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CEC ramps up preparations for local elections on Nov. 28

Taiwan will pick its local government representatives in just 100 days. The Central Election Commision on Thursday put up the election notice, meaning election season has officially started. Among some of the concerns this year is the use of deep-fake videos that could be used to spread misinformation. The CEC has established a task force in collaboration with police, prosecutors and the Ministry of Digital Affairs to prevent election interference.

On Nov. 28, voters will head to the polls to pick 11,051 public officials in 8,906 electoral districts. A total of 18,244 polling stations will be set up for Election Day, to cater to Taiwan’s 19.65 million eligible voters. That includes more than 600,000 first-timers. About 250,000 people will be chosen to work at the polls around the country.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
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#election #countdown #electoral #voting #democracy #taiwan #pollingstation

Time：2026-08-20

最新消息 Latest News

Candidates make custom Kuai Kuai, drink cup lids to reach voters

As election season draws near, candidates are pulling out all the stops to make an impression on voters. Traditional items like tissue paper and fans no longer cut it. In Pingtung, a county councilor candidate became an instant hit with custom bags of Kuai Kuai featuring his photo. Another candidate over in Tainan is looking to capitalize on people’s summer cravings for a cool drink by printing his campaign ad directly on the lids, making it impossible for people to miss.

On a hot summer’s day, it seems like everyone is carrying a cold drink with them. This drink stand in Tainan has some unique film covers, printed with a man wearing a tiger helmet. It’s actually a promotion for Tainan City Councilor Wang Hsuan-mao’scampaign.

- It’s not bad. Really unique.

- Yeah, I think it’s special. A giveaway doesn’t have to be something you use.

Drink stall owner
People might just throw away promotional items. But with this, you look at it while you’re drinking and learn what he’s doing.

Campaign giveaways are usually thrown out, giving them minimal effect. But if you buy a beverage, you’re going to drink it, and every time you take a sip, the message is right in front of your face, making it hard to ignore.

Wang Hsuan-mao
Tainan City Councilor
The cost of one film lid is actually less than a pack of tissues. It’s like renting a billboard. Instead of putting an ad up on a billboard, I’m renting their drink lids and asking them to run my ad. It’s a similar concept.

He’s working with 50 drink shops, trading custom film lids for ad space while also helping the shops save on distribution costs. Tsai Li-ching, another Tainan city councilor seeking reelection, is also working with drink makers to supply large bottles with her ads, which frequently pop up at neighborhood events.

Tsai Li-ching
Tainan City Councilor
It’s a fresh cold drink! Whenever there’s a banquet or a temple feast, we provide them on the tables.

Tainan City Councilor Huang Chao-hui played on homophones of his name to make custom pencils to help voters remember him. Over in Pingtung, County Councilor Lee Shih-pin is looking to voters’ love for Kuai Kuai for a leg up. The custom bags featuring his photo have been a hit especially with seniors. As election day approaches, candidates are coming up with all kinds of creative gimmicks to be seen, knowing that the most important thing is getting voters to remember them.

#campaign #election #citycouncilor #KuaiKuai #drinkshop #campaignswag #Tainan #Pingtung #creativemarketing

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
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2026-08-20

New Red Line station on Taipei MRT to open on Aug. 30

The Taipei Metro’s Red Line is about to get longer, after more than 10 years of construction. The extra track section on Taipei’s Xinyi District has been granted an operation permit by the transport ministry. It will open to the public on Aug. 30. Let’s hear from the mayor of Taipei.

Chiang Wan-an
Taipei Mayor
The eastern extension of the Red Line was one of the most challenging metro sections ever, due to the complex geology of the ground and the challenges that arose during construction. I am extremely thankful to the construction team, the administrative team in the city government and all partners who assisted in the completion of the line extension. The Ministry of Transportation and Communications issued the operating permit on the 18th. Thank you. I would hereby like to announce that the additional station will officially be open to the public on Aug. 30, and to celebrate we will launch several promotional campaigns.

The Red Line will extend 1.4km past Xiangshan Station along Section 6 of Xinyi Road, all the way to the Guangci Bo’ai Park. The final station will be Guangci/Fengtian Temple Station. The depth of the tunnels reaches almost 10 stories underground, making it one of the most challenging metro construction sections. To celebrate the completion of the project, Taipei will hold promotional campaigns including lucky draws with the chance to win round-trip tickets to London and Tokyo.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
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#taipemetro #taipei #mrt #metro #urban #urbandesign #taipei

2026-08-20

Historic shops in Xinzhuang Temple Street get trendy makeovers

Historic Xinzhuang Temple Street in New Taipei City is getting a makeover! The city government is revitalizing five traditional heritage shops – from a traditional glutinous rice ball store to a Chinese medicine shop -- with youthful rebranding from young designers. Second and third generation owners are taking over family businesses, injecting new trendy energy into the area. Let’s find out more.

