, this year, National Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall (www.yatsen.gov.tw/en/?PHPSESSID=2d4709ab345ec29bb153846edc457e3b) will be the hosting site for the feature lanterns (http://mag.udn.com/magimages/5/PROJ_ARTICLE/342_3281/f_111232_1.jpg) and Taipei City Hall will be the satellite site. (Some video clips from tripintv: 1. City Hall (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EoyCmg81TPY), 2. Feature Lanterns (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D9Z4b_fGvag) & 3. More (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iil2s8y-HFw)). Since 2008 is the Year of Rat, the feature lanterns will tell the story of Wealthy Mouse (http://www.taipei-festival2008.com/images/photo/small_lantern.jpg) (豐足鼠). In order to marry his love, the Princess from the Dawn Kingdom, Wealthy Mouse has to collect 12 lights of dawn and show the Dawn Kingdom a brighter future first. Instead of considering them as filthy, rats can symbolically bring you fortune in our culture, such as the "money mouse" (金錢鼠).

One of the collectible souvenirs from Lantern Festivals is the portable animal lantern (小提燈). In Taipei, the Wealthy Mouse lanterns (http://www.taipei-festival2008.com/images/photo/small_lantern.jpg) will be given away at the entrance of the Sun Yet-San Memorial Hall near Ren-Ai RD. starting at 2:00 pm, from 2/16-2/21 (There will be additional two distribution spots at the 2 sides of the front door of Taipei City Hall from 2/16-2/17). On the other hand, Taiwan Lantern Festival, sponsored by Taiwan Tourism Bureau, will be giving away the Energy Mouse (http://www.epochtimes.com/i6/801211054081462--ss.jpg) (活力鼠) in Tainan. Sixty thousand of Energy Mouse will be given away on the following 6 dates at 4:00: 2/20-2/24; 3/1-3/2. Remember to get to the distribution spots as early as possible. These lanterns always run out very fast. (Want to see the waiting line in Taipei? HERE (http://udn.com/NEWS/MEDIA/4223347-1797295.jpg))

All portable animal lanterns are made of environmental friendly material with very cute designs. The paper-sculptured lantern is made from one single piece of paper, lit by LED and very easy to assemble. (See a demonstration of assembling a paper-sculptured mouse lantern HERE (http://video.yahoo.com/watch/1761052).)

One of the traditional customs during Lantern Festival is to play riddles. If you can read Traditional Chinese and are in the mood for the game, why not try the 2008 Riddles from Taipei City Zoo (http://www.udn.com/2008/2/18/NEWS/MEDIA/4222040-1796946.jpg)? (Sorry, no English version. You do have to know Chinese good enough to enjoy them. :D)

ps. In comparison with the Trail of Light here in Austin, TX, I think Taipei Lantern Festival is much more attractive and runs at a larger scale. I may be biased, of course. ;)
************************************************** ****************************

2/23/08 Update: Showcase of 2008 Taipei Lantern Festival

Wealthy Mouse's Wedding (http://album.blog.yam.com/show.php?a=fongeugenia&f=3970873&i=762750)
: A series of photos from Taipei Lantern Festival
(taken by Canon 400D: ISO 1600)

I tried to find some good "non-commercialized" shots for the festival. (Believe me, it's not an easy task from all amateurs' pictures. ;)) This Taiwanese blogger, fongeugenia, took some wonderful pictures of the event. Even though it's a blog in Traditional Chinese, you can still enjoy his eye-catching pictures.

Folks chose their own themes for the lantern contest. The grand-prize winner from the lantern contest is Seeing the World from Taipei (http://album.blog.yam.com/show.php?a=fongeugenia&f=3970873&i=762718), which landscapes some worldly famous architectures (such as Moai (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moai) statues-復活島石像...etc). I can't find a photo that captures the whole view of the winner (a different shot: here (http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2153/2282200764_0a4edcabf3_o.jpg)). Some lanterns are made by students, including junior high schoolers (http://album.blog.yam.com/show.php?a=fongeugenia&f=3970873&i=762712). I think :-: this mouse-cat-pals lantern (http://album.blog.yam.com/show.php?a=fongeugenia&f=3970873&i=762713) :-: is quite cute (being peaceful doesn't hurt either. ;)). Some other themes for the lanterns include hot springs spa, Taipei 101...etc. Want to see more, please check out fongeugenia's coverage of 2008 Taipei Lantern Festival (http://blog.yam.com/fongeugenia/article/13930478) (don't forget to scroll down the pages for more pictures).

Pictures are more than a thousand words. Hope they give you thousands more of reasons to visit Taiwan and enjoy our traditional festivals. @:-)

ionlyflyupfront

Feb 24, 08, 1:04 am

how do you find time to cut and paste all this stuff, its real fairy tale BS and nothing like what really goes on

lin821

Mar 12, 08, 12:52 am

To discover the beauty of any country, one has to be able to see it from inside out and the other way around. It's not convincing nor good enough just to listen to a Taiwanese "praising" about Taiwan ;). Allow me to introduce you perspectives from the globe.

What's Up in Taiwan (WuiT) (http://whatsupintaiwan.blogspot.com/2005/11/whats-up-in-taiwan-promo_27.html)is a podcast project, focusing on "introducing Taiwan from a foreigner's perspective." Even though podcast production is in hiatus right now, the WuiT team successfully produced 64 audio podcasts between 12/5/05-2/19/07. Each podcast is a 10-minute interview of an international to share her/his views of Taiwan. They talk about life, culture, social issues, and interesting Taiwan encounters.

In terms of a tourist destination, I know Taiwan is not English-friendly enough. Not only does Taiwan fall behind in providing good maps and tour guide to international travellers, but also Taiwan falls short reaching out to the English-speaking population. The producer of "What's Up in Taiwan" (http://whatsupintaiwan.blogspot.com/2005/11/whats-up-in-taiwan-promo_27.html), Mr. Kuang-Chung Yu, and his team wanted to fill this void. They volunteered their time and put a lot of effort into the WuiT project. They are not tech-savvy. They don't have many resources. They tried their best to present and share Taiwan with the world. The podcasts were not pre-scripted. They are honest observations and experiences from foreigners' living or visiting Taiwan.

:-::-:Fact Sheet of WuiT Podcasts :-::-:
Where are they from?
Countries: Australia, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Ireland, Israel, Japan, Netherland, Philippines, Russia, Scandinavia, Scotland, South Africa, St. Vincent, Sweden, Tailand, Turkey, UK..etc.

Who are these people?
Ethnic or religious background: Black, White, Korean American, Taiwanese American, Latino, Muslim, Caucasian, a self-described "European mongrel"...etc.

What do they do?
Professions: from teacher in Taipei American School, Father Barry, dancers, DJ, web designer, lawyer, performer, foreign correspondent, entrepreneur, musician, percussionist, social worker, hostel owner, director, student, producer, music producer, administrator, high-tech/internet, podcaster, nurse, blogger, English teacher, senior advisor, model, chef, writer, puppet theater administrator, aviation consultant, priest, medical researcher, actor, web designer...etc.

Some pod spoils: :D
Some of the guests are very famous in Taiwan, such as Fathers Barry/Jerry from Podcast #56 Orchid Island (http://whatsupintaiwan.blogspot.com/2006/12/wuit-056-orchid-island.html). I will devote separate posts for them and Orchid Island in the future. For those of you who plan to visit the National Palace Museum (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showpost.php?p=8893997&postcount=31), you probably should check out Podcast#20 (http://whatsupintaiwan.blogspot.com/2006/04/wuit-020-joanne-huskey.html) and see what this volunteer museum tour guide has to say about Taiwan. (You probably should check out her shift and join her tour. :)) If you are into Taiwanese culture, do check out Podcast #53: Puppet Theatre Museum (http://whatsupintaiwan.blogspot.com/2006/12/wuit-053-robin-erik-ruizendaal.html). I will introduce more of palm puppets, arts and Taiwanese culture in future posts as well.

I have to admit, I haven't listened to all 64 podcasts. If politics ever come up in the interviews and ruin the fun, my apology. Please choose another episode instead. By reading the briefing in each individual podcast, the audience should have some ideas as to what to expect from that particular guest.

Are you ready to tune in? Get to know Taiwan by their words... (http://whatsupintaiwan.blogspot.com/2007/02/thank-you-for-your-listening.html)

:-: What's up in Taiwan Podcast List (64 Podcasts) (http://whatsupintaiwan.googlepages.com/list) :-:

silverkris168

Mar 14, 08, 4:59 pm

Maybe I was too candid with my comments - they were not meant to be construted as a political attack but to address how tourism (and general economy) of the island could be improved.

One reason tourism is down is the general malaise in the government...but as requested, I won't go into that....

Here are a couple of interesting (I hope) observations:

According to a family insider at NY China airlines, although bookings for CAL are the highest of the north american offices, they continue to lose money? I recently (this spring) did a 2 for 1 with my Amex platinum and was surprised and disappointed at the state of the aircraft - old 747 jumbo from the late '90s, hadn't been upgraded in years, antiquated A/V system....generally equivalent to Asiana (same poor situation). First time I took CAL in over 10 yrs and my last!

Eva historically gets high marks on both service and safety so happy to see a non-stop service from east coast....this will help and hopefully force CAL to upgrade, starting Dec 4th:
http://www.evaair.com/html/b2c/english/eva/news/2007/news200709280003
IMHO.

I'm pretty surprised at your comment that CI is reportedly losing money, because even with all their problems (such as the safety reputation) they have high load factors and they've been buying up new planes (and have one of the youngest fleets in the world). I think that BR has also been spurring them to upgrade or improve their cabin service as well.

silverkris168

Mar 14, 08, 5:19 pm

The search function is pretty lame but there is at least one (I think maybe two) threads re taiwan restaurants. You'll get lots of feedback from there.

Taiwan used to have the best Chinese food in the world (except for maybe Cantonese cuisine) back in the 70's and 80's. Unfortunately, since early 90's, it's gone downhill. Basically with rise of the middle class and standard of living (which was all positive), many people couldn't tell good from bad food. They would try to show off their wealth by ordering 'expensive' dishes', which then encouraged restaurants to lower their standards, etc.

Best place for Chinese food is probably now HK, although Shanghai is catching up. As noted in earlier post, there is a huge enclave of Taiwanese in western part of shanghai - some of the restaurants (all Taiwan owned) in that area are superb!

And as jimbo pointed out earlier, Taiwan has some excellent japanese restaurants.

Well, as a former Taipei, Shanghai and Hong Kong resident, I'll add my two cents:

Outside of the mainland, HK is best for Cantonese and Shanghainese food. I've found the local food in Shanghai to be a bit too greasy for my tastes though in recent years it's probably improved. Hong Kong unfortunately doesn't have so much selection or quality for the other regional Chinese cuisines like Szechuan, Pekingnese.

Taiwan has a lot more variety in the other regional Chinese cuisines, such as Shandong, Mongolian, etc. Their cheap eats are particularly great (I definitely prefer their stinky tofu and rice tamales (zhongzi) to the counterparts I've had in HK). I'd go with the tried and true restaurants in Taipei that hasn't fallen to the noveau riche pretentions. Ask a local for his/her favorite restaurant. So whenever I go to Taiwan, I try to find stuff I can't get in HK, like really decent, northern style za jiang mien (pork sauce noodles) or dumplings (shui jiao), or their beef noodles.

silverkris168

Mar 14, 08, 5:40 pm

This is a very interesting thread. With some family roots in Taiwan (my parents were part of the big overseas student diaspora in the late 50s/early 60s), and a former resident, I have a bit of an interest in this.

I too share the view of many that Taiwan hasn't been well marketed as a tourist destination. That unfortunately is a very age old problem, when I lived here in the late 80's -early 90's that was the same case. It seems that the tourism industry in Taiwan is more geared towards outbound travelers and foreigners coming here for business. Where do you find the niche or "hook" of Taiwan's unique selling point? And that's a tough thing. I do think Taiwan could be a bit more foreigner friendly in terms of signage, outreach, language assitance in any case.

