Calendar

Join Dory for a hike in the rocky, wooded hills above Beitou and Wellington Heights following a network of trails with which connect the well-known landmarks of Battleship Rock (or 'Dog's Head Rock') and the unique Lovers' Temple. The highest point is only 164 meters, but from a large rocky area you can sit and enjoy commanding views of Guanyinshan and the Tamsui River. The route finishes at the Xinbeitou MRT with a short visit to one of Taipei's most unusual tourist attractions—the amazing Thermal Valley, a large natural pool of near-boiling hot spring water. This hike has some stairs, dirt trails and one rocky area with ropes to help you climb up. The hike is about 6K with a 340M elevation change. Possibly strenuous for beginners, moderately strenuousfor experienced hikers, we recommend a reasonable level of fitness for this hike. Please wear proper footwear—shoes with a good grip are best. Bring water, lunch and sun/rain protection as needed.

Instructor: Dory Chung

Dependingon the activity, online registration closes between 3-5 days before an activity begins. After thistime, please contact the Center directly to see if spaces remain available.
 

Bamboo steamers, most often associated with dumplings and buns, are a fantastic cooking tool that will allow you to prepare healthy meals for your family using only one pan. If you’ve never used one before, here’s your chance to discover a whole new method for preparing healthy and delicious meals. Ivy will use fish, pork, beef and pumpkin to create a complete meal.

Instructor: Ivy Chen

Online pre-registration closesthe Monday before the cooking class begins!
If you are interested in the class after this deadline, please contact The Center.

This course continues our Survival Chinese series and covers advanced vocabulary and sentence patterns as well as conversational practice. Prerequisites: Survival Chinese I and II or completed approximately 40 hours of language instruction. Course materials included.

Class meets on January 12,17, 19, 24, 26; February 7, 9, 14, 16, 21, 23; March 2, 7, 9. No class on January 31; February 2, 28.

Instructor: Gloria Gwo

Online registration closes on the day of this class!
If you are interested in the class after this deadline, please contact The Center.

Would you like to be able to communicate with shopkeepers, taxi drivers and co-workers? Whether you've just arrived in Taiwan or have been here awhile, this is the class for you. Learn spoken Mandarin in a relaxed and informal environment right here at The Center. Course materials included.

Class meets on January 12, 17, 19, 24, 26; February 7, 9, 14, 16, 21, 23; March 2, 7, 9. No class on January 31; February 2, 28.

Instructor: Gloria Gwo

Online registration closes on the day of this class!
If you are interested in the class after this deadline, pleasecontact The Center.

This course builds upon the skills learned in Survival Chinese I and offers approximately 20 hours of language instruction for people who would like to upgrade their basic skills and go one step further with Mandarin. This class is also suitable for anyone who has taken some basic Chinese lessons and would like to continue with his or her studies. Course materials included.

Class meets on January 12, 17, 19, 24, 26; February 7, 9, 14, 16, 21, 23; March 2, 7, 9. No class on January 31; February 2, 28.

Instructor: GloriaGwo

Online registration closes on the day ofthis class!
If you are interested in the class after this deadline, please contact The Center.

This course continues our Survival Chinese series and covers advanced vocabulary and sentence patterns as well as conversational practice. Prerequisites: Survival Chinese I and II or completed approximately 40 hours of language instruction. Course materials included.

Class meets on January 12,17, 19, 24, 26; February 7, 9, 14, 16, 21, 23; March 2, 7, 9. No class on January 31; February 2, 28.

Instructor: Gloria Gwo

Online registration closes on the day of this class!
If you are interested in the class after this deadline, please contact The Center.

Would you like to be able to communicate with shopkeepers, taxi drivers and co-workers? Whether you've just arrived in Taiwan or have been here awhile, this is the class for you. Learn spoken Mandarin in a relaxed and informal environment right here at The Center. Course materials included.

Class meets on January 12, 17, 19, 24, 26; February 7, 9, 14, 16, 21, 23; March 2, 7, 9. No class on January 31; February 2, 28.

Instructor: Gloria Gwo

Online registration closes on the day of this class!
If you are interested in the class after this deadline, pleasecontact The Center.

This full semester class is for those more advanced students who wish to continue building upon their Chinese conversation skills and learn new vocabulary to enhance their ability to communicate. Thisclass will use recorded materials and focus on a variety of topics and social situations. Whether you have studied Chinese at the Center or elsewhere, this may be just the right class for you to continue practicing your conversation skills. Course materials included.

Class meets on January 14, 18, 21, 25, 28: February 8, 11, 15, 18, 22, 25; March 1, 4, 8, 11, 15, 18, 22, 29; April 1, 19, 22, 26, 29; May 3, 6, 10, 13, 17, 20. No class on February 1, 4; March 25; April 5, 8, 12, 15.

Instructor: Gloria Gwo

Online registration closes on the day of this class!
If you are interested in the classafter this deadline, please contact The Center.

This full-semester class is a continuation of our Fall 2021 writing program. In this class youwill continue to learn about the root of each character and how the characters are built. As you progress in your studies you will discover that learning Chinese characters actually helps you to improve your understanding of the spoken language. Prerequisites: completion of our Beginning Chinese Study Group I class or an equivalent Chinese writtenlanguage program. Course books to be purchased atan additional cost.

Class meets on January 14, 18, 21, 25, 28: February 8, 11, 15, 18,22, 25; March 1, 4, 8, 11, 15, 18, 22, 29; April 1, 19, 22, 26, 29; May 3, 6, 10,13, 17, 20. No class on February 1, 4; March 25; April 5, 8, 12, 15.

Instructor: Gloria Gwo

Online registration closes on the day of this class!
If you are interested in the class after this deadline, please contact The Center.