Slicing open this giant longevity peach bun is like opening a surprise package—hidden inside are multiple cute, chick-shaped buns. This innovative “Mother-and-Child Longevity Peach” was created when a second-generation successor took over, breathing new life into a declining traditional pastry business.

Chiang Kun-ta
Longevity peach business operator
During my university years, traditional Chinese pastries were fading, even in decline, which made me quite sad. I felt a sense of mission to promote them and give them new life.

The New Taipei City Government is promoting a demonstration project to revitalize specialized shops in Xinzhuang Temple Street. By bringing in brand consultants and young designers, the project has revitalized five classic local shops, from a traditional savory glutinous rice ball shop that has been passed down for over 70 years across three generations to a traditional Chinese medicine shop run by second generation owners. In addition to preserving traditional services, the shop facades have been redesigned and rebranded, and special health drinks have been launched to attract young people.

Hou Yu-ih
New Taipei City Mayor
Over time, we’ve realized that in addition to preserving the original traditions, Xinzhuang Old Street needs to continuously innovate and pass on its heritage so that everyone can enjoy these traditional flavors. We also need to continuously embrace new ideas and use new business models to attract more international tourists to our Xinzhuang Temple Street.

Chiu Chao-mei
New Taipei City Government
Brands can refine their narratives, revamp their visual design and menus, and refresh their storefronts so that the flavors of these heritage shops can appeal to a new generation of consumers.

With the assistance of city government resources and the efforts of the next generation to transform the area, the Xinzhuang Temple Street business circle has been revitalized and its prosperity has been rekindled.

#XinzhuangTempleStreet #Taiwaneseheritage #Taiwanesepastries #Taiwanesetraditions #Newtaipeicity

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2026-08-20

Tongxiao Beach sand sculpture festival charms during day and night

A sand sculpture festival is running until September 6th on TongxiaoBeach in Miaoli County. It’s open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., and while the exquisitely crafted sand sculptures can be seen during the day, many people are choosing to go at night when it is cooler and the sculptures are illuminated by light projections in a spectacular fashion. Let’s find out more.

From a high-angle aerial view, the meticulously crafted sand sculptures reveal a completely different appearance under the interplay of light and shadow.

The 2026 Tongxiao Sand Sculpture Festival in Miaoli runs from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., offering both exquisite sand sculptures to admire during the day and something worth seeing at night.

Chang Mai-ssu
Photography enthusiast
After the lights are turned on, it is beautiful, especially at dusk when you can enjoy the sunset while admiring the effect of the lights.

At night, the lights give the sand sculptures a mysterious look, transforming them into a nighttime beach city.

- I feel it’s so romantic, the ambience is so nice!
- You mean with the way the lights are set up?
- Yeah, yeah!

- Did you specifically choose to come at night?
- Yes, yes, it’s not so hot.
- It’s cooler, and the lighting is beautiful.

To beat the heat, many people choose to come in the evening to enjoy the spectacle. This allows them to avoid the scorching sun, enjoy the sea breeze, and experience the unique nighttime light projections.

Chen Kun-tien
Event director
It’s white sand; whatever light you give it, it reflects back to you. The sand color is different from other beaches.

The Tongxiao Sand Sculpture Festival uses light and shadow to create a one-of-a-kind nighttime beach city, aiming to give visitors a distinctly romantic atmosphere.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
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#sandsculpture #Taiwanfestivals #Miaolitourism #Miaolifestivals #tongxiaobeach

2026-08-20

Foushoushan Farm hosts Taiwan’s highest ATM

The highest post office in Taiwan is on Alishan, but do you know where the highest post office ATM is? It’s in Taichung at Fushoushan Farm! At 2,240 meters above sea level, it saves residents and visitors at least a half hour round trip to the next-nearest ATM. Now when tourists want to buy local produce, they no longer need to worry about running out of cash. Since the area is famous for its apples, Chunghwa Post created a special apple-shaped sign for the ATM that people love to take photos with.

- At 2,240 meters above sea level, the remote Fushoushan Farm has officially inaugurated Taiwan’s only apple-shaped post office ATM!

The farm’s social media manager excitedly introduces their new post office ATM—the highest in all of Taiwan. Setting up the machine was no easy feat, as annual operational costs can reach over a million dollars. Chunghwa Post finalized the decision only after careful evaluation.

Member of public
Likes the design
Wow, it’s so special! It must be a first in Taiwan. It’s shaped like an apple. It’s so creative!

