Taiwan’s Most Beautiful University? My Tunghai Campus Adventure!

You know how Taiwanese movies and idol dramas always have those picture-perfect campus scenes? They’re everywhere! Think about it: You Are the Apple of My Eye filmed at Jingcheng High. Jay Chou’s Secret took over his old stomping grounds, Tamkang High. And It Started with a Kiss totally rocked Providence University in Taichung. Seriously, some schools in Taiwan are actual tourist magnets! Today, we’re diving deep into the university scene. Specifically, we’re talking about Tunghai University Taiwan!

• Tunghai University

  

  Okay, let’s talk Tunghai University! It’s tucked away in Taichung City. This isn’t just any old school, folks. It’s a Christian-affiliated gem. Plus, it’s Taiwan’s very first private university! After the KMT moved to Taiwan, the United Board for Christian Higher Education in Asia stepped right up. They funded its creation. Their goal? To continue the awesome traditions of 13 famous Christian universities from mainland China. We’re talking big names like Yenching and Ginling Universities. Pretty cool history, right?

  

  Tunghai University totally deserves its nickname: “Taiwan’s Most Beautiful University.” It’s famous for stunning scenery and buildings that are true works of art. The biggest highlight? The Luce Memorial Chapel. Legendary architect I.M. Pei designed it. This chapel perfectly captures Tunghai’s cool, understated campus vibe. It’s a seriously famous architectural marvel! Also, the campus has its own dairy farm and Tunghai Lake. Get this: everything at the “Tunghai Dairy Products Shop” comes straight from their farm. Think fresh milk and amazing ice cream bars! How awesome is that?
  

  

   

  Flashback to 2015! I was on my first big 3-week business trip. The Taichung part was a total whirlwind. I had to squeeze 5 days of lessons into just 3. That meant teaching Monday and Tuesday evenings. But on Wednesday, right after class, I literally jumped in a taxi. I made a beeline for Tunghai University. My goal? Grab a creamy ice cream bar from the “Tunghai Dairy Products Shop.” Then I’d stroll around campus, noshing away. Sadly, it was pitch black when I arrived. The shop was already closed. Major bummer!

  Still, I was determined. So, I stumbled through the dark to the Luce Memorial Chapel anyway. Near the chapel, I bumped into a teacher from the Academic Affairs Office. We chatted for a bit. She suggested it was way too late for sightseeing. She told me to head back to my hotel and chill. Turns out, she lived in Taichung too! She offered me a lift since it was “on her way.” I was heading to Feng Chia Night Market. So, she dropped me right at the entrance. She even gave me her business card! She said to hit her up if I ever came back to visit Tunghai during the day. How incredibly sweet and helpful is that?!

   

  Later that year, in late 2015, I had another Taichung & Kaohsiung trip planned. This time, I hit the ground running! As soon as I checked into my hotel, I practically tossed my bags aside. I bolted straight for Tunghai University. And guess what? I finally snapped some gorgeous photos of the Luce Memorial Chapel. It was bathed in that perfect sunset glow! Mission accomplished, baby!

  
  

  Fun fact: It was almost Christmas. A crew was setting up a stage for a Beethoven symphony concert. How cool is that for a campus event?!

  After the chapel, I finally made it to the “Tunghai Dairy Products Shop.” I snagged some fresh milk and an ice cream bar. I was happily munching away and chatting with some locals. Someone totally ribbed me, asking, “Beijing’s already getting snow, and you’re still over here chowing down on ice cream?” On my way out, I also swung by the dairy farm. I got to see the cows! Plus, I checked out Tunghai Lake.

  
  
  
  

   

  Seriously, Tunghai University’s campus is huge! They even have their own bus routes. These buses shuttle students from, say, the “Management Building” to the “Arts and Sciences Building.” And so on! Honestly, if my college campus had been this drop-dead gorgeous, I totally would’ve hit the books way harder. Wouldn’t you? Just sayin’!

  

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