First flocks of black-faced spoonbills arrive in Taiwan

First flocks of black-faced spoonbills arrive in Taiwan

2026-09-15

Changing winds have brought the first flocks of black-faced spoonbills to Taiwan. These early migratory birds were spotted by members of the Formosa Wild Bird Conservation Association in two wetlands: in Chiayi’s Budai Township and Tainan’s Beimen District.

In Chiayi, birdwatchers from the association spotted some 20 black-faced spoonbills resting and foraging. The flock in Tainan, was slightly smaller at 17 individual birds. Two of the birds had leg bands, and were identified as individuals that the birdwatchers had been tracking for a long time. There was also one spoonbill with a broken leg, showing remarkable resilience and strength flying across Asia to reach Taiwan.

#birdwatching #wetland #migratorybird #birds #tainan

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候鳥遷徒! 20隻黑面琵鷺"先鋒部隊" 現蹤嘉義布袋濕地

2026-09-15

東北季風報到，福爾摩沙野鳥保育協會的成員，近期分別在嘉義布袋濕地，以及台南北門區的三寮灣農田濕地，發現黑面琵鷺"先鋒部隊"抵達台灣。

成群結隊的黑面琵鷺，飛抵嘉義布袋濕地，野鳥保育協會的成員，在嘉義布袋濕地，發現約有20隻黑面琵鷺，降落在濕地休息覓食。另外在台南北門區三寮灣農田濕地，也發現17隻黑面琵鷺，其中兩隻還帶有腳環，被鳥友辨識出來，是長期追蹤的候鳥。還有另一隻黑面琵鷺斷腳，展現強韌生命力，飛越不同國家，才抵達台灣。

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Monthly NT$7,400 tiny capsule rooms highlight Taipei’s rental crisis

Skyrocketing rents in Taipei are pushing some renters into a rather unusual solution, living in a capsule barely bigger than a bed. These futuristic-looking rooms cost as little as NT$6,600 a month, but they offer just over three square meters of space. So, is this the future of affordable housing, or a sign of just how bad Taipei’s rental crisis has become?

White and glowing with a blue light, a row of sleek futuristic capsules oozes sci-fi style. Located in Taipei’s Wanhua District, these capsule pods are a little over 3 square meters in area. Beds on the upper level go for NT$6,600 while the lower-level beds are NT$7,400. The deals include water, internet, gas, cleaning and management services. When the listings hit rental websites, it left people in total disbelief.

Member of the public
Shocked
It’s like that youth hostel, it offers little privacy.

Member of the public
Surprised
Since you’re renting it for such a low price, why are you nitpicking so much?

Member of the public
Thinks it’s a bad deal
I stayed in a capsule hotel in Sanchong before, and I thought it was too small; the space was too small. It’s not worth NT$6,600 because you share common space with other people, and it is not very big inside.

Even netizens on Threads are posting things like: “Has the standard of rental housing in northern Taiwan really dropped to this level?” They’ve pointed out that places like Sanchong, Luzhou, and Taoyuan all have options priced between NT$7,000 and NT$8,200 a month. Additionally, rental websites show landlords advertising space capsule beds for rent with a full pink aesthetic style, all-inclusive for NT$6,500. This has triggered alarm from netizens: “If landlords keep trying to outdo each other with shoddier options, and housing prices keep getting hyped up, Taiwan’s living quality will sooner or later become the next Hong Kong.”

Voice of Weng Chung-yao
Space capsule rental operator
During the pandemic, the monthly rent was NT$6,000 to NT$7,000. Of course, over the years since the pandemic, we’ve only made slight adjustments. In fact, our occupancy rate generally hovers between 80% and full capacity.

Although the rent for space capsule apartments has increased, it still comes to just over NT$200 per day. Compare this with tiny apartments in Taipei: rents easily start at over NT$10,000 as a baseline. With rents soaring year after year, capsule apartments have become highly sought after. It’s no wonder that more and more landlords are converting their apartments into capsule apartments and entering the rental market.