The sign for the Chunghwa Post ATM is designed to look like a green apple, priming visitors to enjoy the local speciality.

Wang Shu-chu
Taichung Post Office deputy director
Most of our apples are imported. But honestly, most imported apples aren’t as good as the ones here in Lishan. So we thought, Lishan’s specialty is apples—the megumi apples especially are world-famous—so we designed the ATM sign to look like a megumi apple.

Tourists buying local produce no longer need to worry about running low on cash. The machine operates 24 hours a day and even supports cardless withdrawals.

Member of public
Loves the service
This service is amazing! Before, if we wanted to buy things and ran out of cash, we had to go over to Lishan to withdraw money. Driving, it took about 30 minutes round-trip. But now we have this ATM. It’s very considerate. I’m glad we have it!

The Lishan Post Office 6km away is responsible for replenishing the ATM. Two police officers from Lishan Station are dispatched to escort the cash, ensuring the banknotes safely reach Taiwan’s highest ATM.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
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#ATM #Lishan #apples #localproduce #ChunghwaPost #highaltitude

2026-08-20

Republican Senator says she’s ‘not that informed’ on Taiwan

A Republican Senate candidate in South Carolina is facing a political firestorm after giving a startling answer about Taiwan and the South China Sea in a recent televised debate. Darline Graham, who stepped into her late brother Lindsey Graham’s Senate seat, was asked whether the issues are tied to US national security. She admitted she simply wasn’t informed in the subject. Her opponent immediately pounced, while critics questioned whether the political newcomer has the experience to hold the seat.

Earlier this summer, US Senator for South Carolina Lindsey Graham died, leaving his seat to his younger sister, Darline Graham. But with an election coming up, she’s had to justify her appointment ahead of the Republican Party’s runoff vote. In a debate on Wednesday, she showed her ignorance of cross-strait issues.

Greta Van Susteren
Moderator
Are Taiwan and the South China Sea national security issues for the United States? And if so, why or how?

Darline Graham
US Senator
I’m just going to be honest here. I’ve not on national security… I’m not that informed on national security

The unexpected answer gave her opponent the perfect opportunity to strike back.

Ralph Norman
Republic runoff candidate
Taiwan’s a definite ally. So what the president is doing right is he’s enabling Taiwan to defend themselves against China.

Before his death, Graham visited Taiwan on three occasions and touted himself as an expert on diplomacy and national security. He even promoted pro-Taiwan bills and was seen as a close ally of Taiwan, making his sister’s reply especially shocking. One day later, she accepted a TV interview to try and stop the criticism.

Darline Graham
US Senator
I tripped up on one question last night, regarding Taiwan. Of course Taiwan is our friend.

Darline Graham is a newcomer to politics, but she was endorsed to her appointment in succeeding her brother by US President Donald Trump. Experts say her recent blunder may have severely damaged her support.

Katie Porter
Former US Representative (Dem)
This woman needs a lot of polish and she needs it really fast.

Elex Michaelson
CNN News Anchor
The concern about her is. Does she have the juice? Is she experienced enough? Can she do this job?

Darline Graham has admitted that she is not a politician, but defended herself arguing that voters are more concerned about their livelihoods than the South China Sea. Nevertheless, her Taiwan blunder has put extra scrutiny on her this electoral season.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
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#darlinegraham #gop #republican #taiwan #southchinasea #debate #election #lindseygraham

2026-08-20

Truck driver stuck in surging river rescued unharmed

A truck driver suddenly found himself in a life-or-death situation after a sudden downpour in Yilan. Mr. Yu, who is in his 60s, had been parked at a dredging site on the Lanyang River, when the torrential rain sent the river surging, trapping his vehicle in the current. Firefighters went to rescue him at around 4 in the morning, using ropes to rescue the trapped man and bring him to dry land. Let’s hear more.

Hsu Wei-ting
Yilan Fire Department
As soon as we received the report, we dispatched staff, boats and vehicles to the scene. Our firefighters waded across the current to set up a ropeway and bring the truck driver to safety. Fortunately he emerged unharmed.

Mr. Yu was waiting in his truck as part of a dredging operation near the Huludu Bridge, when the water level on the river suddenly soared. He immediately called for help to be taken ashore. Just a short few hours later, the swell had already receded. The contractor in charge of the operations says that a notice had been sent to workers, saying that work would be called off due to the rain. Perhaps the truck driver didn’t see the memo, but fortunately, he escaped unharmed.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
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#torrent #river #rain #weather #contractor #yilan #trucker #truckdriver

2026-08-20

Elderly dog steps onto train tracks just as train approaches station

An adorable white dog gave visitors at Alishan the fright of their lives this past weekend. Just as a train was about to pull in to a train station, the dog wandered onto the tracks, mere meters ahead of the train. The driver sounded the horn repeatedly, but the dog wouldn’t move. Amid cries from onlookers, the train slowed down to a snail-pace crawl to prevent a tragedy. The dog seemed blissfully unaware of any problems, and continued plodding forward until it eventually moved aside.

