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Kaohsiung streets flooded and then left caked in mud

Residents of Kaohsiung must be getting sick of all this rain. Just a 10-minute downpour is enough to flood their streets, and even though the water quickly recedes, the pavement is left caked in slippery mud. This morning, flooded streets caused commuter chaos and one elementary school even pushed back its first day, but, once again, the commitment of Chiikawa fans never wavers, rain or shine.

Down in Kaohsiung, it was a wet morning, wet enough to cause flooding in sections of the city’s streets. No wonder this car’s windshield wipers are whipping away rain.

Yellowish, mud-filled water is gushing by the truck of this streetside vendor, who, despite his helpless state, still found it in him to take a video of the scene.

Streetside vendor
Sells stuff and saves scooters
The water was rushing down this way. It looks like a river, don’t it? Every time it rains now it always floods. A lot of scooters over there weren’t able to ride past. I even helped lift up one scooter, because if I didn’t it would’ve gotten pushed over and carried away.

Flooding is so severe on this street in Siaogang District that cars and scooters are leaving wakes that would impress a boat captain. Vehicles are being treated to a free drive-through car wash, thanks to passing cars creating ocean-like waves.

After going down a street inundated by muddy water tinged with yellow, this driver said that today driving felt more like piloting a boat. Scooter riders going from the eastern part of Siaogang District to Daliao District had to prioritize safety, as this morning’s downpours left the area flooded.

During the morning rush hour, traffic in both directions had to slow down and proceed with caution. With sections like Yanhai Road turned into shallow waterways, vehicles had to be careful.

This scooter is parked on the side of the road as its driver films the water rushing by. The drainage system isn’t able to deal with this deluge of water, hence the wakes vehicles are creating as they pass by. With all these recent heavy rains, getting to work on streets like Yanhai Road has become a difficult ordeal.

The heavy rain in Kaohsiung on Aug. 28 is a result of the outer bands of Typhoon Saudel and southwesterly winds, which combined to cause flooding.

In Daliao District’s Zhaoming Borough, the roads have become rivers; essentially stuck in their homes, people are flummoxed about how to get to work.

Member of public
Guesstimated height of water
If you walk from over there to here, the water reaches your knees. If you take the other way, it’ll go up to your calves.

The footage of this security camera showed that the rain started coming down a little after 7 am. A 10-minute downpour was enough to create murky floodwater that was mixed with mud.

Member of public
Described wet scene
It’s flooded all the way to here. The entire area is caked in mud.

After the floodwater receded, the streets were left muddy, creating a slippery situation for scooter riders. The area outside of Zhao Ming Elementary School also was flooded today; the student’s first day back at school was abruptly cancelled.

Liao Shih-hui
Principal of Zhao Ming Elementary
Sometime a little after 6 am, we realized that the roads nearby the school had rising floodwater on both sides of the street. We made the call to inform parents that the first day of school would need to be pushed back.

In Lingya District, many scooter drivers suffered through a commute that featured heavy rain. Life was difficult for workers making their way to the office, but things were much merrier for Chiikawa fans who’d gathered at a department store just to get their hands on knick-knacks. Many braved the rain to arrive at 7 am, even though the event started at 9 am.

The line of these Chiikawa fans almost reached 100 meters, proving that, rain or shine, people can’t get enough of these small and cute creatures, which are now in theaters near you.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#wet #Kaohsiung #typhoon #rain #flooding #muddy #rainorshine #Chiikawa

2026-08-28

Bus drivers take part in realistic anti-terrorism drills

Bus operators in Taipei on Friday attended an anti-terrorism workshop hosted by the Taipei Department of Transportation. The activities included realistic situations of attacks, with members of the public acting out the roles of perpetrators and hostages. Special task force members also took part, throwing riot-control grenades to test and enhance a bus driver’s response. Let’s hear more.

Yeh Tzu-chuan
Taipei Department of Transportation
All these situations could arise on a bus. We hope the drills will help drivers learn how to respond to these incidents.

Wei Kuang-nan
Metropolitan Transport Corporation
Drivers are the focus of the training. The first step is evacuating passengers safely, then getting off the bus, turning off the power source, and waiting for firefighters to arrive.