This full semester class is for those students whohave completed the Center's Survival Chineseseries (or other similar program) and wish to continue building upon their Chinese conversation skills and learn new vocabulary to enhance their ability to communicate. This class will use recorded materials and focus on a variety of topics and social situations. Whether or not you have studied Chinese at the Center or elsewhere, this may be justthe right class for you to continue practicing your conversation skills. Course materials included.

Class meets on January 14, 18, 21, 25, 28: February 8, 11, 15, 18, 22, 25; March 1,4, 8, 11, 15, 18, 22, 29; April 1, 19, 22, 26, 29; May 3, 6, 10, 13, 17, 20. No class on February 1, 4; March 25; April 5, 8, 12, 15.

Instructor: Gloria Gwo

Online registration closes on the day of this class!
If you are interested in the class after this deadline, please contact The Center.

It's time to explore the hills above Neihu a little further. We will take a short taxi ride from Neihu MRT to Bishan Camping area where the hike begins. After traversing some of the Daluntoushan trails which offer gorgeous forest scenery, we will walk mainly downhill along stone steps and forest trails, making our way over to Jinmianshan. AtScissor Rock we will stop for some photos, then continue down on a path that offers lovely views of Taipei. The hike concludes with a warm-down citywalk to Gangqian MRT. This is a moderate hike. Wear sturdy shoes with a good grip and bring lunch,water, rain/sun/insect protection and small change for shared taxi fares to the trail head.

Instructor: Jennifer Turek

Depending on the activity, online registration closes between 3-5 days before an activity begins. After this time, please contact the Center directly to see if spaces remain available.
 

Decorating your home is an important part of LunarNew Year preparations! Do this in a fun and rewarding way by making an embroidered new year wall decoration. Your instructor, Kara Wall, will teachyou how to do basic hand embroidery while guidingyou through the process of making a one-of-a-kindLunar New Year keepsake. This festive class is sure to get you in the holiday spirit!

Instructor: Kara Wall

Online registration closes 5 days before an activity begins!
If you are interested in the class after this deadline, please contact The Center.

Join Ivy to bring wealth, health and prosperity to your home during the Lunar New Year season. Ivy will share some of her favorite traditional Taiwanese dishes that when served together become part of a Lunar New Year's Feast. Not onlywill she teach you how to make these tasty local dishes, she will also explain why you would want to serve them on your New Year's dinner table. On the menu are a Seafood and Tofu Soup with Shrimp, Clams and Squid (dòufu hǎixiān gēng), Baked Spiced Pork (xián zhūròu), Mustard Greens (also known as the longevityvegetable) with Enoki Mushrooms, Egg and Goji Berries (chángnián cài) and Steamed Prosperous Cake (fāgāo) made with rice and cake flour.

Instructor: Ivy Chen

Online registration closes the Monday before the cooking class begins!
If you are interested in the class after this deadline, please contact The Center.

Paper cutting, or jianzhi (剪紙), originated in China around the sixth century AD and possibly as early as the second century when paper was firstinvented. Mostly done by women, this folk art was traditionally used to decorate people's homes for special occasions and festivals. Red is themost commonly used color indicating good luck andprosperity. Also known as chuanghua (窗花), which means "window flower," they are often hung on windows, door and mirrors. Join Nancy for this fun class to learn the ancient art of paper cutting and create some beautiful cuttings just in time to decorate your home for the Lunar NewYear.

Instructor: Nancy Liu

Online registration closes 5 days before an activity begins!
If you are interested in the class after this deadline, please contact The Center.

Macy's at Christmas. Harrods at Easter. DihuaStreet at Lunar New Year! Join Ivy for our annualtour of the famous Dihua Street Lunar New Year market and enjoy the sights, sounds and tastes of the holiday. Learn about the traditions of the holiday and the reason why certain foods should be eaten to ensure your health, wealth and luck in the New Year. Be a local, get in the spirit, sample some goodies and shop for traditional holiday decorations and souvenirs. Wear comfortable walking shoes. Please note: Taiwan government regulations/recommendations for Covid-19 could affect the natureof this tour, and the traditional market may notrun like before. As long as conditions are safe,we will run this tour regardless of the market's status with Ivy still teaching you about holiday foods and traditions while visiting this iconic neighborhood.

Instructor: Ivy Chen

Depending on the activity, online registration closes between 3-5 days before an activity begins. After this time, please contact the Center directly to see if spaces remain available.
 

Zumba Gold is a fun-filled, Latin-inspired dance class with music from all over the world. It is ideal for adults of all ages desiring a lower impactexercise class, as it's easy to follow and no experience is needed. The class takes place on a padded floor so you dance barefoot or with socks. Come and join Becky for an exercise class which will make you smile and give you a happy feeling that lasts all day.

Class meets on February 9, 16, 23; March 2, 9, 16.

Instructor: Becky Panduro

Online registration closes 5 daysbefore an activity begins!
If you are interested in this activity after this deadline, please contact The Center.

Indian food is always a favorite at the Center so we are very happy to welcome back Vaishali, who will teach us how to prepare a delicious Indian meal. On the menu are some popular dishes: Vegetable Pakora to start; Chole Bhature (chickpeacurry) with plain flour bread, as our main course; and Kheer (milk and rice pudding) for dessert.Plenty to make your mouth water!

Instructor:Vaishaili Meghnani

Online registration closes the Monday before the cooking class begins!
Ifyou are interested in the class after this deadline, please contact The Center.

