To enhance CCU international students’ Mandarin communication skills and deepen the understanding of local culture, the Chinese Language Division of the Center for Language Studies organized the " Go Crazy for Mazu in March - Cultural Activity at Fengtian Temple" on April 26, 2025, in collaboration with the Office of International Affairs under the "Career Counseling Program for International Students in Taiwan." This event combined Mandarin learning with an immersive cultural experience, timed to coincide with the peak of Mazu worship in the lunar month of March. Students around the world were guided into the heart of Taiwan’s religious and folk traditions. Through on-site visits and hands-on experiences, the activity aimed to foster cross-cultural understanding and strengthen students' integration into local society.

The activity took place at Xingang Fengtian Temple in Chiayi, an important stop along the traditional Mazu pilgrimage route. Renowned for its rich history and vibrant religious activity, the temple is regarded as a symbol of the deep integration between Mazu worship and Taiwanese society. The activity included a guided tour of the temple’s antique architecture, introductions to the deities worshiped there, and explanations of traditional rituals. Students learned culture through language and practiced language through culture, experiencing firsthand how faith is woven into the fabric of daily life in Taiwan. Through guided tours and interactive learning, participants not only acquired Mandarin vocabulary related to Mazu culture but also personally experienced popular religious practices such as zhí jiǎo and qiú qiān. These activities offered students deeper insight into Taiwanese temple culture and religious customs. Dr. Teddy Sim, a historical researcher, remarked from an international scholar’s perspective that he was deeply moved by the community’s efforts to preserve and promote local cultural heritage, and was impressed by the profound impact of Mazu worship on Taiwan’s history and society.

Beyond religious and cultural exploration, the activity also included a visit to the Xingang Incense Artistic Culture Garden, where students learned about the traditional incense-making process in Taiwan. The guided tour covered each step in detail—from material selection to drying techniques—and introduced the "Nine Techniques of Incense Craftsmanship." Students were also able to observe the live production of incense. During the hands-on workshop, students crafted their own "Golden Tiger Lord Sachets," symbolic items traditionally used for blessings and protection against evil. Many international students remarked that it was their first time encountering incense culture and sachet-making, finding the experience both fascinating and memorable, particularly the unique scents and symbolic designs. Through this immersive experience engaging the senses of smell and touch, students not only developed practical skills but also broke free from the confines of the traditional classroom. The activity allowed language learning to connect authentically with cultural exploration.

This cultural activity was not only a field trip, but also a true embodiment of the teaching philosophy of "culture as the core, language as the medium." Through hands-on experiences, international students gained a deeper understanding of Taiwan’s rich and diverse cultural landscape to enhance their connection and sense of belonging to the local society, while strengthened their ability to integrate into the community, laying a solid foundation for their future career development and life in Taiwan.