Tunghai University

“The grass so little has to do—a sphere of simple green,
With only butterflies to brood, and bees to entertain,
And stir all day with pretty tunes.
The breezes fetch along, and hold the sunshine in its lap
And bow to everything. (#1) “

These might be the perfect lines to describe the beautiful surroundings of Tunghai University.Sounds like a dream land, doesn’t it? That’s exactly what Tunghai is like, a paradise, hiding in the crowded city of Taichung.

Once a deserted hill, and now fully designed and landscaped, the university has now become the most beautiful campus in Taiwan. It is located on a spacious and picturesque 345-acre hillside covered by tall trees and green grass, which make Tunghai an ideal living and learning environment. The university landmark Luce Chapel, the Campus Mall and the Tunghai Pasture are three wonderful places you mustn’t miss.

Luce Chapel is one of Taiwan’s most photographed architectural masterpieces. It was an early project of world-renowned architect I.M. Pei. The chapel is set on a hexagonal base and the whole structure resembles a huge tent made of reinforced concrete. Some say it looks like hands reaching up to the sky in prayer. Even a non-Christian can feel the solemnity and reverence for God. The tranquility, the sacred atmosphere, and the gentle sunlight spreading from above will kindly grant you the peace that you have long missed in a city. Surrounding the chapel is soft green grass, and you can smell the fragrance of relaxation blown by the breeze. Most of the time I just lie down there and dream the days away, thinking about anything or nothing. Kids are playing, dogs are barking, and smiles on people’s faces are shining brighter than the sun above. Wait for a few hours to see the sunset, and soon the whole picture is washed in crimson paint, throwing colors into the sky. “Blazing in gold and quenching in purple. (#2)” The splendid scene had amazed tourists for years.

The Campus Mall is a long path connecting the upper area of school campus to the lower. It heads straight to Luce Chapel. Therefore it is called “the path that leads to heaven.” Lights are set along both sides of the mall, and it seems all the holy spirits are there guiding you home safely. Cheerful melodies bounce between the branches. Gentle winds blow romance into the air. Taking a walk at dawn or at night and breathing the refreshing air there, with that would heal all the wounds in your heart and wash away all of your preoccupations.

Tired of the jammed streets and the choking throng in cities? The Tunghai Pasture is the place you should visit. The sun-struck plain with sweet grass carpeted in glowing green which contrasts sharply with the azure sky and the scarlet sun, would be an ideal place for you to release the pressure you’ve been piling up for weeks. Running around like a wild child or shouting out loud at the top of your lungs, you’re free to do whatever you want and free to dream whatever you desire. Here everyone is young and full of passion, seeking their bright future and the pure happiness they have lost in cruel reality.

A friend of mine who has lived in Tunghai for over eighteen years once told me something that has never occurred to me. ”People travel half the world to get away from the suffocating life they have, but they can never own the pleasant life they have had during their vacations. Here at Tunghai school campus, everyday is like a holiday. Our bodies won’t get tired and our hearts never grow old. It’s a magical place.” she said, with blaze of love for the lovely land sparkling in her eyes.

#1 Poem quote from Emily Dickinson work “The grass so little has to do”
#2 Poem quote from Emily Dickinson work “Blazing in gold and quenching in purple”

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