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#spaceodyssey #Taipeirentals #spacecapsules #highrents #sciencefiction

2026-09-15

One of Paris’ largest concert halls will host Taiwan-themed events in 2028

Located next to the Eiffel Tower, the Théâtre National de Chaillot’s [tay-ATR, na-see-o-NAL day chay-YO] world-class stage will once again be filled with Taiwanese culture. The theater has a long-standing partnership with Taiwan’s arts community, and has hosted performances including Cloudgate Dance Theatre and singer ABAO. Minister of Culture Li Yuan visited the theater for the first time earlier this week. He received a warm welcoming from the theatre’s director, who shared the theatre’s history and announced a collaboration to launch a series of Taiwan-themed events in 2028.

Upon arriving in French dance central, Minister of Culture, Li Yuan, met with the Director and Chairman of Théâtre de Chaillot, Rachid Ouramdane. They happily shook hands and posed for a photo. Ouramdane was impressed by Taiwanese artists and fondly recalls the “Foco-Taiwan” events from 2024.

Under the collaboration of the Taiwan Cultural Center in France and the National Theatre and Concert Hall, dance troupes, singers, and puppet troupes from Taiwan presented a wonderful performance at the Théâtre de Chaillot. The center also hopes to launch another Taiwan-themed arts event in 2028 to strengthen the cultural ties between Taiwan and France.

Rachid Ouramdane
Director of Théâtre National de Chaillot
The Taiwanese artists at the time displayed an unrestrained freedom of expression, perhaps reflecting the characteristics of Taiwanese culture. We are delighted to have invited them to showcase Taiwanese arts and culture. This is a small performance hall; we can also fold the seating to create a larger event space.

The Théâtre National de Chaillot is located within the Palais de Chaillot, the site where United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights was signed. Adjacent to the Eiffel Tower, it offers spectacular views and also houses a mysterious attraction over 120 years old.

Lin Yung-chi
FTV reporter
The Palais de Chaillot also allegedly boasts one of the world’s oldest escalators, which they claim was built at the same time as the Eiffel Tower, remaining accessible since its completion in 1889.

The historic theater is an important stage for artistic exchange between Taiwan and France. In May 2027, the Taiwan Riverbed Theatre will be invited to present an immersive theatre performance showcasing Taiwan’s soft power in the arts to international audiences.

#france #palaisdechaillot #softpower #theatre #chaillot

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2026-09-15

Lost dolphin surprises tourists at Pingtung harbor

An unexpected visitor recently made an appearance at Shanfu Fishing Harbor in Pingtung’s Xiaoliuqiu. Appearing to have lost its way, a dolphin wandered into the port, delighting nearby snorkelers. Authorities were immediately notified, and the dolphin eventually found it way out again after a few hours. For safety, an expert warned against approaching or disturbing dolphins if spotted inside a harbor.

A dolphin’s dorsal fin breaks the surface of the water, eliciting exclamations of awe from onlookers on shore and snorkeling in the water. But they’re not here on a whale-watching tour.

As you can see by this warning painted just beyond where it’s swimming, it’s an area frequented by boats. But this time, it isn’t a vessel they have to watch out for—it’s a dolphin. They usually keep to open waters, but this one found its way into a fishing port.

Snorkeling guide
Saw the dolphin
There was only one. When I came this morning, I thought it was a sea turtle. But then I thought, a turtle isn’t that big. Turns out it was a dolphin. It was stuck for a few hours. It couldn’t find its way out.

Tourists were surprised to see the unusual visitor inside the port. They immediately notified authorities, concerned an illness might have caused it to make the unusual trip.

Wang Hao-wen
NCKU marine research center director
It was likely in the blackfish family. Turtles will occasionally enter this port in Xiaoliuqiu, but it’s rare to see a dolphin there. It’s hard to tell whether something was wrong with it, as there isn’t enough information to make a concrete assessment.

Everyone goes to Xiaoliuqiu to see sea turtles, but who knew you could spot dolphins there too? While the reason for the unexpected visit remains elusive, it fortunately found its way back out to sea without incident. Hopefully now it’ll stay out in open waters.

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#Xiaoliuqiu #dolphin #marinelife #wildlifeencounter #snorkeling #Pingtung

2026-09-15

Pitcher left bloodied after getting bludgeoned by speedy line drive

A baseball game suddenly turned bloody on Monday evening, after a speedy line drive came straight back at the pitcher, hitting him square in the face. Rakuten Monkeys pitcher Chuang Hsin-yen, immediately collapsed on the mound, as stunned teammates and medics rushed onto the field to help. The game was forced to stop as Chuang was carried away on a stretcher and rushed to hospital. Thankfully, he later posted a message reassuring worried fans, but doctors found he had suffered multiple serious facial injuries.

