Calendar

Nerikiri Wagashi are traditional Japanese confections known for their delicate beauty and their seasonal motifs which evoke the transient beauty of the seasons and are meant to be appreciated with all of the five senses. This plant-based sweet is made with bean pastes and mochi powder; it is nonfat, low sugar and gluten free. So this is an alternative healthier treat to celebrate the Mid-Autumn festival. In this class you will learn how to make your own Nerikiri Wagashi in two designs and enjoy your finished creations with some Matcha green tea.

Instructor: Yin Yin Wang

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 September 5, 7, 14, 19, 21, 26, 28; October 3, 5, 12, 17, 19. No class on September 12; October 10.

Instructor: Gloria Gwo

Online pre-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 elsewhere. Course materials included.

Class meets on September 5, 7, 14, 19, 21, 26, 28; October 3, 5, 12, 17, 19. No class on September 12; October 10.

Instructor: Gloria Gwo

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

This course completes our Survival Chinese series and covers advanced vocabulary and sentence patterns as well as conversational practice. In this class the instructor incorporates recorded materials to enhance comprehension and introduces a variety of topics and social situations. Minimum prerequisites: Survival Chinese I and II or completed approximately 40-60 hours of language instruction. Course materials included.

Class meets on September 5, 7, 14, 19, 21, 26, 28; October 3, 5, 12, 17, 19. No class on September 12; October 10.

Instructor: Gloria Gwo

Online pre-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 September 5, 7, 14, 19, 21, 26, 28; October 3, 5, 12, 17, 19. No class on September 12; October 10.

Instructor: Gloria Gwo

Online pre-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 elsewhere. Course materials included.

Class meets on September 5, 7, 14, 19, 21, 26, 28; October 3, 5, 12, 17, 19. No class on September 12; October 10.

Instructor: Gloria Gwo

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

After taking taxis to Jinlong Lake, we will walk around the lake to the start of the trailhead where we will begin our climb up into the forest with wonderful views of the Xizhi mountains and Taipei City. The trail is mostly dirt path or wooden steps and is full of wildlife. We'll finish at Cui Lake before coming down a small country road to the other side of Jinlong Lake.

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.
 

This full semester class is for students who wish to continue building upon their Chinese skills and learn new vocabulary to enhance their ability to communicate. In this class the instructor incorporates recorded materials and focuses on a variety of topics and social situations. Whether you have studied Chinese at the Center or elsewhere, this may be the right class for you. Prerequisites: Survival Chinese I, II, III or approximately 50-60 class hours of outside study. Course materials included.

Class meets on September 6, 13, 16, 20, 23, 27, 30; October 4, 14, 18; November 1, 4, 8, 11, 15, 18, 22, 29; December 2, 6, 9, 13, 16. No class on September 9; October 7, 11, 21, 25, 28; November 25.

Instructor: Gloria Gwo

Online pre-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 students who can hold a conversation in Chinese and wish to develop their skills further. In this class the instructor incorporates recorded materials and focuses on a variety of topics and social situations. Whether you have studied Chinese at the Center or elsewhere, this may be the right class for you. Prerequisites: Survival Chinese I, II, III or approximately 70-80 class hours of outside study. Course materials included.

Class meets on September 6, 13, 16, 20, 23, 27, 30; October 4, 14, 18; November 1, 4, 8, 11, 15, 18, 22, 29; December 2, 6, 9, 13, 16. No class on September 9; October 7, 11, 21, 25, 28; November 25.

Instructor: Gloria Gwo

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

In this class you will 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. This class is for Center students who have studied some Chinese, such as the Survival Chinese classes, and wish to extend their studies. If you have studied elsewhere, please contact the Center and we can help you determine if this class would be suitable for you. Course books to be purchased at an additional cost.

Class meets on September 6, 13, 16, 20, 23, 27, 30; October 4, 14, 18; November 1, 4, 8, 11, 15, 18, 22, 29; December 2, 6, 9, 13, 16. No class on September 9; October 7, 11, 21, 25, 28; November 25.

Instructor: Gloria Gwo

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

You've found a place to live; work and school have started. What next? Join the Center's Newcomer Orientation Workshop for a fun introduction to living in Taiwan, and learn what you need to know to help smooth the way as you settle into your new life. The program includes an overview of Taiwan; cultural perspectives, customs and holidays; and social Do's and Don'ts. We will also share practical daily life tips; typhoon, earthquake and disaster awareness; plus general health and medical information. The added bonus is that you'll get a chance to meet new people and make new friends. There is an optional sandwich lunch available.

Instructor: Amy Liu and Center Staff

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.
 

