-
Lunar New Year: From family time to time for extra income
Discover the changing traditions of Lunar New Year in Taiwan where the focus shifts from family reunions to earning extra income. Statistics indicate a high inclination to work during the holidays, with part-time jobs offering increased wages and students eagerly participating to maximize their earnings.
2024/02/10 08:00
-
Lunar New Year dishes’ popularity adds to festive atmosphere
Kaohsiung’s catering chefs witness a 10% surge in Lunar New Year orders as pandemic restrictions ease, reflecting the festive spirit of the season.
2024/02/09 12:30
-
Pet hotels in great demand during Lunar New Year holidays
Amid Taiwan’s Lunar New Year, pet owners face booking difficulties and soaring prices at pet hotels. Tsen Chi-ying, a cat hotel manager, highlights the rising costs and limited capacity, prompting pet owners to seek alternative care solutions.
2024/02/09 08:00
-
A feast of tradition and festive warmth on Dihua Street
Experience the bustling Lunar New Year market on Taipei’s Dihua Street, offering a variety of festive essentials. Free shuttle services enhance the shopping experience in a rich cultural setting.
2024/02/08 12:30
-
Innovative red envelope designs surge in popularity
Discover the latest trend in Taiwan’s Lunar New Year celebrations with the surge of DIY red envelope designs. From personalized packets to innovative cash dispensers, explore how tradition meets creativity in 2024.
2024/02/08 09:00
-
Formosa Plastics invests NT$318M to upgrade heavy industries
Formosa Plastics Corporation will invest NT$318.03 million into Formosa Heavy Industries to expand its business operations. The corporation plans to spend NT$59.58 million on two designation projects and two initiatives to upgrade manufacturing processes. The decision is a response to the impact of China’s "Refining-chemical integration" endeavor, which has caused a dip in demand for petrochemicals and plastics. By enhancing equipment, Formosa Plastics aims to increase carbon fiber and PVC production capabilities, anticipating a positive market boost. Despite reduced shipping days during the Lunar New Year, the company projects a seasonally high-demand period post-Lunar New Year. With lower inflation in Western countries and growing consumer confidence, the market is expected to warm up.
2024/02/07 16:52
-
Taoyuan Mayor gifts lucky bags for New Year festivities
Taoyuan Mayor Simon Chang distributed "Year of the Dragon" lucky bags at the city hall on the final working day before the Lunar New Year. The bags featured a dragon enfolded in peach blossoms, symbolizing prosperity and good fortune. Each bag contained a one-dollar coin bundled with a red cord, believed to ward off evil and disasters. The lucky bags were labeled "Dragon’s Peace" and represented gathering wealth, good luck, and auspiciousness. Mayor Chang shared the bags with city hall staff, janitors, security guards, and the public passing by for business.
2024/02/07 16:21
-
Premier Chen urges action on food safety before LNY
Premier Chen Chien-jen calls for central and local governments to ensure food safety in response to the discovery of Cimbuterol, or "lean meat powder," in TaiSugar pork. This issue is particularly important as the Lunar New Year holiday approaches. Chen expresses gratitude to the Taichung City Government for re-testing the pork sample and hopes for swift publication of the scientific verification results. The Health Bureau of Taichung City Government previously announced that the level of Cimbuterol in the sampled TaiSugar pork exceeded the limit. Deputy Minister of Health and Welfare Victor Wang urges caution in handling the case, while Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen emphasizes the top priority of ensuring food safety and advocates for rigorous and swift measures.
2024/02/07 12:02
-
Taichung pork tests positive for lean meat powder: FDA
Taiwan’s FDA confirms detection of Cimbuterol in pork sample from Taichung, with trace levels at 0.001ppm. Public urged not to worry as only one package tested positive and levels are very low. Further test results to be released after the holiday.
