Topology - Travel in Real Taiwan

03/12/2024

Thank you to CNN for recommending our Taiwan Tea Culture Tour!
https://topologytravel.com/taiwan-tea-cultural-tour/

Read the article: https://edition.cnn.com/travel/bug-bitten-oolong-taiwan-honey-flavored-tea-hnk-intl/index.html

Tea plantations have always been a popular highlight for travelers, and in addition to visiting these scenic spots, we will also take you on a deeper exploration of Taiwan’s rich tea culture.

We are excited to introduce a unique tour that combines sightseeing with Taiwan’s rich tea culture. This journey will take you through some of Taiwan’s most famous tea-growing regions, offering an immersive experience in the world of Taiwanese tea. You’ll gain insight into the art of tea cultivation, harvesting, drying, and brewing. Whether you’re a tea enthusiast or new to the world of tea, this tour will provide a fascinating look into Taiwan’s tea traditions, offering hands-on experiences that highlight the delicate processes involved in making some of the world’s finest teas.

A Taiwan trip that makes people of all ages delightful....

30/10/2024

Travelers with nasal allergies will worry that when arriving in an unfamiliar environment, they may face unpredictable situations that could hinder their enjoyment of the trip. In this article, we would like to share how we cater to the needs of travelers with nasal allergies!

In the process of planning customized itineraries, we o...

20/09/2024

Taiwan is a top destination for traveling with children, but parents may worry about what they should prepare in advance. We've compiled FAQs from tour consultants to address these concerns.

If this is your first time traveling with children, Tai...

16/09/2024

Tomorrow is the Moon Festival! Today, I’d like to share how people in Taiwan celebrate this special occasion. If you’re traveling in Taiwan right now, you’re welcome to join in on these authentic experiences.

🌕🥓 Moon Festival: Taiwan's Time for Family and BBQ 🥓🌕
There’s a saying, “When the moon is full, so is the heart.” The Moon Festival is one of the most important family reunions in Taiwan. Families and friends gather to enjoy moon-gazing, savor mooncakes, and indulge in seasonal pomelos. In recent years, due to media and brand promotions, the festival has also become synonymous with BBQ gatherings. While many city dwellers head to BBQ restaurants due to limited space at home, in smaller towns, it’s common for families to set up BBQs in their yards or on balconies. The aroma of grilled food can fill the streets for days, sometimes even a week. Friendly locals might even invite you to join in on their family BBQ, offering a warm taste of Taiwan’s hospitality and joy.

🌕🥮 The Story of Mooncakes and the Allure of Salted Egg Yolk Pastries🥮🌕
Historically, mooncakes are linked to ancient wars, but today, they’re a beloved treat for everyone! Aside from the well-known pineapple cakes, salted egg yolk pastries (蛋黃酥) are a popular Moon Festival sweet in Taiwan. From award-winning bakers selling luxurious versions priced at over NT$100 each, to famous bakeries with mooncakes that sell out instantly, you can also find affordable salted egg yolk pastries at local bakeries. Even prisons produce and sell these pastries, helping inmates learn valuable skills for their future.

It’s easy to indulge during the Mid-Autumn Festival, so don’t be surprised if you find yourself eating a little too much! Come immerse yourself in Taiwanese culture and experience daily life with us during your travels!

13/09/2024

December is a fantastic time to explore Taiwan! The weather is nice and cool, and the holiday vibe is all around. Whether you’re into lively festivals or peaceful natural spots, here’s a fun guide to the best things to do and what to keep in mind during this magical month.

Let’s explore the 6 best things to do and 3 friendly reminders that we would like to share with you.

December is a fantastic time to explore Taiwan! The wea...

11/09/2024

Taiwan, your top choice for the annual family vacation!
https://pse.is/6ewmn5

Ready for an unforgettable family trip? We have prepared a selection of incredibly exciting travel elements for you:

🤝 Connect with Locals – Learn from the people who know Taiwan best.
🌲 Explore the Nature – Hike, bike, and explore Taiwan's stunning landscapes.
🧋 Food! Food! Food! – Bubble tea, hot pot, soup dumplings, braised pork rice, and more delicious foods that both adults and kids will love are waiting for you.
🍵 Savor the Flavors of Tea – Taiwan's tea is renowned worldwide. Visit a tea plantation to learn about tea, experience tea picking, and discover the tea-making process.
🌍 Make Friends with the Indigenous Tribes – Discover the unique traditions of Taiwan's indigenous villages.
🎨 Immerse in the Local Culture – Experience rich traditions and vibrant local life.
👐 Make Traditional Crafts – Get hands-on with Taiwan's artisanal heritage.
⚡ Get a New Thrill – Experience excitement and adventure like never before.
Join us for a journey that blends adventure, culture, and cuisine into one amazing trip.