A train is rounding the tracks when… Wait, is that a dog? A white pup has wandered straight onto the tracks.

Onlookers gasp as the train gets dangerously close to the doggo.

The driver sounds the horn again and again, but the dog pays it no mind, strolling casually along the grassy tracks. It even looks back, as if checking whether the train is still following it. Visitors don’t know whether to cry or laugh.

Everyone stands around waiting. The incident happened on Sunday morning on the Alishan Forest Railway. The train was approaching Shizilu Station, on its way to Chiayi, when the naughty doggo grabbed the opportunity to wreak some havoc. A traditional saying in Taiwan goes “Good dogs don’t block the road.” But clearly that doesn’t apply to rail tracks.

Member of public
Commenting on dog
So it’s not a good dog, because it blocked the way!

Member of public
Commenting on dog
It’s right at home, as if it were in its own back yard.

Member of public
Commenting on dog
It’d be better if it were on a leash. That would’ve prevented this.

The white pupper is actually a beloved neighborhood resident that’s cared for by the community. At the age of 20 years – equivalent to 100 dog years – its mobility isn’t what it used to be and when walking around is a little slower. Train drivers all know about this furry travel companion, and they always sound the horn and slow down when they spot it.

Chou Heng-kai
Alishan Forest Railway and Cultural Heritage Office
The drivers all know about the dog. Nobody is grazing livestock on the railway, so no regulations have been violated.

The train was slowing down to stop at the station anyway, so the chances of a tragic accident were low. But even then, for those seeing it for the first time, it was a scary close call.

#dog #doggo #cute #funny #animals #animal #cutedogs #dogsofinstagram #doglover

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
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2026-08-20

Grad student writes thesis on Chiayi mint chicken

One of Chiayi’s local dishes, mint chicken, has made its way into academia, becoming the subject of a master’s thesis. A National Chung Cheng University graduate student spent more than two years researching her grandmother’s signature mint chicken to write Taiwan’s first thesis on the dish.

A chef stir-fries ginger, garlic, and mint in sesame oil, then stuffs it into a chicken. He then seasons it with salt and pepper and cooks it by frying as well as steaming. Finally this mint chicken, a specialty of northern Chiayi, is ready to be served.

Lee Che-wei
Chef
I use oil to partly fry it. This method is a bit like braising, a bit like roasting, and a bit like pan-frying.

The smell of mint fills the room as the chef carves the chicken. The meat is tender and juicy, while the skin is crispy. The warmth of the sesame oil and ginger blend with the mint’s coolness for an unforgettable flavor combination.

- It hit me right in the head.

- It smells like mint and the chicken is really tender.

Mint chicken was once a household dish in northern Chiayi, but it’s become less common in recent years. Hoping to learn more about the dish her grandmother always made, a master’s student from National Chung Cheng University, Wu Kuei-fang, decided to research mint chicken for her thesis.

Wu Kuei-fang
Master’s student
I had mint chicken all the time growing up. I thought I could turn it into a thesis topic to discuss its origin and why it came about.

Her thesis advisor saw the value in researching this local dish, and she was able to introduce mint chicken to the world of academia.

Kuan Chung-hsiang
CCU Department of Communication director
Food is our culture and our history. It has a big connection to the overall development of Taiwan, so I was happy to see this thesis completed.

Academic research topics are diverse, but it’s quite an achievement to write an entire thesis on one local dish. Paying tribute to the flavor of her hometown, Wu’s research shows that mint chicken is rich in history and culture, as well as flavor.

#chicken #mintchicken #Chiayi #thesis #gradschool #student #gradstudent #hometown #cuisine #academia

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
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2026-08-20

Children enjoy rowing and clamming at Chiayi fish farm

Dongshi Township in Chiayi is famous for its fresh clams, known for their sweet flavor. To give children a hands-on experience, a local fish farm offers activities for families, including clamming, boating, and seaweed harvesting. Visitors can even make oyster rolls, helping kids better understand how Chiayi’s seafood gets from the pond to their table.

Kids wade through the water, using their hands to pick up clams from the mud.

Later they hop on a boat and try rowing across the pond together. Here at this recreational fishing ground in Dongshi , Chiayi, parents and teachers bring kids to enjoy themselves and learn through outdoor activities.

