As part of the Fall 2025 semester, 30 international students from NCCU, including exchange, bachelor, and master's students from various continents such as Europe, Africa, and Asia, participated in the NCCU Culture Trip. This wasn't just another boring tour; it was an adventure through Wanhua District, one of Taipei's oldest and most vibrant neighborhoods. The goal? To dive into Taiwan's rich mix of history, culture, and daily life, all while discovering local gems like the famous Dongshan Shui Market, the historic Longshan Temple, and the lively Ximending streets. Whether it was tasting street food, snapping photos in historical blocks, or simply taking in the sights and sounds, this trip wasn't just a chance to learn about Taiwan, it was a full-on experience.
▲NCCU international students enjoy to explore Xinfu Market
Setting the Stage for Cultural Exploration
Before setting off, Yu-Lin, a representative from NCCU's Office of International Cooperation (OIC), reminded students to stay aware of their surroundings and remain close to the group for safety. "Stay close and look out for one another," he advised, ensuring that the students felt supported and connected as they explored Taiwan's cultural heart.
The connection between the OIC and international students is crucial. The OIC is there to ensure that these students not only gain academic knowledge but also understand and appreciate Taiwan's rich culture. Throughout the trip, OIC staff made sure the students had a safe and engaging experience, whether navigating the streets of Taipei or experiencing the spiritual practices at temples. This guidance helped the students feel at home in a new and unfamiliar place, forging meaningful connections between Taiwan and the world.
▲NCCU international students experiencing the convenience of Taipei's public transportation system.
Throughout the trip, the students also had the opportunity to experience Taiwan's renowned public transportation system, including the Bus and MRT. Guided by OIC NCCU staff, they were encouraged to use public transport as part of their exploration. Many students were amazed by how efficient, clean, affordable, and punctual the system was. As Nils, an exchange student from Germany, shared, "For sure, I was a bit surprised. The public transportation here is really clean, fast, and on time. This is my first time experiencing public transport in Asia, and it's so much better than the subway back home."
Besides the transport, the students had the chance to interact with local people, which gave them a deeper appreciation of Taipei's vibe. They quickly learned how Taiwan fuses modernity with tradition in a way that's both seamless and super cool. The OIC staff was there every step of the way, making sure the students not only stayed on track but also made the most out of their time.
Exploring the Heart of Taiwanese Markets
The first stop on the trip was a guided tour of Xinfu Market, one of Taipei's oldest traditional markets. Opened in 1935, the market was once a bustling community hub but fell into decline during the 1990s. The students got a glimpse into its history, learning how it transformed over time and became part of Taiwan's evolving market culture.
The students marveled at the colorful displays of fresh ingredients and prepared foods. They had the chance to explore local products, such as fragrant teas and fresh vegetables, that are part of the everyday life of Taipei residents. "Markets here are not just places to buy food, they are part of the community," shared Finn Neumeyer, an international student from Germany. "In my city, the market is a central place where farmers bring food like cheese and meat to sell, open for only a few hours each week. It's quieter and less crowded than Taiwan's night markets, which are smaller, more packed, and offer ready-to-eat food. In Germany, we usually buy ingredients to cook at home, which makes the experience quite different from here."
▲NCCU international students enjoy to explore Dongshan Shui Market
The students also sampled traditional Taiwanese snacks like rice cakes filled with red bean or mung bean paste and enjoyed Taiwanese tea. They marveled at the tea's subtle flavors, a refreshing change from the bold teas they were accustomed to back home. One student from the Netherlands exclaimed, "Ohh, I really like the taste. There's peanut inside, and I love this snack!" The group gathered around, eagerly sharing their experience and comparing these traditional Taiwanese treats to the snacks they knew from home. This sensory experience deepened their appreciation for Taiwanese culinary traditions. For some, this food exploration sparked conversations about food cultures back home, creating an informal but powerful cultural exchange.