Let's face it - Taipei is never going to have the "wow" factor or postcard quality of Hong Kong's harbor, Beijing's Tiananmen Square, etc. I will concur with most posters that the real secret is hidden by the day to day interactions with the people, the subtleties. The people for one - IME the Taiwanese people are some of the friendliest, down to earth folks around (and it takes a little time to appreciate that). I think the modern concrete facade of Taiwan's cities and towns, the high tech modernity actually masks a very traditional culture and folkways. Don't be fooled by all the fancy US degrees earned and suits worn by many leading Taiwanese business, academic and political leaders. And that juxtaposition is pretty fascinating.

Braniff

Mar 15, 08, 2:24 pm

An earlier post compared Taiwan to New Zealand.

I've heard Taipei being compared unfavorably to Seoul --- which I thought would be impossible !!! (I have not been to Taipei, but I have been to Seoul too often.)

The "countryside" of Taiwan but be incredible to make it comparable to NZ.

worldexpress

Mar 16, 08, 12:56 am

taiwan? um... why? :confused:

..when you have h.k., singapore (and malaysia) and china! they do have a kick-a-- national museum but that's about it. they say frog legs taste like chicken. then eat chicken.

dtsm

Mar 16, 08, 1:21 am

I'm pretty surprised at your comment that CI is reportedly losing money.

I was referring to the NY/Taipei route. And the plane(s) are 'old' compared to their newer planes. BR is definitely way ahead of them.

As far as food, yes, the small local places are absolutely gems. It's the 'famous, fancy' restaurants that are over priced, over-rated and can't compare with HK or China...POV

Aircoco

Mar 16, 08, 2:25 am

Returned from Taipei in February 08, and was most mesmerised with Dan Shui.

However, there doesn't seem to have a good quality hotel in that area. Otherwise, we would have stayed around there. Travelling from the Grand Hyatt is quite a distance.

jpdx

Mar 16, 08, 1:41 pm

I've heard Taipei being compared unfavorably to Seoul --- which I thought would be impossible !!! (I have not been to Taipei, but I have been to Seoul too often.)

I think Taiwan has a lot in common with Korea in terms of tourism (but also in other areas -- aggressive drivers, ugly construction, etc.). In both countries, tourism is really geared toward the domestic traveler, as well as international business travelers. I would say that Taipei compares favorably to Seoul (I'm with you in wondering how any city could possibly be worse than Seoul), but there are a lot of commonalities. Both countries suffer from a lack of "must see" sights, and their marketing is just not good enough to lure large amounts of travelers "off the beaten path" (e.g., to TPE instead of HK, CJU instead of HKT, etc.).

As an aside, I'll be in TPE next week, anyone up for dinner?

ionlyflyupfront

Mar 17, 08, 12:42 pm

I was referring to the NY/Taipei route. And the plane(s) are 'old' compared to their newer planes. BR is definitely way ahead of them.

Total rubbish CI Super Dynasty class is way ahead of new biz on BR, the 747 biz class on ci sucks

lin821

Apr 4, 08, 1:35 am

The 7th Bakery World Cup (http://www.europain.com/fr/animations/coupe-du-monde-boulangerie.html) (3/29/08-4/2/08) has just concluded in France. Taiwan won the 2nd place this year (photo of the award-winning bread: here (http://udn.com/NEWS/MEDIA/4286575-1827417.JPG)). ^

The 1st Bakery World Cup was held at the Europain show in 1992. Since then, it has gone on to become a major event for the profession (almost like the Bakery Olympics). The EUROPAIN show (http://www.europain.com/fr/home/index.html) started life in 1967 and is a showcase for the creation from world bakers, condectioners and caterers. Today, Europain is a leading global event for the profession, and held every three years at Paris-Nord Villepinte.

Being away from home, Taiwan bread and bakery always makes me home-sick. I was born with a sweet tooth ;). However, I was almost sugar over-dosed by the first cake I had in the States. And the first Dunkin Donut almost killed me as well. Don't know how the Americans can overdo sugar (& salt). :eek: All these "incidents" make me miss all the bread in Taiwan. :(

If you set your foot in any bakery in Taiwan, you will see what I mean. The varieties of bread, toast, and cakes will definitely impress you. The bakers are so good at making all the tarts and fruit fillings (peach, pineapples, coconuts, blueberries, even red beans, taro & more). What I miss most are not those fancy bread. Here are my favorites: bolo bread (菠蘿麵包: photo (http://jodelibakery.netfirms.com/bread/polo%20buns/polo%20buns%20032.jpg)), potato/ham/egg salad bun(沙拉麵包: photo (http://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd310/javabn/saladbread-004.jpg)), pork floss bun (肉鬆麵包: photo (http://www.flickr.com/photos/freshfromtheoven606/2275815108/in/set-72157603292258096/)), and egg tarts (蛋塔: photo (http://jodelibakery.netfirms.com/chinese/egg%20tart/egg_tart_new.jpg)).

Bread-making is a labor-intensive business. I grew up with mom-and-pop bakeries in the neighborhood when one bolo bread cost only $1 or $2 NTD. The best to visit the bakery was around 3:00 or 4:00 in the afternoon when bread was fresh out of the oven and kids just let out of school. During the last two decades, a lot of neighborhood bakeries cease operation. Rising production cost being one reason, and the younger generations unwillingness to take over the family business the other. On the other hand, the chain bakery is on the rise with modern decor and mass-production of bread to lower the cost. Mom-and-pops are simply no competition.

When visiting Taiwan, please try the bakery. If you can't find one in the neighborhood, try the department stores. All the department stores have either affiliated or contracted bakery on site, usually located in the basement or the same floor as the food court. Trust me, you will be pleasantly surprised!

jimbo99

Apr 4, 08, 2:42 am

When visiting Taiwan, please try the bakery.

Ah...thought we were due for another bump. I can assure you that for a European living in Taiwan, getting decent unadulterated, bread is a nightmare. Even Carrefour has problems delivering up a decent croissant or stick. At the moment DonQ (basement of Mitsukoshi, near Zhongshan MRT station) is my favourite.

Perhaps I should recommend the rice of London. And how I miss it when I'm in Taiwan.

ionlyflyupfront

Apr 4, 08, 7:50 am

Taiwan bread is without doubt the most sickly ever known to mankind, I feel like puking just passing a bread shop in Taiwan, they use sweet milk powder in the bread and then when making sandwiches cover the contents in sickly mayonaise, Jim when next in Taichung let me give you some real bread made by my own hands.

ionlyflyupfront

Apr 4, 08, 7:53 am

lin821 really seems to live in a fantasy world if you ask me, she will be telling us next all black cars in Taiwan and driven by the mafia

silverkris168

Apr 4, 08, 8:04 pm

The 7th Being away from home, Taiwan bread and bakery always makes me home-sick. I was born with a sweet tooth ;). However, I was almost sugar over-dosed by the first cake I had in the States. And the first Dunkin Donut almost killed me as well. Don't know how the Americans can overdo sugar (& salt). :eek: All these "incidents" make me miss all the bread in Taiwan. :(

If you set your foot in any bakery in Taiwan, you will see what I mean. The varieties of bread, toast, and cakes will definitely impress you. The bakers are so good at making all the tarts and fruit fillings (peach, pineapples, coconuts, blueberries, even red beans, taro & more). What I miss most are not those fancy bread. Here are my favorites: bolo bread (菠蘿麵包: photo (http://jodelibakery.netfirms.com/bread/polo%20buns/polo%20buns%20032.jpg)), potato/ham/egg salad bum(沙拉麵包: photo (http://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd310/javabn/saladbread-004.jpg)), pork floss bun (肉鬆麵包: photo (http://www.flickr.com/photos/freshfromtheoven606/2275815108/in/set-72157603292258096/)), and egg tarts (蛋塔: photo (http://jodelibakery.netfirms.com/chinese/egg%20tart/egg_tart_new.jpg)).

When visiting Taiwan, please try the bakery. If you can't find one in the neighborhood, try the department stores. All the department stores have either affiliated or contracted bakery on site, usually located in the basement or the same floor as the food court. Trust me, you will be pleasantly surprised!

We have these kinds of bakeries in Silicon Valley/SF Bay Area, like Sheng Kee and others. They can be found in these giant Asian supermarket chains like 99 Ranch Market. I'm not really a sweet tooth but I can sure see if you grew up with that, you'd like it (my Hong Kong-born wife occasionally likes the rolls).

lin821

Apr 4, 08, 11:38 pm

We have these kinds of bakeries in Silicon Valley/SF Bay Area, like Sheng Kee and others. They can be found in these giant Asian supermarket chains like 99 Ranch Market. I'm not really a sweet tooth but I can sure see if you grew up with that, you'd like it (my Hong Kong-born wife occasionally likes the rolls).
Even you don't crave for sweet, silverkris168, don't you agree Taiwanese bread is better than the American counterpart?

Sadly, I am not in the Bay Area. I know there's a Sheng Kee in Houston but I don't go there often. With significant number of ethnic Chinese residing in CA and NYC, it's not surprising to see those bakeries in the neighborhood.

In terms of bread and pastry, I would say there are quite some similarities among Hong Kong, Japan and Taiwan. I praise Taiwanese bread not just because I grew up with it, but also because they are really good. (I know stinky tofu is not to everyone's taste so I won't proudly brag about it. ;))

I used to have a roommate from Bangladesh. She once introduced me her comfort food from home. I don't remember the name of the snack but it looked like Taiwanese waffle (馬來糕) (http://2.blog.xuite.net/23/0b/12602185/blog_59683/txt/4091338/6.jpg), except it was square-shaped. She told me it's sweet so I took a bit. It's not sweet at all :eek: and full of funny spices with very strong flavors. I tried to be discrete and spilt it in the trash when she's not watching. I guess not all sweet is equal. :p

The best thing about Taiwanese bread is that you don't have to go the the fancy restaurants to have those treats. They are essentially everywhere and quite affordable. You don't need a tea party to enjoy it. They are good for either snacking or meals. They go well with milk, tea, coffee or soy milk.

One of my fav street food is the twin-bun (Taiwanese nickname:雙胞胎麵包. photo here (http://www.ytower.com.tw/prj/prj_339/p1.asp)). They are deep fried (similar to donuts) and come in the shape of mickey's ears. Best served fresh and warm. Yummy snack of all time.

To westerners, there may be too much sugar in Taiwanese food. Not just bread. If you've tried the polular bubble tea (boba or pearl milk tea), you know they are indeed very sweet. (Want to learn more about boba tea, visit this DiningBuzz! thread on boba (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=745521)). Maybe there's too much "sugar coating" in Taiwanese culture, therefore Taiwanese are sweet and friendly. :)

If you don't have a sweet tooth, you can still enjoy Taiwanese bread. There are those salty kinds with bacon, hot dogs, or Taiwanese sausages; or even some plain ones with green onions. Just go to the bakery and make your pick!

jpatokal

Apr 7, 08, 9:23 am

Even you don't crave for sweet, silverkris168, don't you agree Taiwanese bread is better than the American counterpart?
It's quite difficult to find anything that a European would call "bread" anywhere in Asia. If I go to a local bakery in Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia etc, there is only a vast selection of what a European would call pastries, because the dough is always sweet, even -- and this is the part that really weirds out westerners -- when the toppings/fillings are savory. So, no, your "salty kind with bacon" is not going to make any European or American nostalgic, because in Europe/America nobody will put salty bacon in a sweet bun. Also, Asian breads are virtually always super-soft and based on white wheat. Nothing chewy or crunchy, so no rye breads, no sourdough, no pumpernickel, no crispbreads...

This is not to say that I don't appreciate a nice anpan (pastry with red bean paste), a pork floss bun, curry puffs or Singaporean tau sar piah with lotus paste -- but that doesn't make any of them "bread"!

And oh, your Bangladeshi friend probably gave you a samosa (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samosa). I presume that, like most Chinese in Asia, you also dislike Indian food?

jimbo99

Apr 7, 08, 3:53 pm

After a few years in Paris, my Taiwanese friend there misses nothing about Taiwanese "bread".

But she does miss French bread when visiting her family back in Taiwan.

They do some pretty nice pastries in France, too. I think we're scraping the barrel if we have to promote Taiwan to tourists on the basis of its "bread".

ionlyflyupfront

Apr 7, 08, 6:23 pm

totally agree Jim, as previously posted I think OP lives in a fantasy world, see you sunday at LGW

silverkris168

Apr 8, 08, 7:12 pm

Even you don't crave for sweet, silverkris168, don't you agree Taiwanese bread is better than the American counterpart?