The drills covered all sorts of situations that may happen on the road, from traffic accidents to terrorist attacks. Drivers were taught how to respond to large numbers of injured passengers, and most importantly, how to respond to a fire on an electric bus. In such a situation, firefighters are required to constantly hose down the battery with water to keep it cool, as lithium batteries can get hot and reignite even if no flames are present. Of course, the most important aspect is keeping everyone safe, so evacuating passengers and reporting incidents were a key part of the schedule.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#bus #driver #busdriver #driverlife #evacuation #antiterrorism #crash #traffic #lithiumbattery

2026-08-28

Neihu most popular among redesigned wedding photo backdrops in Taipei

After registering their marriage, it’s tradition for newlyweds to take photos with their friends and family in front of the special wedding backdrop set up inside the household registration office. All of the Taipei offices redesigned their displays recently, but some have proven more popular than others. The one in Neihu District had the best feedback. When reporters went to check it out, they found a couple who came there just for the backdrop.

If you were about to get married, which backdrop would you choose to commemorate your big day?

Chou Jung-hsuan
FTV reporter
When newlyweds register their marriage, besides choosing an office that’s convenient or has some special meaning, a lot of couples now choose the one with the best photo backdrop.

Standing among tea fields gazing at Taipei 101 in the distance as the Maokong Gondola goes by—it’s not hard to spot what’s special about Wenshan District. Or you can stand by a building from Bopiliao, which gives Wanhua District its historic flair. All of the household registration offices in Taipei have redesigned their wedding backdrops, sparking discussion online.

Member of public
Finds Xinyi’s backdrop tacky
I think the ugliest right now is Xinyi District. They just have a Taipei 101 with a heart. It looks tacky, like a place tourists would take pictures.

Newlywed
Likes Neihu’s backdrop
We came to Neihu for the backdrop. Since all the other places in Taipei I thought, eh, no thanks.

Newlywed
Listened to wife
I just listened to her.

Before registering their marriage, this couple took a look at all the office backdrops and ultimately decided on the Neihu one as the best place to take photos with friends and family.

Chou Ming-yi
Neihu office director
We wanted a tech-forward look for modern urban couples. So we blended elements of a circuit board from the Neihu Tech Park into the outline of the Keelung Riverfront and cityscape.

Liu Chia-feng
Taipei Civil Registry Division director
Taipei has a diverse variety of designs this time around. We believe the wedding backdrops won’t affect couples’ desire to tie the knot.

Art is subjective, after all. What’s most important is signing your name next to your partner’s on that marriage certificate, taking the first step toward the rest of your lives together.

#marriage #marriageregistration #Taipei #weddingphotos #weddingbackdrop #Neihu

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

2026-08-28

Holiday dessert gift boxes embrace East-West fusion

Competing for a slice of Taiwan’s lucrative NT$5 billion gift market for the Mid-Autumn Festival, bakeries and pastry brands are entering the fray early. This year’s offerings feature many fusion options, such as egg yolk pastries stuffed with pomelo and passion fruit, and pineapple buns with molten filling. One business is stuffing an entire panna cotta into a cake roll, packaged in a traditional gaji shopping bag. Even French sablé cookies are melding with Nantou pineapple and tea leaves, hoping to make for a meaningful gift.

Plump white mochi is tucked inside these Chinese egg yolk pastries, using passion fruit and pomelo to balance out the sweetness. This taro mochi lava pastry uses Western baking methods to make a flaky pastry with rich custard, creating layered textures. And of course, Mid-Autumn Festival isn’t complete without a traditional egg yolk pastry, where a whole salted egg yolk pairs exquisitely with sweet red bean paste.

Cathy Chung
85˚C vice president of marketing
East-West fusion gift boxes are proving popular. Every year, we consistently sell about 30 to 40,000 Mid-Autumn gift boxes. This year, we project revenue for the entire Mid-Autumn period in Taiwan to reach around NT$24 million.

To capture a slice of the NT$5 billion Mid-Autumn mooncake market, one large brand is offering fusion boxes that pair traditional flavors with nontraditional nut tarts, almond slices, and oolong pastries.

Another cake brand is stuffing an entire panna cotta pudding into a cake roll, with Assam tea blended into the sponge. They expect fresh desserts and gift boxes to drive revenue growth of 10 to 20%.

Voice of Kuo Yi-ying
Yannick marketing assistant manager
People prefer to be gifted desserts that are creative and new, providing for richer and more diverse choices. This time, inspired by Taiwanese sensibilities, we put together popular desserts from Taiwan and abroad and packaged them in a traditional gaji bag to make the gift more meaningful.

Charles Huang
Crew’s Dessert director
For this Mid-Autumn Festival, our main highlights are the Taiwan Island Tins, made with local Nantou pineapples and tea leaves. We project revenue this year to grow by about 50%.