Book now and let Taiwan’s magic unfold! ✨https://pse.is/6ewmrp✨

09/09/2024

【 】How to Order Hand-Shaken Drinks in Taiwan?

In Taiwan, there are so many drink shops with a various menu. Let’s come with us and I’ll show you how to order the drinks.

First, each shop has its signature or best-selling one. I recommend starting with the items marked with symbols on the left side of the menu; these are usually popular recommendations or classic options.

Next, you'll need to choose your sweetness level and ice amount. If you're ordering a slush, remember not to choose "no ice"! And here's a little tip: in the south of Taiwan, even half-sugar drinks can taste like full sugar!

To support environmental sustainability, you can get a 5 TWD discount for bringing your own reusable cup. Most shops also accept card payments, making it very convenient!

I personally don't drink beverages often, but when I do, I usually go for my favorite options: milk foam and pearls. I highly recommend them!

Let’s recap the secret to ordering drinks:
1️⃣Choose items marked with symbols on the left side of the menu; they are usually classics.
2️⃣Select your preferred sweetness level and ice amount.
3️⃣Bring your own reusable cup for a 5 TWD discount.
📌Most places accept card payments!|

Enjoy your drink adventure in Taiwan!

06/09/2024

【 】The Rise of Taiwan’s Hand-Shaken Drinks: A Fun Journey from Bubble Tea to the Beverage Boom!

Which hand-shaken drink shop is your favorite? Can you share it with us?

During mealtime, you’ll find long lines at the beverage stores. Just how much do Taiwanese people love drinking beverages? How did these beverage shops become so popular? Let’s check it out.

🥤History: From Bubble Tea to Hand-Shaken Heaven
In the 1980s, Taiwan’s tea industry took a big turn. What was once a market focused on high-end, hot tea became a playground for creative cold drinks. Enter the bubble tea era! The innovation of drink-sealing machines and the rise of bubble tea shops transformed Taiwan’s beverage landscape into its thriving hub today.
Taiwan’s love for hand-shaken drinks is obvious, with people downing an incredible 11 billion cups annually.

🍹The Birth of Bubble Tea: Shaken, Not Stirred
In 1980, Chun Shui Tang’s founder, Liu Han-Jie, invented the bubble tea we love today by shaking hot tea, sugar, and ice in a cocktail shaker.
At the same time, in Tainan, Shuang Quan Tea’s founder, Zhang Fan-Shu, adapted cocktail techniques to tea, introducing his version of bubble tea. They both played a part in making bubble tea a Taiwanese icon.

🍵From Bubble Tea to the Hand-Shaken Era: How Did We Get Here?
As the 80s rolled into the 90s, bubble tea shops began multiplying. Stores started experimenting with various flavors and base teas like oolong and green tea, and even added milk, lemon, and honey for unique twists. By the 2000s, hand-shaken drink shops boomed, thanks in part to the invention of the sealing machine by Taiwanese innovator Yeh Yi-Fang.

🧠Fun Facts
· Bubble Tea Bonanza: Each year, Taiwan drinks a staggering 36,000 tons of tea
· Shop Stats: As of 2022, Taiwan has more beverage shops than convenience stores!
· Sealing Secrets: The drink-sealing machine, a Taiwanese invention, was a key player in the rise of portable hand-shaken beverages.

If you haven't tried one yet, in the next post, we'll teach you how to order hand-shaken drinks in Taiwan!!!

04/09/2024

Dreaming of an unforgettable trip to but not sure where to start? Download the sample itinerary right now! https://pse.is/6e94ta

Experience the incredible diversity of Taiwan, from stunning natural wonders like Sun Moon Lake and Yehliu Geopark to vibrant night markets filled with mouth-watering street food!

