YunTech Leads Students from Five Countries on Sun Moon Lake Cultural Tour

Experiencing Taiwan’s Natural Landscape and Cultural Heritage Through International Exchange

To strengthen campus internationalization and promote cross-cultural exchange, the Office of International Affairs at National Yunlin University of Science and Technology (YunTech) organized a Sun Moon Lake one-day cultural tour on June 6, 2026. The activity was jointly led by Section Chief Chen-Yuan Huang from the Office of International Affairs and Associate Professor Hsin-Lin Chiu from the Department of Mechanical Engineering.

A total of **35 international students and faculty members from five countries—Japan, Pakistan, Vietnam, Indonesia, and the Philippines—**participated in the visit. Through an in-depth guided tour combining land and water transportation, participants experienced the rich natural landscapes and cultural heritage of central Taiwan.

The program was designed as a form of off-campus experiential learning and cultural connection, bringing together Japanese students from departments such as Industrial Management, Mechanical Engineering, and Electronic Engineering, as well as international students from YunTech’s five colleges. The itinerary covered major landmarks including Xiangshan Visitor Center, Shuishe Pier boat tour, Xuanguang Temple, Ita Thao Old Street, and Wenwu Temple, allowing participants to explore Sun Moon Lake from diverse cultural and historical perspectives.

At the Xiangshan Visitor Center, participants were impressed by the architectural design that harmoniously integrates with the surrounding natural environment, sparking enthusiastic discussion and photography. The group then boarded a boat at Shuishe Pier for a lake tour, where professional guides introduced the region’s geographical evolution and local settlement history.

At Xuanguang Temple, Section Chief Chen-Yuan Huang kindly sponsored the group’s tasting of the well-known local specialty, “Grandma’s mushroom tea eggs,” offering participants a memorable culinary experience unique to Sun Moon Lake.

During the lunch break at Ita Thao Old Street, international students explored local cuisine and purchased souvenirs, engaging in lively interactions that naturally fostered friendships across cultures.

In the afternoon, the tour focused on Taiwan’s religious and cultural heritage at the iconic Wenwu Temple. Walking up the monumental stairway, students learned about Taiwanese folk beliefs and architectural symbolism through on-site explanations. The visit also inspired participants to share their own countries’ religious traditions and architectural styles, creating meaningful intercultural dialogue.

Section Chief Chen-Yuan Huang noted that learning for international students should not be confined to classrooms, and that field excursions are essential for understanding Taiwanese society. She emphasized that Sun Moon Lake, with its combination of natural scenery, Indigenous culture, local industries, and religious heritage, serves as a powerful cultural ambassador. Such off-campus experiences help students deepen understanding, foster mutual respect, and enrich the university’s internationalization efforts with greater warmth and real-world connection.

Participating international students expressed strong positive feedback. First-time visitors from Japan and other countries shared that experiencing the lake’s scenery and cultural sites in person was far more impactful than textbooks or photographs. Returning participants also noted that Sun Moon Lake offers different cultural impressions across seasons and visits.

To further extend the impact of the activity, the Office of International Affairs also launched a short-form video competition. This initiative encourages international students to document their field experiences through digital storytelling, using their unique perspectives to showcase Taiwan’s cultural diversity and enhance global visibility through social media engagement—contributing to the broader goal of “showing Taiwan to the world.”

Organizing Unit: Office of International Affairs
Director: Hui-Ching Yeh
Contact Person: Cheng-Yuan Chang
Contact Number: +886-5-534-2601 ext. 2393