This bakery is taking a younger approach inspired by the island of Taiwan, baking local Nantou pineapples into French Sablé Breton pastries to reinvent the pineapple cake. In their cookie tin, they use tea leaves from Nantou to make roasted oolong, sijichun, and earl grey cookies, hoping to put a local spin on this year’s gift giving.

#MidAutumnFestival #MoonFestival #giftbox #pastries #pineapplecake #eggyolkpastry #mooncake

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

2026-08-28

Jail cells and painted squares: Taipei smoking areas leave critics fired up

Talk about a smoking hot controversy! Taipei is cracking down on smoking, but some of the city’s designated smoking areas are leaving people pretty fired up. One is located at a 240-year-old historic landmark, raising the question: is the city protecting its heritage, or playing with fire? From smoking spots that are little more than painted squares, to a jail cell replica that got pulled down in less than a month, Taipei’s smoking areas are going up in smoke.

The Lin An Tai Historical House and Museum is a perfectly preserved traditional house in the Min-nan courtyard style. Located in Taipei’s Zhongshan District, it’s free to enter. The architecture is stunning, and so is the fact that the smoking room is inside the landmark.

Chen Yao-chi
FTV reporter
The 240-year-old house recently got a new addition, a smoking area delimited by potted plants. Though most of the building is made in bricks and tiles, the doors and pillars are wooden. Is Taipei playing with fire?

Visitor
Touring landmark
Putting the smoking area in the historic site is questionable. There’s so much wood.

Visitor
Touring landmark
Designating smoking areas is good. Nobody wants to inhale second-hand smoke. But it should be outside, in a separate structure.

Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an says regular reviews will be conducted. The city now has 267 smoking areas, many of which are getting dragged through the inferno.

Chou Jung-hsuan
FTV reporter
Taipei is investing big in its popular smoke-free city policy. But can you find the smoking area in this car park? No? Look harder!

The smoking area at this car park is simply a square painted on the floor. No walls, no shed. Nothing to contain the smoke. The local councilor offered her blunt opinion on the design.

Hung Wan-jen
Taipei City Councilor (DPP)
It’s beyond the pale. You draw a square on the ground, just like any other parking spot and tell people it’s a smoking area and ask everyone to just go and stand there.

At this other parking lot, at least the area has a glass walls on three sides, and for some reason, three handrails. Online, critics were fuming, saying “So that’s where the MRT handrails went!”

Puma Shen
Taipei Mayoral Candidate (DPP)
The Taipei City Government has put out ideas, but they lack planning and execution. Everyone’s just guessing what the higher-ups want. From the get go, it’s unclear which unit should be in charge of what. That’s how we ended up here. They can’t even provide data when you ask them for it.

The most egregious example, might be the prison-core smoking area set up in Gongguan, with a price tag of NT$140,000. The bars aren’t just reminiscent of a jail, they also don’t block smoke in any way. The fence didn’t last a month, and has been taken down. What a waste.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#smokingarea #smokefree #prisoncore #aesthetics #carpark #cityplanning #urbanism #taipei #taiwan

2026-08-28

Charging power bank catches fire in sleeping kid’s bedroom

And once again, a reminder to be extremely careful with charging power banks. A family from Taichung posted a video online of a fire that started in their own kid’s bedroom due to a power bank that had been left charging overnight. The child had plugged the power bank into the wall before going to sleep, but not long afterwards the device caught fire, filling the room with smoke. The manufacturer has since contacted the family and has announced a recall for the model. Let’s hear more.

Voice of operator
Power bank company
We contacted the buyer. We’ll be collecting the problematic product for tests, and offering refunds to people who bought the same model.

Cheng Li-yen
Science teacher
The transformer and the battery are combined into one in a power bank. The transformer gets hotter on its own, and so does the battery as the device charges. Together, the temperature climbs higher and higher, which increases the chances of a short circuit.

The outer plastic casing of the self-combusting power bank melted completely, and the battery was charred black. Fortunately, nobody was injured, even though the child was asleep right next to the device. So what should you do if a power bank catches fire? Experts say, first unplug the device, then pour abundant water over it to cool it down. But of course, the best way to stay safe is prevention, by buying power banks that meet standards.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#powerbank #fire #childsafety #family #taichung #danger

2026-08-28

Popular Hualien breakfast shop to take 3-year break for reno

Some loyal food fans have traveled great distances to return to Hualien before a beloved breakfast and brunch eatery closes its doors for three years. The restaurant has been around since 1951, but it’ll be taking a three-year break in order to completely rebuild the structure. Sept. 8 will be the eatery’s last day, so those who delay might just need to wait until 2029 to get their teeth on the shop’s marvelous macarons.

