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Teenager stabbed by schoolmate with scissors stable after surgery

A dispute between two teenage boys turned into a shocking stabbing in New Taipei’s Ruifang District on Thursday afternoon. Witnesses say it all started after the older student, aged 16, told off the younger one, aged 14, for allegedly being too loud on the bus. After the two got off the bus, the situation escalated at a drink shop nearby. A verbal argument erupted over cutting in line, which ended when the younger boy grabbed a pair of scissors from a noodle stall nearby and stabbed his schoolmate in the neck. The victim lost his vital signs on the spot and was rushed to hospital, were he underwent surgery and later showed stable vital signs. Let’s hear more

Student (anonymized)
Saw the confrontation
They were arguing on the bus. Then they came out and it got worse. It seems he grabbed a pair of scissors and stabbed him.

Father (anonymized)
Son was stabbed
Yesterday he called me saying he wanted to eat out with his friends. I said OK. He let me know when they got to Ruifang at 4:12 pm. I even replied and told him to take care. Then at 4:22, his classmate used his phone to call me and say he got stabbed.

Voice of faculty member (anonymized)
Knows students
The Ninth Grader had trouble managing his emotions before. We’ve offered support, education and counseling before.

Sources say the perpetrator was involved in an uncomfortable situation on the bus last June. Some dispute over a priority seat ended up with a woman scolding him and driving him to tears. One year later, conflict once again brewed on the bus, but this time it escalated into violence with a fellow student. The teen has been detained and his case was referred to the Keelung District Court’s juvenile division.

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#highschool #keelung #stabbing #argument #taiwan

Time：2026-09-25

最新消息 Latest News

1,000+ worshippers flock to temple to eat instant noodles

A meal always tastes better with good company. And so, eating instant noodles with 1,000 other people, must be a delightful dining experience. That was exactly the point of a Mid-Autumn Festival celebration at Shilong Temple in Nantou. Hundreds of people flocked from far and wide to eat noodles together, and also celebrate the birthday of the Land God.

Slurping and munching sounds fill Shilong Temple in Nantou’s Zhongliao Township, as a huge crowd of worshippers tuck into a bowl of piping-hot instant noodles.

The Mid-Autumn Festival, celebrated on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month, is also the birthday of the Land God. At this temple, the B-day bash involves getting more than 1,000 people to eat instant noodles together and pray for blessings. It’s popular with everyone.

- I saw the event online and decided to come. I usually come here to pray.
- What do you think about everyone eating instant noodles together?
- It’s quite special. They smell good and taste yummier.

- I came from Changhua.
- How was the traffic on the way?
- We set off at 7, so it was alright.

The temple prepared 1,200 bowl-and-chopstick sets, free for participants to take home as a memento. Worshippers come from all over Taiwan.

Wu Kuo-tung
Shilong Temple
We hold this event to give everyone taking part a sense of reuniting with family during the Mid-Autumn Festival. Today is the Land God’s birthday, so we’re feeding instant noodles to 1,000 people.

The Mid-Autumn Festival is a time for family gatherings, and Shilong Temple is leaning fully into it. The temple completed its mission, bringing people from far and wide to share a meal, and pray for peace and good fortune.

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#noodles #ramen #instantnoodles #nantou #moonfestival

2026-09-25

Adorable party at Shoushan Zoo as animals enjoy Moon Festival feast

The residents at Shoushan Zoo got get to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival too. Zookeepers put together a feast tailored to each species with festive ingredients, special feeding containers, and themed decoration. The extra challenge turned mealtime into a fun game, giving the animals and visitors an entertaining Moon Festival experience, and creating some adorable moments.

Porcupines happily munched on specially made colorful fruit-and-vegetable BBQ skewers, including mushrooms with faces. Meanwhile, the chinchillas got their food on a laptop-shaped feeding tray, featuring a BBQ order menu onscreen with items like marbled beef steak. The Kunekune pigs got a fruity feast in their resemblance, with pomelos cut and carved to resemble piggies. For the chimpanzees, zookeepers prepared an extra challenge. They were given specially made supersized mung bean pastries that they had to take apart before getting to the pomelos hidden inside.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
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#moonfestival #midautumnfestival #fruit #bbq #cuteanimals

2026-09-25

Hotel offers free rings, honeymoon to attract wedding banquet business

The Ministry of Labor recently extended marriage leave from eight days to 14, starting from Oct. 1. To capitalize on the lucrative wedding banquet market, one five-star hotel is rolling out its own all-inclusive bundle. In addition to an entertaining roast duck dinner, it’s offering progressive rewards where the more tables you book, the more perks you can get. By booking a certain number of tables, couples can get wedding cookies, diamond rings, bridal gowns, and even honeymoons for free, helping newlyweds cut costs.

