Typhoon accelerates decline of spring resort town in Nantou

Typhoon accelerates decline of spring resort town in Nantou

2024-11-07

A once prosperous hot spring town in the mountains of Nantou continues on a years-old decline that is accelerating due to the forces of nature. Over the years, silt buildup has made for muddy waters along the Talurwan River in Lushan and recent typhoons have only worsened the problem. The sediment buildup is so severe that the Lushan Bridge, which used to hang 20m above the riverbed, is now only 1m above the surface of the water.

The Nantou County government has dispatched a team to remedy the situation, but it’s going to take more than that to bring Lushan to its former glory. The hot springs in the town were once called the best on earth. But erosion from the elements and overdevelopment along the riverside became the town’s downfall. Now, empty resorts, buildings in ruins and muddy waters dot the landscape, shutting down businesses and keeping visitors away.

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康芮颱風再創廬山河床淤積僅距吊橋100公分

2024-11-07

康芮颱風帶來的強風豪雨，導致南投廬山溫泉，塔羅灣溪淤積更加嚴重，河道全被填平，知名地標「廬山吊橋」距離河床從20公尺變成只剩1公尺多，居民進出危險，縣府已設法進行整修。

湧泉豐沛的廬山溫泉，曾經號稱是「天下第一泉」，但後來因過度開發以及接連的颱風摧殘，河邊的飯店地基遭掏空、甚至倒塌，溪流變泥流，這幾年店家出走、遊客散去，從繁華走到末路盡頭。

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Australian firefighters try Taiwanese cuisine

The Australian Firefighters Calendar has been raising funds for charities since 1993. The firefighters visited Taiwan between late October and early November to introduce their new calendars, during which they traveled to Pingtung County Animal Shelter to donate NT$200,000 to the sanctuary. Besides charity events, they also tried various Taiwanese delicacies. FTV reporter Stephany Yang met the firefighters.

Australian firefighters try local delicacies like oyster noodles, oyster omelette, chicken feet, and century egg tofu.

They were split into groups of two to compete in a rapid-fire question spice challenge. The person who lost had to eat the delicacies with chili oil.

Mickey Galanos
Firefighter
In Australia we don’t really eat chicken feet so it was a very different experience. I think it was the world’s biggest chicken. I have never seen a chicken with feet that big before. I would like to come back to Taiwan every year if I could . It has been fantastic as the guys have mentioned. The hospitality from all the people has been amazing so if you want me to come back every year and eat chicken feet, I am happy to do that no problem.

Alex Eldridge
Firefighter
It was very intense. I don’t normally do spicy food so when I picked the super spicy option I was a little bit worried. It was the noodle dish. The first one. The dish tasted good but I am glad I didn’t get the chicken feet.

The Australian Firefighter Calendar firefighters visited Taiwan to unveil the 2025 calendars and donate to Pingtung County Animal Shelter. One of the editions included the first special edition of the Australian/Taiwanese Firefighters Calendar, which was shot back in March. Six Taiwanese firefighters flew to Australia to participate in the collab between the Australian Firefighters Calendar and the Taiwanese National Fire Agency. Proceeds from the special edition will go to support the Pingtung County Animal Shelter.

Matty Haydon
Firefighter
The energy of that particular shoot was something special. Everybody was high-fiving. Everybody had a great time. You can see from the end product that everybody shot really well and have came out with a really good calendar.

Mitchell Brunello
Firefighter
Getting a chance to see the whole length of the country from the south to north has been an awesome experience. Just seeing all the variety that Taiwan has to offer. All the food and especially the people have been so welcoming and friendly. Just non-stop food and drinks. The hospitality is off the charts. It has been really good and I will definitely come back.

Paddy Stevenson
Firefighter
The hospitality we received and care we have received is just absolutely amazing. I have never felt experienced anything like it anywhere else in the world.

Alex Eldridge
Firefighter
The photo shoot is the same time every year in March. We normally start preparation probably during Christmas time moving forward. So, just al the simple things. Going to the gym, training, cut out all the alcohol.It is good shooting with the guys so we bounce off each other when we feel a bit flat or a bit down. It is really good to have the camaraderie there and all really enjoy doing it.

The Australian Firefighter Calendar is released annually to support a variety of charitable causes. The firefighters have visited Taiwan twice this year and say they are looking forward to visiting Taiwan again next year.

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

2024-11-07

President sees off Taiwan’s team to APEC summit

The APEC Leaders’ Summit this year is scheduled for Nov. 15 in Peru. The special representative for Taiwan’s president will be Lin Hsin-I, a former economics minister. On Thursday morning, the Presidential Office held a ceremony to send off Lin’s team. President Lai Ching-te expressed confidence in Lin to deepen relations with APEC members, only shortly after the US elected its next president.