Translated as “Black Tea at the Temple Corner” and serving staples like egg pancakes and Taiwanese-style giant macarons from 6 am to 5 pm, this Hualien restaurant has been a favorite of foodies across Taiwan since 1951. Recently, it’s been especially busy ever since the owners announced that Sept. 8 would be the final day it’d be open.

- Egg pancakes and fried eggs.
- You typically get egg pancakes and fried eggs?
- Yes.
- Isn’t it a shame? Like, won’t you miss it?
- Of course. The people here are incredible.

- You could say I grew up eating here.
- Have you heard that they’ll be taking a break?
- I have.
- And so that’s why you’ve come here?
- Yes.
I order egg pancakes, zongzi or macarons.

This eatery has been around for 75 years. Its most unique aspect is the pipes connected to the ceiling. Starting on the second floor, drinks like black tea and sour plum juice travel down these pipes. But being open for nearly eight decades means equipment has aged, and, to make matters worse, multiple earthquakes have taken their toll. Therefore, the owners decided to re-build the restaurant from the ground up.

- How long do you expect the renovations to take?
- For this place, probably at least three years.
- Three years?
- Two or three years, for sure.
- You’ll re-open at the original location?
- Yes. If not at the original location, then across the street.
- So, you’ll still be in this area?
- Yes.

Loyal long-time customers were worried that the restaurant of their childhood memories was about to disappear. Fortunately for them, the renowned breakfast and brunch shop will open again. Whether that date is in 2028, 2029, or even later, well, only time can tell.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#macaron #Hualien #breakfast #brunch #eatery #yum #foodie #food

2026-08-28

Yilan farmer grows mini watermelons with edible rind

A farmer in Yilan grows mini watermelons that are just 5 to 15 cm in diameter. Not only are they juicy and sweet, but the rind is even edible! The Yilan branch of the Agriculture and Food Agency held an event to promote the new watermelons, with many people enjoying the bite-sized summer treat.

Fruit is a great snack in the hot summer, but this watermelon looks much smaller than normal. A farmer holds one smaller than the palm of his hand, biting into it to show it’s ripe.

Lots of people are trying these mini watermelons, just one-third the size of a normal one. They’re sweet and juicy with a very thin and edible rind, plus they’re organic.

Cheng Chao-tung
Yilan farmer
This is a next-generation variety developed by crossbreeding a foreign variety. It’s called a mini watermelon, or mini ball. I call it a couple’s watermelon, because it’s too much for one person, but just right for two.

Cheng grows the mini watermelons in a greenhouse. They average around 15 cm in diameter, with some as small as 5 cm. They’re sweeter than most watermelons and just the right size for two people to share.

Cheng Chao-tung
Yilan farmer
Because the rind is so thin, if we grow them outdoors, they can crack easily, especially with all the rain in Yilan. The plants are also more vulnerable to pests and diseases, so growing them in a greenhouse protects them and helps them produce better fruit. Once you chill them, they get even crispier and sweeter. I’d say they have one of the finest textures of any watermelon grown in Taiwan.

The Yilan branch of the Agriculture and Food Agency held an event recently to promote these watermelons and other organic produce from the area, showing the skill of Yilan’s farmers.

#Yilan #watermelon #mini #miniwatermelon #sweet #fruit #refreshing #farmer #organic

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

2026-08-28

Mooncakes made by Taitung inmates sell out

To celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival, inmates at Taitung’s Taiyuan Prison make and sell mooncakes. This year their cakes sold out fast! The program helps inmates learn marketable skills, and one even found work in the baking industry after release.

A man carefully wraps red bean and salted egg yolk in dough. After baking in the oven, these mooncakes are ready to eat. But this isn’t a bakery. It’s actually a prison. Here inmates make and sell mooncakes during the Mid-Autumn Festival.

Ah-lun
Inmate
It’s very rewarding to learn something new from scratch. Plus, lots of customers have said they like our mooncakes, egg yolk pastries, and mung bean cakes.

The inmates take pride in hearing that people enjoy their baked goods. Their “big brother” mooncakes, a Mid-Autumn Festival special, often sell out fast.

Chao Yen-po
Head of operations
We estimate that we make 30,000 to 35,000 mooncakes a year. The quantity of each variety is about what they can make over a two-week period. I think that one inmate’s family does this type of work, so he started helping with the family business when he went home.