This is Elephant Mountain but not as you know it! The hike begins with a walk through Fuyang Eco Park up to Fujhoushan. We then join the Taipei Grand Trail which will take us over Zhongpushan with some great views of Taipei. Walking up through a bamboo grove to the top of the Tiaomi historic trail,we will walk along the ridge to Muzhishan. Here we can enjoy panoramic 360 degree views of Taipei and the surrounding mountains. The trails, mostly along well-used dirt paths or steps, are usually full of life and you can often spot magpies, eagles, barbets, spiders, and lizards. We can watchthe sunset from here and then make our way down the mountain in the twilight to Six Rocks, the famous photo-taking spot on Elephant Mountain for some great night views of the city. It's quite astrenuous hike of about 8 km and you do need to be prepared for uphill stretches. However, once wefinish at Xiangshan MRT station, you're well-placed to reward yourself with a drink or dinnernear the Taipei 101! Wear sturdy shoes with good grip; bring a flashlight, water, snacks and rain/sun/insect protection as needed. 

Instructor: Lucy Torres

Depending on the activity, online registration closes between 3-5 days before an activity begins. After this time, please contact the Center directly to see if spaces remain available.
 

The secret to a healthy body is joint mobility and not muscle flexibility or strength. The ability of our joints to move freely keeps the body flexible and pain free. This program will teach you basic joint mobility exercises that you can dodaily to improve your health. It is suitable for all fitness levels, but especially beneficial forpeople who may not be exercising enough due to body pain or other physical limitations. The instructor will help participants to adapt the various exercises to their needs. Wear loose comfortable clothing to class.

Class meets on February 14, 21; March 7, 14, 21, 28. No class on February 28.

Instructor: Yin Yin Wang

Online registration closes 5 days before an activity begins!
If you are interested in this activity after this deadline, please contact The Center.

This course is for adult learners who already havesome knowledge of English, and who are looking to improve their conversational skills. This fun and interactive class will help you to feel more confident speaking English in a natural, conversational environment. Join Maurice for real, everyday chats about what is happening around you. Various topics, guided by student interests, will be covered.

Class meets on February 16, 23; March2, 9, 16, 23.

Instructor: Maurice Harrington

Online registration closes 5 days beforean activity begins!
If you are interested in the class after this deadline, please contact The Center.

"Gouyinqin” in Taiwanese means “a sleeping dog." This trail gets its name from the landscape, which is quite flat and lookslike a dog that is lying on its stomach. From theJiantan MRT Station, we will take a bus out to the trailhead, about a 40-minute ride. The hike itself has three distinct parts. First, we will hike through a bamboo forest. There are some stairs in this section. With good lighting, the green bamboo is stunning. The second part is along a small canal. The third and last part brings us to YangdeBlvd, where we will catch a bus back to either the Jiantan or Shilin MRT Station. This is a moderate hike, about 5km with about 250 meters ascending and 500 meters descending. The trail is mostly paved, suitable for regular and less-experienced hikers. Wear proper hiking shoes. Bring your EasyCard, water, lunch and sun/rain protection.

Instructor: Dory Chung

Depending on the activity, online registration closes between 3-5 days before an activity begins. After this time, please contact the Center directly to see if spaces remain available.
 

Do you love the smell of freshly baked bread? Here's your chance to learn how to make it at home. Hope will show you how to make Focaccia and you can choose your own flavours for your loaf. She'll also demonstrate how to make Dinner Rolls. You'll get to try the freshly baked bread and take home a dough ready to bake for dinner.

Instructor: Hope Zhang

Online registration closes the Monday before the cooking class begins!
If you are interested in the class afterthis deadline, please contact The Center.

Join Derek for a city walking tour that includes portions of both the Datong and Zhongshan Districtsof Taipei. Our first stop will be Bao An Gong, aTaoist temple dedicated to the Chinese god of medicine, Lord Baosheng. It is a recipient of a UNESCO Asia-Pacific Cultural Heritage Conservation Award for both its restoration and its revival of temple rites and festivities. Right across the streetis the Confucius Temple, uniquely decorated withsouthern Fujian-style ceramics, which serves as a center for Confucian study in Taipei. Both beautiful temples are must-sees in Taipei. From the temple area we will stroll over to the Taipei Expo Park, built to host the 2010 Taipei Flora Expo. Today, the park is home to MAJI Square, where you will find a selection of restaurants, street market food stalls, a creative goods market, a specialty grocery store, a craft beer bar, and a nightclub all housed under an open-air roof. Our final stop will be the Taipei Fine Arts Museum, the first museum in Taiwan built for contemporary art exhibitions. The tour will end after a brief introduction to the Museum. We highly recommend you plan to stay on afterwards to further explore the exhibitions on your own. Entrance fee to the Museum is included.

Instructor: Derek Wang

Depending on the activity, online registration closes between 3-5 days before an activity begins. After this time, please contact the Center directlyto see if spaces remain available.
 

A healthy and flexible spine is a direct reflection of our body's aging process. It indicates how energy flows through different parts of the body. Yoga brings strength, flexibility, and tone to the body. It can open the hamstrings, shoulders, and chest. Understanding our body helps create health, emotional stability, and happiness. Regular practice helps to ease tensions and lubricate the joints. Full range body motion brings spinal health and stretches the chakras (energy points of the body). Chakras are interconnected along the spine and correspond to various parts of the body. Deep work within the physical body touches our chakras. In each session we will practice sun salutations and asanas, combined with breathing exercisesand mindfulness meditation. Please prepare a yogamat, water bottle, and towel for class. The class is open to all. Once registered, students willbe provided with instructions on how to join thisonline class.

Class dates: February 22; March 1, 8, 15, 22, 29.

Instructor: Carol Hsu

Online registration closes 5 days before an activity begins!
If you are interested in thisactivity after this deadline, please contact TheCenter.

