How can ancient Sinological wisdom and cultural assets rich in historical context be revitalized in a modern context? This week's special issue for teacher training committee members is led by Associate Professor Hsieh Jui-Lung of the Institute of Sinology at National Yunlin University of Science and Technology, who guides us into an imaginative realm to explore how literature can serve as the gentlest bridge, and its diverse applications and aesthetic interpretations in the fields of art and cultural assets.

In the first semester of 2025, Professor Hsieh Jui-Lung combined his "Story and Application Special Topic" course with a plan to conduct story application and aesthetic experience activities. On December 20, 2025, he led a research team of graduate students and teacher trainees to places such as Xinkang Bantao Kiln and Yunlin Story Museum to explore various applications of story and aesthetics.

In the morning, we visited the Xinkang Bantao Kiln Koji Cut-and-Paste Craft Park. The teachers and students first explored the art-themed village of Bantou by tandem bicycle. Along the way, we discovered numerous works combining Koji pottery and cut-and-paste crafts, from the walls of houses to the large murals beside the embankment – all incredibly impressive. Back at the park, through the guide's explanation, we learned that Koji pottery and cut-and-paste crafts are the most common decorative arts in Taiwanese folk temples. Each piece of Koji pottery or cut-and-paste work in the temple often connects to a legend or story, revealing how Chinese history and cultural traditions are passed down through the integration of traditional folk art.

In the afternoon, the group visited the Yunlin Story House. The building is the former residence of the Huwei County Magistrate during the Japanese occupation. It was not registered as a historical building in Yunlin County in 2001, and renovations were completed in 2006. Subsequently, the Yunlin Storytellers Association moved in and revitalized the building, transforming it into a space for telling various stories. Through this cultural experience, it was evident that this ancient historical site has been given new life by combining various moving stories.

Thanks to the planning of this cultural experience tour by teacher Hsieh Jui-lung, the students' understanding of the diverse aspects of Taiwan's history and culture has been greatly enhanced. They have learned that literature can coexist and prosper with other fields such as art and cultural heritage.