A happy newlywed couple walk hand in hand as they take the stage in front of their guests.

Inviting friends and family to witness their special day naturally means the couple will also have to treat them to some exquisite food. It’s rare to see roast duck prepared three ways on a wedding menu. Targeting busy couples overwhelmed with preparations, one five-star hotel is offering an all-inclusive bundle. Every eight or 10 tables booked unlocks a reward.

Anna
Bride-to-be
Of course, finances are the most practical concern. This package helps reduce a lot of the hassle for couples like us, saving us a ton of legwork. With this deal, I also feel like we can add a couple more tables.

If you book 10 tables, you can get one of nine gifts, such as 40 boxes of wedding cookies or a diamond ring or necklace valued at NT$38,000.

This magazine-quality photo booth can print 700 to 800 photos throughout the event, easily handling large guest lists. Covering 12 other services, from the gown, to the ring, pictures, and even the honeymoon, the package can save the couple hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Lai Ying-ju
Hotel marketing director
Last year when we launched a service targeting smaller table amounts, we ended up hosting over 700 wedding banquets. With the introduction of this upgraded package this year, we’re targeting another 1,500 bookings.

Tsai Hui-ju
Hotel marketing associate
Couples today care less about how grand the banquet is, and more about refinement and personal style. We’re therefore putting greater emphasis on customization and one-stop services, which could bring around 10 to 15% revenue growth to our hotel.

Looking to capitalize on government policies encouraging childbirth and extending marriage leave, hotels are competing fiercely to attract discerning couples looking for somewhere to spend their special day.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
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#wedding #marriageleave #hotels #weddingbanquet #newlywed #deal

2026-09-25

Kind and selfless borough warden helps community with recycling

In Zhongquan Borough in Changhua, the borough warden Lin Lien-fa has playfully dubbed himself the “garbage chief.” For more than 20 years, he has set up a neighborhood recycling zone, where he personally helps the locals sort their recyclables and send them to various garbage trucks on designated days. His kindliness has made life much more convenient, as well as reduced headaches for sanitation workers Let’s find out more.

On different recycling days, the mobile dumpsters in this borough are lined up and tipped into the collection truck, one by one, in an orderly process, ensuring no one gets the day wrong or mixes up the sorting.

He personally takes the recyclables from the locals, and what’s touching is that he has done this not just before elections, but for twenty years.

Lin Lien-fa, the Zhongquan Borough warden in Changhua, explains that he has been assisting residents with recycling for many years. His work became especially important after Changhua City instituted a new system of collecting different kinds of recyclables and rubbish on different days. Many people simply can’t remember what item needs to be disposed of on what day, which is also a headache for sanitation workers. This borough warden sorts it all out on their behalf, making it convenient for everyone.

Lin Lien-fa
Zhongquan borough warden
I consider myself a "garbage chief" because I’m happy to serve the residents and neighbors here, and to help make the environment a better place.

He calls himself the “garbage chief,” not because he’s notorious, but out of sheer goodwill. His generosity has won him a great reputation. People living in other boroughs even come to ask him for help.

Member of the public
Loves Lin’s work
It’s really great! Sometimes you’re in a rush and can’t wait for the garbage truck, then usually you need to wait another day or two. Here, we can drop off it off any time

Member of the public
Loves Lin’s work
When I need to head out or have errands to run, I just come by and drop it off. It’s very convenient.

Large pieces of furniture that are no longer usable are dismantled, and the collected materials are sold to fund community operations.

Chang Chiu-hsiang
Zhongquan Community Executive Director
This portion serves as the community’s self-raised funds, which go toward community activities, emergency relief, and other expenses.

Look at these volunteers—they’ve all stepped up of their own accord to join the borough chief in doing good deeds. For people’s daily lives, recycling can be very troublesome, but with the community services from this borough warden and volunteers, life is so convenient.