Join the Center for an introductory tour of the National Palace Museum (NPM). Led by Margaret Lo, aseasoned NPM Docent and Guide, this tour will cover a brief history of the NPM and some highlightsof the Museum's collections. We will start from the first floor, walk through the galleries of permanent exhibitions and end on the third floor. The tour will focus on about 25 pieces, including the Qianlong Emperor's Curio Boxes, the Buddhist Sculpture from the Northern Wei Period, ceramics from the Song Dynasty, enamel-painted porcelain, bronzes (food and wine vessels), jades,and some calligraphy and paintings. Tour participants will come away with a general understanding of how to appreciate the different materials used and their cultural significance. Entrance to the NPM and headset rental included. We recommend staying after the tour to visit other areas of the Museum at your leisure.

Instructor: Margaret Lo

Depending on the activity, online registrationcloses between 3-5 days before an activity begins. After this time, please contact the Center directly to see if spaces remain available.
 

A healthy and flexible spine is a direct reflection of our body's aging process. It indicates how energy flows through different parts of the body. Yoga brings strength, flexibility, and tone to the body. It can open the hamstrings, shoulders, and chest. Understanding our body helps create health, emotional stability, and happiness. Regular practice helps to ease tensions and lubricate the joints. Full range body motion brings spinal health and stretches the chakras (energy points of the body). Chakras are interconnected along the spine and correspond to various parts of the body. Deep work within the physical body touches our chakras. In each session we will practice sun salutations and asanas, combined with breathing exercisesand mindfulness meditation. Please prepare a yogamat, water bottle, and towel for class. The class is open to all. Once registered, students willbe provided with instructions on how to join thisonline class.

Class dates: February 23; March 2, 9, 16, 23, 30.

Instructor: Carol Hsu

Online registration closes 5 days before an activity begins!
If you are interested in thisactivity after this deadline, please contact TheCenter.

Bored with your usual lunch of sandwiches or salads? How about a spot of fishing so you can eat yourown fresh catch of the day? Join Heather for the truly Taiwanese experience of shrimp fishing! She will show you how to set the bait and catch the critters. Then you can enjoy a delicious lunch with your fellow shrimp-catching friends. Price includes equipment rental and all the shrimp you can catch. Additional dishes and drinks at your own cost. This tour ends at the restaurant. We will organizeshared taxis to get everyone home or back to the MRT. Bring your EasyCard for the bus to the restaurant and small change for shared taxis back.

Instructor: Heather Lowder

Depending on the activity, online registration closes between 3-5 days before an activity begins. After this time, please contact the Center directly to see ifspaces remain available.
 

When many of us think of snack foods, wemight find ourselves at odds with what a Taiwanese friend or officemate may have in mind. In this class, Ivy will introduce us to a couple of her favorite "snacks" from her hometown of Tainan: Danzai Noodle Soup and Oyster Omelets, both popular at food courts, street and night markets. Danzai noodles were originally sold by local Tainan fishermen, sometimes carried on shoulder poles, during the slow seasons when bad weather madefishing too dangerous. What makes these deliciousnoodles a snack instead of an entrée, isthe smaller portion that one is served. To round out our snacking experience, Ivy will also treat you to her version of Sweet Ice Cream Spring Rolls, which you can find in places like the waterfront near Guandu Temple and many outdoor family venues.

Instructor: Ivy Chen

Online registration closes the Monday before the cooking class begins!
If you are interested in the class after this deadline, please contact The Center.

Silver Stream Cave is a tiny temple built into a cliff face behind a tall waterfall in the hills around Xindian. After taking a bus from the MRT to the trail head, this hike starts by climbing up to the temple and passes right behind the waterfall offering magnificent views through the water and out over the hills below. From the temple we will hike up to the Maokong area and walk along thescenic Zhanghu and Zhangshu trails, which are both relatively flat. We will take a bus from the Zhangshu Temple to the Taipei Zoo MRT station where we end our journey. This is an easy hike for fit and regular hikers, and moderately strenuous for beginners. Please wear proper hiking shoes; bring your EasyCard, water, snacks and rain/sun/insectprotection as needed.

Instructor: Dory Chung

Depending on the activity, online registration closes between 3-5 days before an activity begins. After this time, please contact the Center directly to see if spaces remain available.
 

If you want to impress your dinner gueststhen look no further. Join Christophe and Kuang-Ping to learn how to make Coq au Vin (chicken stewed in a red sauce) with Gnocchi à la Parisienne (Parisian-style gnocchi). Then have fun with the blow torch as you try your hand at making the famous French dessert Crème Brûlée. Knowing how to cook these tasty dishes issure to make you very popular with family and friends!

Instructors: Christophe Charrondiere and Kuang-Ping Tung

Online registration closes the Monday before the cooking class begins!
If you are interested in the class after this deadline, please contact The Center.

Ready for a road trip? First we'll head to Yehliu Geo Park where you can see some unique rock formations like honeycomb rocks, mushroom-shaped rocks and the famous Queen's Head. There is a well-laid-out stone trail (about 1.5km one way) that will allow us to view the rocks and enjoy some sea air. After the Geopark, we will return to thebus and go on to the Juming Sculpture Museum. Ju Ming is a famous Taiwanese sculptor who uses different materials such as ceramic, bronze and steel to produce a variety of works of art. Here you canstroll around the outdoor museum at your own pace, enjoying the art set against a natural backdropof green mountains and the ocean. There is a small cafe selling drinks and snacks but we suggest you bring a packed lunch to enjoy outside. Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring water and sun/rain/insect protection as needed. Entrance fee to the Geopark and the Museum included.

Instructor: Jennifer Turek

Depending on the activity, online registration closes between 3-5 days before an activity begins. After this time, please contact the Center directly to see if spaces remain available.
 

Mahjong is a great social activity that challenges your mental aptitude. Originally created inChina, mahjong is a tile game similar to gin rummy. In this three-session, hands-on class, Heather will introduce you to international style mahjong, which is one of the game's variations. To help you continue practicing on your own, she will provide a take-home printed guide and introduce you to a free app. After just three sessions, you will surely be able to play independently and start or join a group. 

