Canadian immigrant dons traditional dress and visits National Center for Traditional Arts in Yilan

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Video authorization from：（@Kelsi May凱西莓）

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Kelsi from Canada made a Taiwanese friend in senior high school, and that was when her interest in Taiwanese idol dramas and pop music blossomed. She then embarked on her journey to learn Chinese from drama, TV series, and books by herself. In university, she applied for a scholarship to study the Chinese language in Taiwan and met her current husband Louis that summer. Now, she is an immigrant residing in Taiwan.

As a travel lover, Kelsi created a YouTube Channel - Kelsi May凱西莓, sharing tourist attractions and life in Taiwan. In this episode of the "New Immigrants in Taiwan" column, Kelsi visited the “National Center for Traditional Arts” in Yilan and experienced a series of activities, including donning Tang Dynasty clothing, having a boat ride, trying traditional snacks, joining craft workshops, and watching theater shows. This cultural journey was a wonderful one with many Insta-worthy photos taken.

Vintage red brick houses in the park. (Photo / Authorized & Provided by Kelsi May)

Entering the park, buildings located alongside the path are vintage red brick houses. Some of the roofs are in white, blue, and cyan with swallow-like designs, showing the craftsman's ingenuity and professional skills.

Later, Kelsi visited a photographic studio with the vintage signboard hung on the storefront to experience costume donning. From an array of clothing and props, she chose a water-blue and beige traditional dress together with an exquisite floral headdress and an ink-paper umbrella.

Donned delicate costume, Kelsi boarded an ancient Chinese boat after strolling under the sunshine and had a relaxing ride with beautiful scenery. Besides, the captain also introduced architecture located along the river.

Donned delicate costume, Kelsi boarded an ancient Chinese boat. (Photo / Authorized & Provided by Kelsi May)

Read More: Japanese living in Taiwan traveled to Penghu, enjoying slow-paced life and delicacies on an offshore island

During lunchtime, Kelsi arrived at the food court and savored scallion-oil noodles & other local cuisines before visiting “Wenchang Temple”, “Lantern Alley” and “Traditional Snack Shop”. Fortunately, she had an opportunity to watch the whole process of making “Dragon's Beard Candy”.

The lively performance attracted the attention of the old and young. (Photo / Authorized & Provided by Kelsi May)

Then a troupe appeared on the street which spiced up the atmosphere, and the lively performance – The Story of Princess Kavalan – attracted the attention of the old and young. Besides, there was also an indoor show combining a mixture of Chinese opera and modern music, acrobatics, street dance, and ballet. The performance was based on the history and culture of Yilan. Kelsi then turned into a heroine in a Chinese costume drama while walking into a tourist attraction – Fog Forest. 

Kelsi walked into a tourist attraction – Fog Forest. (Photo / Authorized & Provided by Kelsi May)

Read More: Canadian YouTuber Kelsi shares myths during pregnancy in Taiwan and in western countries

Kelsi joined a silk tapestry weaving activity in a studio. (Photo / Authorized & Provided by Kelsi May)

Furthermore, Kelsi joined a silk tapestry weaving activity in a studio, as well as travelled around with a tour guide to appreciate the meaning of buildings and their interior designs. As a foreigner, Kelsi was able to understand the deep culture of Yilan. “I really enjoyed everything we did today, and we already started thinking about when we’re going to come back,” she said with a smile.

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