#Changhuarecycling #communityservice #Taiwanrecycling #Taiwanpoliticians

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
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2026-09-25

Taiwan booth shines at InnoTrans 2026 in Berlin

Germany’s capital, Berlin hosted this year’s InnoTrans the International Trade Fair for Transport Technology. For the first time, Taiwan participated with a national pavilion, led by the Railway Bureau under the Ministry of Transportation and Communications. They brought together 14 industry, government, academic, and research institutions. An additional 26 companies also exhibited independently at InnoTrans, bringing the total number of Taiwanese companies to a whopping 40. Taiwan’s strong presence at the fair indicates the rail industry’s growing strength and ambitions.

InnoTrans, the world’s largest transportation technology trade fair celebrated its 30th anniversary in Berlin this year. This also marks the first time a Taiwan pavilion has exhibited. The Railway Bureau brought together a team of 14 partners to participate.

Chen Shih-kai
Minister of Transportation
Constructing railway tracks showcases a country’s engineering, technological, and manufacturing capabilities. Taiwan is not lacking in any of these, but we do need stronger integration skills.

The Taiwan Pavilion, themed “Rail Resilience Technology Partners,” showcased recent achievements alongside plans for global expansions. Held biennially, InnoTrans brings together global transport authorities, railway operators, system integrators, and component manufacturers under one roof, serving as a crucial platform.

Chen Shih-kai
Minister of Transportation
Aside from AI, Taiwan has made considerable progress in railway construction. Over the last 100 years, Taiwan has invested in rail infrastructure. In the next decade, our Railway Bureau is planning the overall development of Taiwan’s railway industry.

During the exhibition, Chen Shih-kai engaged with other exhibitors and visited the pavilions of Germany, France, South Korea, Austria, and Japan to gain insights into industry trends.

Yang Chen-chun
Director of Railway Bureau
Today, the Railway Bureau has taken a big step forward. This is our stage to reach the world’s rail network and also a platform for global investors to seek out Taiwan for venture capital.

Taiwan’s continued participation in international stages such as InnoTrans, boosts visibility of its achievements and increases global recognition.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
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#innotrans #berlin #taiwanrailway #hsr #transportationtechnology

2026-09-25

Soochow University unveils AI center powered by Nvidia H200

As Taiwan pushes its technology industry, universities are incorporating AI into their research and curricula. Soochow University recently launched a new AI center, featuring an AI avatar of its president and a data center equipped with a Nvidia H200-powered server. The center gives students powerful computing resources to build cross-disciplinary skills.

An AI avatar of the Soochow University president smiles on screen, answering questions about the school. This is part of the university’s new AI center.

Huang Hsin-yi
Computer science department director
It can be used for promotional purposes and campus tours, and even as a teaching assistant for professors. Students can also use it when working on projects.

The avatar can respond to questions in real-time thanks to AI computing power.

Yang Ssu-min
FTV reporter
To enhance humanities students’ competitiveness, Soochow University alumni sponsored an Nvidia H200 server with better computing power, giving students more chances to use AI in their studies.

This server powered by Nvidia H200 GPUs, valued at over NT$10 million, supports the president’s AI avatar and is great for large-language models. The university plans to make AI available to students across departments to support their research and studies.

Jan Chyan-long
Soochow University president
The university will also have hundreds of the latest RTX 5090 GPUs. These can be applied to legal studies, helping search for cases and judgements, as well as exploring ethics and social environments. Students will become adept at using AI, making it easier for them to enter the workforce and giving them a career advantage.

Nvidia CEO Jenson Huang said that people who can use AI will replace those who cannot, showing AI competence is quickly becoming a necessary skill. One survey found that 75 percent of companies are willing to offer higher salaries to people with AI skills. Universities like Soochow are incorporating AI to give students a competitive edge.

#AI #artificialintelligence #Nvidia #Soochow #university #AIcenter #technology #work #job

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
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2026-09-25

Couple accused of tricking senior into buying NT$2,500 photoshopped portrait

Stay alert if a stranger offers to take your photo! In Hengchun Township in Pingtung, one family said that a couple approached their elderly father offering to turn his photograph into a portrait. The next day, they showed up at his doorstep demanding NT$2,500 for the portrait, which appeared to just be a headshot photoshopped onto another picture. Until the couple showed up with the portrait, the family didn’t realize their father was being subject to aggressive sales tactics. In the end, they had no choice but to pay.

