2024 / 9 225 pageviews

A World Bamboo Landmark:

The Therapeutic Groves of Shibi

Bamboo has been rooted in the hearts and souls of East Asian literati since ancient times. In the Tang Dynasty, Liu Yanfu compared the physical traits of this evergreen perennial plant to gentlemanly virtues in “On Planting Bamboo.” The Song-Dynasty writer Su Shi commented that “the absence of......

2023 / 4 253 pageviews

Breathe Deep

The Healing Power of Taiwan’s Woodlands

With three fifths of its land covered with forest, Taiwan is home to at least 5,188 different native plants. Not only has the island cast a spell on botanists from across the world, but locals have also been tapping into its woodland resources, making use of even the scents of plants.......

2018 / 9 105 pageviews

Taking Their Passion and Making It Happen

Six Carat Dance Troupe

In a second-floor hall in the ­Liulu Community in Tai­chung’s ­Shalu District, a group of senior citizens dance along to popular music. They are the ­Liulu Community Development Association’s Six Carat Dance Troupe, and last year, this group with an average age of 72 went viral with a music vi......

2018 / 7 382 pageviews

Ran Lee

Taiwan’s Father of Muay Thai

What comes to mind when you hear the name “muay Thai”? Despite its reputation for ferocity, the muay Thai practiced at Ran Lee Muay­thai Gym in Kao­hsiung is nowhere near as brutal as what you’ve seen in the movies. In fact, even people with high blood pressure can take part! Gym leader Ran Le......

2016 / 5 91 pageviews

Li Shiao-yu: Carrying the Flag to the Finish Line

“Our champion: Shiao-yu Li, from TAIWAN!” These words have reverberated many times around the venues of international triathlon competitions as Li Shiao-yu, representing Taiwan, crosses the finish line, panting with exhaustion and draped in the nation’s flag. The organizers then honor her by p......