Student
Had fun
This time we rowed the boat, went fishing, and had shaved ice. I’m from Tainan. Next time I’ll come with my mom and dad.

Teacher
Brought students out
Today our cram school brought students here for some educational outdoor activities.

Kids can try all kinds of things, including fishing, harvesting seaweed, and even barbequing fresh seafood, giving them a chance to learn outside the classroom through hands-on experiences.

Owner
Dongshi
We’re the only place in Taiwan where people can try rowing and harvesting seaweed. We educate people about the environment and about food and agriculture.

Next door, people can even learn how to make oyster rolls.

- There are lots of different kinds of clams here, so you can actually see the ecology.
- Did you get any?
- Yeah!

From pond to table, kids can experience for themselves how seafood is caught and cooked, learning through fun activities.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
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#fish #fishing #clams #clamming #education #handson #kids #familyfriendly #outdoor #seafood

2026-08-20

President Lai announces new raises for all government workers

This year’s Father’s Day may’ve been on a Saturday, but for members of the military, Aug. 8 was just one more workday in a packed schedule for the Han Kuang military exercise, which lasted 10 days. The hard work of military personnel, along with civil servants and public school teachers, will not be in vain though, as President Lai and the Executive Yuan have announced new raises for all government employees, to take effect in January next year.

President Lai Ching-te made a personal appearance at Taichung to commend members of the military, as they recently finished this year’s Han Kuang Exercise, which lasted 10 days and 9 nights. In addition to giving bonuses to his brothers-in-arms, who were part of an all-out nationwide effort, the event also gave members of the military a chance to share some Father’s Day moments.

Tung Chuan-sheng
234 Combined Arms Brigade
As a soldier, I must commit everything I have to my duties. On Father’s Day, when I had just a little bit of free time, my wife and our two children called me to wish me a happy Father’s Day. For me, that was a very touching moment, so much so that I suddenly started crying; it made all the hard work of that day’s drill seem like nothing.

Chao Pei-yu
234 Combined Arms Brigade
Our unit also made a Father’s Day video. At that time there was a lot of noise, but when the video was played everybody quieted down right away. Once somebody would see their beloved family members, including their children, appear on the screen, some of us would laugh, others had their eyes turn red, and some even shed a few tears.

On top of the recent Han Kuang Exercise, since March the military has been busy preparing to protect the country, with joint operations planning, computerized exercises, and immediate combat readiness drills all on their agenda. The most important reason for President Lai appearing at a military base was to hand out bonuses to these hard-working troops.

President Lai announced that, beginning in July, raises would be given to those that would serve on the frontlines as well as special forces and other combat forces. Those in brigade units are to receive an additional NT$4,000 a month. Conscript soldiers will also be given raises comparable to what volunteer soldiers receive. Recently the Executive Yuan announced that raises of NT$2,000 a month would be given to military personnel, civil servants, and public school teachers as well as supervisors. Furthermore, starting next January a 4% raise will be given to all those working under the government.

Lai Ching-te
President
Ever since I assumed office, going back to the Tsai Ing-wen presidential administration, this is the 5th time we’ve raised the salaries of military personnel, civil servants, and public school teachers. A more reasonable system will reward our troops for the responsibilities and risks they bear as well as the skills they possess. This will also show that our country reveres our military, and this is also an important investment in strengthening our national defense, showing that the government is the biggest supporter of you all.

The troops, public servants, and teachers have received five raises during the 10 years the DPP has been in power, and these most recent raises reflect that the ruling party is committed to both continuing to improve the pay of the military and being the biggest supporter of the troops.

#supportourtroops #military #HanKuangExercise #raises #money #payforprofessionalism

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
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2026-08-19

Fail test launch sends rocket crashing into mountainside

An explosion near the village of Macaran in Pingtung sent locals into a panic early Wednesday morning, as they believed China had launched an attack. But it turns out that the projectile had actually been launched from Taiwan. The Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology was test-launching a satellite at Jiupeng Base when the rocket lost control and went crashing into a mountain. The institute has released a statement saying that the self-destruct mode was activated after an anomaly was detected in the early stage of the launch. The rocket landed within the perimeter of the base. Let’s hear more.

Resident
Macaran Village
My first thought was that China was attacking us! I was so shocked.

Pan Hsun-ho
Macaran Head
It was lucky that it didn’t fall on our town. It seems to have fallen within the grounds of the base.

Wang Pin-ching
Pingtung County Government Spokesperson
Test launches should be suspended until the cause of the incident is determined. We urge the institute to review its procedures and make any necessary adjustments.

Chen Kuan-ting
Legislator (DPP)
Accidents happen, be it in tests by the NCSIST or other research organizations. The important thing is to not let these incidents halt training or drills. They should be used to learn and improve.

