This week's five major headlines include:
Chiayi's Taiping mountain town has become a popular destination known for its sea of clouds, old streets, and tea culture;
The National Immigration Agency has launched a career exploration camp for children of new immigrants and high school students;
Taiwan's National Pension old-age payments will now be issued automatically to eligible seniors;
The Executive Yuan has announced the 2027 public holiday calendar, featuring 121 days off and nine long weekends;
And as the tax refund season begins, tax authorities are warning the public to stay alert against refund scams.

Let's take a look at this week's top stories.

【1】Experience the Slow Life in Taiping Mountain Town
Taiping Village in Meishan Township, Chiayi County, has become a popular mountain getaway where visitors can stroll through old streets, enjoy mountain views and seas of clouds, and experience a relaxing atmosphere. The famous Taiping Suspension Bridge offers panoramic scenery on clear days and a cloud-like walking experience when surrounded by mist. The mountain town also features pottery workshops, local tea cuisine, and unique cafés, making it suitable for day trips or overnight travel.

【2】Career Exploration Camp Opens for Registration
The National Immigration Agency is launching the “2026 Multicultural Youth Career Exploration Camp” this summer. Activities will be held in Taipei, Taichung, and Tainan from July to August, featuring career exploration courses, company visits, and hands-on experiences. The program is open to high school and vocational school students, aiming to help young people explore future education and career opportunities through multicultural exchange and industry interaction.

【3】National Pension Payments to Be Issued Automatically
The Ministry of Health and Welfare announced that National Pension old-age payments will now be issued automatically. Citizens aged 65 or older who have no unpaid premiums will no longer need to submit applications, as the Labor Insurance Bureau will review qualifications directly. The policy is expected to reduce the risk of seniors missing their benefits and ease administrative burdens for families.

【4】Taiwan to Have 121 Days Off in 2027
The Executive Yuan has released the 2027 work calendar, which includes 121 days off and nine long weekends lasting three days or more. The Lunar New Year holiday will run from February 4 to February 10, totaling seven days. Additional long weekends are scheduled for Children's Day, Tomb Sweeping Day, and the New Year holiday period, giving people more opportunities to plan travel and family gatherings.

【5】Tax Authorities Warn Public About Refund Scams
As income tax refund processing gets underway, scam messages pretending to be tax notifications are increasing. Fraud groups often use excuses such as “refund failure” or “account verification” to trick people into clicking suspicious links or providing banking information. Tax authorities remind the public that official agencies will never ask for passwords or request online verification through text messages, phone calls, or emails. People receiving suspicious messages are advised to call the 165 anti-fraud hotline for verification.

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