Taiwan hotel collapsed by typhoon Morakot

on Aug 24 in news

A hotel in southern Taiwan has collapsed after flood waters from Typhoon Morakot undermined its foundations.

The hotel in Chihpen, one of the country’s most famous hot spring resorts, is believed to have been completely evacuated before it collapsed.

Taiwan Prostitute Issue

on Jul 10 in news

Sex workers in Taiwan have cautiously welcomed a government plan to legalise prostitution, but the scheme is being opposed by an alliance of women’s groups who fear it will breed crime and violence.

A red-light area similar to Amsterdam’s famed canalside sex-for-sale district has been proposed for the capital Taipei, with legal and zoning measures due in place within six months.

Prostitutes and their supporters say they see a ray of hope after many years of campaigning for legalisation to protect them from both customers and police, but some are concerned about being moved into special zones.

“I hope the government will allow us to stay where we are and give us legal protection,” said one prostitute who wanted to be identified as Hsiao-feng. “I don’t want to move to a new place to start again.”

Hsiao-feng earns a living in Taipei’s Wanhua district, which is believed to be home to thousands of sex workers plying their trade illegally even though prostitution was outlawed in the city in 1997.

“Who wants to have red-light districts near homes?” she asks. “The government would have to put us in the mountains but then we can’t make a living because nobody wants to travel that far.”

Observers say paid-for sex remains big business and the ban has driven it underground, where brothels operate under euphemistic names such as tea houses, massage parlours, clubs and even skin-care salons.

There are also women known as “liu ying” or “floating orioles” — a metaphor for flirtatious and seductive women — who find patrons on the streets.

There is no official record on the scale of Taiwan’s sex industry but the advocacy group Collective of Sex Workers and Supporters (COSWAS) estimates that it involves 400,000 people and is worth 60 billion Taiwan dollars (1.8 billion US) a year.

“Right now we are helpless when customers don’t pay, or even rob or hurt us,” Hsiao-feng told AFP.

“We have to watch out for the police and their informants because we can end up in prison if caught.”

Prostitutes face three days in detention or a fine of up to 30,000 Taiwan dollars if arrested, while their clients go unpunished.

“The government should protect sex workers’ human rights and stop treating them like criminals,” says COSWAS chief Chung Chun-chu. “It should allow a blanket decriminalisation to regulate the sex trade.”

The public is divided on the issue, with 42.3 percent supporting the plan to legalise prostitution while 38.8 percent oppose it and the rest are undecided, according to a poll by the local China Times.

Arielle Su, an elementary school teacher in Taipei, says legalising the sex trade cuts both ways.

“I think it can help prevent sex crimes as some people have needs and they would prey on the general public if they are unsatisfied,” she said. “But as a mother and a teacher I am also concerned that it would corrupt morals.”

A dozen local women’s groups have formed an alliance against legalising prostitution, warning that it would encourage crime and injustice against women.

“We oppose making prostitution a legal industry because it fosters sexual violence and exploitation of women,” said Chi Hui-jung, head of The Garden of Hope Foundation.

Chi pointed out that the Dutch authorities were reducing the size of Amsterdam’s red-light district due to concern over criminal activities such as human smuggling and money laundering.

“The government should offer welfare programmes and job incentives to women so they won’t go into prostitution out of economic desperation,” Chi said.

Hsiao-feng, a 45-year-old divorcee, says it is difficult for street walkers like her, with little education or job skills, to find regular work.

“I don’t like what I do for a living but I have to raise my children and pay the bills. I don’t regret becoming a Taiwan sex worker. I just hope the government will protect my safety so I am not always at the mercy of others,” she said.

source: AFP

Taichung New City Hall

on Jun 29 in attractions

Taichung New City Hall is situated at the intersection of WenXin, TaiZhongGang, and HuiZhong roads. This modern building will contain 50,896 square meters on 11 floors and two basements. It’s expected to be completed in October this year. The design of the City Hall was selected from the numerous submissions by internationally-renowned architects; all of this attention for a project like this is unprecedented in Taiwan. The main structure of the building–arched doors–represents Taichung’s vibrant energy. There will also be parks and gardens around the buildings, giving passers-by something nice to look at.

ShuiNan Economic Park

on Jun 09 in attractions

ShuiNan Economic Park was built on the old ShuiNan Airport site. The park takes up almost 250 hectares, including the old airport’s land as well as an expansion to the west. The park will include different sections which will focus in areas like the economy (hotels, malls and department stores), education (a university, research labs), and transportation (bus terminals, etc). It is predicted that this massive space will impact Taichung positively and possibly become the new city center.

Taichung Station Square

on Jun 07 in attractions

Taichung Station Square according to government research, the High Speed Rail and stations to the east will play an essential role in Taichung’s development. The Station Square and the art center will be a hub for the region. The new stations and stops will provide major improvements for getting to great hotels, leisure centers, residential areas, and shopping districts. Also in this area will be a Railway Museum, Railway Cultural Gallery, Central Boulevard, pedestrian zones, and an outdoor Performance Square.

National Taichung Library

on Jun 02 in attractions

The current National Taichung Library does not fit the size or layout demands for citizens and the government. Because of this shortcoming, the Executive Yuan has passed a proposal to move the library to the corner of WuQuan South and JianChen roads. The new library will take up just over two hectares and will be equipped with the most advanced technology, making it a great addition to the area and Taichung.

Taichung Opera House

on May 31 in attractions

Taichung opera house will take up 57,685 square meters and include a 2,009-seat theater, an 800-seat theater, and a 200-seat theater. In 2005, the Taichung City Government asked international architects for bids on the project. After selecting the current design, which was created by prominent Japanese architect Toyo Ito, construction started on January 28, 2008. It is expected to be completed by the end of 2009.

Holiday Inn Express Taichung Park

on May 29 in hotel

Holiday Inn Express Taichung Park, the first international branded hotels in central Taiwan, opened in Taichung.

The hotel is conveniently located in Taichung city, close to the train station, Confucius temple, night market and the center of the business district. It is part of the Sunshine Plaza shopping complex and offers easy access to major transportation links. The hotel has 169 rooms, and each unit is at least 26 square meters big, equipped with a 32-inch LCD TV and free broadband internet connections,. Some of the rooms facing the Taichung Park have a magnificent garden view.

Holiday Inn Express is one of the fastest growing hotel brands among InterContinental Hotels Group. It was established in 1991 in the United States and has 1,800 hotels around the world. Within a few years, Holiday Inn Express has expanded rapidly across the globe with over 20 hotels in Asia to serve business travelers.

94, ZiYou (TzuYou) Rd, Sec 2
(04) 3505-9898, fax (04) 3505-0598
Credit cards accepted.
Free parking for guests.
www.taichung.hiexpress.com

Taiwan Bikini Party in Taichung

on May 28 in nightlife

A grand Bikini party in Taiwan was hosted at “Search Night Club” on July, 21st 2007. Enjoy it~~

Lion King Pub in Taichung

on May 24 in nightlife

Lion King Pub in Taichung is one of the oldest pub in taichung since 2000 , below is one of the video of taiwanese girl dance competition in lion king pub