- He initially said his studio charges NT$5,000, but had a special price of NT$2,500 for bringing it to his home.

This framed portrait cost NT$2,500, even though it appears to just be a face photoshopped onto another picture. Ms. Chen from Pingtung said her hard-of-hearing father was approached by strangers on his doorstep who offered to take his picture to make into a painting. He didn’t suspect it was a scam.

Ms. Chen
Elderly man’s daughter
He couldn’t understand or hear what they were saying, so he just smiled and said OK to everything. When elderly people don’t know what’s going on, they won’t ask their family. Since the couple was older themselves, we just decided to let it go and take the portrait.

The family was able to snap this picture of the couple leaving. After taking the man’s photo, the two returned the next day demanding payment. His family was surprised, but since the portrait was already produced and their father had agreed to it, knowingly or not, they decided to pay.

Ms. Chen
Elderly man’s daughter
I asked his caregiver to hang it in his room so he’d look at it every day as a reminder that he got scammed.

Wang Yi-chang
Hengchun police lead detective
Our precinct has not yet received any formal reports of allegedly fraudulent behavior involving the solicitation of seniors for photography or portraiture.

The couple allegedly used aggressive sales techniques to get the commission. Similar tactics were reportedly widespread in the past, but have recently resurfaced with a new twist.

Resident
Hengchun
This happened a lot before. It was everywhere. They’d bring some items and say they wanted money from you. But I don’t think it’s allowed anymore under current law.

Suspecting that the couple deliberately targets the elderly with fraudulent intent, the family shared their experience online to urge households with senior family members to stay vigilant.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
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#fraud #scam #portrait #elderly #seniorsafety #Pingtung #photoshop #PSA

2026-09-25

Trained falcons protect Taitung crops from bird pests

A resident in Taitung’s Chishang Township recently reported a stranger walking through the rice patties with a falcon on his arm, concerned about the bird’s legal origin. The man was actually hired as a certified falconer to protect the farms. His trained falcon drives birds away to other areas, keeping them from eating crops and destroying the farmers’ hard work.

A falcon spreads its wings to balance on its handler’s arm as he walks through a field. This unique pair recently triggered a misunderstanding in Taitung’s Chishang Township when a resident reported them, concerned the bird may have been sourced illegally.

Lin Keng-hung
Chishang Youth Empowerment Station director
This is part of a low-impact bird deterrent project we’re working on with the National Development Council and the Taitung branch of the rural development agency.

This man and his falcon are actually helping protect the field by keeping away other birds. To help farmers drive the birds away without hurting them, a group from Chishang launched what they’re calling “Project CHIRP.” Depending on the area, time, and type of pests, they’ll use decoy hawks, acoustic deterrents, kites, or actual trained falcons to trigger the birds’ natural instinct to keep away from predators.

Lin Keng-hung
Chishang Youth Empowerment Station director
We hope that through this short-term, scare-based deterrence method, it will drive the birds away temporarily, giving farmers a guaranteed harvest.

If farmers are expected to adopt such environmentally friendly methods, they shouldn’t have to bear the cost alone. Consumers must also play a part. Anyone can show their support by purchasing eco-friendly products, working together with farmers to ensure balance between nature and agriculture.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
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#Taitung #farming #agriculture #falcon #falconer #birdhandler #sustainability #animalwelfare

2026-09-25

Fair weather and mostly clear skies expected islandwide over Moon Festival

Good weather islandwide is expected through the entire Mid-Autumn Festival long weekend. Unexpectedly, that’s in part thanks to Tropical Storm Surigae, which is veering northward to the east of Taiwan. Over the coming week, it’s set to be sunny with some clouds all around the island, with some scattered afternoon showers in windward and mountainous areas. The typhoon’s periphery and the dry air for the north are bringing temperatures up, making for an especially sweltering Indian summer. Let’s hear more.

Lai Hsin-kuo
Central Weather Administration
Through the end of September, it will be warm and hot all over Taiwan, with daytime highs reaching 33 to 34°C. Temperatures could be even higher inland and near mountains in Central and Southern Taiwan. From Taoyuan to Taichung and in Central Taiwan, the cloud cover will be minimal, with ideal conditions to view the moon. In the South, the cloud cover should dissipate at night.