Class meets on March 7, 14 and 21.

Instructor: Heather Lowder

Online registration closes 5 days before an activity begins!
If you are interested in the class after this deadline, please contact The Center.

Around in 1 in 4 women have pelvic floor dysfunction, mostly as a result of pregnancy and childbirth. These problems are rarely discussed so most women learn to live with issues such as pain, discomfort and incontinence. This talk is aimed at womenwho have given birth (at any time in life) and want to learn how to optimise their pelvic floor strength through exercise and increased awareness. Itwill focus on the basic anatomy and function of the muscles of the pelvic floor and provide advice and exercises to help strengthen the core, pelvicfloor and lower back.

Instructor: Vicki Kennedy

Online registration closes 5 days beforean activity begins!
If you are interested in this activity after this deadline, please contact The Center.

The night market is a culinary must-eat destination in Taiwan. To help you try as many food items aspossible, the vendors at Taipei’s historic Ningxia Night Market have teamed up to create the “Thousand Year Feast,” where guests can enjoy 20 different small eats, each from adifferent stall. The menu rotates from one night to the next, but includes dishes like braised pork on rice, oyster omelet, fried rice vermicelli, drinks, and desserts. Each vendor has been in business for over 50 years; multiply that by 20 dishes and you have one thousand years of experienceand deliciousness! Included is a short walking tour of trendy Chifeng Street, historically known for its smithies, and more recently, a place to buy auto parts. Today, it is a hipster neighborhood filled with creative handicraft and food stores, interestingly juxtaposed with traditional auto parts stores. On our way to dinner, we will stop in a famous tea shop for a short presentation aboutthe tea making process. After our meal, Ivy willtake us for a stroll around the market to point out some of the vendors whose dishes we enjoyed. Feast included. Please note: special dietary restrictions cannot be accommodated on this tour.

Instructor: Ivy Chen

Depending on the activity, online registration closes between 3-5 days before an activity begins. After this time, please contact the Center directly to see if spaces remain available.
 

Which would you rather have, a light, lemony mousse or a freshly-baked cinnamon twist filled with vanilla cream? Thankfully today you don't have to choose, you can make both! Citron Fromage is a very popular Danish dessert. This lemon mousse is deliciously light and slightly zingy,so very refreshing on a hot, sunny day. Kanelstang is often served with breakfast or late morning coffee in Denmark. It's a very light cinnamontwist with freshly made vanilla cream (similar topastry cream) inside and sprinkled with almonds or hazelnuts. So, come and learn some new treats to spoil yourself.

Instructor: Anne Rud Lehmann

Online registration closes the Monday before the cooking class begins!
If you are interested in the class after this deadline, please contact The Center.

Would you like to be able to communicate with shopkeepers, taxi drivers and co-workers? Whether you've just arrived in Taiwan or have been here awhile, this is the class for you. Learn spoken Mandarin in a relaxed and informal environment right here at The Center. Course materials included.

Class meets on March 14, 16, 21, 23, 28, 30; April 18, 20, 25, 27; May 4, 9, 11, 16, 18. No class on April 4, 6, 11, 13; May 2.

Instructor: Gloria Gwo

Online registration closes on the day of this class!
If you are interested in the class after this deadline, please contact The Center.

This course builds upon the skills learned in Survival Chinese I and offers approximately 20 hours of language instruction for people who would like to upgrade their basic skills and go one step further with Mandarin. This class is also suitable for anyone who has taken some basic Chinese lessons and would like to continue with his or her studies. Course materials included.

Class meets on March 14, 16, 21, 23, 28, 30; April 18, 20, 25, 27; May 4, 9, 11, 16, 18. No class on April 4, 6, 11, 13; May 2.

Instructor: Gloria Gwo

Online registration closes on the day of this class!
If you are interested in the class after this deadline, please contact The Center.

This course continues our Survival Chinese series and covers advanced vocabulary and sentence patterns as well as conversational practice. Prerequisites: Survival Chinese I and II or completed approximately 40 hours of language instruction. Course materials included.

Class meets on March 14, 16, 21, 23, 28, 30; April 18, 20, 25, 27; May 4, 9, 11, 16, 18. No class on April 4, 6, 11, 13; May 2.

Instructor: Gloria Gwo

Online registration closes on the day of this class!
If you are interested in the class after this deadline, please contact The Center.

This course continues our Survival Chinese series and covers further advanced vocabulary and includes more conversation practice. Prerequisites: Survival Chinese I, II and III or completed approximately 60 hours of language instruction. Course materials included.

Class meets on March 14, 16,21, 23, 28, 30; April 18, 20, 25, 27; May4, 9, 11, 16, 18. No class on April 4, 6, 11, 13; May 2.

Instructor: Gloria Gwo

Online registration closes on the day of this class!
If you are interested in the class after thisdeadline, please contact The Center.

This course builds upon the skills learned in Survival Chinese I and offers approximately 20 hours of language instruction for people who would like to upgrade their basic skills and go one step further with Mandarin. This class is also suitable for anyone who has taken some basic Chinese lessons and would like to continue with his or her studies. Course materials included.

Class meets on March 14, 16, 21, 23, 28, 30; April 18, 20, 25, 27; May 4, 9, 11, 16, 18. No class on April 4, 6, 11, 13; May 2.

Instructor: Gloria Gwo

Online registration closes on the day of this class!
If you are interested in the class after this deadline, please contact The Center.