Chung Chia-pin
Legislator (DPP)
There are military exercises and artillery drills constantly being held at the base. It would be better to provide locals with some form of insurance coverage so that they can claim compensation if their property gets damaged.

No injuries have been reported, though the sight of the rocket hurtling straight into the mountainous area was quite alarming. As test launches become more routine, finding a balance between these activities and the safety of nearby residents will be an important issue that the military has to address.

#rocket #rocketlaunch #fail #jiupeng #taiwan #pingtung

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
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2026-08-19

Tourists splashing water, littering spark outrage at Taitung’s ‘Sky Mirror’

The "Sky Mirror" on Huayuan Mountain in Taitung’s Taimali is popular with visitors who want to take stunning photos where the image of the sea meeting the sky is reflected in a pool. But to get better pictures, some people have been throwing rocks and trash into the pool for a ripple effect, triggering outrage, especially since it’s a privately owned storage pond that the leaseholder was kind enough to open to the public.

Visitors stand by the edge of a reflecting pool, the ocean beyond perfectly melding into the reflected sky into one continuous expanse of blue. It makes for the perfect social media photo. But recently, these scenes were also caught on camera.

To make ripples on the surface, people were spotted throwing stones into the pool and reaching in to splash the water around. One man even poured water inside and then tossed the plastic bottle on the ground. Video of the bad behavior drew ire online, as people criticized them for lacking respect and questioned who would clean up after them.

Visitor
Touring Taitung
If you leave your trash here, who do you expect to clean up after you?

Visitor
Touring Taitung
Taiwan has so many beautiful places. When people visit, they need to take good care of it so that others can enjoy it, too.

This breathtaking spot up in the mountains of Taitung’s Taimali is actually a privately owned storage pond for agriculture. But people discovered that beyond reflecting the sky, it also lines up perfectly with the blue ocean in the distance. Now dubbed the “Sky Mirror,” it’s attracted many people to come take photos. The leaseholder, a local village warden, opened the site to the public free of charge to promote local produce, but ended up having to pick up trash every day. Even after posting signs and setting out trash cans, some visitors seem not to notice.

Chang Ching-liang
Leaseholder
I spend all day over there picking up trash. People go there to smoke and throw their butts all over the place. It looks like it snowed with the cigarette butts everywhere!

After the spot went viral, the pool has even turned murky due to eutrophication, affecting the fish living inside. At one point the owner even closed it off, but now that it’s open again, some selfish visitors keep making a mess of this beautiful spot that people work so hard to maintain.

#Taitung #scenic #photospot #SkyMirror #badbehavior #traveletiquette #tourism

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
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2026-08-19

20,000 winners selected in mobile phone tax filing lucky draw

If you filed your taxes on your cell phone this year, you might be getting some extra cash from the government. The Ministry of Finance and the National Taxation Bureau are giving out a total of NT$5.25 million in prizes to 20,000 lucky winners, as part of a program to encourage tax filing by smartphone. The winners were selected on Wednesday afternoon.

There are 86 cash prizes ranging from NT$10,000 to NT$50,000. There’s also 19,000 electronic gift vouchers up for grabs. This year, 6.36 million tax returns were filed online, and about 45% of those were completed using a cell phone. In total, 2.64 million filers agreed to take part in the drawing. The winners of the cash prizes will receive a notification, and will see the money directly deposited into their bank accounts. The electronic gift vouchers will be distributed via SMS, and will be redeemable until Nov. 25. But watch out for scams! Winners will not be required to provide any bank account information.

#tax #taxfiling #lottery #government #finance #taxes

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2026-08-19

Running club organizes ‘pilgrimage’ to home of Taiwan’s richest man

The rags-to-riches story of the founder of King Slide Works Lin Tsung-chi, coupled with his recent ascent to become Taiwan’s richest person, has made his childhood home and the temples he supports into Kaohsiung’s newest attractions. Visitors have been flocking to the sites in Hunei District, hopping that Lin’s good fortune would rub off on them. A local running club has even organized a "pilgrimage" that runs past the tycoon’s home and favorite temples.

Runners from a local club pose for a photo in front of an unassuming seven-story brick townhouse. It’s the childhood home of King Slide Works founder and chairman Lin Tsung-chi, who’s been all over the news since becoming Taiwan’s richest person.

The text on this promotional poster says it’s for a “Hunei Riches Pilgrimage Run.” This local running club goes out together every week. Jumping on the latest trend, this past week, they started from Weizainei Ciji Temple and ran past Guanyin Pavilion, which is frequently visited by Chairman Lin, as well as his childhood home. The 24-kilometer half marathon drew 26 participants.

