On November 29, the Chinese Language Center of Tunghai University led students from the “Jingju × Chinese Workshop” to the National Taichung Theater to enjoy the Beijing Opera production Dreaming of the Red Chamber: Qianlong and Heshen. As the final event of the workshop this semester, the theater visit brought the program to a meaningful and memorable close.
Since the beginning of the course, the workshop has guided international students through a gradual learning process—from introductory Beijing Opera movements and facial makeup culture to linguistic applications and cultural context. Students not only learned related vocabulary in Mandarin but also developed a deeper understanding of the historical significance of traditional Chinese opera.
During the final performance experience, participants were able to connect what they had learned in class with the live theater production. The opera, inspired by Qing dynasty historical figures and cultural elements from Dream of the Red Chamber, combined refined staging with expressive performance techniques. This allowed students to gain a closer look at Beijing Opera’s distinctive vocal style, movement aesthetics, and symbolic stage language. Many remarked that watching a live Beijing Opera performance was the highlight of the entire workshop.
This event also built upon the cultural learning foundation established during last week’s visit to the National Palace Museum in Taipei. As part of the museum’s centennial celebration exhibition, students viewed rare artifacts from the Qianlong era and historical materials related to Dream of the Red Chamber. This experience provided valuable background knowledge that enhanced their understanding and appreciation of the performance.
The Chinese Language Center at Tunghai University is committed to integrating language learning with cultural engagement. Through interdisciplinary course design, we aim to help international students deepen their understanding of Taiwanese and Chinese culture while improving their Mandarin proficiency. This semester’s “Jingju × Chinese Workshop” successfully brought together history, art, and language, concluding with inspiring learning outcomes.
Looking ahead, the Center will continue to develop courses enriched with cultural depth and interactive experiences, supporting students in achieving a more holistic and rewarding language-learning journey.
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