If you don't have a sweet tooth, you can still enjoy Taiwanese bread. There are those salty kinds with bacon, hot dogs, or Taiwanese sausages; or even some plain ones with green onions. Just go to the bakery and make your pick!

Well, it's all a matter of taste, what's better really depends on your tastes/inclinations/background. While I do have roots in Taiwan - my parents grew up there and I still have extended family, I'm still not much of a sweet tooth person and don't really patronize bakeries all that much.

I'm more of a savory food person, so my tastes for local Taiwanese snacks goes towards stuff like pork sung, the sausages (xiang chang), oyster and egg pancake. Or steamed dumplings (like xiao long bao), or even the cheapie ones you can get at any convenience store today. I did attend 1st grade for 1/2 year in Taipei, so my schoolkid memories include eating baked yams sold from a streetcart (I don't know if you can find that anymore). And I think the stinky tofu in Taiwan is superior to the stuff in Hong Kong!

silverkris168

Apr 11, 08, 12:11 am

Now I just remembered a bakery in Taipei that serves up nice rolls and bread - it's called Marco Polo...I was introduced to it by my aunt (whose friend operates it). The style of baking however, isn't what I'd call "local" tastes, they have wheat and rye breads in a more European style.

lin821

Sep 22, 08, 4:31 am

Last, I left you with the Taiwanese bread/pastry. Let's rekindle with eating in Taipei.

In Monocle Magazine (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monocle_(2007_magazine)) December 2007 Special Edition, Travel Top 50 (http://www.monocle.com/sections/edits/Web-Articles/Travel-Top-Fifty/), Taipei is listed as the world’s most underrated capital city:
(Source: here (http://www.guardian.co.uk/travel/2007/nov/15/top10.luxurytravel?page=all))

You have to feel sorry for poor Taipei. First you start losing all your direct air links to Europe because carriers are more interested in expanding their routes to second-tier Chinese cities, and then Beijing goes and lands the Olympics. This hasn't made the city any less interesting. In fact, it might become more dynamic as it has to fight harder to stand out.

Yes, there are not enough direct flights between Taiwan and Europe. But don't let it stop you. See how much Matt Gross (http://travel2.nytimes.com/2006/06/28/travel/28frugaltravelerQNA.html?scp=3&sq=Frugal%20Traveler%20column%20&st=cse), the writer for the New York Times Frugal Traveler column, enjoys Feasting at the Table of Taipei (http://travel.nytimes.com/2008/09/21/travel/21Taipei.html?pagewanted=all):

for food is one arena where Taipei — the world’s most underrated capital city, according to Monocle magazine — blows Beijing away. Its food incorporates more influences, spans street food to haute cuisine with greater aplomb and is out and out more delicious than that of its mainland counterpart. Not to mention that its people are perhaps the most comestible-crazed Asians outside of Singapore...

Defining that superlative cuisine, however, is tricky, for Taiwan is a melting pot. Virtually every cooking style of the mainland is represented,...

In Mr. Gross's article, quite a few Taiwanese cuisine and small eats (台灣小吃) were discussed: beef noodle soup (牛肉麵), Ay-Chung Flour-Rice Noodle (阿宗麵線), stinky tofu, Taiwanese breakfast of soy milk (豆漿) and rice balls (糯米飯糰), "lu rou fan" (http://zh.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E6%BB%B7%E8%82%89%E9%A3%AF): stew ground pork rice (滷肉飯 or 鲁肉飯). He also got wonderful local guides and visited some popular restaurants, such as Din Tai Fung, Kiki, AoBa, Chin Yeh, Eat Rice Center, C’est Bon & San Yuen Hao. You can see the slide show of his "Mixing Flavors in Taipei" here (http://www.nytimes.com/slideshow/2008/09/21/travel/0921-TAIPEI_index.html). (For a complete list of his recommendations: here (http://travel.nytimes.com/2008/09/21/travel/21Taipei.html?pagewanted=3))

If you can read Chinese, I very much would like to recommend you a famous Taiwanese writer who Matt Gross has honorably mentioned: Shu Kuo-Chih (Mr. 舒國治) and his recent book, “Notes on Taipei Xiao Chi” (台北小吃札記 (http://www.crown.com.tw/epaper/read/285_1.htm)). I've been doing some research on Mr. Shu's writings on Taiwanese & Taipei eats and will make another post in the future.

If you are up for an adventure of Taiwanese small eats, you better find yourself a good local guide. Or you better master the language. Sorry we haven't make it easy for the tourists to find all the hidden treasure. There are so many delicious street food outside the night markets. Even for a Taipei local like me, I need friends who can lead the way to fix my craving for some specialty "night snacks" (消夜 or mistakenly as "宵夜" (http://l_y_yeung.mysinablog.com/index.php?op=ViewArticle&articleId=1018237)). And for the miles/points junkies out there, sorry! No charge. Remember to bring enough (local) cash with you.

Enjoy your meal!
Buon appetito!
Bon appétit!
Buen provecho!
Guten Appetit!
いただきます!
Bene comede!
smaklig måltid!
กินให้อร่อยนะ!
Bon appitittu!
("enjoy your meal" source: here (http://www.logosdictionary.org/pls/dictionary/new_dictionary.gdic.st?phrase_code=4928220)) :)

jib71

Sep 22, 08, 6:15 am

I've heard Taipei being compared unfavorably to Seoul --- which I thought would be impossible !!! (I have not been to Taipei, but I have been to Seoul too often.)

The "countryside" of Taiwan but be incredible to make it comparable to NZ.

I've visited Korea several times (business and holidays). Taiwan only once (on holiday). I think it's a matter of personal taste. For my taste, Taiwan was far more enjoyable. Mrs. jib finds Korea more interesting. For one thing, I found the food in Taiwan more pallatable (Mrs. jib stayed too long in Szechuan and is never satisfied with Chinese food elsewhere. But she loves the food in Korea). And although it may seem a cliche, I'll add my voice to the crowd saying that Taiwanese people are very friendly.

For visitors from Japan, I think the friendliness is striking in comparison with the cooler reception that one can get when visiting other close neighbours. (Even as a non-Japanese, I've met with open hostility in Korea and suspicion in mainland China for my Japanese connections).

I think it's fair to say that Taiwan, Korea and Japan are all failing to meet their potential in terms of inbound tourism. From the point of view of the European or American tourist who might visit Asia once in a lifetime, they're not the cheapest places, not linguistically easy, and simply not perceived as places to go for a holiday. And Taiwan can add the fact that it has few direct connections.

Regarding perception: Most people in my home country (the UK) would have difficulty thinking of a man-made, world famous site, like Angkor Wat or the Taj Mahal, in Japan, Korea or Taiwan. Few British people could name six cities in those three countries. I think that changing the perception among Europeans and Americans is a struggle. The chances are better with people from Asian countries. Things will change somewhat as intra-Asia tourism grows. Some places in Japan are starting to focus on serving Chinese speaking tourists.

Regarding the Taiwanese countryside - The view from the plane really is spectacular. We flew from Taipei to the Penghu islands and I was simply stunned by the forested peaks that we could see from the window. Some incredible landscapes for sure. I'm determined to visit the interior of the island next time.

ionlyflyupfront

Sep 27, 08, 12:22 am

For tourism in Taiwan we are talking about a total rebuild. They also need to educate the locals not treat the streets as a place to put your garbage and opavements are not car parks. Oh by the way, they need to be aware the disabled people cannot negotiate a different level in the pavement every 5 metres

Bowgie

Oct 23, 08, 5:41 pm

I'm thinking of arriving in Taipei the day after Christmas for a combination mini-holiday and rather pricey NWA WorldPerks miles run on KE flights. I've been to Taipei before, I like it, and know the main tourist sites and how to get around.

But what is Taipei like just after Christmas? Massive shopping opportunities? Any special events? Sadly, I will have to return to LAX before New Year's Eve.

taipeipeter

Nov 2, 08, 8:21 pm

But what is Taipei like just after Christmas? Massive shopping opportunities? Any special events? Sadly, I will have to return to LAX before New Year's Eve.

Since no one has replied to you, I'll give it a try. I have never noticed anything special at Christmas or Boxing Day (the latter of which most locals have probably never heard of). Hotels and dept. stores do their best, but Christmas just hasn't taken off as a Big Thing, at least generally speaking. Thursday and Friday are both work days this year. Extra stuff will be hap'ning at the bars/clubs. Others here ought to know mre.

Bowgie

Nov 3, 08, 4:27 pm

Since no one has replied to you, I'll give it a try. I have never noticed anything special at Christmas or Boxing Day (the latter of which most locals have probably never heard of). Hotels and dept. stores do their best, but Christmas just hasn't taken off as a Big Thing, at least generally speaking. Thursday and Friday are both work days this year. Extra stuff will be hap'ning at the bars/clubs.

Thank you for the reply. At the moment, Taipei is the least expansion transpacific destination, and I was considering a long-weekend trips for the miles and a minivacation. In coach, Delta has some inexpensive code shares using KE aircraft, and KE has relative inexpensive biz class fare (RT or O/W) if one can ORIGINATE in Taipei and not in LAX.

I'm not much for the bars and nightclubs, but if I go, I'll verify that the National Palace Museum (the one with the treasures of ancient China) is open.

francophile

Nov 12, 08, 12:37 am

Does anyone know if there is a large fireworks display to celebrate Chinese New Year in Taipei?

Hong Kong has a fireworks display on the second day of the Lunar New Year. On what day does Taipei have the fireworks display?

Thanks.

erik123

Nov 13, 08, 12:34 pm

When I particpated in the tourism borads survey two eyars ago I recommended positioning Taiwan as a stopover destination (as Singapore started doing in the 80's). I seems like they followed my advice!

lin821

Nov 14, 08, 11:47 pm

On what day does Taipei have the fireworks display?
Are you talking about Taipei 101 Fireworks Show (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showpost.php?p=8980674&postcount=57)? Taipei 101 fireworks has been a big event for New Year since 2004. Even the economy is very slow, I believe Taipei 101 just confirmed the fireworks is still on in 2009.

Does anyone know if there is a large fireworks display to celebrate Chinese New Year in Taipei?
I am afraid not. Usually we don't celebrate Chinese New Year with large fireworks. ;)

Chinese New Year Eve and Chinese New Year are times to spend with your families. That's why most of the restaurants and stores are closed. I sort of touched on the celebration of Chinese New Year (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showpost.php?p=8888082&postcount=27) earlier on in this thread. I would say in recent years, the Lantern Festival (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showpost.php?p=9274473&postcount=75) and Pingsi Sky Lantern (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showpost.php?p=9274473&postcount=75) are what stand out in Chinese New Year celebration in Taiwan.

Chinese New Year 2009 is on January 26th, 2009. It will be the Year of the Ox. I probably will post something new when it gets closer.

francophile

Nov 15, 08, 12:53 am

I am afraid not. Usually we don't celebrate Chinese New Year with large fireworks. ;)

Thanks for the response. That's disappointing that there won't be fireworks for Chinese New Year. One of my favorite Chinese New Year memories was taking my parents in 2007 to Hong Kong. We stood on the pool terrace at the Peninsula Hotel watching the fireworks display over Victoria Harbour while the Peninsula staff poured free flowing Deutz Champagne.

dtsm

Nov 15, 08, 3:35 pm

Deleted due to wrong information, apologies.

taipeipeter

Nov 15, 08, 7:36 pm

Just to be clear, Taiwan used to have LARGE fireworks at Taipei 101 - and they did so as recent as last Lunar New Year. Last govt in power before Ma took over announced no more going forward - hopefully that will change!

Are you sure? I remember the big fireworks as coming at midnight on Dec. 31 (solar calendar). One thing that does happen at Chinese New Year's in various towns are local fairs (booth after booth selling toys and street food and more toys and much much more food). On the 15th day of the new year (lunar calendar), as noted above, the Lantern Festival starts. A couple of places in Taipei get filled with lit-up objects (actually, it reminds of Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade, only at night)--pretty spectacular but in a different way from fireworks.

lin821

Nov 15, 08, 8:25 pm

I remember the big fireworks as coming at midnight on Dec. 31 (solar calendar).
Thank you, taipeipeter! I need some "local" confirmation for what I am going to say.

