NCHU Hosts the First 2026 NUST International Circular Culture Workshop, Bringing 32 Students to Miaoli for Marble Soda and Indigo Dyeing Experiences
2026-03-19
興新聞張貼者
Unit秘書室
39
Source：Source: Office of International Affairs, NCHU
To promote the National University System of Taiwan (NUST) International Circular Program and enhance students’ understanding of Taiwan’s local culture, distinctive industries, and traditional crafts, National Chung Hsing University (NCHU) held the first NUST International Circular Culture Workshop on March 13, 2026. The one-day program, themed around a Marble Soda Factory Visit and Indigo Dyeing Experience, brought students to distinctive cultural sites in Miaoli. Through industry-based guided tours, hands-on workshops, and inter-university exchange, the event further deepened international students’ understanding of and connection with everyday life and local culture in Taiwan.
A total of 32 students participated in the event, including 27 students from NCHU and 5 students from National Yunlin University of Science and Technology (YunTech). In the morning, the group visited the Dabunei Marble Soda Tourism Factory, where students learned about the history, production process, and cultural significance of Taiwan’s iconic marble soda through guided tours, historical introductions, video viewing, and a DIY activity. The program also included knowledge-sharing sessions, introductions to vintage machinery, and other on-site experiences, allowing students to better understand the characteristics and value of Taiwan’s local industries from the perspectives of industrial development, tourism transformation, and cultural preservation.
In the afternoon, the group traveled to Zhuo Ye Cottage in Sanyi for an indigo dyeing workshop. Indigo dyeing is a symbol of traditional Hakka culture in Taiwan. Using Strobilanthes cusia as the dye source, it was historically used to make durable and practical blue garments that reflected the Hakka people’s hardworking, frugal, and down-to-earth character. Since 2004, Zhuo Ye Cottage, located in the mountainous area of Sanyi, has promoted a natural dyeing workshop by combining plant-based dyeing techniques with contemporary cultural and creative design, developing into a cultural industry site that showcases distinctive Hakka cultural characteristics and refined handcraft aesthetics. Under the guidance of professional instructors, students carried out the processes of tying, dipping, and color development, and completed their own distinctive indigo-dyed works. Through this hands-on experience, they gained a deeper understanding of the cultural value of indigo dyeing, the spirit of craftsmanship, and its connection to local development. After the workshop, students were free to explore the park and further learn how Zhuo Ye Cottage has centered its development on indigo dyeing by gradually integrating indigo cultivation, dye production, craft creation, and experiential activities. Through the combination of park operation, cultural display, and workshop-based learning, the site has developed into a locally distinctive craft space. In addition to learning about Taiwan’s diverse ethnic cultures, students also gained deeper reflection and inspiration regarding cultural preservation and revitalization.
The event focused on local culture, industry-based experience, and hands-on craftsmanship. By participating directly and interacting with students from another university, participants were able to build a deeper and more meaningful understanding of Taiwan through observation, practice, and exchange. Looking ahead, the International Circular Program will continue to organize diverse cultural workshops, industry visits, and exchange activities to provide students with more opportunities to explore Taiwan, understand local culture, and broaden their international perspectives.
To promote the National University System of Taiwan (NUST) International Circular Program and enhance students’ understanding of Taiwan’s local culture, distinctive industries, and traditional crafts, National Chung Hsing University (NCHU) held the first NUST International Circular Culture Workshop on March 13, 2026. The one-day program, themed around a Marble Soda Factory Visit and Indigo Dyeing Experience, brought students to distinctive cultural sites in Miaoli. Through industry-based guided tours, hands-on workshops, and inter-university exchange, the event further deepened international students’ understanding of and connection with everyday life and local culture in Taiwan.
A total of 32 students participated in the event, including 27 students from NCHU and 5 students from National Yunlin University of Science and Technology (YunTech). In the morning, the group visited the Dabunei Marble Soda Tourism Factory, where students learned about the history, production process, and cultural significance of Taiwan’s iconic marble soda through guided tours, historical introductions, video viewing, and a DIY activity. The program also included knowledge-sharing sessions, introductions to vintage machinery, and other on-site experiences, allowing students to better understand the characteristics and value of Taiwan’s local industries from the perspectives of industrial development, tourism transformation, and cultural preservation.
In the afternoon, the group traveled to Zhuo Ye Cottage in Sanyi for an indigo dyeing workshop. Indigo dyeing is a symbol of traditional Hakka culture in Taiwan. Using Strobilanthes cusia as the dye source, it was historically used to make durable and practical blue garments that reflected the Hakka people’s hardworking, frugal, and down-to-earth character. Since 2004, Zhuo Ye Cottage, located in the mountainous area of Sanyi, has promoted a natural dyeing workshop by combining plant-based dyeing techniques with contemporary cultural and creative design, developing into a cultural industry site that showcases distinctive Hakka cultural characteristics and refined handcraft aesthetics. Under the guidance of professional instructors, students carried out the processes of tying, dipping, and color development, and completed their own distinctive indigo-dyed works. Through this hands-on experience, they gained a deeper understanding of the cultural value of indigo dyeing, the spirit of craftsmanship, and its connection to local development. After the workshop, students were free to explore the park and further learn how Zhuo Ye Cottage has centered its development on indigo dyeing by gradually integrating indigo cultivation, dye production, craft creation, and experiential activities. Through the combination of park operation, cultural display, and workshop-based learning, the site has developed into a locally distinctive craft space. In addition to learning about Taiwan’s diverse ethnic cultures, students also gained deeper reflection and inspiration regarding cultural preservation and revitalization.
The event focused on local culture, industry-based experience, and hands-on craftsmanship. By participating directly and interacting with students from another university, participants were able to build a deeper and more meaningful understanding of Taiwan through observation, practice, and exchange. Looking ahead, the International Circular Program will continue to organize diverse cultural workshops, industry visits, and exchange activities to provide students with more opportunities to explore Taiwan, understand local culture, and broaden their international perspectives.
Students take part in a marble soda DIY activity at the Dabunei Marble Soda Tourism Factory.
Students practice the indigo dyeing process during the workshop at Zhuo Ye Cottage.
