名人郵輪總裁 Laura Hodges Bethge 表示：「我們不斷突破高端旅遊的極限，致力於打造無與倫比的度假享受，以親密貼心的小型郵輪服務結合大型郵輪豐富多元的設施，為旅客帶來驚艷的海上體驗。」餐飲副總裁 Jan Sorensen 進一步指出：「我們致力於提供風味獨特的全球美食體驗，從屢獲殊榮的葡萄酒系列，到與世界知名大廚如 Daniel Boulud 合作，確保名人郵輪的美食體驗與眾不同，不僅重新定義了海上餐飲標準，更讓旅客的每一餐都成為難忘的回憶。」
Fulong Hotel Hualien launches the “Stay with Love! 2025 Valentine’s Season Package” and the “Your Turn to Relax! 2025 Service Industry Package,” creating a romantic Valentine’s Day and post-Lunar New Year healing getaway for travelers.
Romantic Valentine’s Day: Ocean View, Pastry, and Sparkling Wine All in One!
From February 14th to March 14th, 2025, Fulong Hotel Hualien’s “Stay with Love! 2025 Valentine’s Season Package” will be available, spanning Valentine’s Day and White Day. The package includes:
Ocean View Room: Weekday rates from NT$3,888 per night (for two).
Japanese-Western Room (with princess tent): Weekday rates from NT$4,999 per night (for two).
Package Gifts: Romantic room decorations, famous Hualien French pastries, and a bottle of Aisabel pink sparkling wine.
Fulong Hotel Hualien boasts stunning ocean views, allowing couples to enjoy a romantic and slightly tipsy experience accompanied by the beautiful Pacific sunrise. Enjoy Card members receive tiered discounts, with rates as low as NT$2,000 per person per night.
Post-Lunar New Year, Appreciation for Service Industry Heroes! 24-Hour “Sleep In” Package!
To show gratitude for the hard work of service industry workers during the Lunar New Year, Fulong Hotel Hualien presents the “Your Turn to Relax! 2025 Service Industry Package,” available from now until June 27, 2025. Those in the hospitality, food and beverage, transportation, travel, aviation, beauty, media, medical, police, and fire service industries (proof of employment required) can enjoy:
Excellent Value: Weekday rates from NT$2,700 per night (breakfast not included) for two people.
Breakfast Offer: Buy one, get one free.
Extended Stay: Check-in at 12:00 PM and check-out at 12:00 PM the next day—enjoy a worry-free 24-hour stay.
Rates are as low as NT$1,400 per person, allowing for a well-deserved rest and recharge!
Fulong Hotel Hualien hopes that these two packages will create unforgettable romantic memories for couples and express sincere gratitude to all hardworking service industry personnel.
The highly anticipated “2025 New Taipei City Pingxi Lantern Festival” launched on February 8th! New Taipei City Mayor Hou You-Yi attended the opening ceremony, releasing a golden serpent-shaped main lantern symbolizing good fortune along with other distinguished guests. The inaugural “Good Fortune Serpent Arrives” sky lantern light show featured a lifelike golden serpent gracefully dancing amongst the lanterns and participants, creating a breathtaking scene of prayer and celebration!
Golden Serpent Blessing, Praying for the New Year:
This year’s Pingxi Lantern Festival is themed “Golden Serpent Auspiciousness,” with the main lantern incorporating serpent imagery and traditional lantern elements, signifying wealth and good fortune in the coming year. The innovative “Sky Lantern Serpent Shadow” light show features a lifelike golden serpent swirling across the ground, gracefully weaving between the sky lanterns and participants, culminating in its arrival at the main lantern. Hundreds of sky lanterns ascended into the night sky, dancing with the golden serpent, carrying people’s wishes and illuminating Pingxi with hope and blessings for the new year.
International Exchange, Showcasing Taiwan’s Cultural Charm:
The opening ceremony included distinguished guests such as the Director of the American Institute in Taiwan, the Director of the Tourism and Travel Bureau, and the founding president of the Taipei Global Rotary Club. Over 50 international exchange students from 17 countries participated in the lantern release, highlighting the international appeal of the Pingxi Lantern Festival. Celebrity Li Duo-Hui also participated, adding to the excitement.
Lantern Festival Continues the Celebration:
The second lantern release event will take place on February 12th (Lantern Festival) at the Shifen Plaza, inviting everyone to experience the atmosphere of love and blessings.
Transportation Information:
The New Taipei City Government Tourism and Travel Bureau encourages attendees to utilize public transportation or shuttle buses to avoid traffic congestion. For more event information, please refer to the New Taipei City Tourism and Travel website, the New Taipei Traveler Facebook fan page, the official New Taipei Traveler Instagram account, or the official “2025 New Taipei City Pingxi Lantern Festival” website.
The Mustard Seed Association (MSA) is deeply committed to supporting rural tribal communities in Taiwan. In recent years, MSA has adopted a social enterprise model to help smallholder farmers overcome the challenges of food safety standards, creating local employment opportunities and revitalizing rural economies. MSA guides tribes in adopting sustainable agricultural practices for egg production, obtaining eco-friendly certifications, and marketing their products under the “Xide” brand. This creates a complete value chain, from raising chickens and collecting eggs to processing tea eggs. The MSA calls for increased corporate social responsibility to drive sustainable development and boost tribal economic growth.