It's time for a touch of Indian spice with another of Vaishali's Indian cooking classes. In this one, Vaishali will teach you how to prepare a delicious Chickpea Salad and a tasty Kofta Curry (paneer/potato balls in a sauce) with wholewheat Roti. The meal will be rounded off with Semolina Halwa for dessert. Be sure to come with a healthy appetite as you're going to want to eat more and more!

Instructor: Vaishali Meghnani

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 first stop on this food tour is a local market where you can sample some traditional Taiwanese food and see all the fruit and vegetables on offer. Then you'll walk Dihua street from north to south, learning about the history of the neighborhood and passing historical houses and shops while sampling food along the way. You'll end up outside Yongle market, famous for the fabric it sells. There, Ivy will treat you to lunch at one of the local restaurants in the area.

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.
 

Bright, colorful and noisy, the Shidong Market is the place for all your produce needs. Join Ivy and learn some helpful hints and tips on what to buy, where to buy it, and how to be sure it's fresh. Ivy will also show you how to select meat, fish and seafood. She will point out the shops that sell organic products and teach you how to recognize and ask whether a store is selling organic. If you get hungry or thirsty during the tour, don't worry, there are many options to satisfy your cravings!

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.
 

East of the Taipei city walls there were once many Japanese-style wooden houses. While many have been demolished, there are still some for us to explore. First we'll visit a well-hidden Zen Temple before looking at a variety of different Japanese houses along Qidong Street. This street was once a hub of activity as coal, rice and agricultural products were transported along the river to Songshan and then brought to the East Gate close to this neighborhood, while foreign goods were taken back to Songshan. The trip may well end at a tea house if anyone needs some light refreshment.

Instructor: Uta Rindfleisch-Wu

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.
 

In this first Taiwanese cooking class of the term, Ivy will introduce you to some popular street market snacks. She'll show you how to prepare baked Black Pepper Buns, fried Sweet Potato Sticks with plum powder and Popcorn Chicken. You will no doubt be invited to help her prepare the snacks as well as eat them. You can then go home and show off your newly acquired skills to the rest of the family.

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.

Don't know what to do if your child is ill? Want to feel confident of managing an emergency situation with children? Dr Joan Kong will provide some basic first aid tips for babies and toddlers. She will offer advice on how to respond in emergency situations and how best to treat a sick child. You'll also have a chance to ask any specific questions you may have in a Q/A session at the end of the talk.

Instructor: Dr Joan Kong

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

Did you know you could use flowers, avocado stones and onion skins to dye fabric? Intrigued? Join Natalie for an introduction to natural dyeing and learn about this magical process. You will get the chance to dye your own scarf and try your hand at painting fabric with botanical paint.

Instructor: Natalie Wu

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

This trip begins (and ends) at the Jiantan MRT Station where we will take the bus to Yangmingshan (YMS) National Park. Standing at a lofty 1,120 meters, Qixingshan is YMS's highest peak and is easily accessible thanks to a number of well-marked trails. This stunning hike takes you up to the mountain’s summit for some beautiful Taipei city views. Time permitting, we will visit the beautiful nature reserve at Dream Lake on the way back. This is a moderately strenuous 8km hike, including uphill climbing with many steps.

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.
 

This term we have another country's cuisine on the timetable. Join Nita for an insight into Indonesian cooking. She will show you how to prepare Semur Daging (beef stew) and Sayur Kuning (mixed vegetable curry) served with rice. You will find this surprisingly easy to replicate so you can spice up the weekly menu at home.

Instructor: Nita Van de Veer

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

Start the fall season calm, centered and focused by joining certified meditation coach, Jessica Kay Lee, in an introductory, fortnightly, mindfulness course where she shares the psychology and practice of staying in the present through easy meditations, contemplative journaling, and supported group discussions. Benefits of mindfulness in our modern lives include decreased stress and anxiety, greater self-awareness, improved sleep quality, positive mindset, enhanced productivity and better relationships with others and oneself. 

Class dates are once every two weeks: Oct 3, 17, 31 and Nov 14.

Instructor: Jessica Lee

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

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 ancient China. For the Taiwanese, tea culture includes tea production, tea arts and wares, traditional tea ceremonies and the social aspects of consuming tea. For those of us living in Taiwan, tea is often chosen as a great local gift, but do you know what type of tea to 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 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.
 

When our body, mind and spirit are aligned with our environment and purpose we can feel flow, a state of being absorbed in the present moment. Yoga can be a pivotal tool in this practice and can offer a profound exploration into this feeling. In this course, we find flow through aligning breath, movement and spirit in the midst of slow vinyasa flows as well as core-focused power vinyasa flows. Just like the changing of seasons, we go back to basics: evolve, release and repeat. This yin yang vinyasa inspired course includes pranayama and asana and is suitable for all levels. Please bring a yoga mat, two yoga blocks, a yoga strap, water bottle, small towel and a curious heart.

