Temple slams woman for breaking taboo on water at god’s birthday

Temple slams woman for breaking taboo on water at god’s birthday

2026-05-18

A temple in Chiayi has put up a notice slamming a woman for breaking a century-old religious taboo. The incident happened at Ong Yah’s birthday celebrations, where hundreds of deity figurines are carried into the water. Ms. Su, who was previously a chairwoman at the temple also went in the water, which is traditionally forbidden in the ritual.

The notice listed out Ms. Su’s full name and blamed her for jeopardizing the safety and fortune of locals by her rule-breaking. But commenters online were quick to argue back, saying that the taboo on women’s participation was simply sexism. Despite the backlash, some also argued on the side of the temple, saying that local religious customs should be respected, especially by someone who previously served as a temple leader.

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#taboo #religion #gods #chiayi #taiwan #folk

嘉義新塭嘉應廟"衝水路黑名單" 前蘇姓女主委犯忌遭點名

2026-05-18

嘉義縣布袋鎮新塭嘉應廟日前舉辦「衝水路、迎客王」活動，不料廟方昨天突然貼出公告，點名前蘇姓女前主委犯下百年大忌，擅自衝入迎王水道，嚴重褻瀆神威，因為衝水路儀式嚴禁女性下水。

廟方直接公告全名，用詞強烈，痛批她”枉顧全村百姓的生命財產安全”，引發網友正反論戰，有人認為是歧視女性，表示「以前的人重男輕女，現在什麼時代了」，但也有人持反對意見，認為應該尊重當地信仰習俗，表示「都當過主委，更應該知道女人不能下水。」

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Tainan drink shop employs high-tech machine to brew each cup fresh

With drinks shops popping up everywhere across Taiwan, competition is fierce. One shop in Tainan stands out for brewing every cup of tea individually, rather than making big batches like most places. It uses a special tea brewing machine with specific settings to ensure each cup is of a consistent quality. It even hosts tea ceremonies paired with atmospheric music, so customers can experience tea to the fullest.

This barista seems to be using an espresso machine, putting a coffee-like powder into the portafilter. The brown drink that comes out may look like coffee, but it’s actually tea.

Yin Ya-yu
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We use a tea extraction machine to brew fresh tea. We want to use a more scientific approach, so by carefully setting the parameters, the flavor of each cup stays in what we consider to be its most balanced state. In terms of aroma and taste, it tests the quality of the leaves themselves. It’s similar to the concept of drinking Italian-style espresso.

This two-armed machine is for extracting tea. Using rapid stirring, high pressure, and a constant temperature, it can brew the beverage in no time at all. Each cup is freshly brewed and then cooled before adding ice to make a mixed drink.

Yin Ya-yu
Brand manager
It’s different from the bucket-brewed tea that’s commonly sold. Sometimes the tea at different branches tastes different, even though it’s the same brand. But with the extractor, there won’t be this problem, because the tea is brewed based on the same set of parameters.

Customer
Likes the tea
I just tried it and found it’s much smoother than the tea sold at most places, and it’s not bitter at all.

Customer
Likes the tea
I think it tastes great and has a sweet aftertaste, so I come here regularly.

The shop has a beautifully designed interior where customers can sit and relax, enjoying delicious tea in a calming environment. They even collaborate with tea experts to hold ceremonies.

Amid meditative music, people can enjoy the sweet flavor of fresh tea and connect with their body through stretching, experiencing all the benefits tea has to offer.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
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#tea #teashop #bubbletea #drinkshop #drinks #freshlybrewed #Tainan #teaextractor #beverages #hightech

2026-05-18

Riders offered NT$5 discounts for helping redistribute YouBikes

Did you know you can get NT$5 off your next YouBike fare just for riding? Starting earlier this year, Taipei, New Taipei, and Taoyuan launched a “friendly relay” pilot program offering riders discounts when they return a bike to an empty station or rent a bike from a full station. The NT$5 bonus is automatically issued onto the rider’s card the next day, to go toward a future ride.

Chen Meng-hsuan
FTV reporter
The worst part about riding a YouBike is when all the docks at your destination are full. Just as bad is walking up to a station without any bikes available. But Taipei, New Taipei, and Taoyuan have a solution: a NT$5 discount off your next ride if you help balance the distribution.

