The government is instituting new policies and measures designed to create a better living environment. New measures to be instituted in 2010 to forward the interests of the public include a reduction in the consolidated income tax rate and an adjustment of the labor insurance occupational accident premium. Continue reading »
Under the conditions of the “Cross-Strait Agreement on Travel to Taiwan by Mainland Residents” that was signed in June last year, the Taiwan Strait Tourism Association (for the Taiwan side) and the Cross-Straits Tourism Exchange Association (for the Chinese side) simultaneously submitted applications to set up travel offices in China and Taiwan, respectively, on October 20. These travel offices should bring improved travel quality and stimulate the continued growth of tourist travel. The Tourism Bureau reports that a total of 680,000 Chinese residents visited Taiwan in the first nine months of this year, for a growth of 207% over the same period of 2008, and that with such intensive travel across the Taiwan Strait, the time is ripe for the establishment of reciprocal travel offices. Continue reading »
In 17th century, Dutchmen occupied Taiwan and made Lugang as the important export port of Taiwan commodity. In Qing Dynasty (1784 A.D.), Lugang was assigned to be the only harbor that can transport commodity with Quanzhou harbor in Mainland China, so Lugang became the gate of middle part of Taiwan. The tent shops got so closely together that the sky was covered and formed the special scene as “Invisible Sky”. In early 20th century, people refused to let the main north-south railway /highway pass through because of the conservative customs, moreover, the harbor was being choked up with silt, and Lugang’s position declined from the second city to a small town. However, the loss may turn out to be the gain, it is the decline that made Lugang’s origin features preserved until now.
The most charming spots of Lugang are the historic alleys with old houses, the most special ones are the narrow-facade, deep-length patio-type buildings which only exist in Yuan-chang store on Zhongshan Rd., old streets, and Lugang Folk Art Museum. The half-old-half-new buildings on Zhongshan Rd. were tore in Japanese occupation era , the Japanese tore the main halls to expand road and put the modern honorific arches instead. The Longshan Temple is the complete collection of art and architecture essentials, it is worthy of your visit.
Taiwan can be termed a melting pot of all the great culinary traditions, both Chinese and foreign. In any town, city, or village on the island, it is said, there is a snack shop within three steps and a large restaurant within five, making dining in Taiwan a matter of the utmost convenience. Continue reading »
Aside from enjoying snacks of all kinds in Taiwan, you should also not miss the special delicacies indigenous to each area. These products usually have gift packaging, which is convenient for travelers who want to take them home as gifts for friends and relatives.
Although Taiwan is small, there is an almost infinite variety of products it has made uniquely its own. These not only make fine gifts for friends and relatives, but they also allow you to take home a true piece of Taiwan. Continue reading »
Taiwan’s railways offer an endless variety of experience, and the scenery lining their routes provides an infinite range of fascinating scenery. If you want to get a close look at the island’s beauties without having to suffer the problems of unfamiliar roads and the frustrations of traffic congestion, then you could do no better than choose a railroad tour and immerse yourself in the delights of enchanting coastlines, awesome mountains, placid farmlands, and engrossing countryside. Continue reading »
The Presidential Office Building -> Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall -> National Museum of History -> Longshan Temple -> Huaxi Street Night Market
The NMH’s collection included the bronzes unearthed in Xinzheng, Hui and Anyang (in Henan Province), Pre-Qin pottery unearthed in Loyang, Han green-glazed pottery, the dancer and musician figurines of the Six Dynasties, and the Tang tri-colored pottery…etc. The arrival of allocated artifacts and donations from private collectors gradually enriched the Museum’s collection and enlarged its archives. Continue reading »
Taipei Hot Springs
Beitou Hot Spring
In recent years hotspring bathing has become an increasingly popular pastime in Taiwan. The hotsprings of Peitou in the north of Taipei City are especially popular with hotspring bathers as they offer the best bathing establishments of northern Taiwan.
Jinshan Hot Spring
Jinshan hot springs, located in Jinshan and Wanli townships of Taipei County, produce carbonic acid water at temperatures of 45 to 86 degrees Celsius.
Yangmingshan Hot Springs
There are four major volcanic hot spring areas at Yangmingshan. They include the area bordering Yangmingshan National Park, Lengshuikeng, Macao and Huogengziping; fumaroles belching steam and lined with startling yellow crystal.
Shilin Night Market
Specialties: oyster ometets, wrapped biscuits, stir-fired cuttlefish, shaved ice, fried chicken, stinky tofu, fried buns, spare ribs stewed in herbal soup
Location: In the neighborhood of Dadong Rd., Danan Rd., Wenin Rd., & Jihe Rd.
Jingmei Night Market
Several hundred vendors cluster together at the Jingmei Night Market. For over 30 years, the market has been serving up traditional snacks and other bargain-priced products, from clothing and CDs to hardware and daily necessities. The Jingmei Public Market is also located here.
Location: Jinghua St., Wenshan District, Taipei
Huaxi Street Tourist Night Market
Specialties: Thick squid soup, oyster omelets, goose meat, meats ball
Location: From Wanhua Train Station to Huaxi street
Raohe Street Tourist Night Market
Specialties:oyster vermicelli, spare ribs stewed in herbal soup, pepper meat buns, duck meat, stinky tofu.
Location: Raohe St. and Sec. 4, Bade Rd and Fuyuan St
The National Immigration Agency has amended the Alien Entry Prohibition Operation Directions to extend the length of overstay resulting in a one-year entry ban from 30 days to 91 days.
Under the original rules, foreigners who overstayed in Taiwan for more than 30 days were banned from reentering the island for one year. Now, effective August 1, foreigners whose period of overstay is less than 91 days are not put on the banned-entry list; however, they will not be allowed to enter visa-free or with a landing visa.
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