From the Jiantan MRT Station we will take a bus toPingding Village to start this scenic hike along the Pingding Historic Canal. The trails we will follow are mostly downhill, along stone pathways and steps. The pathways are mostly shaded and very picturesque. There are three levels of waterways that date back about 150 years to walk along and explore. The canals were built to provide transportation, irrigation and drinking-water for the village. The trails eventually bring us to Zhishan Road where we will catch the bus back to the Jiantan MRT. If time permits, we will make a quick run across the street to look at the Shengren Waterfall. This is an easy to moderate hike, depending on your fitness/hiking experience. Wear proper hiking shoes; bring your Easy Card for the bus; water, lunch and sun/rain/insect protection as required.

Instructor: Jennifer Turek

Depending on the activity, online registration closes between 3-5 days before an activity begins. After this time, please contact the Center directly to seeif spaces remain available.
 

Face Yoga is a natural way to tone and brighten your face. In this workshop you will learn some basic techniques to reduce tension and control age-related changes. Oxana, a qualified Face Yoga instructor, will demonstrate some exercises which can strengthen your face muscles and you will have a chance to practice them. This is a fun workshop thatwill help you relax and give your skin a healthy glow.

Instructor: Oxana Hammersky

Online registration closes 5 days before an activity begins!
If you are interested in this activity after this deadline, please contact The Center.

It's dumpling making time at the Center! Every year Ivy offers us one of her fun, hands-on dumpling making classes. Don't miss your chance to join. In this class Ivy will make Steamed Dumplings with two different fillings: Pork with Cabbage and a Vegetarian Dumpling filled with yummy seasonal vegetables. In addition to our steamed dumplings, Ivy will also make Spring Onion Pancakes with Egg and Basil, a favorite Taiwanese snack, and Aiyu Jelly with Lemon and Sugar Syrup for dessert.

Instructor: Ivy Chen

Online registration closes the Monday before the cooking class begins!
If you are interested in the class after this deadline, please contact The Center.

Starting at the MRT station, a gentle amble through the streets will take us to Dagouxi Riverside Park, from where we'll walk to the picturesque Yuanjue Waterfall. We then climb a series of steps to take a look around Bishan Temple. After thatit's time to cross Baishihu Suspension Bridge and stop for a drink or a strawberry ice cream. We'll then return via the Liyushan trail which has some quirky models of Taiwan's famous sights along the side of the path. This is an easy to moderate hike, depending on your fitness. Wearproper hiking shoes; bring change for refreshments, water and rain/sun/insect protection as required.

Instructor: Lucy Torres

Depending on the activity, online registration closes between 3-5 days before an activity begins. After this time, please contact the Center directly tosee if spaces remain available.
 

Combine your interest in Taiwanese snacks with your desire to learn a new craft!  Beginners and experienced stitchers alike are welcome to join this "bubble tea and pineapple cake" hand embroidery class.  Kara will teach you some basic embroidery stitches while you make this very cute souvenir of Taiwan. To complete the project, participants will be asked to do some work at home. Class fees include a take home kit with supplies and a Stitch Guide you can use for future embroidery projects.  For creative inspiration, pineapple cakes (at the first class) andbubble tea (at the second class) will be served.

Class meets on March 20 and 27.

Instructor: Kara Wall

Online registration closes 5 days before an activity begins!
If you are interested in the class after this deadline, please contact The Center.

Built during the Japanese-occupied era, Houtong was once a rich coal mining town. During the 1990’s with the decline of the coal industry in Taiwan, the town also saw its own decline. Then in2008 one of the cat-loving residents started taking care of the town’s many stray cats. She posted photos on Facebook and created a sensation around Taiwan. Now, Houtong is known as the island’s official cat village where more than 200 felines live happily with the town’s inhabitants. Taking advantage of the town’s newfound popularity there is now a nice selection of shops, cafés and relaxing places for tourists to enjoy, in addition to some old, well-preserved mining facilities. Tucked into the hills ofNorthern Taiwan, Houtong is worth the trip for the scenery alone. Join Jennifer for this fun day out of Taipei. Center staff recommend the cat-themed coffee, cream puffs and cupcakes from one of the local cafés! Bring your EasyCard for thelocal train ride to and from the village.

Instructor: Jennifer Turek

Depending on the activity, online registration closes between 3-5 days before an activity begins. After this time, please contact the Center directly to see if spaces remain available.
 

While Chinese medicine is used to treat any numberof conditions, illnesses or pain, one of its main focuses is also preventative. Taking a holisticview of the body and its functions, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) promotes overall health andwell-being. Practitioners of Chinese medicine draw from a wide selection of treatment methods to help their patients achieve and stay in good health, including: food therapy and herbal medicines, meridian beating, kung fu, acupuncture-moxibustion and cupping. Join Dr. Wu for an informative introduction to some of the different methods and practices used in TCM.

Instructor: Dr. Dustin Wu

Online registration closes 5 days before an activity begins!
If you are interested in this activity after this deadline, please contact The Center.

Are you ready to explore two of the locals' favorite destinations? Meeting at Zhishan MRT, we will take the metro to Tamsui. There we will get alocal bus to Tianyuan Temple. This is an impressive Taoist temple dedicated to the Jade Emperor anda very popular spot for cherry blossom viewing. Circular in design, Tianyuan's five levels offer amazing views of the area below. Be ready to climb more than 200 steps to get to the top! Once we've explored the temple we'll take the bus back to Tamsui and wander along the waterfront. We can look at the small souvenir shops, buy a seafood snack or an ice cream and enjoy the views of the river. Wear comfortable walking shoes, bring your EasyCard, water and sun/rain protection as needed.

Instructor: Heather Lowder

Depending on the activity, online registration closes between 3-5 days before an activity begins. After this time, please contact the Center directly to see if spaces remain available.
 