Someone recently posted online about a notification they received saying “your friendly riding reward has been distributed.” They found out it was part of a “friendly relay” pilot program that will automatically issue a NT$5 credit on a future rental if you help redistribute bikes. Each discount is valid for up to 90 days.

Member of public
Excited about discounts
I had no idea! Is it a new feature? This year? That’s actually pretty cool.

Member of public
Rides Youbikes
YouBike is so convenient. You can get a bike whenever you want. Sometimes I might wait around for someone to borrow one or go to a nearby station to see if there’s anywhere to park.

Even though it’s only NT$5 each time, for people who regularly ride YouBike, it’s a nice perk. But keep in mind that you can only get the bonus twice every 10 minutes, and the program is only running until June 30.

Lin Yuan-yu
YouBike marketing manager
During peak times, our logistics staff have noticed that there are inevitably situations in which there are no bikes or no places to park. Our hope is that through this program, riders are encouraged to pass along some goodwill with a simple gesture.

A simple gesture can go a long way to keeping YouBike running smoothly, helping the beloved bike-sharing network stay convenient for everyone.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
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#YouBike #bikesharing #Taipei #NewTaipei #Taoyuan #publictransport #urbanliving #rebate

2026-05-18

Keelung’s erasure of number eight a reflection of past cross-strait tensions

Many people know Keelung for its famous night market and seemingly constant rain, but there’s something else that makes it special. Its roads are strictly numbered to keep them organized, but they all skip the number eight. For example, between Ai 7th road and Ai 9th road is Liu Ming-chuan Road, while between Yi 7th Road and Yi 9th Road is Zhongxing Road. Even bus routes don’t include the number eight. Experts say there’s a historical reason why Keelung leaves it out.

All the road names on this bus route are numbered one through nine, but they skip the number eight.

Keelung resident
Noting lack of 8
Keelung has Ai Road one through seven, then it skips eight and goes straight to Ai 9th Road. We think it’s strange too. I’ve lived in Keelung for so long, but there is no Ai 8th Road.

Member of public
Noting lack of 8
There’s Ai 7th Road, then Liu Ming-chuan Road, then Ai 9th Road. Here there’s Yi 7th Road, Zhongxing Road, then Yi 9th Road.

The number eight seems to have disappeared from Keelung altogether. But on old maps, it’s still there.

Keelung got rid of the number eight when the Chinese Nationalist government retreated to Taiwan in 1949. Authorities were highly sensitive to any references to the Chinese Communist Party’s Eighth Route Army and required Keelung not to have any streets named eight. Therefore, Ai 8th Road and Yi 8th Road were changed to Liu Chuan-ming Road and Zhongxing Road.

Tan Yan-po
Historian
The Keelung City Council didn’t have any particular discussions about changing the road names in 1950. But there was a record showing that the sign for Ai 8th Road had been changed while others had not, urging the civil affairs department at the time to change them as soon as possible.

While there are no clear records of when exactly the names changed, the erasure of the number eight in Keelung is testament to how intense cross-strait tensions were back then.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
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#Keelung #eight #crossstait #Taiwan #Nationalist #Communist #tension #history #road #roadnames

2026-05-18

Drivers despair on highway resembling difficult obstacle course

Have you ever felt like you were in a real-life video game? A section of the Gaonan Highway has so much roadwork going on, that motorcyclists have to constantly swerve left and right along 120m of road to avoid traffic cones-- just like a virtual obstacle course. Let’s find out more.

Motorcyclists were riding in the slow lane when a construction sign and traffic cones suddenly appeared ahead. After successfully clearing them, they were met with yet another obstacle. The riders maneuvered their bikes to navigate the second barrier, but the cordoned-off road parts seemed endless. It took a series of constant maneuvers, swerving left and right, before they finally reached a clear stretch of road.

- The route suddenly contracts inwards, making it a bit too narrow on both sides, which makes overtaking a bit difficult.

- You have to seriously jostle for space with the cars
- Do you feel it’s dangerous?
- Of course!
- Do you feel like you are riding an obstacle course?
- Driving is a little difficult.

