By Han Pham
Are you new to Taiwan and eager to experience its rich culture and history? For a group of international students at NCCU, the cultural trip to Dadaocheng on February 13, 2025, was more than just sightseeing—it was an immersive journey through time, tradition, and taste.
Organized by the Office of International Cooperation (OIC), this trip brought together students from diverse backgrounds to explore one of Taipei’s oldest districts, where the past and present blend seamlessly. From navigating the city’s bustling transit system to savoring local delicacies and engaging with Taiwan’s cultural heritage, the experience left a lasting impression on all who participated.
The Journey Begins: Navigating Taipei
For newcomers to NCCU during their first week, the adventure began long before they arrived in Dadaocheng. Navigating Taipei’s public transportation for the first time was both a challenge and an opportunity for discovery. Although the journey to Dadaocheng took about an hour, time flew by with new friends by their side. Conversations and laughter turned an unfamiliar commute into an enjoyable bonding experience.
The OIC staff ensured that no one got lost, carefully keeping track of the group while assisting students in navigating the routes. He demonstrated how to use the IC Card for public transportation and top it up at MRT stations. With a friendly reminder, he emphasized, "Make sure to swipe your card both in and out when getting on and off the bus to avoid any issues." His guidance made the entire process smoother, and the group soon enjoyed their adventure through Taipei's public transit system with ease.
▲New experiences, new friendships—students bond while navigating Taipei’s public transportation.
Arriving at Dihua Street: Bitter Tea and Textile Treasures on Dihua Street
Entering Dihua Street felt like stepping into a living museum. Located in Taipei’s historic Datong District, It is notable for its well-preserved architecture, traditional medicine shops, tea houses, and fabric stores, which create the ideal setting for cultural exploration. The area is especially famous for its Lunar New Year market, where locals gather to buy festive goods. With its lively atmosphere, Dihua Street provides a perfect glimpse into Taiwanese culture and tradition, making it a vibrant destination for locals and tourists.
When the group arrived, they immediately felt the pulse of the district. After taking a group photo to capture the moment, surrounded by the historical buildings and the bustling market atmosphere, the group’s first stop was a taste of Taiwan’s traditional bitter tea—a medicinal brew deeply rooted in local culture. As students took their first cautious sips, their reactions varied—some winced at the intense bitterness, while others embraced it with curiosity. The experience sparked lively conversation, with students exchanging thoughts on the unique taste and learning about the cultural significance of herbal remedies.
▲ A taste of tradition! Students try Taiwan’s famous bitter tea for the first time—reactions vary!
After the tea tasting, the group ventured into Yongle Market, the heart of Taipei's textile industry. Established in 1908, this market has long been a cornerstone of Dadaocheng's commercial landscape. The market is thoughtfully organized across multiple floors, each dedicated to different aspects of trade:
As the students explored the second floor, they were immediately drawn to the textiles' intricate patterns and vibrant colors. The fabric market, a testament to Dihua Street's commercial past, sparked a sense of curiosity in the students, who gained a deeper understanding of how Taiwan’s commercial history continues to influence the local culture today. While exploring, the students also learned about Taiwan’s thriving fashion and tailoring scene. Yongle Market is home to skilled tailors who transform raw fabric into custom-made garments, reflecting the deep-rooted artistry that has flourished in Dadaocheng for over a century.
Pic: Surrounded by colors and textures—John (right) explores the unexpecting trip.
Danish international student Jonathan Hybel Hay was deeply surprised by this little trip. He smiled and said, "Originally we had no special expectations for the trip, but our tour guide was amazing, took very good care of everyone and made us just chill and have a great time."
A Cultural Dive: Taipei Puppet Museum and Religious Traditions
The journey continued at the Taipei Puppet Museum, where students were introduced to one of Taiwan’s oldest performing arts. Intricately crafted puppets and elaborate stage setups brought history to life, revealing the deep cultural significance of this traditional art form. Puppetry has been an essential part of Taiwanese culture for centuries, and the museum provides an in-depth exploration of this art form. It showcases a collection of finely crafted puppets and performances. The students were fascinated by the detailed craftsmanship of the puppets and actively engaged in learning about the stories and characters behind them.
▲Embracing local traditions—NCCU students learn how to pray for love and good fortune at Xia Hai City God Temple.
The group continued their journey from the museum by visiting Xia Hai City God Temple, an iconic local religious site dedicated to the City God. This temple is an essential part of Taipei's spiritual landscape. With guidance from their tour leader, international students had the opportunity to participate in traditional rituals, offering incense and prayers for blessings. French exchange student Anna-Moon Rigede (黎月安) found the experience particularly meaningful. “I’ve learned so much about Taiwan’s historic buildings and traditions,” she shared. “It’s been such a fun and eye-opening experience.”
▲Capturing blessings and memories—Anna (left) and her friend snap a selfie outside Xia Hai City God Temple!
At the temple, students also learned about the role of the City God in Taiwanese folk religion. The temple is recognized as a place where people pray for love and good relationships, making it especially popular among young visitors.
A Flavorful Finale: Ningxia Night Market
As the sun began to set, the group made their way to the final destination of the day: Ningxia Night Market, a paradise for street food lovers. The night market is a staple of Taiwanese street food culture, offering everything from oyster omelets to taro balls and bubble tea. It’s a place where locals and tourists alike come together to indulge in the rich flavors of Taiwan’s culinary traditions.
The group eagerly dove into the variety of street food, sampling everything they could. Some students were adventurous, trying delicacies they had never tasted before, while others stuck to familiar favorites. Regardless of their preferences, everyone enjoyed the vibrant atmosphere of the market, with laughter and conversation filling the air.
▲A delicious end to the journey—students dive into Taiwanese street food at Ningxia Night Market.
Some students stepped outside their culinary comfort zones, including Thi, an exchange student from America, who decided to try stinky tofu for the first time. “I can’t leave Taiwan without trying this at least once! And honestly, it’s not that bad—actually, it’s pretty delicious!” she said with a smile.
Building Connections and Cherishing Memories
As the trip came to a close, the students returned to NCCU with more than just souvenirs. They carried with them newfound friendships, an enriched understanding of Taiwanese culture, and memories of a day filled with laughter, learning, and adventure. The trip to Dadaocheng was more than just a sightseeing tour—it was an opportunity to connect with Taiwan’s living history, embrace new experiences, and form lasting bonds with peers from all over the world.
Reflecting on the experience, many students expressed how the trip broadened their understanding of Taiwan beyond the university campus. “I feel like I understand Taiwan so much better now,” Misato from Japan, remarked. “It’s not just about the places— It’s all about the people, the food, and the stories that bring it all together.”
▲Soaking in the culture—Misato from Japan (right) enjoys every moment of the Dihua Street adventure!
The experience reminded the students that travel isn’t just about visiting new places—it’s about immersing yourself in the culture, learning from those around you, and appreciating the unique aspects of every destination. For the international students of NCCU, the trip to Dadaocheng was a perfect introduction to Taiwan, leaving them with a deeper appreciation for the country’s rich traditions and vibrant community.
As they returned to their studies at NCCU, they knew that their connection to Taiwan had just begun—and that there were many more adventures ahead.
And for those who missed this trip, one thing is sure: Taiwan’s next adventure awaits.
▲Smiles, culture, and new friendships—NCCU international students capture a memorable moment during their Dihua Street adventure!"