Taiwan used to have LARGE fireworks at Taipei 101 - and they did so as recent as last Lunar New Year.
If I am not mistaken, the huge fireworks at Taipei 101 has always been between New Year's Eve and New Year since 2004 (see the Chinese reference here (http://zh.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E5%8F%B0%E5%8C%97101%E8%B7%A8%E5%B9%B4%E7%85%99%E 7%81%AB%E8%A1%A8%E6%BC%94)). It's not happening on Lunar New Year Day. Not this year, not last year, not the year before. I cannot find any footage of 101 Fireworks show during Chinese New Year at all.

I grew up in Taipei. The city of Taipei is comparatively quiet and much less crowded during Chinese New Year because a significant portion of outtowners all return home to say central or southern Taiwan. That's the only days you don't see many cars on the streets in Taipei. That's the Taipei I know.

Even I haven't been home to celebrate Chinese New Year for years, I don't recall large fireworks as part of the Lunar New Year celebration in Taipei. Everyone stays home with families on Lunar New Year's Eve. Nobody goes out partying. It doesn't make sense to have large fireworks outdoors when nobody comes to watch them.

Firecrackers for Lunar New Year? yes. Fireworks? No. The huge display of firecrackers/fireworks during Lantern Festival (Lunar January 15th) is the only exception. I will introduce it next year when the right time comes. There are some crazy stuff on Lunar January 15th outside Taipei. Stay tuned! :D

Last govt... announced no more going forward -
Not sure whether your "no more going forward" is about the firecracker ban. Firecracker ban is due to safety reasons, not politics. Firecrackers have been a traditional celebration of Lunar New Year but always trigger accidental fires and injuries during Chinese New Year. Quite a few countries have firecracker ban (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_New_Year#Firecracker_ban) during Chinese New Year, such as Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, just to name a few.

I think the fireworks display over Victoria Harbour in Hong Kong is meant to compensate the ban. There's no need for Taiwan to do the same.

Furthermore, Taipei 101 is not a government building. Whether Taipei 101 Fireworks Show will go on depends on the owner and availability of sponsors. For example, Taipei 101 self-sponsored the 2005 show while Sony was the sponsor for both 2006 & 2007. The 101 Board once decided not to host the fireworks show due to most of the floors being leased out and difficulty finding sponsors for the 180-second show. The fireworks shows really cost. The 2007 show cost USD $900K and USD $630K in 2008.

As I mentioned in post#100, Taipei 101 just confirmed very recently (as of October 23rd, 2008 (http://www.wretch.cc/blog/BOWeBOW/12441739): in Chinese) that the 2009 show will go on for the sake of corporate image and marketing. They are not sure who will be the sponsors yet. Time is tough for every one, not only in the United States, but also in Taiwan.

ps. Not everything involves politics. Can we just leave the politics out, please? Thanks!

pps. In case you don't know yet, FT has a new OMNI/PR Forum (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=652). It's for everything politics & religion (possibly economy). It's open to everyone, 24/7. ;)

dtsm

Nov 16, 08, 8:12 am

Are you sure? I remember the big fireworks as coming at midnight on Dec. 31 (solar calendar).

You are absolutely right, my mistake and apologies. I will edit my earlier post :)

lin821

Nov 21, 08, 12:49 am

Taipei 101 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taipei_101) just announced today Taiwan Tourist Bureau has the highest bid and will be the sponsor for the fireworks show in 2009 (sources here (http://udn.com/NEWS/NATIONAL/NAT5/4610978.shtml) & here (http://udn.com/NEWS/NATIONAL/NAT5/4639439.shtml): in Chinese). This is the 2nd year the Tourist Bureau sponsor the same event. The theme for the 2009 Fireworks Show is "energy conservation and joy." The show will be 180-second with main colors in red, golden and green, with a budget of $940K (USD). I will post the highlights and clips of the show after the New Year.

Miramar Entertainment Park (美麗華百樂園) (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miramar_Entertainment_Park) will have a 240-second fireworks show as well. It will be a 10-color theme, featuring Miramar Ferris Wheel (美麗華摩天輪) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/hsuyo/sets/80261/). Opened in 2004, Miramar Entertainment Park is the 1st shopping mall in Dazhi, Zhongshan District. There are restaurants, cinemas, supermarket, and the world's second largest ferris wheel at the roof top of the shopping mall.

About Dazhi & Miramar (http://tourguide.sinotour.com/scenery102817.html): (official website: here (http://www.miramar.com.tw/main.php))
Dazhi is an area of new land that reclaimed from the Keelung River. As the establishment of Miramar Entertainment Park, it has been a new landmark of Taipei for its ferris wheel. 100 meters tall from ground level, its ferris wheel is the second-largest in Taiwan and takes 17 minutes to go one round. The neon lights on the ferris wheel display lighting show in 3 different sets. 48 cabinets in total, each would accommodate 6 passengers at most, and the limit is 288 passengers. The Miramar cinema on the 6-8 floors owns an IMAX 3D theater, which is the very first one in Asia. The IMAX 3D theater would seats 404 audiences with 8-story tall screen.

If you plan to visit or happen to be in Taipei around New Year, don't miss the Taipei New Year's Eve Party (http://eng.taiwan.net.tw/lan/Cht/news_event/events_content.asp?id=9328). From December 27th 2008 through January 1st 2009, the City of Taipei plans to have a series of events/activities to count down to the last second of 2008 and celebrate the coming of 2009. Grab a "New Year City Map" (published by Taipei City’s Department of Information and Tourism ), so you can find all the hot spots and join the fun! (Link to the PDF brochure: Discover Taipei (http://english.taipei.gov.tw/web/upload/122630406898202.pdf)-- Nov/Dec 08)

Even though Xmas is not part of the traditional celebration in Taiwan, there's no problem to party in Taipei. This December in the Sinyi (or Xinyi) shopping area, you will also find coupons and giveaways. December 27th is the day for Parade Carnival. Sinyi/Xinyi Commercial District (http://eng.taiwan.net.tw/lan/cht/attractions/scenic_spots_other.asp?id=6716&layer2=Shopping%2BArea) is the newest heart of Taipei City. Within walking distance, you find malls, department stores, cinema, Grand Hyatt Taipei Hotel, Taipei 101 and Eslite Books (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eslite_Bookstore) (bookstore address: here (http://blog.eslite.com/xinyi_books/about)). Just go and visit the Sinyi Commercial District & Civic Plaza and enjoy yourself!

This blog post (http://blog.udn.com/changerose/2482606) nicely captures the Xmas decor and scenes in Xingyi Commercial District. See how many different themed Xmas trees you can spot from the photos (hint: the themes will give away who are the sponsors. Or just enjoy the snapshots if you don't read Chinese ;)).

If you are not in the mood for shopping, check out the Culture Express Portal (http://express.indymedia.tw/event/). You'll find local events of performance, music, films, art & exhibit. You can read the current issue (Nov 2008) of Culture Express here (http://express.indymedia.tw/node/119) (in English & Japanese. Chinese version: here (http://express.indymedia.tw/)). The Culture Express website just had a facelift recently. Please be advised and use the newer versions of browsers (IE 7.0, Firefox, Chrome). You can always go and see the current exhibits in National Palace Museum (http://www.npm.gov.tw/en/visiting/exhibit/exhibit_03.htm).

Are you ready for 2009? :)

ps. Taipei City Official Website (http://english.taipei.gov.tw/TCG/index.jsp)

Whether Taipei 101 Fireworks Show will go on depends on the owner and availability of sponsors.....

As I mentioned in post#100, Taipei 101 just confirmed very recently (as of October 23rd, 2008 (http://www.wretch.cc/blog/BOWeBOW/12441739): in Chinese) that the 2009 show will go on for the sake of corporate image and marketing. They are not sure who will be the sponsors yet.

*************************************************
ETA (11/24/08): Another event worth checking out: The 6th Taipei Biennial 2008 (http://www.taipeibiennial.org/)

Curators: Manray Hsu, Vasif Kortun (http://universes-in-universe.org/eng/bien/taipei_biennial/2008/curators)
Organizer: Taipei Fine Arts Museum (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taipei_Fine_Arts_Museum) (TFAM website:here (http://www.tfam.museum/index.aspx))
Event calendar: September 13, 2008 to January 4th, 2009 (http://eng.taiwan.net.tw/lan/Cht/news_event/events_content.asp?sid=48&id=7867)
Overview of Information: in PDF file (http://universes-in-universe.de/car/taipei/eng/2008/txt/Taipei-08-print-eng.pdf)
News coverage: here (http://universes-in-universe.org/eng/bien/taipei_biennial/2008) and here (http://artipedia.org/artsnews/exhibitions/2008/04/09/2008-taipei-biennial-curated-by-manray-hsu-and-vasif-kortun/)

The Taipei Biennial originates from a constellation of correlated themes all connected to neo-liberal capitalist globalisation. The threads of investigation in the exhibition include urban transformation in Taiwan, circumstances for immigrant and illegal labour, mobility, borders, divided states and micro-nations, permanent war condition, ecological breakdown, global unrest, and the opportunities for change. All these threads are processed and witnessed through do-it-yourself practices, individual stories, and humour.
The biennial does not only refer to the physical site of the museum, where the art of the day turns to and reflects on, but also to other spaces, mental sites where discussions pertaining to globalization and its discontents, the states of things and the opportunities of change are at the core of daily life. It is here that the impacts and import of globalization in Taipei, the transformations that effect the mobility of people and the current conditions of labor are felt, and it is these spaces that artists learn from, feed-back into and to which their practice responds to.
************************************************** ***
ETA (12/9/08): National Geographic's Megacities: Taipei (http://www.chinapost.com.tw/taiwan/2007/07/28/116300/National-Geographics.htm)

Taipei is the 9th feature megacity. Previous cities covered in National Geographic’s Megacities series are: New York, London, Paris, Mumbai, Hong Kong, Las Vegas, Mexico City and Sao Paulo.

The show interviews several personnel key to Taipei 101’s operations, including a window-washer, the chief elevator engineer, the building manager and Taipei 101’s architect.

The show also takes viewers on a tour of the Lungmen Nuclear Power Plant construction. It is the first time a camera crew has been allowed to film at the site. When it is completed, Taiwan’s fourth nuclear power plant is expected to provide up to 6 percent of the island’s electrical power.

Megacities also covers the Keelung seaport, the lifeline of Taipei’s economy. Without a major raw material lode, Taiwan is dependent on foreign raw materials in order to sustain a flourishing economy, according to the documentary.

This documentry will be broadcast in 34 languages around 166 countries. Please check out your local TV listings for air time on National Geographic Channel.

************************************************** ****
ETA (12/19/08): Taipei Flower Show 2009 (2009台北花卉展) (http://english.taipei.gov.tw/TCG/index.jsp?categid=36&newsid=10713) (12/21/08 to 1/20/09)

The 13th Annual Taipei Flower Show will kick off at Daan Forest Park (http://eng.taiwan.net.tw/lan/cht/attractions/scenic_spots.asp?id=5815&sid=70) (大安森林公園) on December 21st, 2008. This year's theme is "Discover Paradise: One Life, One Land" (ㄋㄧㄡˊ轉吧！大地), which ties with the celebration of the year of Ox (牛:ㄋㄧㄡˊ). On display are 136 varieties and 33000 plants/pots of flowers, the biggest show ever for this annual event. Some flowers are 1st-time ever showcased in this event. Tons of activities put the show into motion. The DIY (Do-It-Yourself) workshops/stands will be open from 10 to 5. Every Sunday afternoon from 3-5, visitors can play treasure hunt for prizes and giveaways. The light show will be on at 5:30 every evening. Just stop by the park, day or night, and enjoy the spring in Taipei! A sneak peek of the show: here (http://udn.com/NEWS/MEDIA/4650368-2002977.JPG)

This year, there will be many DIY fun and family activities, magicians, balloon artists, flower tea drinking games, music and dancing performances. Besides soaking up the beauty of the surrounding, visitors can also win prizes while spending quality time with their family.

