KING LING

COLLEGE

Class 5E

Group 2

Taipei, Taiwan 11 Apr- 14 Apr 2014

S5 Grand Tour Report

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Table of Contents

Reflection: Day 1 .................. 2

Reflection: Day 2 .................. 5

Reflection: Day 3 .................. 7

Reflection: Day 4 ................. 10

Group Member List ................. 11

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Introduction

From 11th April to 14th April, all F5 students went to a grand tour and 5E students had experienced a wonderful trip in Taiwan. Sky lanterns were raised in Shifen, train was approaching, and more, all memory in Taiwan was profoundly engraved in every one of us. Below are our unforgettable memories and our reflections in those amazing four days in Taiwan.

Are you ready to experience all we had experienced again?

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Reflection: Day 1

Spots Description : Chung Yuan Christian University Visiting Chung Yuan Christian University is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for us. After taking photos with the students there, we went to the student’s hall. It was absolutely surprising that boys and girls are living in the same hall. The environment inside was quite different from Hong Kong’s universities. Compared to Hong Kong, the hall in Chung Yuan Christian University has more recreational facilities such as Gym Room, table tennis room inside the hall so that students can release their pressure very conveniently.

Subsequently, we went to the sports ground; it was huge and terrific. It was beyond our imagination that how spectacular it will be when the sports ground was cramped with so many students. Academic exchange was the highlight of that day. The principal of Chung Yuan Christian University gave us a wonderful talk about school life in Chung Yuan and we had a chance to ask him questions directly. It was our pleasure to be sitting there.

Overall, the Chung Yuan Christian University visit broadens our horizons and

we know more about Taiwan tertiary education. Spots Reflection : Chung Yuan Christian University

After visiting this university, we have some interests to enter Chung Yuan Christian University. Not only is the studying fee there cheaper than those in Hong Kong, but it also has a beautiful scenery and good facilities.

What is more, the most unforgettable memory for us is the library tour there. It was amazing that the bookshelf could be moved .We supposed that it could save more space. Compared with Hong Kong's Library, the Chung Yuan one is more creative than the Hong Kong one .We hope that Hong Kong's library can have this kind of bookshelf. Although it would cost more, it can save more space. It is very important because we all know that Hong Kong does not have enough space.

Above all, this university can provide more opportunities for us to equip ourselves so that we can be a keystone to contribute to the society.

4 Spots description : The Eslite/The Taipei 101 Mall

We went to the Eslite in the evening. There were seven floors which included

different types of stores such as book shop, food court and toggery. The salespeople were enthusiastic and amicable to serve the customers. Also, they introduced their goods politely.

After visiting the Eslite, we went to the Taipei 101 Mall, which gained the

honor of the highest building in 2004. This building, unlike the other skyscrapers around the world, was built with glass and steel. It was a historical and unique building. Spots reflection : The Eslite/The Taipei 101 Mall

Through this shopping, we found that even the services of the salespeople are

good and even the looks of the products are attractive, we should not purchase immediately. We need to identify whether we need or want to buy before making the choice. Therefore, we should consider deeply when we face any decision.

In Taiwan, earthquakes happen frequently so there is a special design on the

top of the building. The architect makes the structure strong in a physical way. We may appreciate and learn to utilize the knowledge we learnt in daily life.

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Reflection: Day 2

Spots Description :The Dan Shuei Old Street Today, we visited the Dan Shuei Old Street. Compared with the old streets

of Hong Kong, it is quite different. We think the properties of Dan Shuei Old Street is the blend of Hong Kong's and Chinese's street culture.

Like those in China, one can buy delicacies at affordable price; like those in Hong Kong, the street is hustling and bustling but clean. We tasted many handy snacks there, so we were satisfied with this visit. Spots Reflection :The Dan Shuei Old Street

We experienced something reflective there. When we strolled along the street, there were many salespersons selling their products to us. They would not get angry or annoyed when we asked many questions, even though we did not buy their products eventually. They kept smiling to us. They showed their good tolerance and the positive attitude to us, which let us rethink how we treat other people when the situation is out of our expectation. That is why the others considered Taiwanese are at better temperament. Spots Description: National Taiwan Museum

This museum was established in 1908. It is the oldest museum in Taiwan. Throughout the years of war and political transition and after being renamed twice, it stands as the only museum established during the colonial years, which is still in operation on its original site. The museum maintains its original scale, with five departments - anthropology, earth sciences, zoology, botany and education. The collection features specimens of Taiwan's indigenous animals and plants as well as cultural artifacts. Through its regular exhibitions and special exhibitions, publications and various educational programs, the museum is serving the public as an educational establishment. Spots Description: Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall Chiang Kai-Shek memorial hall was located in Zhongzheng Taipei. It was built in April 5, 1980. The memorial hall is white with four sites. The interior part of the Memorial Hall introduced Mr. Chiang Kai-Shek’s whole life story.