Class dates: Oct 5, 12, 19; nov 2, 9, 16, 23, 30. No class on Oct 26.

Instructor: Malabika Das

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

Have you ever wondered what the Presidential Palace looks like inside? Now's your chance to find out! From the MRT station we'll walk through the 2/28 Peace Park to the Palace. In the palace we'll explore the ground floor listening to an audio guide that explains the different rooms and their uses. After a brief stop in the palace gift shop we'll head outside and take a short walk to the Botanical Gardens. There we can stroll around in the shade of the trees enjoying the tropical flowers and the calm of the lotus pond.

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 Community Services Center's annual auction is an enjoyable way to support the Center's mission of serving the international and third culture communities in Taiwan.  

Every year the Center helps thousands of people. Whether it is simply offering friendship on arrival in a new country, supplying information about how to live successfully in Taiwan, or professional counseling when it is needed The Center is always here for you, for your family, or for someone you know.

Paper cutting, or jianzhi (剪纸), originated in China around the sixth century AD. Mostly done by women, this folk art was traditionally used to decorate people's homes for special occasions and festivals. In this activity, Nancy will fuse Chinese and American traditions by doing paper cutting with a Halloween theme so you can decorate your house for 31st October. This is a family affair, so bring the kids along and allow them to be creative too. 

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.

If you've read the article in the October COT you'll know all about The Battle of Tamsui in 1884. Now you have a chance to let John bring the story alive by visiting the key places in the battle such as the beach where the French troops landed, the swamp where the French troops finally gave up, a crater where a French shell hit and Mackay's Clinic where wounded Qing soldiers were treated. The tour will finish at about 6pm and you can then wander back to the MRT along the riverfront or join John for an optional Tamsui Battle themed dinner at The Red Castle restaurant. The table will be booked for 6pm. After 10 courses you might just be ready to roll home!

Instructor: John Groot

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 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 elsewhere. Course materials included.

Class meets on October 31; November 2, 7, 9, 14, 16, 21, 23, 28, 30; December 5, 7, 12, 14.

Instructor: Gloria Gwo

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

This course completes our Survival Chinese series and covers advanced vocabulary and sentence patterns as well as conversational practice. In this class the instructor incorporates recorded materials to enhance comprehension and introduces a variety of topics and social situations. Minimum prerequisites: Survival Chinese I and II or completed approximately 40-60 hours of language instruction. Course materials included.

Class meets on October 31; November 2, 7, 9, 14, 16, 21, 23, 28, 30; December 5, 7, 12, 14.

Instructor: Gloria Gwo

Online pre-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 October 31; November 2, 7, 9, 14, 16, 21, 23, 28, 30; December 5, 7, 12, 14.

Instructor: Gloria Gwo

Online pre-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 elsewhere. Course materials included.

Class meets on October 31; November 2, 7, 9, 14, 16, 21, 23, 28, 30; December 5, 7, 12, 14.

Instructor: Gloria Gwo

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

This course completes our Survival Chinese series and covers advanced vocabulary and sentence patterns as well as conversational practice. In this class the instructor incorporates recorded materials to enhance comprehension and introduces a variety of topics and social situations. Minimum prerequisites: Survival Chinese I and II or completed approximately 40-60 hours of language instruction. Course materials included.

Class meets on October 31; November 2, 7, 9, 14, 16, 21, 23, 28, 30; December 5, 7, 12, 14.

Instructor: Gloria Gwo

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

This is a lovely hike through the forest to see three beautiful waterfalls.The trail itself is along dirt paths. We will admire the first waterfall (Hegu Waterfall) from a distance. The second one (Motian Waterfall) has a viewing platform and the third one (Pipa Cave Waterfall) is where we will stop for a lunch break. For those looking for a bit more adventure, we can climb up (about 5-10 minutes) to the top of the third waterfall for another excellent view. For those who don’t wish to do that final climb, you can stay back and relax by the waterfall.

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.
 

Let's take a wonderful journey today! Starting at a beautiful natural location, Juansi Fall Trail, we'll enjoy a meditative walk where we can connect to the mountain, the land and experience forest healing. When we reach Qingtiangang Grassland, we will enjoy an expansive view and practice breathwork and yoga. Then we will stroll over to a mountain farm for a delicious vegetarian lunch that is both nourishing and detoxing. All ingredients are made from basic seasonings of the finest quality and the vegetables are mainly seasonal and grown on the farm. After lunch, we'll have some free time to explore the farm and you can pick your own herbs to make tea. Then we'll have another integrative movement session to rejuvenate ourselves and connect to the feelings and vitality of our bodies.

