《111-2 SA》Exploring Taiwan's Culture: Field Trip to Jiu Zhen Nan

On March 17th, the Student Association embarked on a cultural exploration by organizing a field trip to Jiu Zhen Nan Pastry Cultural Concept Store for students enrolled in international programs. Founded in 1890, Jiu Zhen Nan has been devoted to handcrafting luxury Han Pastry for over 130 years. Beginning as a humble one-store bakery, today it has become a household name across Taiwan, associated with celebrating life’s cherished moments. The field trip to Jiu Zhen Nan was a valuable experience for students to learn more about the culture and tradition of Taiwan, especially the Han Pastry.

The field trip started with a warm welcome speech from Jiu Zhen Nan’s staff, and the students were given aprons to ensure they would have a relaxing time making pineapple cakes. Students were then divided into two groups, each accompanied by an experienced chef of Jiu Zhen Nan, who demonstrated the art of blending ingredients to create the perfect pastry crust. Each participant crafted six pineapple cakes under the watchful guidance of the chefs, making the experience both educational and enjoyable.

After finishing making the cakes, students had the opportunity to go on a tour of Jiu Zhen Nan with a guide. They learned more about different types of molds and their origins and stories. Everyone was amazed by the detailed work of the baker. The tour guide also introduced traditional weddings and shared how in olden times, often brides only met the grooms for the first time during their wedding. Grooms gave gifts to brides to express their happiness, and each gift encompassed a distinctive meaning. The tour guide conveyed facts about history in a lively way, which was unforgettable for students.

Moving from the past to the present, students gained insights into modern Taiwanese culture, particularly the evolving expressions of love in the digital age. With the development of science and technology, humans now convey their love using the Internet and other digital methods. Jiu Zhen Nan also has developed a special system for providing advice in their future relationship with their partners. Before tasting their self-made pineapple cakes, students engaged with this system and penned down wishes within the store. Students seemed to have a lot of fun and enjoyed their cakes immensely.

As the field trip concluded, the Student Association extended heartfelt thanks to the Jiu Zhen Nan staff and the students for making the day a resounding success. The students not only had a delightful time but also gained invaluable knowledge about Taiwan's rich heritage and culture. It was a remarkable memory for students’ journey in the school.