Member of public
Commenting on sights
He’s Taiwan’s richest man. We visited his old home.

This home, where the King Slide founder still lives today, has become a popular destination. The nearby Guanyin Pavilion where he often prays displays a group picture with Chairman Lin near the entrance. Some visitors have traveled all the way from Tainan, hoping to absorb some of his good fortune.

Visitor
Commenting on sights
We just came to take a look. The area is wonderful! Good places produce good people.

The local borough warden said that Chairman Lin is low-key and thrifty. He’s also passionate about religion and charity, and keeps good relationships with his neighbors.

Voice of Hung Tien-mou
Dahu Borough Warden
Whenever there’s a need in the community—especially something religious—he’ll donate money to help out. He usually drives himself around and gets along great with his neighbors. We used to play golf together seven or eight years ago.

Earning the title of Taiwan’s richest person is no easy feat. Now his childhood home has become a local landmark, with even the running club designing a route around it in the hopes of soaking in some of his incredible luck.

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Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
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#LinTsungchi #Taiwansrichestman #KingSlideWorks #Kaohsiung #wealth #runningclub #pilgrimage

2026-08-19

Vision of Taiwanese robots starting to rival human eyes

Now might be a good time to get your eyes checked, because robot eyes made by Taiwanese tech companies are getting close to seeing just as well as humans can. For millennia, human eyes have been sharper than those of most animals, allowing us to easily distinguish between colors and quickly find what we’re looking for. The world is changing though, as robots at this year’s Taiwan Automation Intelligence and Robot Show have both eyes and arms with human-like capabilities.

Over at the Taiwan Automation Intelligence and Robot Show 2026, this mobile robot’s incredible eye has a 10x zoom lens that, in less than 10 seconds, can see these 3 contact lens boxes a few meters away and then spot which one has a prescription of 3.5.

Chen Cheng-lung
Chairman of Solomon
Currently, it’s the world’s only robot that can proactively observe its environment just like a human can. It knows where to focus in on so it can find objects. Most robots can only see things 1 or 2 meters away, which is kind of like a human eye struggling with near-sightedness. Our patented technology allows our robot to first see faraway things very clearly and then start moving, kind of like the expression “look before you leap.”

Along with its mechanical arm technology, Solomon’s latest product has software that enables the robot to locate a specific object within a group of dissimilar things. Its 3D camera technology can also identify and then accurately grab objects that are black, reflective, or even transparent. Also historic is the attendance for this year’s expo, with 886 companies from Taiwan and abroad taking part in this 3-day event. Many of Taiwan’s innovative products have stood out from the pack.

Boasting precision and consistency, the built-in vision technology, which is AI-powered and has 3D modeling capabilities, allows this Techman Robot machine to move wafer trays like those found at semi-conductor plants. And over here, this production line doesn’t need to stop, as the mechanical arm can both identify and detect issues in order to make sure each part has been properly installed.

Haw Chen
CEO of Techman Robot
On the other side of the strait they have some humanoid robots that can dance, but we’re focusing on tech that can do real tasks, doing some applications that are more practical in nature. So our robots don’t need to look like humans, but we’re employing similar technology in collaborative robots so that our tech can be quickly brought to life.

In the past, mounting a server onto a rack usually involved at least one hydraulic lift table and two people, but now all that’s needed is a collaborative robot, which has two robotic arms that can move loads under 100kg. At this expo in Taipei, the robots have arrived, practical applications are being introduced, and, therefore, big opportunities for business are on the horizon.

#thefutureishere #TAIROS #Taipei #robot #3D #HAL

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

2026-08-19

Taiwan’s gymnastics team full of confidence for Asian Games

The countdown is on for the 2026 Asian Games, which will kick off next month in Nagoya, Japan. Taiwan will be fielding athletes in many different sports, and one of the key disciplines to watch out for this year is gymnastics. The National Sports Training Center on Wednesday held a media day with the King of the Horizontal Bar Tang Chia-hung, the Prince of the Pommel Horse Lee Chih-kai, and their coach. Tang is considered a strong contender for the gold medal on his return to the Asian Games after an 8-year hiatus. Let’s hear more.

Lin Yu-hsin
Gymnastics Head Coach
As long as Chia-hung stays healthy and executes his routine’s full difficulty, he should definitely be bagging a medal for horizontal bar. It may very well be a gold one, so let’s hope he’s in good health.

Tang Chia-hung
Gymnast
Of course my goal is gold. I’m not going to play it safe. Every competition is a different experience.

Lee Chih-kai
Gymnast
I’m hoping to go for a third consecutive title. It’s all about making history. That’s what makes competition so exciting: making history and breaking records.

