NTHU Environmental and Cultural Resources Department USR Team Collaborates with Jiugangdao Community to Create a Local Herbal Map
The interdisciplinary team of the University Social Responsibility (USR) project from National Tsing Hua University’s Department of Environmental and Cultural Resources has partnered with the Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine at China Medical University Hsinchu Hospital to launch the “Community Herbal Map Co-Creation Project” in Jiugangdao, Hsinchu City. By integrating the wisdom of local elders, the creativity of youth, and academic resources, the project aims to revive traditional herbal culture in modern life.
Led by the NTHU “Nature-Based Solutions and Resilient Communities USR Project,” the initiative brings together faculty and students from fields such as life sciences, environmental design, sociology, and communications. Working closely with elders, local revitalization groups, and young volunteers in the Nanliao community, the team conducted interviews, field walks, and hands-on tours to uncover hidden herbal knowledge and create a “Nanliao Community Herbal Map.” This map will be shared with the community and used to engage future visitors.
The first phase of the project focused on “Herbal Walk-Alongs,” where community elders guided students through old streets, port trails, and riverside green belts, introducing common and useful medicinal plants such as houttuynia, plectranthus (left-hand fragrance), wild ginger lily, and basil. Students documented the uses, healing practices, and cultural meanings of these herbs, revealing their deep connection to everyday life in the community.
“Medicinal herbs aren’t just found in pharmacies—many plants growing in alleys, fields, and by rivers were once natural remedies frequently used by our grandparents,” said Dr. Hsu Hsin-Cheng, Director of Traditional Chinese Medicine at China Medical University Hsinchu Hospital. “These plants not only offer therapeutic value but also carry the living memories and wisdom of the community.”
Prof. Cheng Kuo-Tai, the USR project leader, emphasized that this is more than just a knowledge transfer—it’s a cross-generational dialogue. “We want to connect higher education with local communities, transforming academic resources into responses to real social needs and helping build community resilience and cultural confidence.”
Li Kuei-Lan, Chairperson of the Jiugang Community Development Association, shared her surprise and joy: “I used to think herbal knowledge was just for the older generation, but seeing young people so interested is touching. I hope this knowledge can be passed on and show others the treasures of Jiugang.”
Looking ahead, the USR team plans to host an on-campus exhibition at NTHU titled “Herbs and Sustainable Health,” showcasing their local fieldwork and promoting cross-university dialogue. They also aim to involve more university USR teams in similar community co-creation initiatives.
(News source: China Times News Network, May 4, 2025, reported by Wang Hui-Hui)