6 Mr. Chiang Kai-Shek is one of the most respected person of Taiwanese. Although we only heard his name in our history lessons, we know very well about his life and learnt a lot after visiting the Memorial Hall. When Mr. Chiang Kai-Shek was a secondary student, his academic result was not that good even he looked so clever. Among 36 students, Chiang Kai-Shek only ranked 31st, but it was not a barrier which disturbed him to pursue his dream. No matter how complicated the problem was, he would deal with those barriers rather than evaded from it. According to his personality, he kept solving all the challenges he faced and finally he succeeded to help build Taiwan. Moreover he became the most respected person of Taiwanese. Spots Reflection : National Taiwan Museum

After visiting this museum, our awareness of Taiwan increased. We used to think that Taiwan had few ethnic groups. But actually there are more than 10 ethnic groups in Taiwan.

This museum was different from museums in Hong Kong. Hong Kong's museums always focus on one topic while this museum gives information on different areas.

Spots Reflection : Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall To sum up, We learn a lot from visiting the memorial museum, such as Taiwan history and not evade from the challenge that we will face in the future. We know what is the meaning for “never give up” from Mr. Chiang Kai-Shek. It is really useful and we hope that we can visit more meaningful places like this one. Spots Description: Xi Men Ding

After visiting the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, we travelled to Xi Men Ding. An array of food and accessories there were appealing to many customers. It seemed as bustling as Mong Kok. It was doubtless for us to visit this well-known landmark in Taipei.

The street was magnetic to many teenagers as most of the shops were selling the creative and novel products, which easily caught people’s eyes. A variety of shops can be found as they consisted of restaurants with different blend of cultures and the reputable boutiques. We were seeking different unique souvenirs

7 in this street and were watching the attractive busking of different voluntary artists. We were interested in everything in the street.

Everything seemed to be delightful, however, there were some potential crimes alongside this crowded street. We were often meeting some of the fakers. They always claimed that their shops were in near bankruptcy. They needed to raise their profit to put a halt to this unfavorable situation. Only the foreign visitors fell victim to this unethical trading as those strangers always put them as their target. Deplorably, some of students were deceived by these fakers. Spots Reflection : Xi Men Ding

After this experience, we realized that we should not trust or even talk to

strangers. It is because during the trip, we need to travel to a new place, face a new situation, we are not familiar with the people and location there. As a result, we should be more careful and especially be alert to strangers. This time, one of our group mates was cheated by the strangers and he suffered loss of money.

Moreover, getting lost is also a difficulty we met during the trip. As Xi Men Ding has a lot of branches in the street, memorizing the direction is so pivotal to us. Therefore, we should pay attention to the symbol of street or name of the building, to identify the destination or direction. This method can totally deal with our difficulty.

Reflection: Day 3

Spots Description : Shifen Shifen is a small village located at the rural area of Taiwan, the Pingxi

District. The environment around is totally different from the urban area. The urban area is modern and well-planned while the rural area is relatively initial. The houses complement the nature so we can still see a large green scenery when walking along the old street. The living pace there was slow so we spent our time there relaxingly. Spots Reflection : Shifen

It was a luxurious moment as time was so precious in Hong Kong. We have to grab every second for doing something meaningful or contributable. This

8 leads to the high living and working pressure of HK citizens. If we learn from the locals in Shifen, we will understand how to enjoy our lives and release our pressure. For example, we can spend a day in the countryside in Hong Kong, try to slower our pace and neglect the annoying living things.

Besides, Hong Kong government should consider combining living

place with the countryside instead of removing the rural, so that Hong Kong citizens have better living environment. For example, the government allows the construction companies to build low-density residential blocks in the outskirts with regulations. Under the regulations, the companies have to assure that building development is balance with ecology development. Spots Description : Martyrs' Shrine

Before we entered the shrine, we saw two soldiers standing very still and

staring at each other at the front door. At 12:00, they started the relief. They marched from the door to the shrine with same speed. Then, they were relieved.

Spots Description : National Palace Museum

The National Palace Museum is an antique museum in Taipei. It is one of the

national museums of the Republic of China and it becomes the landmark of Taiwan. In National Palace Museum, there are a lot of treasures showing to public. All of them are very valuable and unique such as painting, jades and statues.

The day we visited the National Palace Museum was a Sunday. Therefore

there were a lot of people including locals, visitors and foreigners. The museum was so crowded. While we were queuing for the visit, the visitors from other countries were pushing each other. Besides they spoke so loudly to disturb other visitors who were listening speeches from the tour guides. Spots Reflection : Martyrs' Shrine

We did not visit the whole shrine. Although we just watched the marching, we have learnt few things from the soldiers. First, we need perseverance for doing everything. The soldiers had practiced many times for marching. If they gave up, they couldn't march as perfectly as what we saw.