Liu Yin-chun
FTV reporter
Let’s go on a test ride to see just how many obstacles you have to overcome to get through this route. In reality, the road is really narrow, so riding it is quite nerve-wracking.

The location of this virtual obstacle course is on Kaohsiung’s Gaonan Highway. The Water Resources Bureau is carrying out dredging of the side ditches. There are not only workers on the site, but also excavators. When you add on road maintenance, there are four construction sites along the 120-meter stretch of road.

- There are too many obstacles. And if you turn right, it’s really full of obstacles here.

Hu Chia-yuan
Kaohsiung Water Resources Bureau
Following coordination, road maintenance will be suspended during the drainage improvement period. A single-lane closure will remain in effect to minimize the impact on commuters.

During rush hour on the Gaonan Highway, traffic is already heavy. The Water Resources Bureau emphasized that it will temporarily suspend one road maintenance project to strike a balance between construction and traffic safety.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
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#Taiwantraffic #obstaclecourses #roadworks #commuterinconveniences

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Neighbors alarmed by 91-year-old man gardening on steep tin roof

A 91-year-old grandpa in Kaohsiung has made his corrugated tin roof into a “sky garden” with all kinds of vegetables. But due to its steep slope, the sight of the elderly man tending to his precarious garden every day leaves his neighbors in a cold sweat.

The third-floor roof of this building has a tiny vegetable garden, tended by this elderly man in a conical hat. He waters the plants without a care in the world, even as his neighbors notice the dangerously steep grade of the roof.

Witness
What if a pot or a tree or one of those pipes falls and hits someone? But what’s really concerning is the man up there watering the plants. It’s really dangerous!

The neighbors are worried the man could slip or the roof could give way. Reporters went to find the man in question. At 91 years old, Mr. Liu was more than happy to give a tour of his beloved garden.

Mr. Liu
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I walk over here and there’s always something to hold onto. I can grab on there, or over there. It’s very safe. I’m not afraid of falling.

All kinds of plants are growing on Mr. Liu’s rooftop garden, including bitter melon, leafy greens, and even a terrace for loofah, all built by his own hands. He confidently pointed out the handrails he installed everywhere, saying he’s not afraid of falling, and there’s also a railing along the edge. He said he goes up there twice a day.

Mr. Liu
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It’s hot in the afternoon, so I go up in the morning and evening. My legs are still in great shape.

Neighbor
It’s not dangerous for him to grow vegetables up there. He’s been doing it for years, and there’s a fence to block him from falling.

It’s a sight to behold, seeing this elderly gardener defy gravity and his age by climbing around on the roof. But even if he’s confident he won’t fall, the neighbors are still worried for his safety.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
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Near-fatal injury exposes legal grey zone in Penghu water activities

A so-called “makeshift water park on a boat” has become popular among tourists to Penghu in recent years, but no one ever questioned whether it’s safe, or even legal, until now. Recently, a 37-year-old had his neck fractured on an inflatable water slide secured to a fishing boat, which left him paralyzed in pain. Worse, the injury was so serious, that he had to be flown over to Kaohsiung to be treated. It’s now revealed that these water activities are not covered under relevant laws for water activities.

An exhilarating plunge down the inflatable water slide…

… or a dive from the trapeze…

You can try these out at a makeshift water park on the eastern coasts of Penghu, set up on fishing boats. They’ve become popular in recent years, but are they safe, or even legal? Recently, a 37-year-old man had his neck broken by the strong reaction force upon reaching the bottom of one of these water slides, leaving him paralyzed in pain.

Voice of employee
Ship operator
The lifeguard was on the scene. You use these slides as you would any other slide. He did not follow our instructions, so of course he landed himself in danger.

The man was sent to Penghu Hospital for treatment. An initial CT scan showed closed fractures on the second to fourth cervical vertebrae, which posed risks to his nervous and respiratory systems. The doctor performed intubation on him for airway support, and had him transported to Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital on a helicopter for emergency treatment.

Tour guide
Penghu
He probably wanted to look cool or to pull off a stunt for others’ attention, but ended up injuring himself.

Voice of Liu Mei-fan
Penghu County Gov’t Tourism Dept.
The competent authority for water activities is the Penghu National Scenic Area Headquarters.

