During their learning journey in Taiwan, foreign students in the Huayu BEST Program not only have the opportunity to learn the language but also to deeply experience Taiwan's rich traditional culture. In December 2024, they participated in an immersive experience of a representative Taiwanese folk art—puppet theater (Budaixi). As one of Taiwan's most distinctive traditional performances, Budaixi captivates audiences with its intricate puppets, delicate movements, and lively performances, making it a symbol of Taiwanese culture.

In this experience, the students not only watched a spectacular puppet theater performance but also had the chance to experience manipulating the puppets themselves. With guidance from professional puppet masters, the students learned about the historical background, performance techniques, and the important role Budaixi plays in Taiwanese culture. They discovered how Budaixi integrates drama, music, dance, and singing into a harmonious artistic form, and gained a deeper appreciation of how this traditional art form remains vibrant and innovative in modern society.