Lee has won two gold medals in a row for pommel horse at the Asian Games. But due to an injury that required surgery, he ended up missing out on the Olympics after his back-to-back titles in the Asiad. After two difficult years, he’s finally found his confidence thanks to a bronze at the Asian Championships earlier this year. The Asian Games will be held from Sept. 19 to Oct. 4. With Lee and Tang at the helm, Taiwan’s gymnastics team is looking forward to outdoing their previous haul of one gold and two bronzes.

#gymnastics #asiangames #gymnast #gym #pommelhorse #horizontalbar #athlete #athletic #sports

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

2026-08-19

Zhuangwei offers scholarships for local university students

There’s only half a month left of summer vacation and many high school graduates are now preparing to enter college. Tuition fees and related expenses can be a big burden. The Zhuangwei Township Office in Yilan has stepped in to help out. It is offering scholarships of NT$10,000 for students who have been resident in the seaside township for at least a year and are admitted into a tertiary institution. The aim is to encourage them to continue studying and narrow the gap between them and their city counterparts.

With only half a month left of summer vacation, many high school and vocational school graduates are about to embark on their university life. However, university tuition fees are several times higher than those for high school and vocational school, putting immense pressure on many parents and students.

Wang
Yilan university student
Maybe I’ll spend more money at the beginning of the semester.

The Zhuangwei Township Office in Yilan recently announced a great perk: students who have been registered residents of Zhuangwei for a full year and are admitted to public or private colleges or universities nationwide will receive a scholarship of NT$10,000.

Mr. Lin
Local resident
How wonderful! We didn’t have these resources before when we wanted to go to study, especially since it’s not easy for local governments to provide them.

Hearing such good news, the older generation couldn’t hide their envy, exclaiming that they didn’t have such welfare benefits when they were in school. But where does the Zhuangwei Township Office’s scholarship fund come from? It turns out it’s from taxation savings reallocated to the community. An assessment found 180 people to be eligible.

Shen Ching-shan
Zhuangwei Township Mayor
Awarding these scholarships encourages our children to continue their studies. This is the first year of the pilot program, so in principle, we’ve budgeted around NT$1.8 million.

Zhuangwei Township is in an agricultural county, and its tax revenues were not very good in the past. However, in recent years, thanks to improvements, it not only has a tax surplus but has also become one of the top-ranked townships in Yilan County. This time, special scholarships are being issued not only to help students continue their studies but also to help them narrow the gap with their urban counterparts.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
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#Taiwanscholarships #Zhuangweitownship #studyperks #Taiwanwelfare #Yilanscholarships

2026-08-19

Businesses offer talisman cake, joss paper bread for Ghost Festival

Every year, the Ghost Festival generates NT$34 billion in business. Nowadays, brands aren’t just striving to have the most lavish offering table. They’re going all out with creative marketing. The furniture behemoth IKEA is selling cakes shaped like talismans, while PX Mart has pastries shaped like the Buddha’s hand and eye. Even champion baker Jay Wang is making layered toast with clearly defined sheets inspired by joss paper, all looking to cash in on this auspicious month.

Yellow talismans with red lettering to mark a safe home rest inside a glass display case. As the camera gets closer, you can tell they’re not from a temple. They’re from an oven.

Yeh Wei-hsiang
FTV reporter
Who said you can only get talismans at a temple? Brands are getting creative this Ghost Month, hoping that by eating a talisman, you can ingest its power.

Peace and safety, all packed into a dessert. Customers have been lingering by the display case, struck by the novelty.

Customer
Hasn’t tried it
No, I don’t know. I’ve never tried it. I think I would like it.

It’s like a talisman.
It’s a crepe cake? It looks like there are layers. It seems all right because of the design on top.

With Ghost Festival right around the corner, businesses are getting creative.

Incense lit. Joss paper burning. Table piled with offerings. But wait—why is he eating the joss paper? This mille-feuille toast fits right onto the altar table alongside the other offerings. The champion baker behind it shared the inspiration for his creation.

Jay Wang
Champion baker
I have a connection with traditional temple troupes, having taken part in many performances before. We burned a lot of joss paper back then. Given the environmental concerns, we hope to encourage this eco-friendly option. After praying, you can “burn” it in your stomach.

When shopping for Ghost Festival offerings, most people turn to instant noodles, canned goods, and drinks. This year, a supermarket is also selling pastries shaped like the Buddha’s hand and eye to offer a new twist for the altar table. To capture a slice of lucrative Ghost Festival sales, businesses are not only competing on scale, but also creativity.

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

#GhostFestival #GhostMonth #offering #josspaper #talisman #Taoism #creative

2026-08-19