Instructor: Carol Hsu

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

Everyone knows that rice is a staple of the Asian diet. However, there are hundreds of different ways to use rice apart from boiling or frying it. Today Ivy will show you how to make Rice Dumplings with Pork and Bamboo Shoots which she will serve in a soup. You'll also prepare Stir-fried Rice Vermicelli with Pork and Cabbage and find out how to make Taiwan style Mochi with ground peanuts and sesame seeds. This is your chance to learn different ways of using rice, both sweet and savory.

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.

Let's take a wonderful journey today! Starting at a beautiful natural location, Juansi Fall Trail, we'll enjoy a meditative walk where we can connect to the mountain, the land and experience forest healing. When we reach Qingtiangang Grassland, we will enjoy an expansive view and practice breathwork and yoga. Then we will stroll over to a mountain farm for a delicious vegetarian lunch that is both nourishing and detoxing. All ingredients are made from basic seasonings of the finest quality and the vegetables are mainly seasonal and grown on the farm. After lunch, we'll have some free time to explore the farm and you can pick your own herbs to make tea. Then we'll have another integrative movement session to rejuvenate ourselves and connect to the feelings and vitality of our bodies.

Instructor: Carol Hsu

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

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 exercises that you can do daily to improve your health. It is suitable for all fitness levels, but especially beneficial for people 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.

Class dates: November 7, 14, 21, 28; December 5, 12.

Instructor: Yin Yin Wang

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

Do you enjoy looking at paintings? Ever wanted to try painting yourself? Now's your chance. Join Jenna for a beginner's class in watercolor painting. Jenna will give you a brief introduction to painting and some basic techniques. Then you get the chance to try your hand at creating your own work. It's time to let the inner artist shine!

Instructor: Jenna Lo

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

Mahjong is a great social activity that challenges your mental aptitude. Originally created in China, Mahjong is a tile game similar to gin rummy. In this three-session, hands-on class, Anu 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. After just three sessions, you will surely be able to play independently and start or join a group. 

Class dates: November 9, 16 and 23.

Instructor: Anu Virkus Hesselbaeck

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

Judith is back for another Mexican morning. This time she'll show you how to prepare a traditional Menu del Dia which is a common lunch option in Mexico. The meal will start with Frijoles Charros (bean soup), followed by Tinga de Pollo (Chicken in a smokey-flavored sauce) and Mexican red rice. This will be washed down with Jamaica a refreshing drink. This is sure to keep your taste buds happy.

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.

Hike a historic trail and then cool off at the beach. How's that for a weekend activity? Caoling is a popular trail that offers wonderful views of Taiwan's coast as you walk from the eastern side over to Fulong in the north. At this time of year it should be full of silver grass along the way. After about 10km of undulating trails, we'll finish at Fulong Beach where you can refresh with a dip in the sea before the train ride home.

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.
 

Tom Rook is back by popular demand! Tom, known for his amazing hand-drawn maps of Taiwan's neighborhoods, has walked every inch of this area. He will use his extensive collection of maps, photos, and drawings to help bring the past to life. This District was one of the first settled areas of Taipei. In recent years, it has seen significant gentrification, but between its modern window coverings and tiles there are plenty of relics from a grander past. This tour will explore the area's mansions and shops and trace the stories of its first residents. Starting just outside the old north gate of the city, you'll wind your way alleys and lanes, ending up at Daqiaotou MRT Station.

Instructor: Tom Rook

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.
 

It's time for another trip to India! This time Vaishali will have you making vegetable patties with tomato chutney, Dal Fry (mixed lentil curry) with Puri (wholewheat deep fried bread) and Masala Eggplant. For those of you with a sweet tooth, don't worry, she will finish with Jalebi (deep fried plain flour) for dessert. You are guaranteed to have a tasty, filling lunch today.

Instructor: Vaishali Meghnani

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

In this intensive, one-session class, Irene Huang, a qualified CPR instructor, will teach you how to recognize and respond appropriately to cardiac, breathing and first aid emergencies in adults, infants and children until medical personnel arrive. Red Cross First Aid/ CPR/AED certification and downloadable manual included.

Instructor: Dr Irene Huang

Online registration closes TWO weeks before the activity begins!
If you are interested in this activity after this deadline, please contact The Center.