Also, we realized the importance of practicing. I believe that they must have

9 put much effort on marching. As a result, they can march neatly. So practice makes perfect. Spots Reflection :National Palace Museum

During our visit in the National Palace Museum, not only can it enrich our

history knowledge, but also learn how to respect others.

As visitors to the National Palace Museum, we really feel annoyed as the rude visitors always made us unable to focus on the collections. Being visitors, they should always behave well in public area. Especially we are representing our school in this grand tour. We may affect our school if we do not behave well and do not respect the culture. When we grow up, we will represent our country. Moreover, we should really respect ourselves more clearly from now on. Spots Description & Reflection : Shi Lin Night Market

After the visit to National Palace Museum, we moved to the next destination, Shi Lin Night Market, which is full of accessories and delicious foods. At the beginning, some of the group mates were worried about the price of the food. However, the guide distributed coupons and these could totally eliminate our worries. During the visit, we tasted an array of yummy cuisine, such as roast squid, oyster Omelet, Formosan –Fried Chicken because the smell of these foods appealed to us. Moreover, we visited some souvenir shops. The shops there sold a lot of unique souvenirs and they were attractive and beautiful. As a result, we bought a large amount of souvenirs there. The most impressive part of the visit is the passion of the Taiwanese. When we were choosing what to buy, they gave us lots of suggestions. These made us feel so touching and respecting.

All the food in the market was so attractive. As tourists, we were willing to sample these representative delicacies. This enhances our impression of Taiwan. As it is the first time for us to travel to Taiwan, we have not tried any cuisine there. Therefore, we found surprising tasteful in those cuisines. Actually, the more we experience Taipei, the more we love it. It was the third day we stayed here. We found that Taiwanese are so friendly. Everything we experienced was colorful and elating. All in all, we are looking forward to the trip tomorrow and hopefully, the final day can be the most excellent day as the end of our trip in Taipei.

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Reflection: Day 4

Spots Description & Reflection : Shih Chien University Shih Chien University is perfectly modern and beautiful, especially the

library. The whole campus was built in English architecture style. It totally attracts our eyes. Compared to Chung Yuan Christian University, the largest difference is that the style going to extreme. Chung Yuan Christian University is more traditional but Shih Chien University is more modern so our group mates prefer entering Shih Chien university.

What is more, the professor mentioned that this university provided different academic units such as Department of Restaurant and Institutional Management, Department of International Trade , Department of Tourism Management so on and so forth. We felt that it could help students establish a solid foundation and equip ourselves so that the students could contribute to the society.

We also visited the lesson. There was a cozy studying atmosphere. Students of some subjects such as architecture and design would be given chances to apply their knowledge to help designing new building or holding some activities for school. As a result, not only could students have theoretical knowledge, but they could also have practical experience. However, universities in Hong Kong are just constrained to classrooms and knowledge from books. The Hong Kong students are always crammed up with schoolwork. We highly suggest that Hong Kong’s Universities should refer to the education of Taiwan’s universities so as to let students stretch their potential.

Spots Description ： Miramar Enterainment Park

On the last day, we went to Miramar Entertainment Park which has 5 floors. These floors had different themes, including Gourmet Patio, Boutiques Cosmetics, Ladies' Fashion, Home and Men's Fashion, Kids' World and Restaurants. Taking the Ferris wheel, which was built in the shopping center, was an unforgettable and unique experience. After that, we went to a famous place called Shilin Presidential Residence in Taiwan. This was the dwelling of Chiang Kai-Shek which was bid and beautiful including the garden, the church and the garage.

11 Spots Reflection ： Miramar Enterainment Park

Through this experience of taking the Ferris wheel, we seemed to be going through different life stages including the beginning, the climax and the end. When the Ferris wheel rose, it looked like our growth. In the Ferris wheel, we talked and took photos to mark down our memories. It let us treasure our time and enjoy this special experience. This travel was a hard-won opportunity to build up our friendship. As for the Shilin residence, the tour guide told us lots of background information of this place and Chiang Kai-Shek, it enriched our extra knowledge and broadened our horizons. Through this visit, we experienced the life and residence of the rich and noble people. Chiang Kai-Shek contributed a lot of things such as revolution and resistance. He made us realize that we needed to pay out a lot of spirit and endeavor behind the success.

Conclusion Times flies, it seems that all just happened in yesterday. It is beyond our imagination that this trip brings us a lot of terrific memories. We had experienced a wonderful grand tour and it is the first and probably is the only 5E trip before we graduate. But we will not forget everything in Taiwan as we know that, we are 5E and we always belong to 5E. We can’t wait for our next tour after we graduate in 2015! Group Member List

-Lam Tsz Kin (25)

-Tang Po Ying(11)

-Chan Wai Chi (1)

-Fung Ka Man (4)

-Ng Wai Ki (10)

-Chan Chun Wai (14)

-Cheung Wing Yip(20)

-Chung Wai Kit (24

-Lau Yiu Yan (26)

-Yu Ho Hin (38)

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