For the APEC Leaders’ Summit this year, President Lai-Ching-te appointed former Minister of Economic Affairs Lin Hsin-i as special representative. The president said he’s confident in Lin’s capabilities to deepen co-operations in this trip.

Lai Ching-te
President
I believe with Representative Lin’s professional skills, diverse experience and experience attending APEC-related meetings, Taiwan’s voice and perspective will be accurately delivered to other economies in APEC.

Lin Hsin-i
APEC representative
I and everyone on the representative team will do our best. We’ll show how Taiwan is a good, trustworthy and responsible member of the international community, and garner support for Taiwan from more international friends.

Lin said he hopes to gain more international support for Taiwan at APEC. The ceremony, which is on Nov. 15 in the morning, comes on the heels of the US’ presidential election. On Wednesday evening, Lai tweeted a message of congratulations to the US President-elect Donald Trump. In the same post, he expressed confidence in the Taiwan-US partnership to continue being built on shared values and interests and safeguard regional peace and stability. Robert C. O’Brien, said to be a favorite for the next US secretary of state replied to the post, writing “It was a great night for America and our partners.”

Earlier reports circulated that Lai was planning to make a phone call to congratulate Trump, which the Presidential Office denied.

Karen Kuo
Presidential Office Spokesperson
Yesterday, President Lai had already at the first moment he could, extended congratulations through our representative office in the US. For now he has no other plans to do that again in a phone call.

The rumor came at a sensitive time: just before Taiwan’s representative team is heading off to Lima.

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2024-11-07

America can’t be great again without Taiwan: Foreign minister

The future of Taiwan-US relations has become a hot topic of debate in Taiwan, with a second Trump presidency on the horizon. Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung on Thursday went to the Legislative Yuan to speak on the matter. He reiterated that the US’ support for Taiwan was bipartisan, adding that America couldn’t be great again without Taiwan.

Foreign minister Lin Chia-lung on Thursday headed to the Legislative Yuan, to speak on the outcome of the US presidential election. Lin said he was confident about the future of Taiwan-US ties under a second Trump administration.

Lin Chia-lung
Foreign minister
During the first Trump presidency, arms sales to Taiwan became normalized, the Economic Prosperity Partnership Dialogue was established, and discussions and dialogue between Taiwan and the US were institutionalized. Meanwhile, the systematic competition that formed between the US and China is set to continue.

Amid bipartisan support for Taiwan in the US, Lin says Taiwan-US ties will continue to deepen while competition between the US and China continues. But former de facto ambassador to Washington Stanley Kao, who served partly during Trump’s first term, says the new administration will bring shifts to Taiwan-US-China relations. He says Taiwan needs to adopt a mindset different from the first Trump administration.

Stanley Kao
Former representative to US
It’s not Trump 2.0, it’s not the second half of the game and it’s not a sequel. In dealing with the new administration, we must have new ideas and approaches. That way, we can have a smoother transition when we start engaging with the second Trump administration.

Donald Trump has previously said that Taiwan should pay the US for protection, and has threatened to impose heavy tariffs on Taiwan chips. Amid rising US-skepticism, Lin offered some words of assurance.

Lin Chia-lung
Foreign minister
America can’t be great again without Taiwan. US investments are mutually beneficial. For every dollar that Taiwan earns from chips, the US earns three dollars. So I don’t think there is any need to sow division regarding Taiwan-US ties. That is what the Chinese Communist Party is working hard to do, spreading US-skepticism. It’s wrong and unnecessary.

Amid changes in the US, Taiwan’s diplomacy officials aim to deepen bilateral trade and defense cooperation, so that a strong friendship remains between the two countries.

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

2024-11-07

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Ice cream, jellies and other ‘solids’ are actually liquids at border control

What do ice-cream, pickles and toothpaste have in common? All three are considered liquids at airport security checks. As such passengers carrying these items must follow strict carry-on rules, or have their items thrown away. The issue has recently caused much debate online. One netizen says that their heart broke when they were forced to throw away eight boxes of crème brûlée ice-cream from Japan.

A netizen once tried to bring eight boxes of crème brûlée ice-cream from Japan to Taiwan as carry-on. But they were all dumped into the trash at security. It’s a familiar experience for many.

Member of public
I ate mine right there and then. At the border check the officer said it’s not allowed. I asked, “Isn’t pudding solid?” But they still said no.

There are many restrictions regarding liquids on planes. Ice-cream is considered a liquid food product, so it won’t pass border check.

Lin Yung-chi
FTV reporter
It’s not just the pudding ice-cream. Even jelly, like the one I’m holding, can’t be brought onto the plane.