Ko Huang-ming
Taiyuan Prison warden
It gives them a chance to learn baking skills. They also get some compensation for the work they do making them.

Learning to make mooncakes gives the inmates a lifelong skill. But these mooncakes can’t be delivered. People have to pick them up in-person at the Taitung District Prosecutors’ Office.

#mooncake #MidAutumnFestival #prison #inmate #baking #learning #education #skill

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

2026-08-28

Nvidia posts strong performance in second quarter earnings report

AI industry bellwether Nvidia has posted strong performance in its latest earnings report. Revenue in the second quarter more than doubled to US$96.22 billion, and adjusted earnings per share came in at US$2.22, beating market expectations. The company also made the rare move of providing revenue guidance a full year ahead, forecasting 70% growth in the next fiscal year. Investors are also watching whether major customers like OpenAI and Anthropic developing their own chips could eventually impact Nvidia’s business. Let’s hear from Nvidia’s CEO.

Voice of Jensen Huang
Nvidia CEO
An entire AI factory platform that spans the entire AI lifecycle. I think they’re going to run on NVIDIA all around the world. I have 100% confidence that our technology will continue to be extraordinary for them. And so I’m very confident that they’re going to be customers and partners of ours for a very long time. We just have a lot greater visibility now, never forecasted or never guided a year in advance. Even though our demand is much greater than 70%, our supply allows us to confidently deliver 70%. We’re going to continue to work with our supply chain to increase on that.

Nvidia shares jumped more than 5% in after-hours trading, reaching US$220 and helping Taiwan’s stock market surge more than 500 points in early trading. But the gains narrowed after TSMC and MediaTek turned lower toward the close. Taiwan shares ultimately finished up 142 points, or 0.31% at 45,975.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#stocks #shares #taiex #ai #nvidia #tsmc #forecast #openai #anthropic

2026-08-27

Cyclist collapses next to light rail tracks, people rush to help

Kind-hearted citizens in Kaohsiung are once again proving that Taiwan’s most beautiful landscape is the people. A cyclist suddenly collapsed besides the city’s light rail tracks, just as a train was moving nearby. Thankfully, a passerby quickly rushed over, signaling the train to stop and calling for help. Light rail staff and police also sprang into action, bringing an AED and keeping the area safe until an ambulance arrived. The cyclist eventually regained consciousness and was able to communicate with rescuers.

A cyclist starts tilting to the side before suddenly collapsing near the light rail tracks as a moving train approaches. A passerby runs to the rescue, signaling the train to stop, and helping the fallen cyclist.

- Call an ambulance
- Ok

The cyclist collapsed at Cianjhen Star Station just as a train was passing by. Light rail staff lept to action, bringing out an AED and teaming up with police to help. Finally, an ambulance arrived at the scene to take the cyclist to hospital.

Voice of passerby
Saw incident
It all happened over there. The part where there’s grass on both sides.

Tai Yu-long
Police officer
Members of the Rapid Transit Police Brigade were conducting a patrol when they found out that a cyclist had collapsed to the ground and sustained injuries at Cianjhen Star Station. Officers immediately approached to inspect the situation and dialed 119 for an ambulance and 110 for local police. They also made sure that the perimeter was safe and guided traffic around the scene to prevent a second incident.

Thanks to the quick action by the passerby, the light rail staff and medics, the cyclist slowly recovered consciousness and was able to speak with responders.

Member of public
Kaohsiung
I think it’s great to see so much courage on display. Nowadays, it’s rare to see people helping out others whenever there’s trouble. Usually most people run away now.

The cyclist ended up on the floor due to convulsions. Fortunately, kind hearted people nearby rushed to his aid, in a heartwarming scene that once again shows that Taiwan’s most beautiful landscape is the people.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#transit #cyclist #lightrail #commuting #kaohsiung

2026-08-27

NTU student wins runner-up at World Yo-Yo Contest

Another youngster has emerged as the pride of Taiwan! 20-year-old Chang Hong-lun recently competed in the 2026 World Yo-Yo Contest in Japan, taking home silver in the Offstring Division with his flawless display of throwing skill. After transitioning from diabolo only three years ago, the yo-yo virtuoso is already rubbing shoulders with the world’s best. He’s also a high-achieving student at National Taiwan University who plans to challenge for the world title next year in Canada. Here’s FTV’s exclusive report…

A yo-yo flies into the air with the whip of a string, spinning as it lands perfectly again and again.

