The New Taipei City Tourism Bureau has published a new guidebook entitled “New Taipei City ALL In Fun,” with editions in traditional and simplified Chinese characters, English and Japanese, as well as an application that can be downloaded free.
The bureau held a book launch Sept. 13, inviting Canadian actor Christopher Downs and Japanese travel show host Tsuyoshi Segami to the ceremony. The pair shared their experiences roaming the New Taipei City area, and also demonstrated how Western and Japanese tourists could make best use of the new resource.
Bureau Director Chen Kuo-chun said each individual language edition includes introductions to the must-see attractions and great food available in New Taipei City, but also offers specific information targeted to that edition’s audience. There are also small differences in itinerary planning between versions. For example, the English version focuses on the adventure travel mentality common among European and American visitors, introducing exciting activities such as surfing and parasailing.
The Japanese edition, on the other hand, focuses on food, hot springs and transportation. The version aimed at readers of simplified Chinese characters emphasizes greater use of the mass transportation system to reach destinations, and also adds a plan for a tea-focused itinerary.
Chen said the new guide will be available in Chinese at Eslite and other bookstores islandwide starting Sept. 14. Those wishing to purchase English or Japanese versions can find them in the VIP lounges of major airports, in international-standard tourist hotels and at embassies and consulates, where it is offered at no cost.
Visitors may also download the information from the Apple App Store at no charge by searching for “az Travel app,” and then installing the application and downloading the language version they prefer from within the app.
(This article originally appeared in The Liberty Times Sept. 14.)