The batter smashes the baseball, sending a powerful line drive towards the mound, hitting pitcher Chuang Hsin-yen slap bang in the middle of the face. He collapsed to the floor from the impact.

Teammates and medics rushed over to help. He was quickly loaded on a stretcher and taken to hospital.

- Wang Po-hsuan’s powerful strike got him to first base. But everyone is more concerned if Chuang Hsin-yen is alright.

The incident took place on Monday evening at a CPBL game between the Rakuten Monkeys and the TSG Hawks. Chuang had come in to pitch at the bottom of the 8th inning, and didn’t last long, as he was quickly bludgeoned by Wang’s fast line drive, which gave him no time to dodge it. Even the batter was shocked, and he immediately went to check on his rival.

- Wang Po-hsuan is rushing over to check how Chuang Hsin-yen is doing.

The game was brought to a halt while Chuang was taken away. After the game, many fans flocked to Chang Gung Memorial Hospital.

- I’m so sad.
- Were you scared for him?
- Yes! It looked so bad.

Baseball fan
Worried about Chuang
I hope that the sound of our cheers and blessings will reach him.

Team staff
Rakuten Monkeys
- They’re fixing him up.
- They are? Thank you.

At 9 in the evening, Chuang made a post on social media saying, “No need to worry about me, I’m fine.” The batter also posted a story on his Instagram, saying how sorry he was and explaining that he had spoken with Chuang privately. On Tuesday, the Rakuten Monkeys released a statement with more details, saying that Chuang had sustained a facial fracture, lacerations and broken teeth, and was scheduled to undergo surgery that same day. They also conveyed Chuang’s gratitude for all the fans who reached out to him.

#baseball #linedrive #pitcher #batter #rakutenmonkeys

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Taiwan’s new national ocean radar network makes beach days safer

Taiwan is setting up a national ocean radar observation network, linking 59 radar stations across the island’s surrounding seas. It’s the result of interagency collaboration from the likes of the Ocean Affairs Council, National Academy of Marine Research and other ministries. By integrating AI with real-time ocean current data, the system can do things like help predict the drift paths of people who have fallen overboard, securing precious time for rescue operations. Aside from contributing to beach safety, it’s also strengthened surveillance of strategic areas. Let’s find out more.

Combining live-action footage with animation, we take you on a journey through the process of developing Taiwan’s ocean radar observation network.

Kuan Bi-ling
Ocean Affairs Council
We are moving forward from this starting point, and there is certainly a great deal of work ahead of us—ensuring system stability and data accuracy, achieving precise interpretation, and enabling effective utilization. We have reached a total of 59 units to date, as the systems at Yuguang Island and Cijin are now operational; we will continue to press ahead with this initiative.

Marine radar systems are being progressively deployed across Taiwan and integrated with AI applications to create a connected network covering the nation’s waters. This initiative not only enhances safety for marine activities and recreation but also eliminates previous monitoring blind spots, prioritizing the reinforcement of key strategic maritime areas.

Chen Chung-ling
National Academy of Marine Research
Following the deployment of marine radar systems, we will further implement AI applications—such as for detecting rip currents near beaches. Looking ahead, the ability to monitor rip currents and broader ocean currents will prove immensely beneficial for civilian disaster prevention, maritime navigation safety, oil spill dispersion tracking, and search-and-rescue operations.

Through interagency cooperation and technical exchanges, maritime security monitoring and disaster response capabilities are being enhanced, adding another layer of protection to Taiwan’s maritime security.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
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#radarsystems #marine security #Taiwansecurity #beachsafety #watersafety

2026-09-15

Young woman suspected of spying on Taiwanese officers in Italy

Taiwan’s Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim recently made a short trip to Italy to attend the Ventotene Conference for Freedom and Democracy, demonstrating Taiwan’s determination to safeguard these principles. However, there are suspicions that this diplomatic trip was targeted by the Chinese Communist Party intelligence to gather information. Shieh Jhy-wey, Taiwan’s representative to the EU, revealed on Tuesday that a woman appeared at a restricted area where Taiwanese security personnel were gathering. Though she claimed to be a cleaning worker, she is suspected to have been sent by the CCP for intelligence gathering.