Voice of Liu Yu-chien
Penghu National Scenic Area Headquarters
This kind of thing isn’t covered by the Regulations Governing Water Recreation Activities. Our position is that it falls outside their scope.

Without a competent authority, it seems that these makeshift “water parks” operate in a legal grey zone. The shocking incident points to a need to implement regulations to ensure tourists’ safety.

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

#penghu #waterpark #wateractivities #cruise #summer

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Snubbed by China for 10th year, Taiwan holds health expo on the sidelines of WHA

The World Health Assembly is taking place in Geneva, Switzerland this week. For the tenth year, Taiwan is not included. This time, the foreign and health ministries took matters into their own hands to organize a healthcare and healthtech expo on the sidelines, to demonstrate what Taiwan can offer to global public health. On Monday, both ministers opened the event and called on the World Health Organization not to put politics before human lives.

Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung and Health and Welfare Minister Shih Chung-liang open the Taiwan Smart Medical & HealthTech Expo in Geneva, Switzerland, on the sidelines of the World Health Assembly. For the tenth year, China has blocked Taiwan’s participation at the WHA.

Shih Chung-liang
Minister of Health and Welfare
Health is a fundamental human right. It should never be subjected to political conditions. The exclusion of Taiwan from the global health system not only undermines this principle, but also creates unnecessary gaps in global health preparedness and response.

In this decade alone, Taiwan has outperformed the rest of the world in successfully containing and mitigating COVID during the pandemic, and eliminating Hepatitis C ahead of the World Health Organization’s schedule. Despite having these success stories to share, Taiwan is yet again getting snubbed by China. Barred from the main stage, Taiwan is instead holding an expo with the participation of 30 healthcare and healthtech organizations.

Lin Chia-lung
Minister of Foreign Affairs
Its achievements can serve as valuable reference for the World Health Organization and its members. Once again, I strongly urge the WHO Secretariat not to let political interference affect the organization’s professionalism and neutrality. The global public health and pandemic prevention systems can greatly benefit from Taiwan’s inclusion.

Representatives of Taiwan’s formal diplomatic allies are attending the expo’s press conference and opening in support of Taiwan’s participation in global public health. The expo’s slogan, “WHO Cares? TAIWAN Cares!” demonstrates the country’s willingness to improve global health standards, and urges the World Health Organization to put professionalism—and human lives—above politics.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
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High schoolers win big at global robotics competition: Exclusive

Taiwan is becoming a global AI powerhouse, so much so that even high school students are winning international AI robotics championships. Five 16-year-old students represented Taiwan at the Robofest World Championship finals in the US this past weekend. Their AI-powered hospital bed project won both a gold medal and the People’s Choice Award in the RoboMed Senior category. The next day after their victory, they woke up to a congratulatory message from none other than President Lai Ching-te.

After hearing they won, the five high schoolers hop on stage. Their AI robotic hospital bed application has earned them an award overseas.

Speaking to FTV, the students shared details about the process. One of them says he hopes to work at TSMC or NVIDIA in the future.

Tsai Ting-hsun
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I think the biggest challenge was that 5 minutes before the presentation, we were told that all five of us had to present together, instead of just one of us.

Huang Hsuan-jui
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What it does is, if a patient is at Point A and needs to be moved to Bed B, our robot comes over, lifts the patient, and transports them safely to the other bed.

Chen Po-jui
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I hope that with the experience we’ve gained, we can work at NVIDIA or TSMC in the future and contribute to Taiwan.

The team competed speaking in English at the Robofest World Championship, a robotics contest with more than 25 years of history. This year, Taiwan’s national team earned two golds, one silver, one bronze, and eight major awards in total. Both the president and vice president immediately issued congratulatory messages.

Chen Ko-han
High schooler
We were so surprised when we saw the message right after waking up in the morning. The president told us to fight to the very end and keep pushing beyond our limits.

Lo Chien-tai
International AI Education Association
The competition is officially recognized by NASA and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. This year’s project achieved greater precision, helping doctors avoid fatigue and reducing the need to stand for long periods.

These high school students have brought Taiwanese creativity and robotics technology onto the global stage, showing that Taiwan’s next generation of AI talent is rising rapidly.

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

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2026-05-18