Ready to explore a different side of Taiwan? Join us for an unforgettable journey into the heart of a coal mining town that once powered Taiwan's industrial growth. This isn't just a history lesson—it's a chance to connect with the very people who lived it.

The old miners of Houtong have transformed their memories into a priceless cultural treasure. Through stunning visuals and personal stories, you'll hear firsthand accounts of their lives and work. Then, they'll guide you on a walking tour through the mountain trails, sharing their oral histories and bringing the past to life.

This exclusive lecture, hosted by the Center for General Education at NTUST, offers a rare look into the life and legacy of Taiwan's mining industry. Don't miss this opportunity to feel the pulse of the past and experience the human stories behind the history books. Spots are limited, so sign up now!

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Event 1

[Lecture] Labor, Image, Action: A Discussion on Intergenerational Collaboration Through the Houtong Mining Trilogy

• Speaker Associate Professor I-Wen Cheng, Center for General Education, National Taipei University of Technology
• Lecture Overview 

While coal mining in Taiwan stopped over 20 years ago, the stories of its miners continue to echo through time. This lecture will introduce you to the "Houtong Mining Labor Image Action Trilogy," a university social responsibility (USR) project led by Associate Professor I-Wen Cheng.Since 2021, this project has connected former miners with young students through general education courses. Using a collaborative filmmaking approach, they've transformed the miners' memories of labor into powerful images, ensuring the history and culture of the coal industry are passed down to a new generation.
Join us to explore this unique intergenerational collaboration and discover how visual media can be a powerful tool for education, cultural preservation, and social action.

• Date: Tuesday, September 23, 2025 
• Time: 12:20 PM - 1:10 PM 
• Venue: International Building, Room 202 (IB-202)

➡️Event information
➡️Register 
 

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Event 2

[Cultural Bus Tour] A Journey Through Miners' Memories

• Tour Overview:

This isn't your average tour! It's a walking journey guided by the very people who lived it—the veteran miners from the Houtong Miners' Culture and History Museum. They will personally lead you through the former coal preparation plant, the historic "Neidianzi" street, the Houtong Mine, and the Vision Hall. This is a rare chance to truly understand the living conditions and daily struggles of the miners back in the day.The Houtong Miners' Culture and History Museum was built by the miners themselves. Using old photos, real artifacts, and their own firsthand stories, it authentically shows how these individuals risked their lives to fuel Taiwan's economic miracle during a time of energy scarcity. Built with their own hands and pension money, this museum not only preserves invaluable artifacts but also carries a vital mission of cultural preservation. It has redefined Houtong, reminding us that it is more than just a "cat village"—it's a place where local culture and human heritage are just as precious as economic progress.(Source: Houtong Miners' Culture and History Museum Facebook Page)

• Date: Tuesday, October 14, 2025
• Itinerary:

Gathering Time: 7:50 AM - 8:00 AM (at the main gate of NTUST)

Departure Time: 8:00 AM

Tour Time: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM (If traveling independently, meet at Houtong Train Station)

Return Departure: 12:15 PM

Estimated Return to Campus: 1:10 PM

(1) Successful applicants will be notified by email. In response to insurance needs, foreign students should provide a copy of their residence permit and send it to skyheart@mail.ntust.edu.tw
(2)A NT$ 300 deposit is required upon registration. The full amount will be refunded after the event. Payment details will be provided via email to confirmed participants. 
(3) Please bring your own drinking water and rain gear in case of emergencies 
(4) Considering the driving arrangement, please be sure to report on time and depart on time
(5) Those who take the tour bus back can fill out the questionnaire to redeem a bento!

➡️Event information
➡️Register 

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Contact

📞 Ms. Cheng, Center  for General Education
📧 skyheart@mail.ntust.edu.tw
📱 (02) 2730-1099

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 Advisors： Ministry of Education

Organized by: National Taiwan University of Science and Technology (NTUST) Higher Education Sprout Project, Center for General Education