Though some cloud cover is expected in Taipei, New Taipei and Keelung, the chances of seeing the moon are pretty good. But if you’re hoping to see the actual full moon on the date of the Moon Festival, you might be disappointed this year. Due to the time offset between the lunar cycles and the traditional lunisolar calendar, the moon won’t be full until two days later, on Sept. 27, specifically, at 12:49 am. Luckily, the difference is barely perceptible to the naked eye, so there’s no need to change any plans you may have made.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
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#moonfestival #midautumnfestival #moon #weather #fullmoon

2026-09-25

Paraguay calls Taiwan exclusion a stain on United Nations

Paraguay and Taiwan relations are strong as ever. As an ally of Taiwan, the nation has once again spoken up for Taiwan at the UN General Assembly. Paraguay’s president, Santiago Peña, urged member states to consider that the “Taiwan Issue” deserves global attention as the island’s semi-conductor industry impacts the global economy. They reiterated their position to stand with Taiwan. Since Taiwan’s contributions can be seen far and wide, the UN should reconsider including the island as a member.

Santiago Peña
Paraguay President
Paraguay stands, and I say this loud and clear with Taiwan. Not out of expediency, quite the opposite. We stand with Taiwan because of the profound values we share: democracy, the rule of law, human rights, and peace.

President Peña of Paraguay emphasized the importance of Taiwan’s participation in international stages during his speech at the UN General Assembly on Wednesday.

Santiago Peña (via interpreter)
Paraguay President
I am referring to the ominous clouds gathering over the Indo-Pacific, particularly over the Taiwan Strait. What happens there is not merely a regional matter.

President Peña emphasized that a conflict across the Taiwan Strait would impact the global economy, since semi-conductors support various industries, defense, and AI. He added that chips are the driving force of the 21st century, and that Paraguay stands with Taiwan. He also called out the United Nations for excluding Taiwan.

Santiago Peña (via interpreter)
Paraguay President
Taiwan has concrete contributions to make to peace, development, and human rights. Excluding it doesn’t serve to strengthen the system, it deprives the system of capacities that could benefit us all. And it is a stain on the United Nations.

As the Trump-Xi summit kicks off, several US lawmakers issued a statement urging Trump to back Taiwan during his talks with President Xi.

Chuck Schumer
US Senator
Today, as Trump wines and dines President Xi at The White House. He has a choice to make, once again bend the knee to the CCP or stand up to Xi.

The joint statement implored Trump to limit China’s access to advanced chips and equipment, not allowing him to have the upper hand. Simultaneously, New Zealand has come out with a report suggesting that China is the largest source of state-backed cyber attacks in the country.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
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#Taiwan #Paraguay #UnitedNations #geopolitics #tsmc #semiconductor

2026-09-24

Last Brave Eagle advanced jet trainer of batch of 66 delivered

The last of Taiwan’s domestically manufactured Brave Eagle advanced jet trainers has rolled off the production line. The final aircraft in the 66-jet program was personally delivered by Aerospace Industrial Development Corporation Chairman Tsao Chin-ping to the Gangshan Air Force Academy. Brave Eagles went in production in 2021, a process that had to contend with challenges including COVID-19, international wars, and geopolitical crises that disrupted supply chains and caused parts shortages.

The last of the Brave Eagle advanced jet trainers are finally ready to take off. After careful inspection, AIDC’s Chairman personally flew the aircrafts to deliver them to the Gangshan Air Force Academy.

The jet trainers have been in production since 2021. All 66 are now fully functional and off the production line, having weathered challenges from international conflicts to supply chain disruptions. The first and last jets rolled off the production line on the same date, Sept. 24. Since one of the planes was lost in a crash last year, will AIDC offer a replacement?

Chuang Hsiu-mei
AIDC General Manager
Whether there will be additional demand for the Brave Eagles depends on the Air Force and Ministry of National Defense. We keep all tools as backup and are happy to step in to support wherever possible.

The design of the Brave Eagle jet was based on Taiwan’s Indigenous Defense Fighter, or IDF, but more than 80% of the aircraft was completely redesigned, including its aerodynamics, exterior shape, and fuselage. The level of domestically produced components was also significantly increased to 55%. AIDC says the process helps strengthen Taiwan’s capabilities in the defense and aerospace industries.