Some tourist favorites like yokan, pudding, kimchi, jelly, and even a popular brand of liquor candies from Hokkaido, are all treated as liquids. They can’t be brought on-flight if the volume exceeds 100ml. Same with toiletries, such as toothpaste, shampoo and shower gel. If you’re still bringing them in carry-on, make sure each product is packed in a container not exceeding 100ml in volume, and place all liquid containers in a clear plastic bag. In total, the capacity of the containers must not exceed 1,000ml.

Chen Chien-chin
Travel agent
For liquids, they should not exceed 100ml, doesn’t matter if it’s a gel or paste. Even the cream in cream puffs, because they might get squashed accidentally. If you want to bring them back, you must put them in check-in luggage.

To make things simpler, pay attention to anything that flows, may melt, or contain moisture. That way you’ll still get to enjoy the treats back home.

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

2024-11-07

Shoppers rush to buy hearty tonics as winter starts in traditional calendar

Thursday was Lidong in the lunisolar calendar, which traditionally marks the beginning of winter. In Taiwan, it is customary to eat certain foods on this day as a tonic to give the body energy for the cold season. The most popular choices include mutton stew, sesame oil chicken and ginger duck, which sell out fast. But traditional Chinese medicine practitioners say that some body types are better suited for other kinds of herbal concoctions.

At this popular mutton stew shop in Changhua’s Huatan Market, workers are working full steam to pack takeout boxes.

Thursday is Lidong, the first day of winter in the traditional lunisolar calendar. It’s customary to eat certain meals as a tonic on this day, and they sell out fast.

Member of public
My daughter wanted to get some before the cold comes. Yeah, I spent NT$1,000 on the mutton.

Member of public
I’m taking some mutton home to eat later. I come here every year, it’s tasty and convenient.

Another popular choice for Lidong tonics is ginger duck. This vendor in Yunlin started the day nice and early to cater to their first customers.

Ginger duck vendor
We expect to sell 600 to 700 servings, triple the usual amount.

Ginger duck, mutton stew and sesame oil chicken are the three most popular Lidong tonics. But traditional Chinese medicine practitioners warn that they should be eaten in moderation.

Chang Pu-hsien
Traditional Chinese medicine practitioner
People who have a “weak” and “cold” body constitution according to Chinese medicine, and people who are recovering slowly from a severe bout of illness would be better off eating foods with medicinal properties.

Chen Chien-hung
Traditional Chinese medicine practitioner
A lot of people have chronic diseases, and problems with high blood pressure, sugar and lipids. Or they have kidney disease. Patients like this can have some of these Lidong tonics when winter comes, provided that they have been evaluated by a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner. But when taking the tonic, it’s important to keep its fat and salt content in check, and to not have too much starch. That makes the tonics more beneficial, and won’t come with drawbacks.

Chinese medicine practitioners suggest alternatives such as four herbs soup, snow fungus, goji berries and lotus seeds, which can be taken regularly to achieve the same effects as a traditional tonic. They say that moderation is key, as too much of a good thing can have harmful effects.

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

2024-11-07

Adoption event to be held in December for 20kg raccoon found in Taoyuan

A massive raccoon weighing 20kg was found late last month in Taoyuan’s Bade District. Authorities suspect the animal was abandoned by its owner, who has not come forward to claim him. If the original owner isn’t found, the raccoon will be put up for adoption before the end of the year. Let’s hear from Taoyuan’s Animal Protection Office.

Wang Te-chi
Taoyuan Animal Protection Office
The holding period, which started when the raccoon was brought in, has expired. Since no owner has come to claim him, we are planning on arranging an adoption event in December. It’ll just be pets that aren’t cats or dogs. We will first screen adoption candidates. It won’t just be open to anyone.

A local in Taoyuan had found the raccoon near a field in Bade District, and took the animal home. They found that he would refuse to eat fresh fruits and vegetables, but greatly enjoyed chocolate. Authorities say raccoon owners must make sure to give their pets a proper diet, avoiding overly sugary foods that may negatively impact the animal’s health.

A massive raccoon weighing 20kg was found late last month in Taoyuan’s Bade District. Authorities suspect the animal was abandoned by its owner, who has not come forward to claim him. If the original owner isn’t found, the raccoon will be put up for adoption before the end of the year. Let’s hear from Taoyuan’s Animal Protection Office.

Wang Te-chi
Taoyuan Animal Protection Office
The holding period, which started when the raccoon was brought in, has expired. Since no owner has come to claim him, we are planning on arranging an adoption event in December. It’ll just be pets that aren’t cats or dogs. We will first screen adoption candidates. It won’t just be open to anyone.

A local in Taoyuan had found the raccoon near a field in Bade District, and took the animal home. They found that he would refuse to eat fresh fruits and vegetables, but greatly enjoyed chocolate. Authorities say raccoon owners must make sure to give their pets a proper diet, avoiding overly sugary foods that may negatively impact the animal’s health.

2024-11-07