Overcoming Food Safety Challenges to Achieve Scale:
Stringent food safety regulations and high testing costs present significant hurdles for small tribal farmers. MSA leverages resource integration and standardized production processes to assist farmers in clearing over 70 food safety checks, enabling them to achieve scale and improve rural employment opportunities. Awen, a 35-year-old young man from Xinyi Township, Nantou County, who had been unemployed for three years due to a physical disability, found renewed purpose and economic stability through MSA’s support, working on egg sorting and packaging for “Xide Eggs.”
Complete Value Chain, from Recipient to Benefactor:
MSA Executive Director Li Zhaojia highlights that “Xide Eggs” not only provide nutritional support to adoption families across Taiwan but were also sent to earthquake-affected areas in Chiayi, showcasing the social impact of their integrated production and distribution system. This exemplifies MSA’s model of empowering individuals to become self-sufficient and ultimately contribute to their communities. The collaboration with Guanchu Catering Group enhances the market competitiveness of “Xide Tea Eggs.”
Collaborating with Businesses for ESG and Sustainable Development:
MSA prioritizes environmental sustainability and partners with Kimbao Group to put ESG principles into action through the “Indigenous Youth Return to Homeland Industrial Development Project.” This initiative creates local job opportunities, encourages corporate volunteer participation in community engagement and food education activities, and offers support and resources to tribal youth. MSA hopes to inspire more businesses to join their mission in promoting sustainable rural development and environmental protection.
Deepening Rural Development Efforts Since 2020:
Since 2020, MSA has dedicated itself to addressing challenges in rural tribal industries, moving beyond traditional welfare assistance with a social enterprise approach. By integrating production and distribution channels, MSA helps young people return to their hometowns and establish sustainable livelihoods. The MSA remains committed to tackling rural depopulation and the urban-rural divide, urging businesses to embrace ESG principles and address local social issues and environmental sustainability. For more information, please visit the official website: https://lihi.cc/uwdTP
九份，這座以其迷人的懷舊氛圍和絕佳景觀而聞名的老街，不僅是電影《神隱少女》靈感的來源之一，更是許多遊客心目中的夢幻景點。不僅日韓觀光客青睞此地，許多國外觀光客也非常喜歡這裡，但九份的魅力絕非僅限於此，我們將深入挖掘，並透過中英文報導，帶海內外讀者體驗一趟不同深度之旅！(The English report is below the Chinese report)
Today is February ５th, 2025, and I’m taking you on a journey to the charming Taiwanese mountain town of Jiufen! Famous for its captivating nostalgic atmosphere and breathtaking views, this old street is not only the inspiration behind the movie Spirited Away but also a dream destination for many travelers. However, Jiufen’s charm extends far beyond this; we’ll delve deeper, leading you on an unforgettable journey that surpasses imagination!
【Jiufen Old Street: A Dream Journey in a Time Capsule】
Stepping onto Jiufen Old Street is like stepping into a time machine. Winding mountain paths are lined with charming Japanese-style houses, their red-tiled roofs gleaming warmly under the sunlight. During the day, the old street is bustling with visitors, creating a lively atmosphere; at night, lanterns illuminate the scene, casting a mystical veil and adding a romantic touch. The air is filled with the aroma of tea and seafood, creating an unforgettable experience.
Don’t just stick to the main streets! Jiufen’s charm lies hidden in its alleyways, waiting to be discovered.
Route One: Nostalgic Stroll (approx. 3-4 hours)
Starting Point: Jiufen Old Street entrance (enter from Jishan Street for fewer crowds)
Shizhuang Road: This steep staircase is Jiufen’s most iconic landmark, lined with unique shops and tea houses. Take your time and savor the views.
Qingbian Road: Formerly a path for transporting minerals, it’s now a peaceful walking trail, offering a glimpse into the past.
Jishan Street: In contrast to the bustling old street, Jishan Street is quieter, preserving its traditional architecture, perfect for a slower pace.
Shengping Theatre: This historical theater, once Jiufen’s entertainment center, is now a free attraction offering a glimpse into its past.
A-Mei Tea House: While not the setting for Spirited Away, its unique architecture and stunning views attract many visitors. Reservations recommended!
Route Two: Mountain Scenery Adventure (approx. 5-6 hours, recommended private car or driving)
Gold Museum: Learn about Jiufen’s gold mining history, experience gold panning, and savor a delicious miner’s bento.
Golden Shrine: The solemn shrine ruins are filled with history and make a great photo spot.
Buyan Pavilion: Overlook the vast mountain and sea scenery and experience the majestic beauty of the Northeast Coast. A popular wedding photography spot.