Chuang Hsiu-mei
AIDC General Manager
This creates huge output value for Taiwan’s aerospace industry and boosts our domestic supply chain. After completing the development of the advanced jet trainer, our suppliers can now expand into the manufacturing of commercial aircraft.

Now that the mass production of Brave Eagles is completed, focus will shift to fleet logistics and maintaining the fleet’s readiness through maintenance and repair. This is a huge milestone for Taiwan in domestically producing aircrafts.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
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#aircraft #fighterjets #taiwanaircraft #braveeagle #AIDC

2026-09-24

Man pretends to pray as part of NT$10,000 donation box heist

Apparently not even donation boxes are safe from petty crime, even at a religious site. A Four-Faced Buddha shrine in Kaohsiung’s Fongshan District was recently targeted by a thief, who pretended to be a worshipper. The man went into the shrine, lit incense and pretended to pray while scouting the site. Then, he pried the box open and made off with more than NT$10,000 in donations. Let’s hear more.

Mr. Lee
Temple representative
We got a call saying that the donation box at the Four-Faced Buddha shrine had been pried open. We went over, and it was all broken. He lit some incense and took a walk around. But it looked like he wasn’t just praying. He had found his target. Then he went over and forced it open.

Member of public
Considering karmic consequences
Karma will come back to him. If he committed the act for a good reason, Buddha will forgive him. But if his intent was destruction, it’s won’t be good.

Chuang Hsueh-liang
Police officer
A donation box at a Four-Faced Buddha shrine was pried open, and about NT$10,000 in cash donations was stolen. After receiving the report, we began reviewing security camera footage and identified a 48-year-old man as a prime suspect.

Police reviewed surveillance footage and discovered that the crime was premeditated. The suspect rode his scooter past the temple and parked it at a nearby park, before carrying out the heist. He made sure to pocket the cash at just the right spot, where he couldn’t be seen by surveillance cameras. The man, surnamed Su, later confessed to the crime at the police station, and he is now facing legal and perhaps also karmic consequences.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
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#bhudda #kaohsiung #thief #donationbox #shrine

2026-09-24

Massive fishing net found covering Penghu reef

A diving instructor recently found a massive fishing net abandoned in the waters north of Penghu’s Qimei Island. The net, as big as two or three soccer fields, is covering an entire coral reef, seriously harming the local ecosystem. The Penghu County Government plans to send divers to remove it as soon as possible, but the cleanup could take up to two months.

A diver swims through a reef on the ocean floor, but this crucial habitat is nearly completely covered by a huge, abandoned fishing net.

The once diverse ecosystem seems quiet and gray, the net spreading through the reef and blocking large parts of the habitat. A diving instructor found the net between Penghu’s Qimei and Jiangjun islands, covering an area the size of two or three soccer fields.

Yeh Sheng-hung
Diving instructor
The net stretches at least 1 nautical mile in all directions, and maybe even further.

The area has strong currents, so it’s unclear how long the net has been abandoned here. Removing it could require over 20 divers, and even if each diver uses two air tanks per dive, the cleanup could take two months or more.

Yeh Sheng-hung
Diving instructor
I think several hundred tons of net need to be cleared. If two boats went together, they might not even finish in two months.

Hsueh Chieh-yin
Penghu agriculture and fisheries bureau secretary
Depending on weather and sea conditions and whether divers’ safety can be ensured, the agriculture and fisheries bureau plans to begin the cleanup next week.

Abandoned fishing nets are known as an “invisible killer” of marine ecosystems, and sea turtles have been found entangled in them. Given the vast waters around Penghu and its strong currents, removing nets like this can be extremely difficult. The county government plans to send divers to start the cleanup as soon as possible.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
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#Penghu #marine #ecosystem #environment #conservation #reef #fishingnet #marinelife #damage

2026-09-24

Beautician creeped out as man pulls down pants after facial

A beautician in Taichung had just finished giving her client a facial treatment, when the appointment suddenly took a creepy turn. The man she had been servicing pulled his pants down without a warning and asked her to check out the zits on his bottom. Let’s hear from the beautician.

Voice of beautician (Anonymized)
Shocked by client
I said, “We’re all done, you can get up.” Then, he pulled down his pants without saying a word. I was shocked. I had told him before we didn’t deal with that. I was firm, and said “Please put your pants back on, we don’t do body treatments.” I thought that maybe he was one of those perverts who get off on shocking people, so I remained calm and told him to get out. The door was open, so like, if he didn’t get out, I’d just walk away.