2024/02/07 11:39
-
Taiwan braces for chilly weather as cold front moves in
Get the latest weather forecast for Taiwan as a mainland cold front moves southward. Expect cold and damp conditions, with morning temperatures ranging between 15 and 17 degrees Celsius. Daytime temperatures will reach only 17 to 20 degrees in the north and eastern regions, while the central, southern sectors, and Taitung can expect warmer temperatures of 23 to 27 degrees Celsius. Rainfall is expected across Taiwan, with broad, persistent rainfall in the north and localized, brief showers in other areas. There is a possibility of snow or sleet in high-altitude areas, particularly on Lunar New Year’s Eve. The weather will stabilize on the second and third days of the lunar year, with gradually warming temperatures. Stay prepared and carry rain gear when venturing outdoors.
2024/02/07 11:34
-
Taiwan braces for rainy start to Lunar New Year celebrations
Taiwan is expected to experience gloomy and rainy weather from the eve of the Lunar New Year on Thursday to New Year’s Day on Friday, according to meteorologist Peng Chi-ming. The weather is expected to improve from February 10 to February 12. Windward areas, including Taoyuan, Greater Taipei, Keelung’s North Coast, eastern parts of Yilan and Hualien, and the Hengchun Peninsula, are likely to receive rainfall due to the impact of the northeast monsoon. The central and southern mountainous areas may witness sporadic showers with more cloud coverage in the plains. The southwestern monsoon will intensify rainfall north of Taichung and in Yilan from Tuesday night until Wednesday, with the northern and northeastern mountainous areas receiving the most rain. The entire island will experience showers and heavy rain, especially in the central and northern regions, Yilan, and Hualien, between the eve of the Lunar New Year and New Year’s Day. Rainfall will gradually decrease from the evening of February 8, but showers may potentially occur throughout the day on February 9. The weather will gradually improve beginning on New Year’s Day, with the western half of Taiwan turning partly cloudy to sunny. However, the eastern half will still see an increased amount of clouds with occasional showers. Weather conditions are expected to enhance further from the second to the third day of the Lunar New Year, potentially resulting in clear skies in the western half and partly cloudy to clear skies in the eastern half. In terms of temperatures, the north, northeast, and mountain regions will experience the coldest weather on New Year’s Day, with lows between 10 and 12 degrees Celsius. The southern and eastern regions of Hualien and Taitung will have lows of 12 to 14 degrees, with temperatures slowly warming thereafter.
2024/02/06 12:09
-
About 90% of workers to continue red envelope tradition
A recent survey reveals that 90% of Taiwanese employees plan to give out red envelopes for the Lunar New Year, with an average amount of NT$11,292. The survey also shows that workers plan to spend an average of NT$31,093 during the seven-day holiday, contributing NT$288.7 billion to the economy. Popular activities include getting together with friends and family, visiting hometown, resting at home, paying visits to friends and relatives’ households, and watching television or DVDs at home. Other activities include praying at temples, making travel arrangements, gaming, job hunting online, and shopping. Compared to the Year of the Rabbit in 2023, 49.7% of respondents said their red envelope budget would remain the same, 26.8% said it would be more, and 23.5% said it would be less. Additionally, 64% of workers plan to give gifts during the New Year, with an average gift budget of NT$4,977.
2024/02/06 09:00
-
Han leads first inter-party talks, sets session for Feb 20
Newly elected Legislative Speaker Han Kuo-yu has announced that the parliamentary session will begin on February 20th, taking into account the Lunar New Year holiday and allowing time for staff preparation. Han plans to invite Premier Chen Chien-jen and department heads to deliver policy reports and answer questions. He emphasized his commitment to sincerity and enthusiasm in his role as Speaker, urging all members to consider the future and fostering mutual trust and cooperation between political parties. Han made the decision after the first cross-party consultation, where proposals were made for either February 16th or 20th. Han and Johnny Chiang were elected as Speaker and Deputy Speaker, respectively, on February 1st.