Exploring Longshan Temple: A Deep Dive into Taiwan's Spiritual Heart
Next on the culture Trip, the students ventured to Longshan Temple, one of Taiwan's oldest and most stunning temples. Nestled in Taipei, this gem is a perfect example of classic Chinese courtyard architecture, complete with a spacious layout featuring the front hall, main hall, and rear hall. The temple, dedicated to Guanyin (the Goddess of Mercy), stands tall with 42 massive stone columns supporting its grand main hall.
But Longshan Temple wasn't just about awe-inspiring architecture, it was a chance for the students to connect with Taiwan's Buddhist culture on a deeper level. One student from the U.S. shared, "I was really amazed when I saw the temple's architecture. Before coming to Taiwan, I had read books about Buddhist culture because I found it really interesting. I even studied some Taiwanese Buddhist figures and learned Mandarin to understand the culture better." He went on, "I hope I can come back later after my exchange, maybe to pursue my master's here at NCCU or find a job after I learn Chinese."
His excitement mirrored that of many other students, who felt a real connection to Taiwan's spiritual heritage. Longshan Temple wasn't just a place to visit, it became a meaningful journey into the heart of the island's culture.
▲Longshan Temple wasn’t just a place to visit, it became a meaningful journey into the heart of the island's culture.
Bopiliao Historical Block: A Time Travel Photo Op for International Students
The international students from NCCU were invited to check out Bopiliao Historical Block, a hidden gem for anyone wanting to dive into Taiwan's history and snag a killer photo while doing it. This place has been around since the early Qing Dynasty, and over the centuries, it's seen everything from the Qing Dynasty to Japanese colonization and the post-World War II era. Located in the former Mengjia district, the architecture is a cool mix of all those influences, making it the perfect place to snap pics while exploring Taiwan's past.
▲A Step Back in Time - NCCU International Students at Bopiliao
The Taipei City government gave Bopiliao a makeover in 2009, and now it's one of the most popular cultural spots in town. With its red-brick walls, arching verandas, and old-school vibe, it's like stepping back in time but with a perfect Instagram backdrop. For the international students, it wasn't just a history lesson, it was also a great excuse to grab a few (okay, maybe more than a few) selfies in front of those gorgeous old buildings.
Yu-Lin pointed out how Bopiliao is a prime example of how Taiwan mixes the old with the new. For the students, it was a chance to learn about Taiwan's cultural roots, make memories, and, of course, get some epic photos along the way.
Ximending: A Vibrant Experience to End the Trip
To close the day, Yu-Lin guided the students into the bustling streets of Ximending, one of Taipei's most iconic districts. He encouraged them to stroll with their new friends, making the final stop both lively and memorable.
For Sonia, a student from Vietnam, this was her first trip abroad, and the energy of Ximending left her amazed. The bright lights, street performers, and endless mix of shops and food stalls felt completely different from what she had experienced at home.
The visit gave everyone a taste of Taiwan's street culture shopping, snacking, and soaking in the atmosphere. By the end of the evening, the group wasn't just full of new impressions of Taipei, but also stronger friendships and shared memories to carry into their semester ahead.
Conclusion: A Memorable Journey into Taiwan's Culture
The NCCU Culture Trip was more than just a sightseeing tour, it was a journey into the heart of Taiwan's culture. From wandering through bustling markets to exploring the rich history of temples and historical blocks, the students were able to experience Taiwan in ways they hadn't imagined. The final stop at Ximending was the perfect way to tie everything together, offering a snapshot of Taiwan's modern street culture and lively atmosphere.
As Nahila, a student from Europe, shared, "This trip was truly memorable. The university guided us so well, providing clear and insightful directions that made the experience unforgettable." This trip wasn't just about sightseeing; it was an eye-opening journey into the beauty and depth of Taiwanese culture, leaving international students with memories and connections they will cherish.
This cultural immersion, was more than just a tour. It was about building connections and understanding Taiwan's rich heritage while forming new friendships along the way. For these international students, the trip was a chance to not only learn about Taiwan but to feel it, live it, and take a piece of it home with them.
▲By the end of the evening, the group wasn't just full of new impressions of Taipei, but also stronger friendships and shared memories to carry into their semester ahead.