During her speech at the Ventotene Conference for Freedom and Democracy, Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim spoke about Taiwan’s determination and commitment to protecting its democratic way of life. She also engaged with European partners to deepen bilateral ties. But there were many challenges to make the trip happen.

Lin Chia-lung
Foreign Minister
This trip was like a three-pronged operation involving land, sea, and air, because the route was very complex; it wasn’t just a point-to-point journey. We also experienced poor sea conditions. Indeed, we faced many unpredictable circumstances.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Lin Chia-lung, who was present during the entire trip, revealed the challenges they faced behind the scenes upon returning home. Given the complex international geopolitical situation, President Lai Ching-te chaired two decision-making meetings for pre-travel preparations. Not only was security ensured, but contingency planning was also conducted to test various scenarios. Despite the meticulous planning, China still attempted to sabotage the trip.

Taiwan’s Representative to the EU, Shieh Jhy-wey, released photos showing security personnel conducting a pre-meeting reconnaissance. They spotted a young woman looking at her phone. Since the venue was empty, the woman sitting alone on a nearby bench immediately raised suspicion. The woman claimed to be a cleaning lady, leading everyone to believe she was a spy sent by the CCP.

Lin Chia-lung
Minister of Foreign Affairs
I think the Italian police are aware of such situations.

China’s diplomatic suppression of Taiwan is relentless. In 2026, on the eve of President Lai Ching-te’s visit to Eswatini, a friendly nation, China blocked his flight route. In 2024, Hsiao Bi-khim, as Vice President-elect, was invited to secretly visit the Czech Republic. During her visit, Chinese agents even followed her convoy, nearly causing a major car accident. These outrageous methods demonstrate China’s tyrannical and arbitrary actions.

Wang Ting-yu
Legislator
China is attempting to make Taiwan disappear from the international stage to portray Taiwan as China’s internal affair. If China takes any action against Taiwan, we will lose international support. Therefore, no matter how difficult diplomacy becomes for us, we must strive to make the world see Taiwan.

Meanwhile, there has been significant progress in Taiwan-Philippines relations, with preparations underway to open a representative office in Cebu, Philippines.

#taiwandiplomacy #蕭美琴 #eswatini #italy #CCP

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2026-09-15

Deluxe sukiyaki restaurant opens in historic Tainan building

A deluxe sukiyaki restaurant in Taipei famous for being impossible to book has just opened in Tainan! Nestled inside an old Japanese-style residence in South District, the shop offers a set with three quality cuts of wagyu from Kobe, Yonezawa, and Omi served with an uni roll, offering southerners another delicious gourmet option.

Delicate pink with perfect, even marbling. Diners find it impossible to get a table at this sukiyaki restaurant in Taipei. Now it’s opened its first Tainan location, in an old converted Japanese-style building in South District. Fans have been flocking there since opening.

Customer
Made trip for sukiyaki
It really melts in your mouth, and has a rich flavor. I’ve had it in Taipei before, so I made a special trip here today after hearing about it.

Customers have high praise for the “three wagyu” set, featuring cuts of Kobe, Omi, and Yonezawa beef. The restaurant group has strong roots in Japanese fine dining, integrating flavors from the Kansai and Kanto regions. They even pay meticulous attention to the kind of sugar used in their recipes.

Huang Chien-chih
Restaurant manager
For the sirloin cut, we use Yonezawa beef from a 32-month-old cow, making it a bit sweeter and with a meatier flavor. For the Kobe cut, we use a chuck flap, which is a little bit chewier.

There’s also this luxurious shiso uni roll, made with fresh sea urchin wrapped in Kobe beef chuck and pan-seared in the Kansai style.

Huang Chien-chih
Restaurant manager
For the shiso uni roll, we use the chuck flap cut from Kobe beef. Inside is our vinegar sushi rice, shiso leaf, and uni. Then we roll it into a triangle before pan-frying it in the Kansai style.

This fine dining experience has made a strong debut in meat-loving Tainan. Blending a luxurious Japanese ambiance with artisanal skill, they’re staking a bold claim in Taiwan’s food capital.

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#wagyu #Japanesecuisine #beef #sukiyaki #Tainan #restaurant #finedining #gourmet

2026-09-15