2024/02/05 16:29
-
Taipei taxi fares rise for Lunar New Year celebrations
During the Lunar New Year holiday from Feb. 5 to Feb. 14, taxi fares in Taipei, New Taipei, and Keelung City will increase by an additional NT$30 per ride. Stickers with clear notices about the fare changes will be placed on the back of co-driver’s seats to inform passengers. Cab drivers are prohibited from refusing passengers or taking longer routes, and passengers have the right to inquire about the chosen route. The Taipei City Government Police Department has a hotline for reporting issues at (02) 2311-6409, or residents can dial 110. Other cities and counties, such as Taoyuan, Taichung, Tainan, Nantou, Changhua, and Kaohsiung, will also adjust their taxi fares, with an extra NT$50 per ride. In Hsinchu and Miaoli, fares will increase by 30% based on the original pricing scheme.
2024/02/05 11:27
-
New legislative term sparks cross-party negotiations
Legislative Speaker Han Kuo-yu will preside over a multi-partisan negotiation to determine the date for the inaugural meeting of the new legislative term. The Taiwan People’s Party suggests reconvening on Feb. 16, after the Lunar New Year, instead of waiting until the end of February. The Kuomintang is ready to convene at any time, as long as it doesn’t disrupt the holiday period. The Democratic Progressive Party suggests sticking to tradition and reconvening on Feb. 23, considering the need for preparatory time for newly elected legislators. This negotiation follows the election of Han Kuo-yu and Johnny Chiang as the new Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the 11th Legislative Yuan on Feb. 1.
2024/02/05 10:44
-
Northern Taiwan braces for chilly Lunar New Year’s Eve
Prepare for cooler, rainy weather in northern Taiwan before Lunar New Year’s Eve, followed by clear skies from New Year’s Day through the fifth day of the new year. Temperatures will steadily drop, possibly dipping below 10 Celsius degrees as New Year’s Eve approaches, due to a cold air mass from the continent. Conditions will gradually improve to partly sunny with a chance of local brief rain in the eastern half of the island. Temperatures range from 12 to 19 degrees in the north, 13 to 25 in the central region, 16 to 29 in the south, and 15 to 26 in the east. On New Year’s Day, weather will turn clear and dry, but the morning of the next day will see temperatures fall to their lowest, with some flat areas experiencing temperatures below 10 degrees.
2024/02/05 10:42
-
Workers anticipate year-end bonuses as Lunar New Year nears
As the Lunar New Year approaches, Taiwanese employees await their year-end bonuses, a significant indicator of corporate success and economic health. The bonuses, reflecting the highest salaries in eight years, vary across industries, with a focus on financial planning and investment.
2024/02/02 17:00
-
Taipei Mayor to ride revamped gondola during LNY
Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an plans to take his family on a ride on the newly renovated Maokong Gondola during the Lunar New Year holidays to visit the zoo. The gondola cabins have been redesigned in collaboration with "Animal Rescue Team Taiwan" and the popular "Maji Meow" (cat) to promote animal conservation, rescue efforts, and life education. From Feb. 3 to Feb. 14, customers who purchase three one-day passes will receive a limited edition New Year magnet set. Each one-day pass purchase also includes a single limited edition magnet. The cabins feature images of the gondola’s mascots, including the "Landlord" (a sloth), the Maji Cat, EMMA, and a calf. QR codes inside the cabins provide access to real conservation stories, promoting respect for all life and equality among creatures. Visitors to the Camphor Tree Trail during the New Year period can enjoy blooming lupines, the "Maokong Light Halo" at night, and sporadic God of Wealth blessings at various gondola stations. Limited quantities of sweets and cookies will be given away at the gondola stations from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Feb. 10 to Feb. 12.
2024/02/02 16:03
-
Brief showers expected in northern Taiwan
Weather experts have warned that a weak northeast monsoon will briefly impact Taiwan, resulting in temporary showers in the northern and eastern regions. Coastal winds will increase and central and southern regions will experience slightly cooler temperatures, but the effects are not significant. The weekend weather will return to warm and stable conditions. As the Lunar New Year holiday approaches, scattered early showers may occur in the north and center regions. On Monday, there may be brief showers across Taiwan with a decrease in high temperatures as a front passes. Starting from Tuesday next week, the weather will transition to a northeast monsoon pattern, but the incoming cold air is not strong and will mainly affect daytime temperatures on the windward side. From Wednesday evening to New Year’s Eve on Thursday next week, the South China rain area will move eastward, resulting in widespread rain nationwide and significantly lower temperatures.