A huge crowd is expected due to the extended 4-day New Year holidays (1/1/09- 1/4/09). Daan Park (http://traveling.network.com.tw/Taiwan/point/436.html) (wiki link (http://zh.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E5%A4%A7%E5%AE%89%E6%A3%AE%E6%9E%97%E5%85%AC%E5%9 C%92) in Chinese. Map: here (http://www.professionaltravelguide.com/Destinations/Taipei-Taiwan/See-and-Do/Sightseeing/Attractions/Parks-Gardens/Da-an-Park-p1826749)) is one of my neice's favoriate places. Daan Park (http://163.29.36.51/pkl/index.jsp?categid=3148) is like the Central Park in Taipei, conveniently located at the heart of Taipei.

How to Get to Daan Park:

MRT: 10 minutes walk from MRT Daan Station

Bus: Disembark at Daan Forest Park.
Xinyi Road: Route 0 East, 20, 33, 38, 204, Xinyi Route only bus, Taipei Bus Company #3
Xinsheng South Road: 0 South, 72, 109, 211, 280, 290, 311 (blue), 505, 642, 642 (green), 668, 672, 675, Songjiang Route only bus, Capital Bus
Heping East Road: 3, 15, 18, 72, 74, 211, 235, 237, 278, 295, 662, 663, Heping Route only bus

Driving: Exit Songjian interchange of Sun Yat-sen Freeway; connect to Jianguo overpass and Xinyi Road exit.
Parking: Monday-Friday (NT$20/hour) and Saturday-Sunday (NT$30/hour)

ps. Taipei Flower Show 2009 Official Websites: here (http://www.2009taipeiflowershow.com.tw/index2.html) & here (http://2008taipeiflowershow.emmm.tw/?ptype=info) (both in Chinese)

Bowgie

Nov 23, 08, 9:03 pm

Thanks for the holiday info about Taipei.

I miss the food court in the basement of Taipei 101. It may be the best food value indoor shopping center experience in the world. I still am thinking about a Christmas mileage run to Taipei. I would also like to check out that bookstore.
Also, the National Palace Museum always rotates something new into its display of Chinese art.

jimbosmate

Nov 23, 08, 9:25 pm

There are far better food markets than the ones in the basement of 101, just ask your hotel to point you in the direction of some near your hotel. Try the snake market for one or go up to Danshui in the evening and call in at the night market as well a couple of stops before Danshui.

bmttokyo

Dec 1, 08, 6:33 pm

I just found this thread. Got past 1st page & have lots more reading to do.
Looks like a great resource for my research for our coming summer trip there.
Many thanks !:)

lin821

Dec 4, 08, 4:11 am

Thanks for the holiday info about Taipei.
Looks like a great resource for my research for our coming summer trip there. Many thanks !:)
You both are very welcome! Glad to know this thread provides some good and useful info so our fellow FTers can know Taiwan better!

I also want to thank those FTers who chime in and enlighten us with their first-hand accounts of Taiwan experiences. :)

I don't expect this thread to be a comprehensive travel guide about Taiwan. There are still a lot I don't know about Taiwan. I haven't even been to Alishan (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showpost.php?p=8934036&postcount=44) myself! :o (But I will, someday. I promise!)

All I can do is share what's unique & special, and what not to miss when visiting Taiwan. I hope the pointers covered in this thread will be a nice representation of Taiwan. If this thread can help FTers enjoy their Taiwan visits, I consider my mission accomplished.

lin821

Dec 4, 08, 6:52 am

Who top the list from the Mystery Shoppers in Taiwan?

The results of the 6th Annual Outstanding Customer Services conducted by GVM (遠見雜誌) (http://www.gvm.com.tw/Main/index.aspx), one of the leading business magazines in Taiwan, have just been released (read press release in Chinese here (http://www.epochtimes.com/b5/8/12/3/n2350477.htm) and
here (http://news.chinatimes.com/CMoney/News/News-Page/0,4442,content+110601+112008120400416,00.html)). This year, GVM evaluated business in 10 categories and sent out certified mystery shoppers to 90 establishments between July and October 2008. The 10 categories are: chain restaurants, department stores, convenience stores, fast food chains, automobile, banking, realtors, hotels for business travellers, telecom & supercenters. See the Top 10 list here (http://udn.com/NEWS/MEDIA/4629004-1992715.jpg) (logos in Chinese).

I just want to highlight some of the winners for FTers.

1. Winner of Hotels for Business Travellers: Grand Hi-Lai Hotel in Kaoshiung (漢來飯店) (http://www.grand-hilai.com.tw/english/index.htm)
Unfortunately, Grand Hi-Lai Hotel isn't in Taipei. Maybe some FTers who had stayed in Grand Hi-Lai can comment on the facilities and services.

2. Winners with shopping theme:
- Department Store Winner: Shin Kong Mitsukoshi (新光三越) (http://www.skm.com.tw/eng/index.html)
- Supercenter Winner: Carrefour (家樂福) (http://www.carrefour.com.tw/)
- Chain Convenience Store Winner: Family Mart (全家便利商店) (http://www.family.com.tw/enterprise/en/)

Chain convenience stores are quite popular in Taiwan. Most of the mom-and-pop stores (雜貨店: see a sample photo here (http://tk.files.storage.msn.com/x1pvBU1PsFlF-mwcfh8GVFG-bgx2weshbw22PUHKWUbKubtjaDCuCSaNvvgFFoAMRVFYCGjYKq i2g89A_5ty7jBeXSl5AYbIECOdaDcnrb-EqgmzPHTrGpZ_Hy5Gthjru9Z7dRBppayTis)) are losing business to them. They are much more than corner stores. As a matter of fact, it's a very competitive business. Other than the regular unhealthy and junk food items, they also carry some delicious meals with local flavor (lunch boxes with rice or noodle, Japanese-style rice balls, sandwitches,...etc). Here are some samples: Sample 1 (http://mag.udn.com/magimages/41/PROJ_ARTICLE/279_3747/f_149039_1.jpg), Sample 2 (http://mag.udn.com/magimages/41/PROJ_ARTICLE/279_3747/f_149037_2.jpg), Sample 3 (http://mag.udn.com/magimages/41/PROJ_ARTICLE/279_3747/f_149039_2.jpg), Sample 4 (http://mag.udn.com/magimages/41/PROJ_ARTICLE/279_3747/f_149037_3.jpg), Sample 5 (http://mag.udn.com/magimages/41/PROJ_ARTICLE/279_3747/f_149039_2.jpg), Sample 6 (http://mag.udn.com/magimages/41/PROJ_ARTICLE/279_3747/f_163882_1.jpg), Sample 7 (http://mag.udn.com/magimages/41/PROJ_ARTICLE/279_3747/f_163883_1.jpg), Sample 8 (http://mag.udn.com/magimages/41/PROJ_ARTICLE/279_3747/f_163884_1.jpg) ). The dominant chain in Taiwan is 7-11 (統一超商) (http://www.7-11.com.tw/), which has more than twice as many stores than the 2nd largest chain, Family Mart. The 7-11 in Taiwan is quite different from 7-11 in the States though.

So next time you need a quick bite or want to see samples of Taiwanese fast food for buzy life style, give either Family Mart (全家便利商店) (http://www.family.com.tw/enterprise/en/), 7-11 (統一超商) (http://www.7-11.com.tw/), Hi-Life (萊爾富便利商店) (http://www.hilife.com.tw/English/english_01.htm) or OK Mart (OK超商) (http://www.okmart.com.tw/index1.asp) a try. Expect to be pleasantly surprised by the meal selections offered in the stores. Price is quite reasonable too (prices range from NTD$50 to NTD$75). Some stores open 24/7.

3. Winner of Chain Restaurants: Wang Steak (王品牛排) (http://www.wangsteak.com.tw/original.htm) ^
Also an overall winner among the 2008 Top 10 Customer Services. See post#112 (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showpost.php?p=10854378&postcount=112) for more details. :)

lin821

Dec 4, 08, 7:55 am

Wang Steak (http://www.wangsteak.com.tw/original.htm) is one of the upscale steak houses in Taiwan. Wang Steak is most famous for its beef rib (台塑牛排 or 台塑牛小排. see the photo here (http://www.wangsteak.com.tw/images/steak_original.jpg)). They use the secret Chinese ingredients to fully marinate the ribs before roasting, which become their signature flavor. You don't need the A1 source nor catchup to ruin Wang Steak. ;)

You can see their menu here (http://www.wangsteak.com.tw/menu_eng_pre.htm) (click on their links to see pictures).

See what's been said about Wang Steak: (Source: here (http://www.chinapost.com.tw/business/asia/2002/01/14/21893/Wang-Steak:.htm))
Wang Steak was first served by Taiwan’s plastics tycoon Y.C. Wang (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wang_Yung-ching) to guests at his residence. It is said that Wang from time to time invited his subordinates, friends and business partners to his house to have the unique steak, which was prepared by his wife.
Wang Steak is best known for the large rib bone inside the steak. “Chinese generally most like the meat around the bones because while the meat there is soft, it also contains tougher sinewy meat,” noted Steve Day, Chairman of Wang’s Steak House. “That’s why we make steak with meat from around the rib,” he added. While eating the meat around the rib, consumers feel like they are chewing cow sinew, a unique characteristic of Wang Steak.

Wang Steak is also well known for its special Chinese flavor. The steak is made with Chinese seasoning, resulting in a unique flavor, different from that of common steak served at Western-style restaurants. Before being roasted, each piece of rib meat is soaked in Chinese seasoning for at least two days until the sauce is soaked up by the meat. “It makes the meat taste delicious even if consumers forget to add seasoning,”
noted that Taiwan is the world’s largest importer of single-bone ribs mainly thanks to consumption at Wang’s Steak House, where the roasted single-bone ribs take center stage.

The restaurants are always busy. If I am not mistaken, I believe you have to make reservations in order to get a table. Wang Steak (台塑牛小排) is indeed very delicious. Because Wang Steak is so famous and popular, some other steak houses will offer similar items under the same name, 台塑牛小排. They are not "real" Wang Steak though. You have to go to Wang Steak to taste the authentic flavor.

Last time I was at Wang Steak, I enjoyed both the food and services very much. If you are in the mood for some steak while in Taiwan, go to Wang Steak and order their signature steak (台塑牛小排). You won't be disappointed. I highly recommend it!

ps. List of Stores (http://www.wangsteak.com.tw/store_pre.htm) (it seems they don't have it in English)

lin821

Dec 4, 08, 9:34 am

The winner of the 6th Annual Outstanding Customer Services (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showpost.php?p=10854202&postcount=111) in the Telecom categories is Far EasTone (遠傳電信) (http://www.fetnet.net/).

Disclaimer: I am not a Far EasTone customer and have no idea how good (or bad) their products or services are. I just want to share a touching story about how Far Eastone delivered their customer services to comfort a mother's heart.

Sources: World Journal (http://www.worldjournal.com/wj-tw-news.php?nt_seq_id=1812626) & Taiwan MSN (http://news.msn.com.tw/news1075348.aspx): December 4, 2008 (in Chinese. Sorry, can't find any coverage in English. Please allow me to service you. :))

Greeting: "This is XXX. Sorry, I am busy right now. Please leave your message."

Quite a normal greeting, right? How important can a greeting like this be? Read on.

One morning, Far EasTone received an incoming customer service call from a senior mother in panic. She asked why she didn't hear her daughter's greetings when transferred into the voice mail. She had been calling her daughter's cell every day. The voice mail just stopped working on that particular day.

"Why do you erase her greeting? I can't hear her voice no more. I don't know what to do...." She started crying before finishing her sentences.

Far EastTone just upgraded their voice mail system about a week ago. Before the upgrade, the company had sent text messages to all customers and informed them to transfer their greetings and saved messages to the new system. Her daughter didn't complete the transfer that's why mom stopped hearing the greeting.

The CSR then learned the daughter had died in a car accident more than a year ago. When mom missed her daughter, she would call her just to hear her voice. Calling the number and hear the daughter's greeting was her daily routine. Mom had been paying the monthly bills to keep the service active. She never turn on the daughter's cell so she was not aware of the text message Far EasTone had sent.

The CSR understood the importance of this greeting to mom. A case was created, requesting IT department to locate the original greeting and transfer it over to the new system. After searching through millions of subscribers and screening millions of voice mail for a month, Far EasTone finally located the original file. Now they had to figure out how to import it into the new system.