Shuinandong Scenic Area (Yin Yang Sea, 13-Layer Ruins, Golden Waterfall): Admire unique geographical wonders – the Yin Yang Sea’s contrasting colors, the 13-Layer Ruins’ historical remnants, and the Golden Waterfall’s magnificent spectacle. (Allow half a day for this area)
【Getting There: Easy Access to Jiufen Mountain Town】
Public Transportation: Take a Keelung Transportation Corp. or Taipei Transportation Corp. bus from Taipei city to “Jiufen Old Street” station (approx. 1.5-2 hours). Frequent services are available. For example, take bus No. 1062 from Exit 2 of Zhongxiao Fuxing MRT Station to Jiufen directly. From Zhongxiao MRT Station to Jiufen Old Street, the journey takes about 90 minutes and the fare is about NT$101. If you want to go to Jinguashi, you can also take this bus. Bus, but the editor reminds you that bus number 1062 is a fixed route, so don’t forget to check the 1062 timetable before boarding. Another route is Taipei Bus Line 965 “Banqiao-Jinguashi”. Line 965 departs from Banqiao Fuzhong MRT Station and passes through Ximen MRT Station and Taipei Main Station. The boarding locations are more diverse and the peak departure interval is about 30-40 The peak time is about 40-60 minutes. It takes about 60-80 minutes to get from Banqiao to Ruifang, Jinguashi and Jiufen. The fare is about 90 yuan. Before taking the bus, the editor recommends that you refer to the 965 dynamic route map Confirm the waiting time.
Driving: Park at a Jiufen parking lot and walk to the old street (approx. 10-15 minutes). Parking spaces are limited, especially on weekends.
Private Car: Ideal for larger groups, saving time and effort. It allows for customized itineraries, including visits to nearby attractions like Jinguashi and Pingxi.
【Food Recommendations: A Culinary Journey in Jiufen】
Jiufen’s food scene is a must!
Taro Balls (Yu Yuan): A-Gan Yi and Lai Ah-Po are Jiufen’s iconic taro ball shops. Chewy, fragrant, and a must-try.
Grass Jelly Cake (Caozai Guo): A-Lan’s Grass Jelly Cakes are another must-try. Chewy exterior and abundant filling.
Tea Houses: Choose a tea house in the mountain town, enjoy tea, and savor the view. A-Mei Tea House and Haiyue Lou are excellent choices.
Shengping Theatre Restaurant: A restaurant themed after a theater, offering exquisite Taiwanese cuisine in a nostalgic atmosphere.
Seafood Restaurants: Jiufen’s seafood is incredibly fresh. Choose a restaurant by the sea for breathtaking views.
【Accommodation Recommendations: Experience the Mountain Town Nightscape】
Jiufen offers various accommodation options, from nostalgic guesthouses to modern hotels. Choose accommodations with Jiufen’s night view for a memorable experience.
【Friendly Reminders: For a More Enjoyable Trip】
Jiufen Old Street is crowded, especially on weekends. Visit on weekdays or avoid peak hours.
The streets are mainly cobblestone and stairs; wear comfortable shoes.
Some shops may not accept credit cards; bring sufficient cash.
Apply sunscreen and bring an umbrella for varying weather conditions.
Ready for a Jiufen Mountain Town adventure? Trust me, it will be an unforgettable experience!
To promote the development of academic research in Taiwan and enhance international scientific competitiveness, DBio officially launched its “Ten Million Research Grant Program” in 2025. The program invites top Taiwanese scholars to participate, providing ample research resources and a platform to support academic and clinical research, as well as the publication of papers in international journals. This program not only demonstrates DBio’s commitment to scientific research but also unites Taiwan’s academic strength on a global stage.
Six Years of Cultivation, Abundant Results:
Since its inception six years ago, DBio’s “Ten Million Research Grant Program” has successfully supported the publication of over 70 papers in international journals. The research findings have been applied to product development and marketed in 67 countries worldwide. This program aims to encourage more scientific research talent to collaboratively create research results with international impact, contributing to Taiwan’s scientific research efforts.
Research Areas and Application Methods:
The application deadline for the “Ten Million Research Grant Program” is February 28, 2025. Research areas focus on eight key areas: gut health and probiotics, weight management and metabolic health, anti-aging and skin health, sleep and stress management, bone and calcium metabolism health, respiratory health and immune modulation, cardiovascular health and anti-inflammatory function, and emotion management and hormone balance. There is no limit to the number of participants, and each successful applicant will receive research funding.
The application process is simple and convenient. Applicants only need to register through the official website link (https://bit.ly/3PBacOA), scan the official QR code, or submit their application via email. Whether the research is ongoing or a new project about to begin, applications are welcome as long as they fall within the scope of international journal publication or scientific clinical research.
DBio: Enhancing Taiwan’s International Competitiveness through Scientific Research:
DBio firmly believes that academic research is crucial for enhancing national competitiveness. By providing support and resources, and fostering more internationally-minded scientific research talent, the program aims to not only improve Taiwan’s academic standards but also make tangible contributions to society. We hope that through the “Ten Million Research Grant Program,” we can work hand-in-hand with Taiwan’s excellent scholars and experts to jointly promote Taiwan’s scientific research achievements to the world.
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