Taiwan’s very own Chang Hong-lun recently showcased his mastery in this year’s World Yo-Yo Contest, clinching silver in the Offstring Division. The chairman of the Taiwan Yo-Yo Association recalled the excitement.

Moyo Lin
Taiwan Yo-Yo Association chair
In this division, the yo-yo and string are detached. When it’s in the air, you have to stay extra focused on the yo-yo itself.

20-year-old Chang is a student of medical biotechnology at National Taiwan University. Beyond being an excellent student, he also excels at sports and performing. He started learning diabolo in fourth grade and once placed second in the Asian championships. After only three years in the world of yo-yo, he represented Taiwan at this year’s world contest in Japan, defeating competitors from over 10 countries to secure an impressive second-place finish.

Moyo Lin
Taiwan Yo-Yo Association chair
He was also quite accomplished in diabolo. He won a national championship and placed in some international ones, too. He wanted to try out something new for fun, got hooked, and spent three years developing his touch and yo-yo muscle memory. He manages his time very well. He goes to class in the morning, and basically spends all afternoon in the practice room.

Even former president Tsai Ing-wen has personally congratulated this skilled student athlete, noting that with just a yo-yo and a single string, he’s made his entire country proud. Next year, Chang will be headed to Canada with his eyes on the gold.

#yoyo #WorldYoyoContest #diabolo #ChangHonglun #sports #offstringyoyo #internationalcompetition #NTU

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

2026-08-27

Chain restaurant makes specialty sauerkraut fish dumplings

Businesses are developing new flavors of frozen dumplings, with one suancai yu chain making a dumpling that packs the sour and spicy flavors of the popular hot pot. Hotels are also joining the trend, offering not only classic pork dumplings, but also two vegetarian varieties.

A waiter serves a piping hot dish of fish with pickles, or suancai yu, to the table. This popular sour and spicy dish was recently made into a dumpling.

After boiling in water for five minutes, the dumplings are ready to eat. Every bite has the complex sour and spicy flavors of this popular dish.

Member of public
Interested in fish dumpling
It’s pretty good, sour and spicy. It’s a fresh taste to have for a dumpling.

Member of public
Never had a fish dumpling
Usually dumplings have meat inside. I haven’t had a fish one before.

A popular suancai yu chain is taking things up a notch with its new dumplings, wrapped by hand. The filling includes fish and pork, along with the chain’s signature pickled vegetables, creating a juicy, flavorful dumpling.

Chang Tung-liang
Restaurant manager
I think that dumplings are one of the essentials people keep in their freezer. We make about 200 bags a day.

Meanwhile, a hotel is focusing on more traditional dumplings and makes the dough by hand. Their traditional cabbage and corn dumplings with pork are popular, but they also have fresh vegetarian varieties.

Member of public
Eats veg dumplings in summer
I really recommend these vegetable dumplings in the summer, especially if you usually eat a lot of meat and want something lighter.

Member of public
Likes chewy outside
I think the outside is chewier and doesn’t break as easily.

Chien Jo-ching
Hotel manager
Our hotel’s dumplings are a hidden delicacy. We turned this product into a frozen one. We sell over 10,000 bags a year.

The hotel chef even spilled the secret on the best way to cook dumplings: The key is adding salt to the boiling water first.

Restaurants and five-star hotels, are turning their signature dishes into delicious dumplings to enjoy at home, expanding their business opportunities.

#dumplings #hotel #suancaiyu #sauerkrautfish #vegetarian #fivestarhotel #chain #restaurant #frozen #takehome

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

2026-08-27

Lifelike beggar statue at Lanyang Museum earns NT$523,000 in donations

For 16 years, visitors to the Lanyang Museum in Yilan have been greeted at the entrance by a wax statue of a beggar. The lifelike figure leans on a walking cane while a lute hangs from his back, his other hand clutching a cracked bowl. As they pass by, many people can’t resist reaching into their pockets to drop him some loose change. Over the years, the statue has generated over NT$500,000 in donations, all of which are donated to the county’s social relief fund.

An old man with white hair leans on a cane, a lute strapped to a back draped in tattered rags as he holds a cracked bowl in his outstretched hand. The sight naturally stirs empathy in anyone passing by.

A person drops a coin into his bowl, but something gives her a fright. The man is made of wax!

- It scared me!
- I thought he was speaking! I got scared!

This wax statue stands at the entrance to the Lanyang Museum in Yilan. Its extreme realism has drawn many people wanting to see it for themselves.

Ms. Chien
Visitor
I just got back from Japan. It’s because people are kind-hearted. And we Taiwanese are very kind.

