Voices of Taiwan - Taiwan’s Democracy Tour
A Tour Through Street Scenes, Politics, and Social Movements
This is a unique journey that will take you deep into Taiwan’s diverse society. We will follow the footsteps of a mamasan into Taipei’s red-light district, experiencing the city’s nightlife culture firsthand. We will also invite homeless individuals to be our guides, gaining insights into the struggles and realities of life at the bottom of society through their perspectives.
Additionally, we will visit key locations within Taiwan’s LGBT community, exploring the country’s efforts and achievements in gender equality and cultural diversity.
From different historical viewpoints, we will examine the Chiang family dynasty and Taiwan’s journey toward freedom and democracy. You will also attend an election rally, immersing yourself in the excitement of Taiwan’s electoral atmosphere while closely observing political processes and civic engagement.
Taiwan, though small in size, is home to a multitude of voices. This journey will take you deep into the rich and diverse fabric of Taiwanese society.
Highlights
Explore Taiwan's Red-Light District
Invite a mamasan or a hostess of a nightclub to guide us through Taiwan’s red-light district. The neon-lit Taiwanese hotels will be right before your eyes as you learn about their survival strategies in this environment, and know the unique consumption methods within these establishments.
Experience the Excitement of An Election Rally Firsthand
You will immerse yourself in the vibrant and unique charm of Taiwan’s election culture. Not only will you have the opportunity to engage in direct conversation with the candidates, but you will also interact with the crowd and gain deeper insights into the reasons and motivations behind their support for the candidates.
Discover Taiwan’s Invaluable journey in LGBT Issues
Taiwan has been at the forefront of gender equality in Asia, becoming the first country in the region to legalize same-sex marriage. However, this achievement has not come easily. By visiting key locations within the LGBT community, you will witness years of struggle and accomplishment. We will take you into vibrant spaces, whether it’s well-known LGBTQ+ gathering spots, bars, gay bookstores, or meeting the “Matchmaker” of the LGBTQ+ community. Through this cultural exploration, you will gain a deeper understanding of this social movement’s remarkable journey.
Follow in our footsteps, and you will experience...
Day 1
Welcome to Taiwan – a beautiful island with charming nature and diverse culture. Upon arrival at Taoyuan International Airport (TPE), you will be met and transferred to the hotel in an accessible vehicle . Once we drop you off at the hotel, you’ll have some free time to relax and get settled after your journey.
Day 2
The journey will begin at Nowhere Feidi Bookstore, where we will hold a pre-trip seminar in the morning. This session will not only allow participants to get to know each other but also provide a detailed overview of the entire journey, ensuring everyone is well-prepared for the upcoming exploration.
At noon, we will head to the Grand Hotel Taipei for lunch. This iconic landmark, rich in historical significance, has witnessed many key moments in Taiwan’s history. We will also explore its hidden underground tunnel, originally designed for military and civil defense purposes, to learn about its construction background and historical functions.
The afternoon itinerary will take you to the heart of Taiwan’s history, providing an in-depth understanding of the Chiang family dynasty and Taiwan’s development. We will first visit the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, an impressive structure not only dedicated to Chiang Kai-shek but also an important symbol of Taiwan’s historical and political changes. Next, we will head to the Shilin Official Residence, which once served as the home of Chiang Kai-shek and Soong Mei-ling. The architecture and garden design within the estate carry the political imprints of Taiwan’s history, offering a closer look at the country’s political transformation. Finally, we will visit the Ching-kuo Seven Seas Cultural Park, which showcases the legacy and contributions of another key figure in Taiwan’s history, Chiang Ching-kuo, while exploring the cultural and historical significance of the area.
Through this day’s itinerary, you will gain a deeper understanding of Taiwan’s historical context and cultural background, laying the foundation for the journey ahead.
Day 3
On this day, we will embark on an exploration of Taiwan’s political center. In the morning, we will visit the Presidential Office Building, a century-old structure that has witnessed Taiwan’s regime changes and democratic evolution. We will then take a walk along Ketagalan Boulevard, an important avenue in front of the Presidential Office. More than just a road, it is a symbol of Taiwan’s democratic movements, where numerous social protests and political rallies have taken place, leaving a profound impact on the nation’s political and social landscape.
In the afternoon, we will dive into the heart of Taiwan’s LGBT community, exploring the country’s progress in gender equality and cultural diversity. We will visit significant LGBTQ+ spaces, learning about Taiwan’s achievements in marriage equality and gender issues while experiencing the vibrancy and resilience of this community.
As night falls, we will follow the footsteps of hostesses into Taipei’s famous red-light district—Linsen North Road. This area is one of the city’s most iconic nightlife districts, home to a variety of adult entertainment venues that reveal a different side of Taiwan’s nightlife culture. Through this unique experience, we will gain firsthand insights into the industry’s ecosystem and the untold stories of those working within it.
From the political center to diverse cultural landscapes and Taipei’s after-dark world, this journey offers a multi-layered perspective on Taiwan’s society.
Day 4
The morning itinerary will take you deep into Taiwan’s history and human rights development. We will first visit the Jing-Mei White Terror Memorial Park, a former site where political prisoners were detained and tried during Taiwan’s White Terror period, which today stands as a testament to history and human rights. Next, we will head to the Zheng Nanrong Memorial Hall and Liberty Lane, which commemorate Taiwan’s pioneer of freedom of speech, Zheng Nanrong, and reflect on his efforts and sacrifices to defend democracy and freedom.
In the evening, we will attend an election rally, where you will experience the passionate atmosphere of Taiwan’s electoral culture firsthand. Not only will you observe the lively atmosphere of the event, but you will also gain a deeper understanding of Taiwan’s political processes and civic participation.
Day 5
In the morning, we will embark on a homeless tour, inviting homeless individuals to be our guides as they lead us through their life stories. We will learn how they survive on the streets and gain insight into Taiwan’s social safety nets and assistance systems.
Next, we will visit Taipei Main Station, where the plaza serves as an important gathering place for migrant workers. We will then walk around Indonesian Street, exploring issues faced by new immigrants, understanding their lives and challenges in Taiwan, and delving into the country’s multicultural and social structures.
Afterward, we will take a train to Tainan, a city rich in history that will offer you a unique cultural and historical experience. In the evening, we will attend political rallies from different parties in Tainan, where you will gain insights into the political landscape of Taiwan’s northern and southern regions.
Day 6
Our journey will begin with an observation of the candidate’s street rallies, including visits to temples for vote prayers, market canvassing, and promotional vehicle street campaigns. This will offer you a deep insight into how candidates interact with voters and showcase Taiwan’s unique electoral culture.
Afterward, you will visit historical sites in Tainan, including the historically significant Chihkan Tower, and explore the Tainan Literature Museum, where you will learn how Taiwanese literature has profoundly influenced politics.
Finally, after taking the high-speed rail back to Taipei, we will attend the election eve rally, where you can experience the intense atmosphere just before the election and observe the interaction between voters and candidates.
Day 7
On election day, you will have the opportunity to freely observe the voting and ballot counting process at the polling stations.
After the election concludes, we will watch the live vote tallying together, listen to the candidates’ post-election speeches, and share your insights and reflections from the experience.
Day 8
The “Voices of Taiwan” Tour will come to an end. You can choose to extend your stay in Taiwan or return home with a wealth of experiences and memories from this journey.
If you wish to join the "Voices of Taiwan" Tour, please leave your information.
We will send you the relevant information before the next departure.