Taiwan Trip
Mandarin students from Year 9 and above embarked on an unforgettable 10-day educational journey.
Over half term, students had the opportunity to use Mandarin in authentic contexts, deepen their understanding of Chinese heritage, and broaden their horizons through cultural immersion in a destination renowned for its rich history, diverse culture, and stunning natural landscapes.
The adventure began in Taipei, at the National Palace Museum, where students admired the jade carvings and recognised familiar Chinese characters on ancient art and historical artefacts, bringing their classroom learning to life. After climbing Elephant Mountain for panoramic views of the city, students travelled to the top of the iconic Taipei 101, learning about its impressive architectural design and the Tuned Mass Damper system that protects the skyscraper from earthquakes and strong winds — a perfect example of science and engineering in harmony with nature. A visit to Yehliu Geopark provided a lesson in geology, where students observed dramatic rock formations shaped by millions of years of natural erosion. Afterwards, they explored Jiufen, a hillside town that once thrived as a gold mining area in the early 20th century; today, its narrow streets and traditional shops offer a glimpse into Taiwan’s past, with stunning mountain and sea views. Students also took part in a Taiwanese cooking class, learning to prepare traditional dishes such as beef noodle soup (牛肉面) and soup dumplings (小笼包).
A key highlight was visiting our sister school, National Overseas Chinese Senior High School 国立华侨中学, a partnership established in 2023. Speaking Mandarin with their Taiwanese peers, our pupils discovered how local education blends tradition and modernity; they also learned that Taiwanese culture has evolved from a mix of Dutch, Spanish, Japanese, and Han influences, and that today’s Taiwan embraces multiculturalism — with students from Thailand, Myanmar, and beyond studying together. Our students joined school clubs such as Roots and Shoots, inspired by Dr Jane Goodall, and Honour Guard Club, gaining fascinating insight into Taiwanese school life.
Exploring the night markets was another cultural highlight, where students sampled popular street snacks and practised their Mandarin. They also enjoyed a traditional tea ceremony, learning about Taiwan’s famous high-mountain teas and the cultural etiquette surrounding tea preparation and appreciation. The journey continued with a bike ride around Sun Moon Lake, a scenic 30km loop celebrated by CNN as one of the world’s most beautiful cycling routes. Students then visited several temples, where they learned about temple etiquette and symbolism — from bowing rituals to incense offerings. Another memorable experience was the visit to Ali Mountain, exploring an area 2,100 metres above sea level with stunning scenery. Students took the small mountain railway and hiked through forests, enjoying the cool mountain air and the sounds of nature.
At Anping Old Fort, a key administrative centre during the Dutch colonial period in the 17th century, students explored Taiwan’s role in global trade and its historical connections with China and the Netherlands. The group also visited the Sicao Mangrove Green Tunnel, drifting along in bamboo rafts and observing mangrove forests teeming with wildlife — from fiddler crabs to egrets — while learning about Taiwan’s environmental conservation efforts.
Throughout the trip, students were encouraged to use Mandarin daily – an immersive experience which greatly enhanced their confidence and cultural understanding. Students from a range of year groups formed new friendships and learned valuable lessons of independence, teamwork and resilience beyond the classroom, inspiring a deeper appreciation for language learning, cultural diversity, and the connections between history, geography, and modern life; they returned with broadened perspectives, unforgettable memories, and renewed enthusiasm for their Mandarin studies.