Ms. Chen
Visitor
I saw it a few days ago on Threads. Lots of people leave coins here. I came to see if it was real. It’s really here! It’s also nice to give a little to charity.

The lifelike statue is part of a display depicting an early Yilan street scene. When it debuted with the opening of the museum in 2010, no one expected it to actually generate income.

Chen Pi-lin
Lanyang Museum director
After saving the collected funds each year, we donate it to charitable organizations through the county’s Social Affairs Department. As of last year, we had collected NT$523,000 over 15 years. That’s tens of thousands every year.

Every coin donated is an act of kindness. All funds are deposited into the Yilan County Government’s social assistance fund to help those in need.

#charity #LanyangMuseum #Yilan #beggar #waxstatue #lifelike #donation

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2026-08-27

South Korean tourists tries to enter Presidential office to get allergy help

The Presidential Office has many duties, but treating patients suffering from allergic reactions is not one of them. That’s what a South Korean tourist recently discovered, after getting an allergic reaction while visiting Taipei. The man rushed over to the Presidential Office Building, planning to go in to ask for help. But he didn’t make it inside. He was stopped by security guards on the street, who immediately called for medical help. But perhaps the tourist’s decision to go to the Presidential office is not that strange, if you consider how similar the building looks to the NTU Hospital, which is just a stone’s throw away. Let’s hear more.

- Maybe some fruit.
Fruit or sunny.
- Fruit and sunshine.
- Maybe, maybe.
- What’s wrong?
- It seems he can’t breathe.
He’s struggling to breathe,
so he lay down there.
- His face and hands are red,
- It’s an allergic reaction.

Huang Kuo-cheng
FTV reporter
A South Korean tourist apparently mistook the Presidential Office Building for NTU Hospital. It’s actually not unreasonable, as the building looks very similar to the NTU Hospital, built in red bricks and with white embellishments, in a style popular during the Japanese colonial period. So it’s no wonder that at first sight they might look the same.

Member of public
Finds buildings similar
The colors are very similar. But if you look at the details, they aren’t alike.

Member of public
Understands confusion
The tourist might have gotten confused, as both buildings are red, and they are in a similar style. They’re also very close to each other.

Both buildings date back to the Japanese colonial period, and feature ornate decorations that accentuates their grandeur. The Presidential Office Building was completed in 1919, and features red brick and white trim mimicking English Victorian architecture with baroque ornamentation. It’s very similar to the NTU Hospital Building, which was completed only two years later in 1921. To tourists unfamiliar with the area, they could easily be confused with each other.

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#architecture #presidential #hospital #allergy #AnaphylacticShock

2026-08-27

Driver protests fine for swerving to avoid pedestrian on narrow roadway

Shunxing Street in Taichung’s Beitun District is notoriously narrow and always has cars parked along the side, forcing pedestrians to walk on the roadway. To keep a safe distance, one driver had to move toward the center and accidentally touched the median line, only to be reported by a trailing vehicle.

Lines of cars are parked on either side of this roadway, forcing pedestrians to walk out into the street. That’s the source of the problem.

This driver accidentally touched the center line while trying to give space for a pedestrian, resulting in a ticket.

Voice of driver (voice altered)
Shunxing Street is only about 10 meters wide, but both sides are packed with cars. There’s only around 5 or 6 meters of usable roadway. To avoid a pedestrian, I had to get close to the median line and the car behind me took a photo.

Shunxing Street in Taichung’s Beitun District isn’t that wide to begin with. But with cars parked on either side, it’s difficult to avoid crossing over into the middle.

Nearby resident
When it’s like this, even two cars passing each other is difficult. What are we pedestrians supposed to do?

Nearby resident
Since Dung-Guang Elementary is back there, there’s usually a lot of traffic on this road in the morning.

On a visit to this stretch of road, we found that nearly every vehicle had the same issue. To avoid driving too close to the parked cars, every one touched or crossed the yellow line.

Local borough warden
Most residents around here say this road is hard to navigate. You almost always have to drive on the double yellow.

With no sidewalk, pedestrians are forced out into the road. To avoid causing an accident, cars have to drive in the center, even though they might get fined. Police said anyone can file an appeal if they think they were ticketed inappropriately.

Huang Shao-che
Taichung Bureau of Transportation section chief
This stretch of road is less than 9 meters wide. To maintain enough space, we will adjust the red lines along the edge of the road to align with the center yellow line.