They resorted to make a call to the daughter's cell by using the internal system, so they could have this call (including the greeting) recorded. Then they retrieved the daughter's greeting from this new recording. Last they imported it to the new voice mail system. It took three transfers to get the job done.

The CSR contacted mom after the task was completed and told her she could hear her daughter again. While talking to the CSR, mom called the daughter's number right away. She happily confirmed with the CSR, "yes, I am hearing her again!"

To make sure mom could have the daughter's voice and not to lose it again, Far EasTone burned a CD with the daughter's greeting and sent it to mom.

Now she can hear her daughter whenever she wants it.

Just thought this story fits perfect with the theme of this thread. Hope this lovely true story touches your heart as well.

jimbo99

Dec 4, 08, 6:21 pm

Disclaimer: I am not a Far EasTone customer and have no idea how good (or bad) their products or services are....

I just want to share a touching story about how Far Eastone delivered their customer services to comfort a mother's heart.

Quite what practical relevance this tale has for travellers to Taiwan I don't know. Well I HAVE been a Far EasTone customer. After a number of service-related issues I moved back to Chunghwa Telecom. Once again I tried to sign a contract in a FarEastTone shop, but a paperchase ensued and they decided that as a foreigner I needed a special form and had to go to a main office.

At the main office they would offer me a contract but only on different terms to a local. It had nothing to do with credit risk, they assured me. (That wouldn't have been understandable!) It was just because I was a foreigner. If I wasn't so used to Taiwan, it would have been a case of "Taiwan touch a raw nerve".

lin821

Dec 4, 08, 10:49 pm

Quite what practical relevance this tale has for travellers to Taiwan I don't know. Well I HAVE been a Far EasTone customer. After a number of service-related issues I moved back to Chunghwa Telecom.
All my families in Taipei use Chunghwa as well. I also read bad services from some Far EasTone customers online. Like I said, I was/am not their customer. In no way I was endorsing or dismissing this company. Hence the disclaimer.

The tale was what Far EasTone presented in the 6th Annual Customer Services that I reported in post #111. Since this company is the winner in the telecom category, I think it's relevant for FTers who may read the news or be in need of such services in Taiwan. I doubt just by mentioning the name of the company, the audience would have any idea what got this company into the winner's circle. That's why FTers got some story time from me (again) in this thread.

I don't blame a company to use an "exemplary" incident to show the "quality" of their customer services, especially in the ceremony they were receiving the award. Which company in the right mind would tell their missteps as a recipient in the award ceremony? ;)

As far as jumping hoops to become subscribers of telecom services in a foreign country, it happens everywhere. I am not talking about pre-paid services. Every country has different regulations on foreigners getting local telecom services. Each company may implement another set of rules.

Take United States for example. If you are a new foreigner with no credit history, it's very difficult to sign up a annual/monthly plan. This I do have personal encounter. You can read some discussion on this matter in this thread (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=850544) over Travel Technology. Is it a pain in the bun for foreigners? You bet! Is Taiwan the only country that puts up such a goat rope to foreigners? I am afraid not.

In Taiwan, quite a few financial transactions can be performed via cellphones and ATMs. Due to the increasing number of scam/fraud/crime via cellphones, some law and regulations have changed in the last couple of years. I believe there are some new pre-requisite and requirements to buy pre-paid phones and activate new services as well. I am not sure if more restrictions are added on foreigners. But I do know there are quite some paperwork to fill out and you do have to visit the designated office to submit or sign the contracts. My sisters did complain about running between different branches just for the sake of paperwork. So it doesn't just happen to foreigners. :D

As far as tourists are concerned, if they are leisure travelers, I doubt they would sign an annual contract with a local company when visiting Taiwan. For business travelers, unless they are going to spend a significant amount of time in Taiwan, I doubt they would subscribe to any annual contract.

I am not familiar with telecom services/packages in Taiwan. One of the reasons why I choose not to have a post on this very topic in this Taiwan thread. Besides, it's more appropriate to discussion those issues in the technology forum. When FTers need recommendations about phone/internet services when traveling, they go to Travel Technology Forum. I personally learn quite a bit from that forum. :)

From your posts, I learn you spend quite some time in Taiwan. I would say your experiences in some cases are more relevant to "living" in Taiwan. As you know, residents tend to have different POVs from visitors. Your personal account is quite valuable in the context of foreigners living in Taiwan. I appreciate your British perspectives. But I have to say some of your Taiwan experiences may not be applicable to leisure (or business) travelers visiting Taiwan, since they don't have to "live" here.

I try to introduce Taiwan with some culture flavors, when applicable. The idea is to highlight some tourist attractions and unique life style in Taiwan. If my Taiwanese POVs give our FTers and potential visitors some good references for their journey to Taiwan, I'll be smiling in my dreams.

I also know there are quite a number of FTers that know Taiwan well. When we can all share the do & don't, and comment on how to take advantage of Taiwan as a travel destination, I say that's FT at its best.

lin821

Dec 4, 08, 11:02 pm

If I wasn't so used to Taiwan,
I don't recall you had mentioned what not to miss while visiting Taiwan. I remember Taiwanese food is not your cup of tea though.

jimbo99, since you have been living in Taiwan for so many years, you must have your personal favorites. Let me ask you then. If you are going to recommend say 3 (5 will be even better :D) tourist attractions in Taiwan, what will they be? And why?

Thanks in advance if you will share your "list" with FTers. We may see some interesting discussion derived from your personal "recommendations." :cool:

m3m3m3

Dec 6, 08, 9:43 pm

Thanks for posting all this info! I will be in Taiwan during thie Christmas time and this is great info!

FT is AWESOME!

lin821

Dec 9, 08, 5:58 am

Taiwan to the World (綻放真台灣) (http://www.ngcasia.com/press/taiwan_to_world.aspx) is a series of documentaries produced by Taiwanese film production companies. This pilot project aims to promote filmmaking talent in Taiwan and is sponsored by National Geographic Channels International (NGCI) and the Government Information Office, Republic of China, Taiwan (GIO) since 2003. Each program is an 1-hr film that introduces Taiwan from local perspectives. Taiwan to the World (4-hr) was first aired in December 2005 and Taiwan to the World 2 (Season 2: 5-hr) in March 2008. Season 3 (4-hr) is expected in June 2009.

You can read in-depth coverage of "Taiwan to the World" from NGC official website (in Chinese): here (http://www.ngc.com.tw/event/tttw/Article.asp?Aid=56)

Four films in "Taiwan to the World" (http://taiwanjournal.nat.gov.tw/ct.asp?xItem=21701&CtNode=122) are titled: "Cockroach Confidential" (蟑螂X檔案), "Spirit Talk" (靈域對話), "The Pigeon Game" (賽鴿風雲), and "The Butterfly Code" (蝴蝶密碼). I'll have a future post on butterflies in Taiwan as well.

What you will find in Taiwan to the World: (Season 1)

"'Cockroach Confidential' explores the secrets behind the misunderstood roach, revealing places in Australia, Taiwan and Mainland China where cockroaches are loved as pets, eaten as food, and used as medicine to treat anything from heart disease to skin wounds," reads a press release on the film. Yao's film used advanced computer graphics to illustrate to audiences just how skillful the bugs are at survival.

"Spirit Talk" was produced and directed by the brother and sister team of Gary and Charlene Shih. The directors use the protagonists to introduce viewers to Taiwanese beliefs surrounding death and the afterlife, and how ghosts are far from an abstract notion on the island. Through their stories, the audience sees the fascinating traditions, superstitions and ceremonies surrounding death within contemporary Taiwanese culture.

"The Pigeon Game" looks at the "national obsession" of pigeon racing in Taiwan. ... More than 30,000 Taiwanese pigeon racers chase dreams of fame and fortune in a game where the stakes are high and the competition is fierce, even deadly. In an activity where highly valued pigeons can sell for as much as US$200,000, it is perhaps not surprising to find out that the sport is marred by incidents of race fixing, gangster involvement and even kidnappings, or rather, birdnappings.

The final installment in the series is "The Butterfly Code", directed by Deng Wen-bing, a photographer and one of Taiwan media's biggest environmental advocates. One of the butterfly species that figures prominently in the documentary is the chestnut tiger, or Parantica sita niphonica: a species that normally receives scant attention by Taiwanese entomologists. This milkweed-feeding butterfly, which flourishes in East Asia, is genetically wired for one mission in life: to reproduce before it dies and ensure another generation of its species. Many of the tiny creatures take their mission seriously indeed, traveling nearly 1,200 kilometers from Taiwan to Japan. The documentary shows three such butterflies discovered in Japan sporting Lee's wing markings.

The first two seasons showcase Taiwanese culture, local customs and Formosa's ecology. Taiwan to the World 2 (綻放真台灣2) (http://taiwanjournal.nat.gov.tw/ct.asp?xItem=30885&CtNode=118) includes 5 1-hr documentaries titled: "Super Pigs" ( 超級豬; fluorescent pigs:台灣螢光豬科學研究), "The Black Dragon" (fighting crickets 黑龍過江), "Black Bears Unleashed" (搶救台灣黑熊), "Space Crab" (horseshoe crabs 不可思議的活化石鱟ㄏㄡˋ, photo: here (http://www.ngc.com.tw/event/tttw/upload/pic_2008225202457_84.jpg)), and "Kung Fu Secrets" (不能說的江湖秘密).

What you will see in Taiwan to the World 2:
"cricket master" Hsieh Chueh-An (nickname 安哥) has spent 23 years raising the insects and selecting only the best fighters to enter competitions across the Strait. According to Hsieh, the small insect's talent for overcoming seemingly insurmountable challenges in nature reflects its vigor and determined character. Sensitive to changes in the external environment, such as higher temperatures or the provocation of an enemy, the insect rubs its legs together and creates a high-pitched sound. Using his wealth of experience, Hsieh could ascertain the emotional state of his crickets (brand name "black dragon" i.e. 黑龍仔) from the amount of noise they generated.

Horseshoe crab is one of the oldest species on earth--scientists claim fossil records indicate the arthropod existed 200 million years ago during the Devonian period of the Paleozoic era. In Taiwan, the clean water and sandy beaches of Kinmen Island (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kinmen), offers a comfortable and safe habitat for the ancient species. According to researchers, the crabs have acquired immunity.... horseshoe crabs react much faster because they rely on innate immunity. American scientists are planning to use the horseshoe crab to test for alien life on Mars and beyond.

..that many people did not know that the bears are actually omnivorous, consuming both meat and fruit. This explained the many misunderstandings that created negative impressions of the animal. Through the documentary "Black Bears Unleashed," which focused on helping two young bears return to the forest, she hoped the stunning images could prompt more people to think about the conservation of black bears in Taiwan.
Another source (http://www.chinapost.com.tw/taiwan/national/national%20news/2008/02/27/144653/World-gets.htm):
“Super Pigs,” narrated by a pig fairy from the Chinese Ming Dynasty novel “Journey to the West,” introducing the episode’s pig-loving producers, who one spokesperson said, will “discuss the Taiwan people’s obsession with pigs,” while showing audiences the wonders of pigs, “from pig innovations to pig discoveries in science and technology.”

Pigs will be followed by “Kungfu Secrets,” which traces the tale of Taiwan kungfu, following Master Wang Jin-fa, head of the last secret chapter of the Hong Men society, along with Master Tu who practices the “Iron Crotch” technique; “Black Bears Unleashed,” captures the Formosa Black Bear on camera; “Space Crab,” introduces the horseshoe crab, one of the oldest species on the earth; and “The Black Dragon,” explores the story of the ancient Chinese pass-time of cricket fighting.
Season 2 of the series, which premiered in 2005, has aired in Taiwan every Sunday since March 2, 2008. Check your TV listings and STAR Channels for local airtime.

lin821

Dec 24, 08, 10:05 pm

Today is all about Xmas in Beitou, Taipei (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beitou_District).

Even though one of the things Beitou (or Peitou) (http://encycl.opentopia.com/term/beitou) is famous for is hot springs. I am not going to say more than the Victoria-style Beitou Hot Springs Museum (http://www.etaiwannews.com/etn/news_content.php?id=803866&lang=eng_news&cate_rss=TAIWAN_eng) today. I'll introduce Beitou in more details later.

