The interdisciplinary general education course, “Guardian Generals Cultural Experience and Digital Exhibition,” is jointly offered by Associate Prof. Jian-Sheng Wu of the Department of Applied History, folklorist Tsung-Han Wen, and the teaching team. It provides students with an opportunity to gain an in-depth understanding of the historical development and cultural significance of the Jia Jiang (Guardian Generals) tradition. Students from various departments recently assumed the roles of Jia Jiang, embodying the majesty and solemnity of the tradition. Organized into three performance troupes, they took turns “marching out” through the streets of Chiayi, bringing traditional folk culture beyond the classroom and showcasing the remarkable outcomes of the course.
Moving past their initial uncertainty at the start of the semester, the students continuously practiced every movement and formation, gradually developing strong teamwork and gaining a profound appreciation for the loyalty, righteousness, and discipline embodied in the Jia Jiang tradition. The final presentation took the form of a live street procession, traveling from Wenhua Road Night Market through the iconic Fountain Circle to Ruyi Zhenyu Hall of Chiayi Ciji Temple. The students' dignified movements and determined expressions deeply moved local residents and senior folk practitioners along the procession route. They praised the group not only for breaking conventions but also for bringing vibrant contemporary energy to this century-old folk tradition through their dedication and perseverance.
The course was carefully planned by the project team of “Digital Interdisciplinary Chiayi Tour: Reviving the Cultural Heritage of Zhuluo,” led by Prof. Pei-Lun Lee of the Department of E-learning Design and Management, in collaboration with the General Education Center of the Office of Academic Affairs. Enrollment exceeded 250 students immediately after registration opened, with only 55 students admitted through a computerized lottery. Notably, over one-third of the enrolled students were female, significantly challenging the public stereotype that Jia Jiang culture is exclusively male-dominated. Their participation also demonstrates the growing openness and diverse cultural appeal of traditional folk performance among younger generations.
The course invited a distinguished lineup of master practitioners, all recognized as important bearers of Taiwan's cultural heritage, from Ruyi Zhenyu Hall of Chiayi Ciji Temple and Zhenyou Hall of Zhen'an Temple to provide hands-on instruction. Sharing their expertise without reservation, the masters passed on the authentic traditions of Ba Jia Jiang, including facial makeup artistry, ritual choreography, footwork, and performance techniques, inspiring a new generation of students to embrace and preserve this rich folk tradition. The face-painting workshop also received invaluable support from the Shi Jia Jiang troupes of Huangyi Hall at Zhenbei Temple in Beishewei, Chiayi, and Jisheng Hall of Chiayi Chenghuang Temple. With their guidance, students were able to fully experience the profound heritage of Jia Jiang culture, from its cultural context and the symbolic meanings of its individual roles to hands-on practice.
In addition to hands-on training in traditional folk arts, the course integrates digital technology into cultural learning and preservation. The teaching team invited Director Eric Lin to provide instruction in portrait photography, Associate Prof. Chih-Chieh Yang to introduce AI applications, and Lecturer Zun-Hsiu Chen and Project Researcher Po-Yang Lee to design digital 3D modeling courses. Through physical participation in Jia Jiang culture as well as video documentation, artificial intelligence, and digital 3D modeling, students explored how traditional folk culture can be interpreted in contemporary ways and preserved digitally, while expanding possibilities for the exhibition and transmission of intangible cultural heritage.
As the first university in Taiwan to offer a general education course integrating Jia Jiang cultural experience, folk art practice, and digital exhibition applications, NCYU's teaching team will continue to offer the program. Through preservation and innovation, the program aims to sustain the vitality of Jia Jiang culture, marking a new milestone in its sustainable development. It also seeks to inspire more young people to engage with tradition, understand folk culture, and continue bringing new vitality to Taiwan's intangible cultural heritage.
Photo 1. The Jia Jiang troupe and all instructors
pose for a group photo in front of Zhen'an Temple in Chiayi.
Photo 2. Members of the Jia Jiang troupe learn how
to tie traditional straw sandals on the temple steps.
Photo 3. The Jia Jiang troupe performs during a traditional street procession.