Our personalized tour ensures a seamless and enriching experience for you. Learn to make traditional Taiwanese snacks, explore ancient temples, and relax in hot springs—all tailored to your preferences.

📅 Contact us now to customize your perfect Taiwan getaway! Let's create memories that will last a lifetime.
https://pse.is/6dyqfp

02/09/2024

【 】Why does a travel agency have a herbal medicine cooker?

Our greatest sense of accomplishment comes from the trust our clients place in us. For some guests who have restrictions in mobility or diet, finding the necessary information online can be quite challenging. We are very grateful that they choose us and trust our professional planning. Through our accumulated experience, we help them enjoy a wonderful time in Taiwan with ease.

For instance, we prepared this herbal medicine stewing machine for a guest because an elderly family member needed to take Chinese medicine regularly. Hotels usually don’t have the equipment for this, so we provided an electric herbal stew pot, making it convenient for the guest to prepare medicine for the elderly family member. In addition, we took the guests to the herbal medicine lane near Longshan Temple in Wanhua, where they learned more about Taiwanese herbal ingredients. The guests acquired new knowledge and found it very rewarding!

We are also deeply moved by our guests’ filial piety! Preparing, cleaning, and soaking the herbal ingredients takes about an hour, and the stewing process can take from 1 to 5 hours. Thus, they often start stewing in the morning and can only have the medicine in the evening. We are always very happy to contribute our efforts, as we help solve difficulties encountered during their trip.

However, with more and more of such equipment in the office, it’s becoming a bit of a headache. It looks like we may need to consider moving to a larger office!

28/08/2024

Let’s have a family vacation in !
https://bit.ly/4gdUu8q

Taiwan is a safe, fun, and relaxing getaway that brings joy to family members of all ages. Whether you have young kids, adventurous teens, or wise elders needing a relaxed pace, we offer tailored solutions to ensure every family member finds joy in your Taiwan journey.

👶 For Families with Young Kids:
- Kid-friendly Hotels & Itineraries: We select family-friendly hotels or B&Bs with amenities like cribs, bathtubs, and play areas. Our itineraries are designed for kids, featuring shorter walking distances and scheduled midday naps.

- Patient and Trustworthy Tour Guides: Our experienced guides are patient and skilled with family groups. They provide excellent companionship for kids, giving you a chance to relax and enjoy a carefree experience.

- Safety Measures: Safety is our top priority, with clean, comfortable vehicles and available safety seats, boosters, and strollers.

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 For Families with Teen Explores:
- Engaging with the Locals: We organize activities like volunteer programs that help teens make new friends and immerse themselves in the culture.

- Interesting Cultural Hand-on Activities: We offer hands-on activities such as traditional noodle making and tea picking. These activities inspire creativity and strengthen family bonds.

- Exciting Outdoor Experiences For adventurous families, we offer activities like hiking, biking, and kayaking that spark curiosity and excitement while connecting with nature.

👵 For Families with Seniors:
- Unforgettable Touching Moment: Crafting lasting memories is our greatest joy. We could host birthday parties or take elders to visit cherished places from their youth.

- Relaxed, Family-Centered Travel: We prioritize a relaxed pace and minimal hotel changes, allowing you to focus on quality family time.

- Flexible Meal Plans: We accommodate varying dietary needs. For elders, we provide low-sodium and low-sugar dining options.

Join us for a journey that keeps children entertained, let parents unwind, and moves grandparents deeply.
Book now and let Taiwan’s magic unfold! ✨https://bit.ly/3XobWzH✨

25/08/2024

【 】 IS CLAW MACHINE HEAVEN!

In Taiwan, claw machines can be found everywhere on the streets, with a density comparable to convenience stores. Claw machines are no longer limited to stuffed animals; nowadays, claw machine stores resemble supermarkets. You can find drinks, snacks, instant noodles, charging cables, trash cans—almost all kinds of daily necessities in claw machines.

If you want a snack, you don't need to buy it. Instead, you can go to a claw machine store and grab it yourself with NT$10. These stores are air-conditioned, and you can catch snacks, making this activity a new form of entertainment for both adults and children! If you catch too many snacks and can’t finish them, you can even exchange them with the store for frozen chicken nuggets, French fries, or steak!

