The Graduate Institute of Mind, Brain and Consciousness (GIMBC) held its annual cultural trip in 2025 at Daxi Old Street in Taoyuan. A total of 18 people joined the trip, including Dr. Niall, PhD and Master’s students and our secretary Frannie, who organized everything very well.

We met in the morning at Jingan MRT Station and took a bus together to Daxi. The weather was perfect and everyone was excited for a relaxing day away from the usual busy schedule.

Our trip began with a walking tour along Daxi Old Street. Our tour guide, the same friendly guide from last year’s Wanhua trip, explained the history of the old town—its traditional buildings, the river used for trading, and its connection to Chiang Kai-shek.

Many participants said they enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere, the old-style houses, and the lively market. Walking together, taking photos, and chatting made everyone feel closer and more relaxed. It was a nice chance to know each other better outside of school. In the afternoon, we visited a traditional tofu workshop to learn how tofu is made. This activity became the favorite part of the trip for many people.

We learned how to prepare the soybeans, add the salt to form the tofu curd, and use wooden molds to press the tofu. While waiting, the workshop owner showed us a traditional Taiwanese spinning top. Everyone tried it and there was a lot of laughter as people tried to make it spin correctly. Pressing the tofu together was very fun—some tried very hard to make the perfect shape, while others just enjoyed the moment and joked with friends. In the end, everyone proudly took home the tofu they made by hand.

More than just a cultural activity, the trip helped us feel more connected as a community. Participants shared their feeling in casual talk that they felt happy with the trip Enjoy the warm atmosphere and Felt the group becoming more united. The bus ride back to Taipei was full of happy conversations and smiles—a nice ending to a wonderful day.