My family heritage is from Taiwan, and many generations before, from China. As first-generation immigrants, my parents brought me back to visit Taiwan throughout my childhood. I have so many memories of this place and I honestly wondered if I would find any resources to help my children discover this precious country (I did!)
We celebrated Mid-Autumn Festival during our studies of Taiwan and Japan, and made mooncakes for the first time. You’ll find our experience and all the links to try it yourself here:
Post released October 2021
Maps and Landmarks
- Free Printable of Taiwan’s Flag and Map by Crayola.com
- Free Printable of Taiwan’s Map by PrintableWorldMap.net
- Free Online Geography Games for Asia by Seterra.com. Taiwan is included in the “Asia: Countries” game.
- Taipei 101 Coloring Page
Missions Spotlight
- Chiang Kai-Shek article from history.com
From The Diaries of Chiang Kai-Shek, by artsjournal.com: “‘Many people, including myself, thought Chiang Kai-shek was a fake Christian – that he did it to marry Mei-ling,’ explained Kuo. ‘But after we read the diaries none of us questioned it. He read the Bible every day, he copied sentences from the Bible, he mentioned God, he asked for God’s help – if not every day, then every other day.'”
- Our missionary friends in Taiwan: The Pagel Family. My husband and I had the privilege to visit and serve alongside the Pagel family in 2006. This article discusses the state of the Christian church in Taiwan.
- Prayercast.com/Taiwan: This page contains Quick Facts, Summary about Taiwan, Prayer Points, and a short video prayer for Taiwan.
Booklists
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It turns out that my amazing artist cousins, “the Fan Brothers,” are now also celebrated children’s book authors! I’m so delighted in their success. My children spend time pouring over their detailed illustrations and have even copied some of their characters, especially the unique ones from “The Barnabus Project.”
Preschool/Kindergarten
“On My Way to Buy Eggs” gives a sweet look into what the streets and markets of Taiwan look like through the eyes of a child. A trip to buy eggs turns into an adventure for Shau-Yu. The collage and paper cutting pictures by Taiwanese author and illustrator Chih-Yuan Chen, are muted and beautiful.
Early Elementary
“The Abacus Contest” is a collection of six stories set in Taiwan. Each one is a separate story but the characters overlap throughout. These stories provided us a window of what life is like for schoolchildren in Taiwan. My kids were introduced to such topics as the abacus, Ali Shan, and Disney Land through the eyes of a foreigner.
Late Elementary/Middle
“Dumpling Days” takes you on a cultural adventure in Taiwan through the eyes of Pacy, an Asian-American girl. Unable to speak Chinese or Taiwanese, she has a whole month of new experiences in Taiwan to write in her journal, complete with small black and white sketches. Pacy learns Chinese calligraphy and painting, how to navigate through the city and night market, the details of holding chopsticks and using a squat toilet, and, of course, about every type of delicious dumpling and its history.
Grace Lin’s wit and humor sparkles through this autobiographical book, perfect for elementary and middle schoolers looking for a fun glimpse into Taiwan. In addition, Lin effortlessly weaves folklore throughout the narrative, so I learned things like why people tap on the table in thanks for tea, and why the 60th birthday is celebrated in a big way.
Food Science
Did you know that the fun drink, bubble tea, originated in Taiwan? I can still remember the first time I had a sip of the classic “black milk tea with bubbles” on a very hot, summer day. Here is a fun article discussing the science behind the drink: “That’s the Tea.”
One more claim to fame for Taiwan is Stinky Tofu! This street food is certainly pungent, and the science behind the scent is found in its fermentation!
Food, continued
My brother bought me this book 8 months ago. We were in the middle of our study of Europe and I think he was encouraging me to introduce my kids to the other side of their heritage. “The Food of Taiwan” has great background into street food, stinky tofu, the history of noodles, and great pictures.
I had the opportunity to cook some of these Taiwanese recipes with my siblings and mother. It was really fun for her to share her expertise and I wrote her additions and opinions into the cookbook. It also confirmed my suspicion… Asian cooking is difficult!!
Pan Fried Buns 
San Bei Ji (Three Cup Chicken) from the cookbook 
My mom’s beef noodle soup 
Bubble Tea made from Oolong grown on Taiwan’s Ali Shan (Ali Mountain) 
Yan Su Ji (Fried Chicken Bites) 
Dan Bing (Taiwanese Egg Crepe Roll) 
Zha Ji Pai (Fried Chicken Steaks) 
Chinese Chive Pockets 
Costco finds from Taiwan
Movie
“Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” is a masterpiece by Taiwanese director Ang Lee. It showcases the Chinese martial art of Wuxia. Although it is rated PG-13, there may be a few beautiful fight scenes that a 9 or 10-year old could watch, such as this Bamboo Forest Fight.
YouTube Videos
- BBC Travel Show – Taiwan special
- How the Taiwanese Aborigines Shaped Modern Asia
- River Hongbao 2016 – Taiwan Aboriginal Dance
- Taiwan’s Aboriginal Music: The Truku
- How to play Taiwanese Jews harps