There are tens of thousands of claw machine stores in Taiwan. The governor of the Central Bank even mentioned, “Due to the popularity of claw machines, the demand for NT$10 coins has increased!”

Some mothers often take their children to claw machine stores after school, “I give my child a bit of pocket money, and she will either ask the staff for help or give up on items that are too difficult to grab, which helps train her communication and decision-making skills.” Next time you visit Taiwan, challenge your claw machine skills!

P.S.: Do you also know the techniques used in the video?😝😝😝

23/08/2024

【 】Discover the Hidden Gem: -A Must-Visit for International Travelers (PART 3 - Final Episode)

As a daughter-in-law of Taitung, in the final part of this series, I highly recommend immersing yourself in the indigenous villages and cultures of Taitung. Taitung has 6 indigenous ethnic groups. Most of the indigenous villages in Taitung are located near the coast or in the mountains, with modern houses being the predominant type of architecture. Many people often ask me, "What can I experience in these villages?"

👍Have indigenous elders as your cooking instructors👍
Learn to make traditional indigenous dishes from the locals, like the Puyuma Tribe's famous rice dumpling, Abai! Wrapped in fragrant shell ginger leaves, it’s a festive dish filled with millet, glutinous rice, pumpkin, and pork—an essential delicacy for every celebration in the tribe.

👍Experience the traditional process of winemaking👍
In the past, the tribe’s glutinous rice wine was fermented using a special yeast made from traditional herbs. It's said that there were many taboos to observe before brewing, especially the importance of bringing a good mood to ensure a delicious result.

Come to Taitung, where the locals say the land is so "sticky" you might never want to leave! Start planning your trip now! https://reurl.cc/YqXldl

21/08/2024

【 】Discover the Hidden Gem: -A Must-Visit for International Travelers (PART 2)

Our guest stayed in Taitung for 5-days-4-nights. What fun things are there to do? Oh! Just the East Longitudinal Valley alone offers endless activities! Let's continue exploring today.

👍Cycling Through Endless Rice Fields👍

In Taitung, you can leisurely cycle through vast rice fields, soaking in the serene rural scenery and refreshing natural air. Each season brings its own unique beauty: In spring, newly planted rice seedlings mirror the clear blue sky in the flooded fields; in summer, the fields flourish into a sea of lush green; in autumn, during harvest, the landscape transforms into a stunning patchwork of golden and green hues, often considered the most beautiful time of the year; and in winter, after the harvest, farmers plant vibrant rapeseed flowers, blanketing the fields in a charming shade of yellow.

👍Taitung’s Annual International Balloon Festival in Summer👍

Every summer (late Jun to mid-August), Taitung hosts a International Balloon Festival, a stunning visual feast. During the festival, you can enjoy spectacular hot air balloon ascensions, participate in balloon experience activities, and even take a ride to gaze at Taitung’s magnificent natural scenery from above.

👍Sweet Fruits Picking Experience in Taitung👍

Taiwan boasts an abundance of delicious fruits, making fruit-picking a highly popular rural experience. Taitung is renowned for its diverse fruits, including dragon fruit, guava, mulberry, and the unique sugar apple (aka custard apple). Its sweet flavor is a favorite among many travelers. By participating in a fruit-picking activity, visitors not only get to harvest fruit directly from the orchard but also gain insights into local farming practices and the fruit’s growth process. To help travelers bring their harvest home, farmers will even teach you how to make fruit jams!

Come to Taitung and enjoy the fun of East Longitudinal Valley!
Start planning your trip now! https://reurl.cc/YqXldl
(To be continue)

19/08/2024

【 】Discover the Hidden Gem: -A Must-Visit for International Travelers (PART 1)

Taitung is a township located in the southeastern part of Taitung. Once regarded as a distant destination, it has consequently preserved its beautiful rift valley and coastal landscapes, as well as its rich indigenous culture.

Taitung may still be unfamiliar to international travelers, but believe us! This place has almost everything you love! On our recommendation, one of our guests visited Taitung this August and even extended their stay, spending a total of 5D4N there!

