This year’s autumn term was especially memorable for us. This time, we weren’t just staying in the classroom to learn a language and talk about culture — we truly stepped outside the campus, walked into the soil and traditions of Taiwan, and visited the Chiou-Tian Folk Arts Group located on Dadu Mountain.
During the face-painting experience for the “Guardian Generals,” students picked up brushes and carefully traced every line and stroke of color. As the brush touched the paper, from the initial blank canvas to its gradual completion, every student’s expression became more focused and serene. Someone sighed, saying, “It turns out that painting a face is not just an art — it’s a kind of spiritual practice.” Some painted with meticulous caution, while others let their creativity flow boldly. With each stroke, they weren’t merely painting a mask — they were touching a piece of history, a force of faith. Behind every face lies a story of protection, and an expression of reverence toward heaven, earth, and the human spirit.
As each layer of paint built upon the last, it was not only about portraying an image — it was also a search for one’s place within a culture.
The Chiou-Tian Folk Arts Group is one of Taiwan’s most iconic performing arts troupes, renowned for blending religious beliefs, traditional folk rituals, and modern stage artistry. For students from different countries, this was more than just a cultural lesson — it was a profound experience that crossed both language and national boundaries.
In addition to face-painting, students also tried their hands at the battle drums. At first, the beats were loose and the rhythm uneven; but with repeated practice, the drumming became tight and powerful. That moment of unified resonance stirred everyone’s blood and spirit.
For the students, the battle drums were not merely an auditory shock — they were a cultural symbol. They not only heard the strength of Taiwanese culture, but in the returning rhythms, they struck out their own personal understanding of culture.
Event highlight video: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/mng5lCxWWxU