Christmas is not a traditional holiday in Taiwan. One community in Beitou makes it an exception. The Xmas Alley in Gichin, Beitou (http://udn.com/NEWS/MEDIA/4657174-2006592.jpg) has become a local event/attraction in recent years. It all started with one priest (@基督教三愛會石牌教會) in Gichin Community (吉慶里) (http://pics27.blog.yam.com/7/userfile/r/royalweb/blog/14770a4593929f.jpg) (community website in Chinese: here (http://gichin.tacocity.com.tw/)). In the very beginning, the Xmas decor and celebration was really a hard sell to local residents when the majority didn't (and still don't) share the same religious beliefs. With a clever twist to combine lantern festival in Lunar New Year with Xmas, nowadays there are about 200 households voluntarily participating in the Xmas Alley celebration. This year marks the 10th Anniversary of this successful community event.

Christmas Alley in Gichin is a 2-month long event. Every evening, the lights will be turned on from the weekend before Xmas through Lunar January 15th (i.e. Lantern Festival). This year, the theme lights are the ferris wheel (http://udn.com/NEWS/MEDIA/4657174-2006591.jpg) and cable cars (http://6.share.photo.xuite.net/ppp0080/165bcca/2971216/111559802_m.jpg). Last year, it was the MRT-modeled Oriental Express (http://img05.pics.livedoor.com/005/b/a/ba7cd99108a58915fc81-L.jpg) (closeup: here (http://pics27.blog.yam.com/7/userfile/r/royalweb/blog/14770b99a73619.jpg)). All the miniature and fixtures are built by local residents (retired carpenter, Engineering professor,..etc ). Don't be surprised when you see the trains and cars are running! Yes, they run!

Every year, Gichin Community picks the weekend before Xmas to hold an outdoor gathering with concerts, talent shows and food! It attracts a big crowd to Gichin, especially around Xmas. Don't take my words for it. You can see it yourself! :)

2008:
A photo gallery (http://photo.xuite.net/ppp0080/2971216)
one blog w/ photos (http://blog.xuite.net/ppp0080/TRTC/21429939?ref=rel)
Another blog w/ photos (http://blog.xuite.net/chichon/blog/21513159)

2007:
Photo Gallery of 2007 (http://www.taipeilink.net/cgi-bin/Message/MM_msg_control?mode=viewnews&ts=476f03ba:30b2&theme=taipeilink/Msg&layout=taipeilink/message)
A Slide Show (http://www.tiec.tp.edu.tw/lifetype/post/934/18599)
A Yahoo! video clip of the outdoor event (http://tw.myblog.yahoo.com/musicwen2002/article?mid=11282&prev=11295&next=11274&l=a&fid=10) (scroll down to the bottom to find the video)
another blog w/ photos (http://blog.roodo.com/lifeshot/archives/4722941.html)
one more blog (http://blog.yam.com/royalweb/article/13157764)

Christmas Alley in Gichin is easily accessbile. Just take MRT and get off at Shi-Pai Station. It's only a few blocks away down the road. See the road sign here (http://6.share.photo.xuite.net/ppp0080/165bce9/2971216/111559833_m.jpg).

Place:
ShiPai Rd Sec. 1, Lane 71, Alley 15 (& Alley 9 + Lane 61)
石牌路一段七十一巷十五弄為中心，擴及九弄、六十一巷、實踐街口

:-::-: Merry Xmas! :-::-:

lin821

Feb 1, 09, 3:51 am

The Chinese New Year celebration had officially started on 1/30/09 (小年夜: the Eve before CNY's Eve). I'd mentioned the rituals for Lantern Festival and Pingsi Sky Lantern a while ago (see post#27 (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/8888082-post27.html)). Please allow me to revisit this Pengsi tradition for the Year of Ox.

In order to bring more international flavor to it's traditional celebration, 2009 Pingsi International Sky Lantern Festival (official website: here (http://www.2009lightup.world.hbpr.com.tw/eng/index-eng.html)) invites performing artists from Japan and Mexico, where similar celebration or rituals are held. Different from previous years, sky lanterns in colors will be introduced and released during the ceremonies. It should be a fun, even spiritual, event for those of you who are in Northern Taiwan during lunar January. Don't miss out on the Sky Lantern Festival! Stepping outside Taipei will bring you closer to the beauty of nature in Taiwan.

More about 2009 Pingsi International Sky Lantern Festival (http://www.2009lightup.world.hbpr.com.tw/eng/index-eng.html):

Events Schedule (http://www.2009lightup.world.hbpr.com.tw/eng/1-eng.html)
About Sky Lantern: in China, Japan, Mexico & Taiwan (http://www.2009lightup.world.hbpr.com.tw/eng/22-eng.html)
Other attractions around Pingsi: the LAHOS Spots (http://www.2009lightup.world.hbpr.com.tw/eng/6-eng.html)

:-::-: Happy Chinese New Year! :-::-:

lin821

Apr 21, 09, 6:08 pm

Want to learn how 12 international travelers have fun in Taiwan? Tune in the new season of Fun Taiwan Series!

These international travelers are from Australia, Colombia, India, Israel, Japan, Russia, Scotland, Singapore and U.S. They will co-host the show with Janet (Janet's Fun Taiwan Blog: here (http://tw.myblog.yahoo.com/janet-funtaiwan/)). Janet is an ABT (American-born-Taiwanese) and raised in Texas. After MIT, she was on her way to the medical school. Seven years ago, she came to Taiwan for her internship. The plan was a 6-month visit but she ended up reclaiming Taiwan as home.

About "Fun Taiwan Series" (http://www.culture.tw/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=694&Itemid=235):
The program provides a glimpse into the various cities and towns of the beautiful country from a foreigner's perspective, presenter Janet Hsieh, a Taiwanese who was born and brought up in Texas in the United States. Fun Taiwan was the first local production undertaken by the international channel in Taiwan.

It won the 2007 "Best Travel Program" award by Taiwan's Broadcasting Development Fund, and the 2007 nomination for "Best Community Entertainment Program" at the local Golden Bell Awards.

What Janet said about Taiwan (http://www.etaiwannews.com/etn/news_content.php?id=926489&lang=eng_news&cate_img=logo_taiwan&cate_rss=TAIWAN_eng):
"Seven years ago when I first arrived in Taiwan, I thought the only place that's fun in Taiwan is Taipei. I was so wrong. The seven-year travel experience really opened my eyes," said Janet at yesterday's press conference in Taipei. "Traveling on your own isn't as much fun. A lot of foreigners in Taiwan only stay in Taipei but there are so many beautiful and interesting places in Taiwan, I'd like to share with them the beauty of Taiwan," she added.

The new season of Fun Taiwan Series will be premiered on 4/26/09 and shown on Discovery Channel on June 6 in 24 countries and territories around Asia Pacific and Australia Regions. Janet will take you to tea village in Alishan; coffee industry in Gukeng, Yunlin County; wine making in Puli, & Beehive Rocket Festival in Yan Shui, Tainan. Kinmen (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kinmen) and hot springs will be covered in this season as well. This is the 2nd year joint collaboration between Discovery Channel and Taiwan Tourism Bureau.

Check out Fun Taiwan Listings (http://www.travelandliving.com.tw/funtaiwan/index.shtml) or your local Discovery Travel and Living listings for TV schedule.

ETA:
Video Clip Part 1 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=saRf6sLNAk8) (17'27"): Janet Talked about Fun Taiwan & how she loves stinky tofu :D

Video Clip Part 2 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W9yGtBgZF0w) (15'20"): Janet Comparing Taiwan to other countries & her learning Mandarin

Video Clip Part 3 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=riYu7xdvpoQ) (15'41"): How China is different from Taiwan for Janet

bizclassboy

Apr 28, 09, 4:03 pm

Good on you again, you should get a job with the Government for all you do for them

lin821

May 1, 09, 6:21 am

National Geographic Channel Taiwan (http://www.ngc.com.tw/)
Program Schedule for Microkillers: Superflu (微型殺手：世紀大流感)
May 2, 2009 10:00 pm
May 3, 2009 7:00 pm (rerun)
- sneak peek (http://www.spike.com/video/microkillers-super/2683035) (3'19")

Even though there's no lab confirmed case in Taiwan yet, everybody should keep an eye on the recent H1N1 Influenza A (H1N1新型流感). This flu may not be as bad as SARS, but most Asian countries are more prepared (due to SARS) and have implemented thermal scans in airports.

Passengers originated from North America flights have to be screened before deboarding when arriving Taiwan. If you are one of them, please be prepared for this "little" inconvenience.

The special episode from National Geographic Channel is an one-hour documentary on deadly influenza viruses:
Superflu, an hour-long special episode will focus on the deadly influenza virus. What makes these pandemics totally unique and frightening? In the 20th century alone, pandemic influenza broke out thrice - 1968, 1957 and the Spanish Flu of 1918. As many as 100 million people perished from the Spanish flu worldwide, making it the greatest natural disaster of all time. When this virus mutates to a pandemic state every single human being is susceptible. Experts say it's only a matter of time before this could happen again.

A similar situation knocks at our door today with the deadly H5N1 virus or the Avian Bird Flu affecting Asia, Africa and certain parts of Europe. Join National Geographic Channel as they follow the story of a fictional woman- 'Patient Zero' who travels around the globe, unknowingly carrying the lethal virus inside her embattled lungs. The programme will show the impact of the deadly strain on the patient and the entire world with nations torn apart and economies in ruins.

What happens to Patient Zero? Why all the influenza viruses originate in South East Asia? What happens when Patient Zero travels to Europe? What happens when a virus brings the entire world to standstill? Superflu answers all these questions and examines the situations created at the outbreak of SARS and the Avian Bird Flu.
source: here (http://www.indiantelevision.com/release/y2k6/feb/febrel72.htm)
"The programme goes beyond the effect of the pandemic and looks at factors like origin, transmission and path forward, which are un-known to the common man."

Travel safe and check out your local listings for different program schedules (Superflu (http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/channel/videos/player.html?channel=1806&category=5549&title=1601)). :)

ps. WHO Influenza A(H1N1) - update 6 (http://www.who.int/csr/don/2009_04_30_a/en/index.html) (4/30/09)
Eleven Countries with laboratory confirmed cases:

Austria (1)
Canada (19)
Germany (3)
Israel (2)
Mexico (97, including 7 deaths)
Netherlands (1)
New Zealand (3)
Spain (13)
Switzerland (1)
United Kingdom (8)
U. S. (109, including 1 death)

Mama

May 8, 09, 5:00 pm

....Janet is an ABT (American-born-Taiwanese) and raised in Texas. After MIT, she was on her way to the medical school. Seven years ago, she came to Taiwan for her internship. ...

I see something strange....
what did she study in MIT? human history?
She was on her way to the medical school? which medical school? or perhaps she had not even been admitted to a medical school and were just saying she wanted to go to medical school?
she came to Taiwan for her internship, what kind of internship? teaching english?

There are so many ABT in Taiwan now. Most of them are in entertainment business (dj, singers, bartenders, models), teaching English, or just hanging out everyday.
What is this Janet doing in Taiwan after she filmed the series? perhaps entertainment?

Mama

May 8, 09, 5:09 pm

jimbo99

May 8, 09, 6:38 pm

Not sure how Janet can talk about the mainland when she admits that she has only ever been to Shanghai.

As with so much of the output from the tourism authority here, it seems anodyne in nature and aimed to give the local audience a warm feeling about "the beautiful island". (They don't call it that anymore!)

Janet's point about spitting on the mainland is particularly annoying - two nights ago in Changhua/Taiwan I was sitting in a cafe. 4 groups of 2 people. 2 were smoking right by a "no smoking" sign in sight of the staff. 2 were spitting every few minutes. 2 tossed some litter onto the floor where it blew away. (It was an enclosed veranda thing.) I was one of the other 2. Typical? Probably not. Anecdote? Yes. This is the stuff of her Shanghai experience. Perhaps I can author a video "How Changhua is different from Saigon" based on this.