2024/02/01 16:57
-
Enhanced military readiness during Lunar New Year in Taiwan
Explore how the Republic of China’s armed forces are ramping up their military readiness in Taitung amidst threats from the People’s Liberation Army, focusing on sniper training and urban warfare tactics to ensure peace and stability during the Lunar New Year.
2024/02/01 12:52
-
Taiwan’s Navy showcases might with Lunar New Year drills
The Ministry of National Defense conducted drills at Zuoying Base in Kaohsiung, showcasing various military hardware such as the Ta Chiang Warship, Kuang Hua VI-class missile boat, M109 Assault Boat, and Hsiung Feng II and Hsiung Feng III mobile launcher vehicles. Lt. Col. Chen Quen-yuan of the Marine Corps’ Amphibious Reconnaissance Group Commander demonstrated the long-distance surveillance capabilities of their drones and highlighted the navy’s commitment to protecting maritime borders. The drills focused on preemptive threat detection and securing territorial waters. The M109 Assault Boat acted as a vanguard, providing critical information for subsequent operations. Commander Chun-Yin Chu of the 2nd Hai Feng Group, Navy, discussed the evolution of shore-based missile units and emphasized the navy’s ability to establish a common combat image and issue unified commands for an organized attack.
2024/01/31 16:41
-
Taoyuan Airport prepares for 1.16M Lunar New Year travelers
Taoyuan International Airport expects to handle 1.16 million passengers during the Lunar New Year holiday. To avoid congestion at security checkpoints, passengers are advised to arrive three hours before their flights. Terminal 1 will open eight security checkpoints, while Terminal 2 has 11 regular checkpoints and one for staff. The peak travel periods are Feb. 8-11 and Feb. 13, with daily passenger volume expected to exceed 130,000. This is a recovery to 90% of the pre-pandemic daily average in 2019. The Civil Aeronautics Administration has approved 210 additional flights, with the most on New Year’s Eve carrying an estimated 7,142 passengers.
2024/01/31 15:17
-
Taiwan High Speed Rail prepares for Lunar New Year rush
During the Lunar New Year peak travel period, the Taiwan High Speed Rail Corporation (THSRC) reports that 73.7% of available reserved seats have been booked. To accommodate the surge in travelers, THSRC has added 461 train services, resulting in a 29.0% increase in transport capacity compared to regular days. Peak travel is expected between Feb. 11 and Feb. 14, and THSRC will adjust the number of unreserved cabins on some trains to serve more passengers. The company’s official website will provide information on popular schedules and available seats, as well as updates on crowd conditions at each station. THSRC advises passengers to book round-trip tickets in advance, with various ticket purchasing options available.
2024/01/31 15:05
-
Premier Chen visits Taipei markets ahead of Lunar New Year
Premier Chen Chien-jen and Acting Minister of Agriculture Chen Junne-jih inspect the trade of fruit, vegetables, and fisheries products at the Taipei Fish Wholesale Market and the First Fruit and Vegetable Wholesale Market in Taipei. The Ministry of Agriculture is increasing the supply of these products before the Lunar New Year, with vegetable supply expected to increase by over 38% daily, fruit supply by more than 73% daily, and fish product supply by at least 30% daily.
2024/01/30 16:39
-
President Tsai pledges support for R.O.C. armed forces
President Tsai Ing-wen visits forces stationed at Penghu and pledges continued support for the Republic of China Armed Forces. She also inaugurates the renovated Wude Barracks and emphasizes the government’s dedication to revitalizing military dormitories nationwide. The defense budget for 2024 reaches a record high of NT$600.7 billion, and Tsai inspects military demonstrations by the mechanized infantry battalion of the Penghu Defense Command. The president highlights ongoing defense reforms to establish a leaner and more modern military force and acknowledges the strategic importance of the Penghu force. With the Lunar New Year approaching, she advises officers to stay connected with their families and encourages quality time with loved ones for those on leave.
2024/01/30 16:02