Crossing the Taiwan Strait: Tainan–Quemoy–Taichung Trip 2026

Step into living history — not just read about it.

Programme Aim

This experiential learning study tour seeks to provide students with multidisciplinary, immersive opportunities to deepen their understanding of the historical, cultural, and geopolitical landscapes on both sides of the Taiwan Strait. Through direct engagement with local communities and heritage sites, students will broaden their perspectives, apply academic knowledge in real-world contexts, and develop the critical awareness and skills necessary to appreciate cultural diversity, reflect on historical legacies, and contemplate constructive approaches to cross-strait relations.

Programme Description

The study tour will guide students across the Taiwan Strait to explore coastal defence heritage and the evolving cultural landscapes of both sides. Through site visits, discussions, and first-hand engagement, students will examine the legacy of Koxinga, the Kingdom of Tungning, and the early Chinese governance of the Taiwan area. The programme will also investigate the historical context of the First and Second Taiwan Strait crises, offering insights into the experiences of communities living on the Cold War frontier, particularly through visits to military heritage sites in Kinmen. Students will compare and contrast the cultural and social developments of the two sides since 1949, fostering a nuanced understanding of both shared and divergent trajectories. The programme is designed to cultivate students’ abilities to analyse complex historical and geopolitical issues, appreciate cultural diversity, and develop empathy and cross-cultural communication skills.

Programme Highlights

• Tainan | Maritime Crossroads & Cultural Foundations
  • Walk the historic grounds of Fort Zeelandia to unpack 17th-century Dutch colonial rule and global maritime trade.
  • Visit the Koxinga Shrine and Taiwan’s first Confucius Temple to examine early Chinese settlement, governance, and cultural integration.
• Quemoy (Kinmen) | Frontline Defense & Cold War Memory
  • Venture into the underground engineering marvel of Zhaishan Tunnel and explore frontline military museums.
  • Investigate battleground heritage, civil-military dynamics, and coastal defense strategies directly confronting cross-strait history.
• Taichung & Beyond | Indigenous History & Reflection
  • Visit the Musha Incident Memorial Park to reflect on colonial resistance, collective memory, and indigenous rights.
  • Engage in guided seminars and peer discussions addressing historical conflicts, memory politics, and constructive approaches to contemporary geopolitical challenges.

Programme Learning Outcomes

Upon completing this study tour, students will be able to:

• PLO1: Demonstrate an understanding of the historical, cultural, and geopolitical contexts shaping both sides of the Taiwan Strait through direct engagement with local communities and heritage sites.
• PLO2: Identify and analyse key factors contributing to cultural diversity and social development in Taiwan and Mainland China, and articulate the similarities and differences between the two.
• PLO3: Reflect on the impact of historical events—such as the legacy of Koxinga, the Kingdom of Tungning, and the Taiwan Strait crises—on contemporary cross-strait relations and local identities.
• PLO4: Develop critical thinking, cross-cultural communication, and collaborative skills necessary for addressing complex regional issues and fostering mutual understanding.
• PLO5: Exhibit increased awareness of the challenges and opportunities for peace and integration in the region, and propose informed, culturally sensitive approaches to reducing geopolitical tensions.

Programme Details

Application: Submit your online application here!

Enquiries

For enquiries, please contact the Horizons Office by email at horizons@hku.hk.