In the coming days, we will introduce this gem-like destination and share more reasons why it is a must-visit:

💙A color called "Taitung Blue" that can chase away Monday blues💙

The waters and skies of Taitung always present a deep and pristine blue. Taitung features beautiful coastlines, including the famous Sanxiantai with its Eight-Arch Bridge and the Shanyuan Beach, where the sea often displays a breathtaking deep blue. If you enjoy water activities, you can swim, kayak, or paddleboard amidst the blue. Nearby ports also offer fresh seafood, especially during the annual November season for marlin. Additionally, on clear days, the sky in Taitung reveals a captivating blue that seamlessly blends with the natural scenery to create the unique Taitung Blue.

Come to Taitung and experience the dreamlike embrace of Taitung Blue!
Start planning your trip now! https://reurl.cc/YqXldl

(To be continue)

16/08/2024

【 】Not Just Ghosts: The Warm and Welcoming Spirit of Taiwan’s Zhongyuan Festival

This Sunday (August 18th) is the Ghost Festival, also known as the Zhongyuan Festival. So, what exactly is the Zhongyuan Festival?

The Zhongyuan Festival is an important holiday in Taiwan, celebrated on the 15th day of the 7th lunar month. This entire month is known as the “Ghost Month.” According to legend, on the first day of the seventh lunar month, the gates of the underworld open, allowing departed souls to return to the human world to receive offerings from their families. On this day, people prepare elaborate offerings not only to pray for peace and good fortune for themselves and their ancestors but also to honor the "good brothers"—souls who have not received proper respect and care.

Traditional offerings include meat, rice, fruit, and paper money, while modern offerings often consist of instant noodles, canned goods, and snacks, which are placed at home entrances or temples for worship.

During this period, supermarkets become very busy, displaying large quantities of these products prominently. Some stores even offer pre-packaged Zhongyuan Festival items, making it easier for busy people to purchase, and there are even special packages for pets like cats and dogs.

One of the most unique aspects is that you might see items like basins, towels, toothbrushes, and toothpaste placed under the offering table. This is meant to allow the “good brothers” to freshen up before enjoying their meal.

In addition to the traditional offerings, many cities also have special Zhongyuan Festival activities. For example, in Keelung, there are water lantern releases, and in places like Toucheng in Yilan and Hengchun in Pingtung, there are exciting "搶孤" (抢孤) events, which are cultural experiences worth participating in.

So, the Zhongyuan Festival is not something to be afraid of; it actually embodies the kindness and warmth of Taiwanese people!

Are you interested in Taiwan's folk customs? In October, there's the once-every-four-years Burning of the King Boat event in Pingdong!
https://reurl.cc/bY2nmy

Start planning your trip now!
https://reurl.cc/YqXldl

15/08/2024

【 】 , your next destinations for school educational trip!

Welcome to Taiwan! With its safety and friendly residents, Taiwan is an outstanding choice for school travel. The island boasts a diverse range of natural landscapes, from majestic mountains to captivating coastlines. Students can delve into Taiwan’s rich cultural and historical heritage by exploring landmarks such as Longshan Temple and Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, and they can experience the modern cityscape of Taipei 101. Additionally, engaging in interactive activities like making pineapple cakes and learning about tea processing offers a thorough introduction to this East Asian gem.

For those interested in connecting with locals and making a positive impact, join us! In collaboration with the Genesis Social Welfare Foundation, we offer meaningful and enriching opportunities for students to participate in.

Since 1986, the Genesis Social Welfare Foundation has been at the forefront of supporting and assisting patients in Persistent Vegetative State (PVS).

In Taiwan, to encourage receipt collection and facilitate proper tax reporting, receipts serve a purpose akin to lottery tickets. Winning numbers are announced by the government on the 25th of odd-numbered months.

Following the principle of "Helping without burdening the charitable," the foundation has been running the "Donate Receipts to Save PVS Patients" campaign since 1993. This initiative rallies people from all walks of life to contribute to this noble cause. The prizes from the collected receipts are dedicated to the care and support of PVS patients.

We invite you to enhance your school trip experience by joining us as a volunteer for the foundation! Don the Genesis Foundation volunteer vest, grab a receipt collection box, and hit the streets with us. Not only will you be making a significant impact, but you'll also create unforgettable memories along the way. Let’s make a difference together and turn your adventure into a meaningful journey!

Know more about our school trip
https://topologytravel.com/taiwan_school_trip/