Security camera footage shows the man turning around with his bare butt in full sight. Though the beautician to flinched, she kept her calm and ordered him to put on his clothes, saying she’d refer him to a dermatologist. Police say the mooning incident constitutes as sexual harassment, and the man will be brought in to explain himself. The beautician says after this incident, he might be the last man she ever attends to at the salon.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
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#bautician #facial #skin #derm #mooning

2026-09-24

Police recover widow’s necklace housing husband’s ashes

Taipei police officers quickly tracked down a woman’s missing necklace after she broke into tears while telling them what happened. She had left the necklace, which holds her late husband’s ashes, in a taxi. Officers found it in under an hour, earning her gratitude.

Ms. Chen walks with purpose into a police station to report her missing necklace, which holds special meaning.

Ms. Chen
Lost necklace
My husband’s ashes are inside, so if it was lost, there’s no way I could get it back.

Ms. Chen’s husband passed away last year from illness, and her friend bought her a special necklace from Japan that can hold his ashes. But one day when she caught a taxi from work to the hospital to visit her father, the clasp came loose, and the necklace fell off in the cab. Since she had no way to get in touch with the driver, she asked the police for help. They were able to contact the driver and get her back her necklace.

Ms. Chen
Lost necklace
I was relieved, but also heartbroken because I felt like I had lost my husband. I couldn’t control my emotions. I was so overwhelmed at the police station I kept crying.

Ms. Chen had been married over 20 years before she lost her constant companion. Through a time of grief, the necklace makes her feel her husband is still by her side.

Hsieh Wan-hui
Police officer
If you lost something important, you would also feel distressed and want to get it back. We were happy to be able to help her find it.

This officer looked at surveillance footage to find the cab and got in touch with the driver, returning a priceless comfort to a grieving woman.

#police #Taipei #necklace #lostandfound #widow #missing #taxi #cab #grief #ashes

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
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2026-09-24

Monument honoring ‘Shovel Heroes’ unveiled at Guangfu 1 year after flood

A new monument has been erected in Hualien’s Guangfu Township, to commemorate last year’s deadly flooding. The sudden collapse of a barrier lake on the Matai’an River caused a rapid muddy flood that killed 19 people and caused 5 to go missing. Over the following days, some 500,000 volunteers rushed to the devastated area to help with the cleanup, as 700 hectares of land were buried in mud. The new monument honors all the “shovel heroes” who helped, and was a collaborative effort between Rotary Club, Taisugar and the Hualien Branch of the Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency.

The monument is a massive 6-meter long shovel, made from cypress. The two pieces of wood it was carved from was driftwood that washed up in the disaster, provided by the Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency. The wood has been given a new life as a testament to the efforts of the thousands of people who lent a helping hand. It also symbolizes the resilience and courage of local residents ready to move on from the pain of the catastrophe and start a new chapter about recovery.

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#guangfu #disaster #monument #shovel #flood

2026-09-24

International delegations visit 2026 Taiwan Design Expo in Taoyuan

The Taiwan Design Expo in Taoyuan kicked off on Thursday, putting Taoyuan’s design and innovation on the international stage. The city welcomed diplomats and delegations from around the world, who toured the city’s social housing and smart library facilities. This year’s expo is connecting five exhibition areas across the city and Taoyuan is using design to showcase not only its industrial strength, but also its technology, culture and growing international reach.

An American delegation from Garland, Texas and a Japanese delegation from Chiba went on a tour of Taoyuan’s social housing complexes and their facilities, to learn more about the city’s housing policy. They also visited the Qingpu Smart Technology Branch of Taoyuan Public Library, and had a go at using the smart book storage system themselves, an impressive tech innovation. The Taiwan Design Expo in Taoyuan has kicked off, with the attendance of 15 diplomats in Taiwan and guests from 31 of Taoyuan’s sister cities.

Chang San-cheng
Taoyuan Mayor
This year’s edition is titled “Taoyuan in Flow.” As we saw in the video, Taoyuan is known as the “Land of a Thousand Ponds.” Water is a very important part of life in Taoyuan.