The Taichung transportation bureau said it would look into improving the road to make sure that vehicles and pedestrians don’t have to compete for space.

#roadsafety #traffic #Taichung #trafficticket #unfair #pedestriansafety #roaddesign

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2026-08-27

Fruit with salt is sweeter, helps body retain water

Some people swear by sprinkling salt on fruit to bring out its sweetness. The trend was recently endorsed by a Japanese doctor who recommended eating bananas with salt to replenish minerals and help the body retain water. Nutritionists say sodium helps reduce sour and bitter flavors, balancing the taste and bringing out the fruit’s natural sweetness.

Lin Li
Reporter
In the summer heat, lots of people like to eat watermelon to cool down. But one Japanese doctor recommended having a banana with salt to beat the heat.

Dr. Fukuda Rikka from Yamanashi said that sodium, magnesium, and potassium help the body retain water. He recommended salted bananas, as the fruit is rich in potassium and magnesium, while salt provides sodium.

Member of public
Wouldn’t try it
Is it like sarsaparilla with salt? I don’t think I’d try it. I sprinkle salt on pineapple. It makes it less harsh on the tongue. Fruit is supposed to be sweet.

Member of public
Not into salt
Tomato with ginger is okay. I feel like having a watermelon that’s salty wouldn’t cool me down.

Salt draws out moisture from the fruit, concentrating the sugars and making it taste sweeter. Salt water can keep apples from browning, bring out the sweetness of watermelon and wax apples, and help prevent a sore mouth from pineapple, while salted star fruit is said to soothe the throat. Fruit vendors also use salt water to keep cut fruit fresh for longer.

Fruit vendor
Uses salt water
We soak fruit in cold salt water. Mangoes are also salted. Basically, if a mango isn’t ripe, it’s eaten with salt, otherwise it’s sour. The salt enhances the flavor. Watermelon with salt is also pretty good.

Salt reduces sour and bitter flavors, making the fruit taste sweeter. Fruits that are sweet, tart, and have a high water content are especially good with a little salt.

Hsia Tzu-wen
Nutritionist
Adding salt to fruit changes the osmotic pressure, causing it to release more water and juice, while the salt helps balance the flavor. Fruit provides sugar and minerals such as potassium, while salt provides sodium chloride, so it’s fine to eat fruit with a moderate amount of salt.

The nutritionist also reminded people to replenish water and electrolytes if they sweat a lot in the summer. She also recommended that people with high blood pressure or kidney or heart problems limit their salt intake. Even healthy foods should be consumed in moderation to maintain a balanced diet.

#fruit #salt #summer #saltedfruit #watermelon #banana #sodium #sweet

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2026-08-27

Yunlin’s eel town showcases local favorite in 100-person banquet

The Yunlin County Government recently worked with a local cooperative to host a banquet featuring eel—the pride of Kouhu Township. Using all locally farmed seafood, chefs prepared creative dishes such as eel salad, fried eel, and thick eel soup, allowing the nearly 100 guests to fully appreciate the essence of this local delicacy.

Strips of eel simmer to perfection in a giant wok before they’re dished out onto a bed of bean sprouts in a feast for the eyes, nose, and palate.

More eel bubbles in another wok of hot oil until the outside is crispy. There’s also decadent eel soup, all part of this lavish spread of eel-based delicacies.

Kouhu Township in Yunlin County is Taiwan’s eel central, producing nearly 70% of the nation’s supply. The county government partnered with the No. 2 Eel and Shrimp Production Cooperative to organize a banquet featuring the seafood, inviting nearly 100 people to enjoy the local Kouhu specialty.

Stacie Chen
Yunlin County Deputy Commissioner
By preparing the eel in creative ways, it can show people that wow, there are so many ways to enjoy eel! So today, we’ve gathered nearly 100 people here to enjoy local Kouhu eel together.

A sprinkling of sesame seeds is the perfect finishing touch for these sticky rice cakes with slices of eel. The meat can even be tossed into a salad.

Chen Yi-fan
Regional services center deputy director
Right now is the best season for eel, so from now until the Lunar New Year, we welcome consumers from across the country to support our domestic eel industry. We hope consumers will realize that eel isn’t just for gift boxes. It can also be a part of everyday meals.

In Taiwan’s eel town, diners enjoyed creative cuisine featuring local produce sourced straight from local farms. While satisfying their tastebuds, they also helped to promote Kouhu’s signature seafood.

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#eel #seafood #Yunlin #banquet #cuisine #creativecooking #farmtotable #aquaculture #Kouhu

2026-08-27