The Mainland Affairs Council of the Republic of China (Taiwan) and the Taiwan-Hong Kong Economic and Cultural Cooperation Advancement Association held the “2024 Study Tour: Hong Kong and Macau Students’ Historical and Cultural Experience Camp” on October 26 and 27. The event aimed to lead 20 students from major universities in Hong Kong and Macau to visit distinctive attractions in Yunlin and Chiayi, allowing them to gain a deeper understanding of Taiwan’s rich and diverse history and culture.
During the camp, Director Tsai Meng-Chieh from the MAC Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Division, along with colleagues from the cooperation association, participated in the activities and interacted with the students from Hong Kong and Macau. He highlighted Taiwan’s society, known for its freedom, democracy, and openness, as well as its rich cultural diversity and inclusivity. Director Tsai encouraged students to engage in various activities, experience different cultures, appreciate the beauty of Taiwan’s humanities and nature, make new friends, broaden their horizons, and even consider Taiwan as a second home after graduation to inject new vitality into Taiwanese society.
The camp itinerary included visits to the Yunlin Story House, Yong Tsui Pavilion, Huwei Iron Bridge, Budai Fishing Harbor, and the National Palace Museum Southern Branch. Many students, experiencing Yunlin and Chiayi for the first time, were filled with curiosity and left deep impressions of the historical and cultural sites visited.
A student from Hong Kong studying at Shih Hsin University, Wang, praised the storytelling approach of the guides at the Yunlin Story House, where they introduced the historical stories, grassroots culture, and unique products of various townships in an engaging manner, leaving a lasting impression.
Another student from Macau, studying at National Chengchi University, Lin, shared how the historical Japanese architecture revitalization and local cultural creative products at the Yunlin Story House and Yong Tsui Pavilion reminded him of his hometown. He noted similarities with Macau, where apart from Portuguese egg tarts, there are also many Portuguese-style historical buildings, creating a distinct ambiance. Some students expressed their fruitful experiences during the camp, appreciating the care shown by the Taiwanese government to Hong Kong and Macau students, and expressing hope for future participation in other activities.
Director Tsai mentioned that the MAC and the cooperation association will continue to organize various activities such as “Taiwan Graduation Stay Points Evaluation Lecture for Hong Kong and Macau Students,” “Hong Kong and Macau Students Entrepreneurship Symposium,” and “Taiwan-Hong Kong-Macau Students Career Launch Training Camp” to assist Hong Kong and Macau students in integrating into Taiwanese society and preparing for staying in Taiwan.
Furthermore, Director Tsai introduced several upcoming activities by the MAC and the association, including the “Good Friends Hong Kong Festival” market at the Huashan 1914 Creative Park in Taipei on November 2 and 3, the “Taiwan Graduation Stay Points Evaluation Lecture for Hong Kong and Macau Students” at Sun Yat-sen University on November 15, and the “Residence and Settlement Symposium for Caring for People from Hong Kong and Macau” in Taoyuan City on December 13, welcoming active participation from residents of Hong Kong and Macau in Taiwan.