Chinese Gap Year in Taipei

［Spring 1st Field Trip]
From mountain to ocean,
From green ridge to tide,
Where buffalo wander,
With the sea as their guide.

On today’s menu:
- 三杯雞
- 芹菜炒透抽
- 玉米濃湯
- 炒高麗菜
- 炒波菜
- 合菜玳瑁
- 蘿蔔糕
- 白米飯
CGY students COOKED from market to table 🔥🔥🔥
DM for collab on the next cultural immersion class!

Our recent visit to the Taipei Confucius Temple offered students a profound look into the philosophical roots of Chinese education. The experience centered on the concept of the Six Arts—Rites, Music, Archery, Charioteering, Calligraphy, and Mathematics—allowing the students to explore how ancient scholars cultivated character through a balance of physical and intellectual disciplines.

It was impressive to watch them engage with these historical concepts, realizing that traditional learning required a holistic approach similar to the dedication they bring to their own studies today. Seeing them navigate these cultural pillars with such curiosity and insight confirms that their immersion here goes far deeper than simple language acquisition.

Last Saturday, we took the students on a journey designed to bridge the gap between Taiwan’s natural beauty and its rich historical narrative. Our itinerary moved from the quiet majesty of the Dongyanshan hiking trail to the historical grounds of Cihu, concluding amidst the bustle of Daxi Old Street.

For our students, this was more than a sightseeing tour. It was an exercise in understanding the layers of this environment. At Dongyanshan, they connected with the island’s ecology. In Daxi, they encountered the living history of the region—observing the unique Baroque architecture and navigating a traditional market environment that has existed for generations.

True immersion requires more than just academic rigor; it demands that students step fully into the living culture around them. It has been remarkable to observe how our students have embraced this environment through such diverse avenues.

In practicing the Diabolo, we see them connecting with a traditional folk art that requires patience, rhythm, and a respect for history. In activities like bouldering and board gaming, we see the modern application of their language skills—using Chinese to strategize, negotiate, build trust, and solve problems in real-time.

These moments capture the true essence of their experience here. They are not merely observers of this culture, but active, capable participants who are finding their footing in a new world. I am deeply impressed by the way they have integrated these experiences into their learning journey.

Our Taichi journey this quarter comes to an end today. We’ve learned to sense the gentle flow of Qi (氣) and practiced foundational Taichi movements. It’s been a peaceful experience of balance, focus, and calm energy.

Aside from three outdoor field trips, we also take our students to visit a local market to interact with vendors and immerse themselves in authentic Taiwanese culture.

On this day, we brought our students to Dadaocheng Street, which used to be the commercial center of old Taipei. In addition to its traditional stores such as Chinese medicine shops and tea houses, Dadaocheng is also home to the famous Xia Hai City God Temple, widely known for its divine power in granting wishes related to love and relationships.

After praying to the god, we placed our incense sticks into the burner, hoping that our wishes would be heard. To our surprise, we witnessed a rare natural phenomenon called “fa lu” (發爐) — when the incense suddenly catches fire. People believe this is a sign that the gods have received one’s prayers.

Following this, as part of our tradition, we invited the students to try bitter tea, a Chinese herbal drink known for its heat-clearing effects. Its taste is the kind that makes you instantly want your friends to try it too.

To conclude the lesson, we visited a traditional seal engraving shop, the last remaining type foundry (鑄字行) in Taiwan. This shop preserves the old printing technique using tiny lead blocks, offering students a rare glimpse into Taiwan’s printing heritage.

On Mondays we partake in a cultural immersion martial arts class from NTU’s Kung fu master. Students learn practical applications of the skills and perform live demonstrations.

The Six Arts—Rites (禮), Music (樂), Archery (射), Charioteering (御), Calligraphy (書), and Mathematics (數)—were not just academic disciplines in ancient China; they were the foundation of education for the 士 class, a social stratum with both military and administrative responsibilities. Those in this class were expected to develop a well-rounded skillset: rites and music cultivated moral integrity and emotional refinement, archery and charioteering honed martial abilities essential for warfare, and calligraphy and mathematics equipped them with the literacy and numerical skills necessary for governance and documentation.

Interestingly, the influence of the Six Arts extended beyond the士class. Rather than being exclusive to a single group, this system played a key role in shaping the broader educated elite of society. Many individuals from the middle and upper classes received Six Arts training, as it was seen as the path to becoming a junzi (君子)—a noble and virtuous person. This comprehensive education system not only prepared individuals for official roles but also reinforced Confucian ideals of self-cultivation and moral excellence.

During our visit to the Taipei Confucius Temple, our students had the rare opportunity to experience these ancient disciplines firsthand. They engaged in interactive activities that brought the Six Arts to life—practicing ceremonial rites, exploring traditional music, and testing their skills in archery and charioteering simulations. They also immersed themselves in calligraphy and mathematical challenges, gaining insight into the scholarly traditions of the past. The visit was further enriched by a performance of the Yi Dance (佾舞), a ritual dance honoring Confucius, and a hands-on session where students wrote blessing couplets (祈福春聯) under the guidance of temple staff. Through this immersive experience, students gained a deeper appreciation for Confucian heritage and the enduring influence of classical education.

Guóhuà (國畫), or traditional Chinese painting, is a timeless art form that embodies the beauty of nature and culture. For centuries, artists have used just a brush and ink to bring landscapes, emotions, and traditions to life. As mountains and rivers took shape on paper, we not only explored our artistic side but also gained a deeper appreciation for the cultural heritage behind this traditional art.