"Janet Comparing Taiwan to other countries..." and "How China is different from Taiwan for Janet"... Both these titles selected by the OP are politically contentious - if she wishes to make a political point, it would be better in OMNI as she has previously requested.

coachflyer

May 8, 09, 11:11 pm

Besides the excellent food, low crime rates, Taipei 101, great natural beauty, etc., Taiwan brawls were very colorful. :D:D:D

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qZ-hNVfTZqw

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ht9WEpdi5JY&NR=1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g10PAsvZFoQ

lin821

May 9, 09, 4:16 am

In the begining of the first clip, she said,
She was studying to becoming a doctor in the U.S. She came to Taiwan for internship. She met a celebrity, she then started doing modeling work....
So this is her credential...just as what I had guessed.

"Janet Comparing Taiwan to other countries..." and "How China is different from Taiwan for Janet"... Both these titles selected by the OP are politically contentious - if she wishes to make a political point, it would be better in OMNI as she has previously requested.
I fail to see in what way I was making any political point. :confused:

If you had really sit throught and watched all the youtube segments, like I did, you would have seen in each segment the program assigned a subject/theme/subtitle. What I had presented is simply is how she sees things through her eyes. What's politics got to do with it? I was not providing a complete transcript of the interview. I don't think I need to provide every title for every segment. I can only give sort of summary highlights. I viewed every segment before I provided the links because I wanted to make sure she's talking about tourism and didn't engage in any political discussion. I don't think she'd discuss about politics in Taiwan or politics between Taiwan and China, or with other part of the world. If I had missed it, please kindly pointed out, I will gladly correct my wrong. Like I had said once too many in this thread, this is not the place to discussion Taiwanese politics. Per FT's rules, all things politics belong to OMNI/PR. I stick to the rules and I hope our fellow FTers will do the same. Sadly, not every FTer who ever posted in this thread would try to engage in politics-free discussion or exchange. :(

If anyone ever spots me cross the line, please kindly RBP my posts. I am sure our senior mods will take care of it very promptly.

In terms of credentials, since when do we need to be an "authority" before we can provide feedback or post on FT? Does she speak for every ABT? Is she "the" expert on Taiwan sightseeing? I don't think so. I am a Taiwanese but I don't speak for every Taiwanese. Just like every FTer is free to share their point of view on the places they ever visited. That doesn't automatically make any FTer an expert on the subject they pick.

Does any FTer need any kind of "credential" in order to talk about their own travel experiences? I doubt it. At least I didn't see FT TOS specify that requirements. Among FTers, we don't agree with each other on a lot of things. Some speak highly of UA, some despise UA; Some hate Taiwanese food, some can't have enough. Does it make anyone is more "right" than the other? I hope not. Everybody is entitled to their personal opinions and observations. Everyone can have her/his own preferences. Janet has hers and I think I truthful present it with her own words and in video clips in the earlier post.

You don't have to agree with what Janet said or saw. You don't even have to like her. I just thought it will provide FTers another perspective everything Taiwan. Janet is current a host for a travel show in Taiwan. Her exposure gave her material to introduce Taiwan. Since I can't speak on her behalf, the best way to present her point of view is for everyone to see what and how she said it. I don't try to interpret her views. She's entitled to have her own opinions. She's just a young American who has traveled to different countries. It's that simple.

Whether her observation or comment is up-to-date or a true representation of what Taiwan is, you'll be the judge. I believe savvy FTers know how to sort bad info from good one. Like when she hardly saw enough of China and probably is not the best person to discuss what China is and has to offer. :)

ETA:
This thread is about tourism in Taiwan. This thread is not about Janet. If you have more questions for her personally, you can look up and visit her blog and have 1st hand discussion with her directly. I don't know her and don't get paid by mentioning her. :p

If the focus of discussion is about visiting Taiwan and question about sightseeing, please don't be shy. I do see there are more than a handful of FTers that can contribute to that. I hate it when another long post from me in this thread is all about how FTers can/should share and discuss things/topics on FT, instead of touching on something I could have shared about Taiwan.

Can we stay on topic, please? Thank you.

Mama

May 9, 09, 4:33 am

How about the people in Taiwan spit blood on the ground every few seconds and leave a permanent red blood marks on the ground. (Most people who have been to Taiwan, especially southern Taiwan, know what I am refering to).
Perhaps, in Janet's eye, this is another unique attraction of Taiwanese culture.

In my opinion, Janet has absolutely no credibility. Her remarks are only her biased subjective point of view. Yet, many audience in Taiwan believe her statements represent foreigner's general opinions on Taiwan.

lin821

May 9, 09, 4:46 am

How about the people in Taiwan spit blood on the ground every few seconds and leave a permanent red blood marks on the ground. (Most people who have been to Taiwan, especially southern Taiwan, know what I am refering to).
FWIW, it's not blood those people spit. The color is in red but it's not blood.

I am not saying spit is OK. I personally think it's disgusting. Your statement may mislead folks thinking Taiwanese are physically ill enough to spit "real blood" on the street, when there's no blood got spit.

If you would be kindly enough to share what you know about that particular culture/behavior in Taiwan, it would make a much more informative exchange.

jimbo99

May 9, 09, 6:11 am

The thread includes in it's title, "Taiwan Will Touch Your Heart" - the slogan of a government tourism campaign. Janet's work is sponsored by the tourism department.

My views are based on my own experience as a foreigner who has travelled here for around 15 years - mostly as a business traveller and sometimes extending into tourism. I have also been a foreign resident here. I do not need feel the need to "promote" Taiwan, or be particularly negative. But I do think some of this stuff needs to be countered - particularly Janet's comparison of Shanghai and Taiwan. (I am also familiar with Shanghai.)

If you would kindly enough to share what you know about that particular culture/behavior in Taiwan, it would make a much more informative exchange.

I'm sure its betel nut. Guys chew the stuff and spit it out. You can see the stains along the street particularly where lorry drivers stop. It's pretty awful, but at least it's not real blood (I always assume). It is disgusting in my opinion but I suspect the real risk is from the taxi/bus/lorry drivers who chew the stuff to keep awake and eventually cause road accidents through driving for long hours.

Now betel nut girls.. that is a bit of Taiwanese culture: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Betel_nut_beauty .

Mama

May 9, 09, 10:18 am

jimbo99

May 9, 09, 10:54 am

And my observation confirms this. In fact, I think Taiwanese are quite blunt about their racial opinions.

Yes, agreed. I think it's fair to say that Taiwan is still a relatively isolated place where most travel outside of the island is part of organised tour groups controlled by employers.

Visitors shouldn't really take offence at some of these attitudes. It's really a reflection of a lack of integration and perhaps if one wants to react it's better to steer towards pity instead. More internationalisation would challenge some of these attitudes. In fact, even some of the attitudes to the various ethnic minorities here seem, by my standards, to be patronising. But of course my standard doesn't count. (I'm a big nose.)

lin821

May 9, 09, 11:23 am

I'm sure its betel nut. Guys chew the stuff and spit it out. <snipe>

Now betel nut girls.. that is a bit of Taiwanese culture: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Betel_nut_beauty .
You are perfectly right! It's betel nut which has nothing to do with human blood.

As a matter of fact, betel nut girls will be touched on in this thread in the future. This part of culture is so unique and different that some foreigners chose it to be the topic of their graduate studies and some made documentary film about it. I'll make another informational post when I find time to complete my research.

The thread includes in it's title, "Taiwan Will Touch Your Heart" - the slogan of a government tourism campaign. Janet's work is sponsored by the tourism department.
Yes, I did "borrowed" my thread title from one of our government tourism campaign in the very beginning. But it doesn't mean my posts have anything to do with Taiwanese government. For me personally, I just think it's a good opportunity to have a good discussion or conversation on everything Taiwan with a cultural/travel focus. For me personally, it's more about sharing the Taiwan I know and learn. Since we are on FT, I try to select my sharing with enough content and travel themes.

Yes, Fun Taiwan is a show from Discovery Channel and also sponsored by Taiwan Tourist Bureau. Janet just happens to be the host for the show for some years. Janet is an American. I doubt she would say what governments want her to say. I would think Americans are educated to independent thinking and not shy to state their own opinions and comments. Stop by OMNI & OMNI/PR and you'll see enough flavors of American culture. ;)

I haven't watched the show or any previous seasons myself and didn't find any official links of program preview from Discovery Channel. My impression of Discovery Channel in general is one source for quality programs. That's why I was more than happy to mention Fun Taiwan without even seeing it. From Youtube, you'll get to see some clips of the program. Here's one example of what was introduced about Kaoshiung (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U2USr8TJrtE) from Fun Taiwan.

If you happen to have seen some of the episodes, it may be useful and helpful to our fellow FTers to read about your comment about Fun Taiwan, whether it's a biased show or a "fun" one to watch...etc.

My views are based on my own experience as a foreigner who has travelled here for around 15 years - mostly as a business traveller and sometimes extending into tourism. I have also been a foreign resident here. I do not need feel the need to "promote" Taiwan, or be particularly negative. But I do think some of this stuff needs to be countered - particularly Janet's comparison of Shanghai and Taiwan. (I am also familiar with Shanghai.)
I am with you on this, jimbo99.

I don't think it's wise for her to make such a general comparison based on her limited visits to Shanghai. However, you can't deny her personal experiences, let it be good or bad. People share and talk about things based on personal experiences. Just like reading so many angry/loaded 1st posts on FT from newbies to ditch about their horrible encounter with airlines or hotels. You get to see thread titles like, "never fly airline/hotel XYZ", "Hotel ABC sucks",...etc. In the meanwhile, there are enough FTers who make elite status on every airline and hotel and can provide a totally different kind of perspectives. It happens in every forum on FT. Even the complaints or whining from newbies are legit and valid from their personal experiences. This thread is no exception. People get to see thing differently. Some just need more "education" or knowledge about travel before they post their complaints or dislike.

You do have to see and travel a lot in order to make insightful observations and comparisons. I am not doubting your views on the Taiwan you know & as the way you know it. You speak from your heart and share what you see in this Taiwan thread. Educational sharing is more than welcome in this thread. I do believe your personal observations at times have been helpful or useful to FTers who follow this thread.

Don't feel obligated to say good things about Taiwan if you don't see any good in Formosa. However, if you do find something nice to share, don't hesitate either. :)

bizclassboy

May 10, 09, 6:09 am

This Janet is saying what she is paid to say and tourism is a joke in Taiwan, the government are spending huge amounts of money making almost daily press releases to say how big tourism is there in order to get people to think they need to go and check it out. The islands tourism industry has about as much idea on generating real service for tourists as I do on flying space shuttles.

Mama

May 10, 09, 6:37 am

Yes, agreed. I think it's fair to say that Taiwan is still a relatively isolated place where most travel outside of the island is part of organised tour groups controlled by employers.

Visitors shouldn't really take offence at some of these attitudes. It's really a reflection of a lack of integration and perhaps if one wants to react it's better to steer towards pity instead. More internationalisation would challenge some of these attitudes. In fact, even some of the attitudes to the various ethnic minorities here seem, by my standards, to be patronising. But of course my standard doesn't count. (I'm a big nose.)

Why should a black or indian tourist come to Taiwan and try to take pity of Taiwanese people's offensive attitudes? Why should these tourist even come and spend their money in Taiwan at all?
If someone go to a restaurant and be offended, it is not his job to try to understand it or to make peace with this restaurant. Just pack up and leave, and let the world know: Taiwan only want to touch white people's heart.

jimbo99

May 10, 09, 7:22 am

Why should ...

Well agreed. It was more of a get by approach for the transient visitor who faces this problem on a trip here. If they have the language and personal skills to challenge attitudes, then all power to their elbow - but it's not really their responsibility to fix up deficiencies in local thinking. As you suggest, they can always go elsewhere and vote with their wallets.

dtsm

Oct 23, 09, 9:18 am

Two updates:

1. A group of the top 20+ travel agencies in Kaohsiung went to China, to kowtow to and beg China to stop blackballing their city for recent pro-Taiwan independence actions. Kaohsiung got zero China organized tours during the Golden Week of Travel.:mad: :td:

2. Looks like Ma's overtures for eventual 'unification' is bearing some economic fruits to the Taiwan tourism industry: http://www.chinapost.com.tw/taiwan/china-taiwan-relations/2009/10/23/229891/Taiwan-names.htm :D ^