CGTN's Food-Centric Documentary Explores Taiwan's Cultural Heritage

Taiwan Through the Ages: Savoring Nostalgia



CGTN's captivating three-part documentary titled "Taiwan Through the Ages: Savoring Nostalgia" presents a food-focused journey that unearths the deep-rooted cultural connections between Taiwan and the mainland Chinese territories. Central to this exploration is Wang Yiqin, a Taipei food vlogger, who rides his motorcycle across the island to unveil the heart of Taiwan's culinary heritage. His mission? To delve into the concept of Ko Cha Bi, a term cherished by Fujian migrants signifying their yearning for the flavors of their homeland.

In the lively district of Gangshan, Kaohsiung, second-generation restaurateur Liu Yijun impressively upholds the Sichuan culinary legacy introduced by his father. Liu’s braised beef noodles serve as more than just a meal; they tell tales of resilience from the veterans who migrated to Taiwan in 1949. Here, the juancun, or military villages, stand as testament to their enduring legacy as they settled with their families, transforming the realm of food into a narrative of survival and adaptation.

The documentary seamlessly transitions across the Taiwan Strait to Dongshan Island in Fujian, where Taiwanese entrepreneur Lin Shengzhang carries on the tradition of crafting cultural figurines that celebrate shared beliefs across the Straits. For Yan Dingzhao, a poignant personal journey culminates in returning his father's ashes from Penghu to Dongshan. This emotional pilgrimage is intertwined with local cuisine, such as fish noodle soup and oyster omelets, which echo Taiwan's beloved braised pork rice and oyster pancakes. These culinary similarities portray a vivid portrayal of intertwined heritage and highlights the emotional and historical weight these dishes carry.

Further exploration includes a glance at the traditional Dragon Boat Festival in Zhangzhou, where attendees relish zongzi, sticky rice wrapped in bamboo leaves, a dish synonymous with kinship and remembrance. The Wufeng Lin family from Taichung shares their heartfelt longing for their Fujian roots, encapsulating the cultural nostalgia permeating these flavors.

In Dali, Southwest China, the documentary features Lin Yunlian, a Taiwanese businessman dedicating two decades to cultivate high-mountain oolong tea on the same latitude as his homeland, Mt. Cangshan. His comment, "It's easy to settle,” reflects the shared cultural foundations that link people across the Taiwan Strait. Through these narratives, viewers gain insights into how the culinary practices and traditions serve as vital markers of identity and community.

At its core, "Taiwan Through the Ages: Savoring Nostalgia" presents a rich tapestry of stories centered around food, memory, and cultural bridges. As each episode unfolds, it eloquently conveys that the soul of a place can often be found in its flavors, making it a treat for anyone who has ever had a taste of home or yearns for connection through cuisine.

Topics Entertainment & Media)

【About Using Articles】

You can freely use the title and article content by linking to the page where the article is posted.
※ Images cannot be used.

【About Links】

Links are free to use.

OSZAR »