No meal is more connected to one’s country of origin, ethnic heritage or personal family traditions than breakfast. It is also a meal that many of us find difficult to change or adapt to in a foreign country. Around Taipei at many small eateries and stalls you can find a mix of both old-style Taiwanese breakfast foods and some newer, possibly more familiar Western items. If you haven’t tried the local breakfast, why not let Ivy take you to an old Tianmu breakfast shop to taste some of Taiwan’s traditional breakfast eats? Love it or not, you shouldn’t miss the chance to experience this local foodie encounter. Breakfast included.

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.
 

The art of Chinese knotting is thousands of years old and was passed down from generation to generation of Chinese women. It is highly decorative and used to adorn clothes, jewelry and furniture. The knots, when combined with beautiful beads, create jewelry and home decorations that are surprisingly up-to-date for such an ancient craft. Join Nancy in this three-session class to learn three different types of knots and make your own string and porcelain bead necklaces, plus one adornment. Keep the items you make or turn them into Christmas gifts for your family or friends. All materials included.

Classes on Nov 28; Dec 5 & 12

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.

Join Derek for a tour of the historic Confucius and Baoan Gong Temples, which were both originally built in the 1800s. Baoan Gong is a Taoist temple, dedicated to the god of medicine; it is a recipient of a UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage Award for both its restoration and its revival of temple rites and festivities. The Confucius Temple, uniquely decorated with southern Fujian-style ceramics, serves as a center for Confucian study. Located just across the street from each other, these must-see temples make for an interesting study with their contrasting forms and functions. From there we'll return to Yuanshan MRT where you can return home or visit Maji Square to check out the arts and crafts and enjoy a light lunch.

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 see if spaces remain available.
 

Fancy cycling to Bali? The one in Taiwan, not Indonesia that is! Meeting at Sanchong MRT station we'll rent U-bikes and cross the river wall to start cycling through New Taipei Metropolitan Park. We can cycle along Tamsui River all the way to Bali enjoying the special mangrove forest which has adapted to the salty waters that wash in with the tides. This fascinating environment is full of riverside birds, such as egrets and snipes, and there are over 30 kinds of crabs. We will continue as far as the Shihsanhang Museum of Archaeology where we'll have a short rest. Then we'll bike to Guandu Bridge, finishing the trip at Guandu MRT station.

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.
 

It's the start of the festive season, so why not join Christophe and Kuang-Ping for some festive French fare. Beef Wellington is at the center of this meal accompanied by a red wine sauce, Gratin Dauphinoise and seasonal greens. If that isn't mouthwatering enough, you will also learn how to prepare a Cointreau and Orange Souffle for dessert. You are guaranteed to leave feeling pleasantly full and ready to wow your family and friends.

Instructor: 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 the bus 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 can stroll around the outdoor museum at your own pace, enjoying the art set against a natural backdrop of 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. Entrance fee to the Geo park 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.
 

Among the many pleasures of living in Asia, one is that our senses are constantly invited to new experiences, whether it is the sights, the sounds, the (mostly) wonderful flavors or the scents. Who hasn't been called by a whiff of incense when passing by a temple, or captivated by the atmosphere created by the trails of smoke? The history of incense is rich and its scents varied. In this workshop, you will learn about the history and varieties of agarwood, the king of incense. You will also have a chance to make incense sticks so you can take home around a dozen of your own self-rolled.

Instructor: Alex Syed

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

This moderately strenuous 10km hike starts on a dirt and paved stone trail and is not very steep. However, the highlight of the hike is the Hongludi Nanshan Fude Temple, dedicated to Tudigong (Chinese God of Earth) and you need to climb 1200 steps to reach it! This is the workout section of the hike. There is a huge statue of the Earth God on the roof with two big dragons on either side. Inside the temple there are several different gods who are in charge of different aspects of life: romance, good fortune, etc. From the temple you have a beautiful view of Taipei city. On our way down we will pass a small, but well-decorated Burmese-style temple and we finish back at the Nanshijiao MRT Station. This hike requires a reasonable level of fitness.

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.
 

Join Lucy for a fun trip to Yingge, well known for its ceramic wares. We'll take the train to Yingge and then walk to the Ceramic Museum to learn about Yingge's history. Then we'll stroll over to the old streets which are full of shops selling all different kinds of ceramics. You can also find beautiful wooden ornaments and utensils, clothes and Taiwanese souvenirs so it is a paradise for shoppers. What's more it's the perfect opportunity to get your Christmas shopping done! Museum entrance fee included.

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 Taiwanese love to eat out at restaurants or in the night markets. However, there are also some very tasty home-cooked meals to be found. Today Ivy will show you how to prepare Braised Pork with Egg and Bean Curd, Hakka Stir Fry and Beef and Water Spinach. These dishes use local ingredients that are easy to find, so it makes sense to try them out while you're here.

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.