The event showcases Taoyuan’s vitality across five exhibition areas in the city: the Qingpu Area exhibits Taoyuan’s industrial design capabilities, urban governance and international exchanges. Over in the Zhongli Area, the focus is the culture of the Minnan people, the Hakka people and the immigrants living in Taiwan. The event, which started off with the aim of promoting revitalization locally has evolved into an international affair.

Chang San-cheng
Taoyuan Mayor
Taoyuan’s hard power is that we are Taiwan’s largest industrial city. We hope that through this year’s Taiwan Design Expo in Taoyuan, we can also showcase Taoyuan’s soft power.

Visitors from around the world witnessed Taoyuan’s design-driven approach to urban governance, while experiencing the city’s technology, tourism, and cultural attractions. Taoyuan hopes the visits will pave the way for broader exchanges and even more fruitful cooperation.

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#taoyuan #technology #design #taiwandesignexpo #taiwan

2026-09-24

Couple collects rare Taiwan black jade to craft tea ware, religious implements

A couple from Changhua’s Hemei specializes in collecting raw Taiwan black jade, which they then commission artists to craft into teapots, tea trays, and religious items. This special material is a composite serpentine jade, making it exceptionally rare and often cherished as a family heirloom. Even former defense minister Feng Shih-kuan counts himself among its devotees.

This variety of teapots and tea trays were all crafted from Taiwan black jade, a special composite serpentine jade from Hualien. At first it appears pitch black, but shine a light behind it, and it glows a vibrant green.

Black jade contains trace elements that makes it naturally magnetic. A couple in Changhua’s Hemei specializes in collecting the precious stone to craft into stylized tea ware and religious items.

Huang Shu-man
Black jade expert
What’s so special about Taiwan black jade is that it formed through absorbing the essence of the sun and the moon and tectonic shifts over billions of years. Since the jade contains active magnetite, if you listen to its sound, it rings as clear as metal.

One 20-tonne boulder of raw black jade can only make five tea trays, making it extraordinarily rare. Because of this, it’s often passed down as a family heirloom. Even former defense minister Feng Shih-kuan is a fan.

Feng Shih-kuan
Former minister of national defense
I bought several of these teapots for my home so I can use them to make tea when my good friends come over. They’re always amazed.

Lu Kun-yung
Taiwan Federation of Taoist Sects
Brushes, ritual tools—why use black jade to make them? Because it’s magnetic, which can bring good fortune.

Religious circles also consider black jade to be good for protecting the home. This expert husband-and-wife duo have taken it as their mission to preserve and share this rare national treasure with as many people as they can.

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#Taiwanblackjade #jade #Hualien #Changhua #craftsmanship #Taoism #FengShihkuan #preciousstone #teaware

2026-09-24

Animal control advises cautious approach after rare civet found in Yilan

A contractor in Yilan recently discovered a two-month-old small Chinese civet in Dongshan Township. Nocturnal, slender, and secretive, it’s rare to catch sight of this Class II protected species in the wild. Unwilling to take any chances, the contractor contacted animal control, which advised people against rushing to capture any baby animals they see while outside.

This adorable baby animal greedily gulping down milk from a syringe is a small Chinese civet, a Class II protected species in Taiwan. Mostly inhabiting low-elevation mountains, these omnivorous, nocturnal creatures are elusive and tend to prefer solitude. But this little kit was discovered by a contractor working in Yilan.

Chen Tsu-chien
Yilan County animal control director
The civet was found in the wild by a contractor who accidentally stepped on its tail. They picked it up right after spotting it. Seeing it was very young and unlikely to be able to care for itself, they brought it to us.

The contractor discovered the civet while doing some landscaping work for the Dongshan Township Office and urgently contacted the wildlife rescue station. Even though they’re lively, highly curious, and undeniably adorable creatures, officers warned that civets absolutely cannot be kept as pets.

Chen Tsu-chien
Yilan County animal control director
The mothers will return and take their kids back. It’s easier for them to adapt to life in the wild under their mother’s care. If they’re reintroduced into the wild after being raised by humans, it will be hard for them to adapt.

The center aims to eventually release the animal back into the wild, but will perform assessments beforehand to make sure the kit grows up in good health first.

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#wildlife #civet #animalcontrol #cute #Yilan #animalrescue #protectedspecies #smallChinesecivet

2026-09-24