Bored with the usual weekday meals? Then how about adding some tasty Mexican dishes to yourrepertoire? Sopes and Gorditas are traditional dishes which Judith will show you how to prepare. They are both made from corn dough, so are a variation of the tortilla, and they are served with different garnishes. This time you'll also learnhow to make two colourful sauces: a green mild salsa and a red spicy salsa, along with the famous refried beans.

Instructor: Judith Sánchez

Online registration closes the Monday before the cooking class begins!
If you are interested in the class after this deadline, please contact The Center.

This fairly strenuous hike begins at the Yongchun MRT Station and takes us up to the top of Xiangshan (Elephant Mountain) for some stunning views of Taipei. Led by Jennifer, the first part of the trip is easy and offers some very nice scenery of flowers, streams and rock cliffs. But that is just our warm up. Starting from the Baoshan trailhead (about 20 minutes walk from the MRT), we will climbup some stairs and work our way up until we reachthe beautiful Tianbao Temple. At the temple we will be able to see a huge statue carved into the cliff. Then, we will climb some steep stone steps to the top of Elephant Mountain, catch our breath and enjoy a panoramic view of Taipei 101. We then make our descent down some very steep steps and walk to the Xiangshan MRT station. Sturdy shoes witha good grip are essential. A hiking pole may helpwith the steps. Bring water, snacks and sun/rainprotection.

Instructor: Jennifer Turek

Depending on the activity, online registration closes between 3-5 days before an activity begins. After this time, please contact the Center directly to see if spaces remain available.
 

Therapeutic Burn and Cool is a high energy yoga sequence that incorporates some breathing practice,flow, repetitive movements and resting in between each part of the sequence. We move into different body parts through this yin yang approach to yoga integrating body, mind and breath. Each week wewill focus on a particular area of the body. Burning (yang) through repetitive movements in a posture brings muscle strength and toning while long rests (yin) cool down the impacted area afterwards. Burning and cooling, just like yin yang, are complementary and interdependent components of the whole. The aim is to bring strength, energy, rest and rejuvenation to our bodies, minds and spirits. Participants will need two foam blocks, straps, towels, a water bottle and a curious heart. Alllevels are welcome.

Class meets on April 19, 26; May 3, 10, 17, 24.

Instructor: Malabika Das

Online registration closes 5 days before an activity begins!
If you are interested in this activity after this deadline, please contact The Center.

Following a presentation on the Taiwanese languagein May 2020, Günter Whittome will now go one step further and offer an introductory Taiwanese course in four, two-hour sessions. The aim is not only to provide you with an understanding of the nature and present day status of the language and its relationship to Mandarin, but also with the basics of its tonal system and pronunciation. This will involve practical exercises with words and phrases that you can use in everyday life. Locals will be surprised and delighted hearing Taiwanese from you, especially those many Taiwanese for whom it is their “real” mother tongue. It will help you “break the ice."

Class meets on April 21, 28; May 5 and 19. There is no class on May 12.

Instructor: Günter Whittome

Online registration closes 5 days before an activity begins!
If you areinterested in the class after this deadline, please contact The Center.

To expand your vegetarian meal options, join Vaishali for another tasty Indian cooking class with lots of useful cooking tips. On the menu this time are Kachori (a deep fried snack with mungbeans) and tamarind chutney to start; Vegetable Butter Masala served with wholewheat roti as the main course; and Shahi Tukda (toast with sweet milk and nuts) for dessert.

Instructor: VaishaliMeghnani

Online registration closes the Monday before the cooking class begins!
If you are interested in the class after this deadline, please contact The Center.

The Songshan Cultural and Creative Park was established on the grounds of what was once one of Taipei's largest tobacco factories, originally established by the Japanese. Songshan Park is an urban oasis featuring the old factory's aged buildings, lush trees and one of the largest ponds in eastern Taipei (originally a fire preventative measure). It is a cool and comfortable spot to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Our visit to the Park will take us through some interesting shops, galleries, exhibit areas and design studios. We will enjoy a special introduction to NotJust A Library, a fantastic space that was formerly the Songshan Bathhouse, plus a visit to an exhibition by the Red Oolong Tea Cooperative. Included in our visit to this exhibition will be a one-hour tea class and tasting to learn about this special type of red oolong tea, grown and produced only in Luye, Taitung. Entrance fees, tea tasting, and tea snacks are all included. Our tour ends at the Culture Park. You are encouraged to stay on afterwards to further explore, shop or eat dinner.

Instructor: Derek Wang

Depending on the activity, online registration closes between 3-5 days before an activity begins. After this time, please contact the Center directly to seeif spaces remain available.
 

Dongmen Market is a traditional market in downtownTaipei where locals go to buy their groceries andhousehold supplies. There are also vendors there selling popular and tasty prepared foods. Let's get out of Tianmu and join Ivy for a tour of this bustling day market – maybe you will find something new to try! After visiting the market, Ivy recommends lunch at the historic Yin Yih Restaurant. Yin Yih originated in Mainland China in the 1930s, in Hangzhou (near Shanghai), and moved to Taiwan in 1949. Originally serving only high-ranking military officers, the restaurant later opened tothe public. The menu remains mostly unchanged. This tour offers you a choice. You may join only themarket tour or add lunch to your day. If you stayfor lunch, the tour will end around 1:00pm. Please note: special dietary restrictions may be hard to accommodate.

Instructor: Ivy Chen

Depending on the activity, online registration closes between 3-5 days before an activity begins. After this time, please contact the Center directly to see if spaces remain available.
 

This class offers you the chance to make a colorful knotted bottle holder, handy for carrying your favorite beverage around the city or at the beach.Naomi will teach you how to use Chinese knotting techniques to turn plastic cord into a practical and stylish bottle holder. Depending on your skill and focus you should have a ready-to-use bottle holder by the end of the class. Completed samples will be available at the Center. All materials for the class included.

