International Students from Six Countries Explore Zuoying Old City Through Bilingual Cultural Tour, Discovering Kaohsiung’s History and Local Heritage
October 28, 2026 — Stepping beyond the classroom and into the heart of history, the Office of International Affairs at the National University of Kaohsiung (NUK) recently organized a bilingual cultural walking tour of Zuoying Old City for international students from six countries: Indonesia, Vietnam, Japan, the Philippines, Myanmar, and India.
Through visits to ancient city walls, historic buildings, and traditional cultural landmarks, students explored Kaohsiung’s rich local heritage. Along the way, they learned about Confucian traditions at the Confucius Temple, the history of Zuoying Old City, and local religious beliefs. The immersive experience encouraged students to discover Taiwan’s history and cultural heritage from diverse cultural perspectives.
Hsing-Ju Lin, Dean of International Affairs at NUK, emphasized that studying in Taiwan involves more than acquiring academic and professional knowledge. Understanding local culture and everyday life is equally important for international students. The Office of International Affairs continues to collaborate with external organizations to provide diverse cultural experiences, encouraging international students to explore Kaohsiung beyond the university campus.
Lin noted that the bilingual walking tour of Zuoying Old City, featuring historic architecture and traditional religious practices, not only deepened students’ understanding of Taiwanese culture but also reflected NUK’s commitment to “local integration of international students and internationalization of the local community.”
The “Zuoying Old City Cultural Walking Tour” was jointly organized by NUK’s Office of International Affairs and Shoushan National Nature Park. Held on October 24, the activity brought together approximately 25 students, faculty members, and staff to visit cultural landmarks including the Zuoying Confucius Temple, the Old City Heritage Trail (Jiancheng Path), and Ciji Temple.
Two bilingual tour guides introduced participants to Zuoying’s historical development, traditional architecture, and folk religious practices. From the Confucian heritage preserved at the Confucius Temple and the historical traces of the old city walls to the close connections between local temples and community life, the tour offered students opportunities to observe how cultural traditions and urban development have evolved across different historical periods.
The walking tour also included a visit to the iconic Dragon and Tiger Pagodas at Lotus Pond, where students experienced the traditional custom of “entering through the dragon’s mouth and exiting through the tiger’s mouth.” Following this symbolic route, participants entered through the dragon’s mouth and emerged from the tiger’s mouth.
The bilingual guides explained that the custom symbolizes welcoming good fortune and warding off misfortune. Through firsthand participation, students from different cultural backgrounds gained a deeper appreciation of Taiwanese folk beliefs and traditional customs while exploring the cultural symbolism and everyday practices that shape local community life.
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