As the countdown to 2024 begins, Taiwan is gearing up for a spectacular array of New Year’s Eve events in cities across the island. Whether you’re into massive countdown parties, mesmerizing fireworks displays, or star-studded concerts, Taiwan has something for everyone. Here’s a roundup of some of the most exciting…
Culture
PuLi Town’s Unique Vegetarian Tradition: A Recap of the Concluding Cultural Event
In the picturesque town of PuLi, located in the heart of Taiwan’s inland region, a captivating cultural event recently unfolded. Last week, the town hosted the “祈安清醮” ritual, a significant religious practice deeply rooted in local history. During this time, traditional markets, restaurants, and supermarkets paused the sale of meat,…
Travel
Experience the Magic: Taipei 101 New Year’s Eve Fireworks 2024
As we approach the end of the year, Taipei 101 has exciting news for those planning a trip to Taipei or residing in Taiwan. This year’s New Year’s Eve celebration will feature a spectacular 300-second fireworks display, showcasing around 16,000 fireworks. What makes it even more special is the debut…
Daily Life
Revolutionizing Alzheimer’s Diagnosis: Nanobrush Device Delivers 2-Minute Results
A research team from National Chung Hsing University and Taichung Veterans General Hospital has made a significant stride in Alzheimer’s disease detection, unveiling a nanobrush-based electronic device that can identify the disease within an impressive 2-minute timeframe. This breakthrough holds immense promise for aiding physicians in early diagnosis and timely…
Travel
Exclusive High-Speed Rail Promotion for International Travelers
In a bid to attract international tourists to explore Taiwan’s central and southern regions, the Tourism Bureau of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications has teamed up with the Taiwan High-Speed Rail Corporation. Together, they present the “Buy One, Get One Free for International Travelers” promotion. Launching globally on December…
Politics
Decoding Taiwan’s 2024 Election Drama: Unraveling the Blue-White Coalition and Revealing the Final Candidate Pairings
Blue-White Coalition’s Setback As Taiwan gears up for the January 2024 election, the much-anticipated “Blue-White Coalition” has faced a setback. Last Friday (11/24), both Kuomintang’s (KMT) Hou You-yi and People First Party’s (PFP) Ko Wen-je independently registered as presidential candidates. Tensions and Quirks in the Talks The suspense surrounding opposition…
Culture
Unlocking the Secrets: Sending Rice Dumplings (送肉粽) – A Unique Taiwanese Tradition
In Taiwan, there exists a unique folk custom called “sending rice dumplings”(送肉粽). This custom, primarily practiced in the coastal areas of Changhua County, is believed to assist in guiding the souls of those who have committed suicide to the afterlife. The Euphemism and Its Significance The term “rice dumplings” serves…
Politics
Decoding Taiwan’s 2024 Election Drama: Lai-Hsiao Team Emerges, Opposition Faces Challenges
As the 2024 Taiwan presidential election enters its final countdown, the Democratic Progressive Party’s (DPP) presidential candidate, Lai Ching-te (William Lai), and vice presidential candidate, Hsiao Bi-khim, officially registered on November 20, becoming the sole confirmed candidate pair. On the opposition side, the Kuomintang (KMT) and People First Party (PFP)…
Daily Life
Lung Cancer Tops Taiwan’s 2021 Cancer Report, Ousting Colon Cancer After 15 Years
The latest cancer registration report from the Ministry of Health and Welfare reveals significant shifts in cancer prevalence in Taiwan for the year 2021 (Republic of China Year 110). Lung Cancer Takes the Lead: Colon Cancer Slips to Second Place After 15 Years at the Top According to the report,…
Daily Life
Proposed Opening of Artificial Reproduction Laws to Single Women, Same-Sex Couples, and Surrogates – Expected to Reach the Executive Yuan by the End of 2024
Taiwan’s Ministry of Health and Welfare is working on potential changes to reproductive laws, focusing on lifting the ban on surrogacy. The Health Promotion Administration aims to broaden the existing Artificial Reproduction Act, currently limited to married heterosexual couples, to include single women, same-sex couples, and surrogate mothers. The proposal…