Instructor: Naomi Watanabe

Online registration closes 5 days before anactivity begins!
If you are interested in the class after this deadline, please contact The Center.

Tianshangshan is 430 meters high and stretches across Sanxia, Xindian, and Tucheng. It overlooks far and wide and stands erect above all other peaksin the area. The area is famous for its glorious Tung tree blossoms that bloom from the end of April until early May, which we hope, but are not guaranteed, to see on this trip. The Taiwanese callit April or May snow because the falling blossomsthat cover the area look like snow falling. During this hike we will visit the beautiful Chengtian Chan Temple, built by monks in 1951. It is a quiet and graceful place and a popular tourist spot. The hike is moderately strenuous with many stairs. The trail, paved with stone and wood is about 10km long (including 3km on the road) with 500 metersascending. We recommend a reasonable level of fitness for this hike. Wear sturdy shoes with a good grip; bring water, snacks and sun/rain protection.

Instructor: Dory Chung

Depending on the activity, online registration closes between 3-5 days before an activity begins. After this time, please contact the Center directly to see if spaces remain available.
 

The Taiwanese practice of grabbing a biàndāng or lunch box for quick and easy meals can be traced back to the Japanese era between 1895-1945, when the Japanese bento meal, which you could bring to school, the office or even take on the train, became instilled in the local culture. In this class, Ivy will treat you to three ofher own homemade versions of this ubiquitous mealthat you can prepare for your family to eat at home: Fried Pork Chop Bento, Braised Chicken Leg Bento, Vegetarian Bento with Quinoa Rice, plus a tasty Egg Drop Soup with Tofu and Bok Choy.

Instructor: Ivy Chen

Online registration closesthe Monday before the cooking class begins!
If you are interested in the class after this deadline, please contact The Center.

Wanting to do something different at the weekend? Here's your chance to explore Guishan, the island just off the coast of Yilan, which is called Turtle island because of its shape. The tour starts at Songshan station where we will take a trainto Toucheng and then, after a short taxi ride tothe harbour, we'll get on a boat and set off on a dolphin hunt. You can usually see them leaping about in large numbers. The boat also goes around the island so we catch sight of the different rock formations. Guishan is actually an active volcano, so watch out for the smell of sulphur! We will also walk around the island and look at the abandoned village and the ruins of the military station. A boating adventure with dolphins and dramatic scenery, what more could you ask for? The tour ends on the train back to Taipei around 6:00pm. Please note due to the nature of the trip, tour times could change. Bring your EasyCard for the trainand change for the taxis. Don't forget water, packed lunch and rain/sun protection.

Instructor: Jennifer Turek

Depending on the activity, online registration closes between 3-5 daysbefore an activity begins. After this time, please contact the Center directly to see if spaces remain available.
 

Drinking tea in Taiwan goes beyond just quenching one’s thirst. It is also a social and cultural activity, which can be traced back to ancientChina and is embedded into the culture of the country. For the Taiwanese, tea culture includes teaproduction, tea arts and wares, traditional teaceremonies and the social aspects of consuming tea. For those of us living in Taiwan, tea is oftenchosen as a great local gift to bring home to family and friends, but do you know what type of teato buy or how to prepare it? If not, then join Yasuko, a Taiwan Tea Master, to learn the proper way to select, brew, serve and drink Taiwanese tea. Tea and properly paired snacks included.

Instructor: Yasuko Hondo

Depending on the activity, online registration closes between 3-5 days before an activity begins. After this time, please contact the Center directly to see if spaces remain available.
 

Join Christophe and Kuang-Ping for a lovely summer's meal, incorporating the flavors of France, Spain and Italy. On the menu are a refreshing Gazpacho Soup (tomato-based); Poached Fillet of Salmon and Potato Salad with Basil Mayonnaise; and a delicious Mango Panna Cotta for dessert.

Instructor: Christophe Charrondiere and Kuang-Ping Tung

Online registration closesthe Monday before the cooking class begins!
If you are interested in the class after this deadline, please contact The Center.

This short, interactive course is for our students who are still in Taipei after the official Center programs have ended in May. If you wish to continue practicing your Chinese language skills, thenthis is the class for you. All levels are welcomed! If we get enough students the class may be divided into two sections to accommodate different levels of language skill.

Class meets on May 23, 25, 30; June 1, 6, 8, 13, 15.

Instructor: Gloria Gwo

Online registration closes onthe day of this class!
If you are interested inthe class after this deadline, please contact The Center.

This online class is for those students who are here for the summer–or coming to Taiwan soon and wish to get a head start on Chinese language lessons. Would you like to be able to communicate with shopkeepers, taxi drivers and co-workers? Whether you've just arrived in Taiwan or have been here awhile, this is the class for you. Learn spokenMandarin in a relaxed and informal environment. Course materials included.

Class meets on June20, 22, 27, 29; July 4, 6, 11, 13, 18, 20, 25, 27.

Instructor: Gloria Gwo

Online registration closes on the day of this class!
If you are interested in the class after this deadline, please contact The Center.

This online conversation class is for those students who wish to continue practicing their Chinese language skills over the summer. This class is suitable for students who have completed the Center's Survival Chinese series (or other similar program) and wish to continue building upon their Chinese conversation skills and learn new vocabulary to enhance their ability to communicate. This class will use recorded materials and focus on a variety of topics and social situations. Whether or notyou have studied Chinese at the Center or elsewhere, this may be just the right class for you to continue practicing your conversation skills. Course materials included. If we get enough students the class may be divided into two sections to accommodate different levels of language skill.

Class meets on June 20, 22, 27, 29; July 4, 6, 11, 13, 18, 20, 25, 27.

Instructor: Gloria Gwo

Online registration closes on the day of this class!
If you are interested in the class after this deadline, please contact The Center.