On March 19, the Yilan County Service Station of the National Immigration Agency held a family education course, inviting Ding Keqing, a new resident from the Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture in Guizhou, China, to serve as a multicultural instructor. Ding introduced students from various countries to the traditional Miao clothing of Guizhou and shared handmade Quzhou baked pancakes from Zhejiang, allowing participants to experience the charm of diverse cultures.
Ding Keqing came to Taiwan in 2011 due to marriage and currently lives in Jiaoxi, Yilan, with her husband and two children. In the past, while working as a tour guide in Zhejiang, she enjoyed introducing tourists to Quzhou baked pancakes. After moving to Taiwan and being unable to continue her tour guide work due to family reasons, she decided to start her own business. Realizing that Quzhou baked pancakes were rarely seen in Taiwan, she returned to Zhejiang to learn the craft. After two months of training and six months of repeated practice, she mastered the unique baking technique and opened Taiwan's first Quzhou baked pancake shop in 2022.
Recalling her learning process, Ding Keqing admitted that the most unforgettable experience was burning her hand the first time she reached into a 300°C oven. However, through relentless effort, she eventually developed the ideal pancake recipe, allowing locals in Taiwan to taste authentic Zhejiang flavors. During this course, she demonstrated the baking process and shared her insights with the participants, using food to share her hometown's culture.
In addition to showcasing her culinary skills, Ding Keqing introduced participants to traditional Miao clothing. She explained that Miao attire is mainly worn on grand occasions such as welcoming guests or weddings. These garments are handwoven from cotton and linen fabric and are adorned with vibrant Miao embroidery and luxurious silver accessories. Ding specifically displayed a red-themed Miao outfit paired with ornate accessories, showcasing the dignified and elegant charm of Miao women. Additionally, she presented Han Chinese attire designed by her friends from China, allowing participants to appreciate the beauty of different cultural clothing. During the event, members of immigrant families were invited to try on the outfits and personally experience Guizhou's traditional culture.
Ding Keqing explained that Miao clothing is mainly worn for grand occasions such as welcoming guests and weddings. It is woven from handmade cotton and linen fabric and decorated with colorful Miao embroidery and luxurious silver ornaments. (Photo / Screenshot from the Immigration Agency website)
The Yilan County Service Station of the Immigration Agency expressed gratitude for Ding Keqing's wonderful presentation and encouraged more new residents to participate in multicultural exchanges. Furthermore, to help new residents integrate into Taiwanese society, the Immigration Agency has established a "New Immigrant Empowerment and Development Information Network" available in seven languages, as well as an official Line account providing information on employment, education, healthcare, and more. New residents are encouraged to make full use of these resources.
