The National Central University is an institute of higher education located in the Jungli (or Zhongli) district of Taoyuan County. Founded in China in 1915, the National Central University relocated to Taiwan in 1962. Today it is among Taiwan’s most important colleges for subjects such as astronomy, drama, Hakka and space science. Spend a day at its leafy campus to experience the life of its alumni, staff and students.
Access the campus as many students do via Zhongda Road, a grand boulevard lined with kapok trees that blossom in the spring and summer. An oval-shaped lawn decorated with flowers shaped into the university’s initials welcomes you at the entrance. Look for the NCU Reestablishment Memorial Monument, which celebrates the university’s reopening in Taiwan. Nearby is a garden with grass cut into the shape of the university’s name.
Streets busy with students and visitors are lined by lecture buildings and residence halls. Watch people studying, taking breaks, flying kites and playing Frisbee at the huge central lawn. Admire the Tai-Ji Statue, an abstract sculpture by famed Taiwanese artist Ju Ming. Stroll along Lover’s Walk, a pine-shaded wooden path so called because it only has space for two people to walk side by side.
See traveling exhibitions by well-known artists at the Art Center, situated in the Zhong-Zheng Library. Further expositions take place at the basement gallery of the Main Library. Find out what’s on at the Black Box Theatre and the 107 Art House Cinema. The Museum of Kunqu presents a glimpse into one of the oldest-known surviving styles of Chinese opera.
Set to the west of downtown Jungli (also known as Zhongli), the National Central University is a 20-minute drive from Taoyuan District. Get here by catching a train to either Taoyuan HSR Station or Zhongli Station and then take public buses from there.
Don’t miss the opportunity to visit other attractions in the Jungli district. Among them is Gloria Outlets outdoor shopping mall, Jungli Night Market and Taoyuan International Baseball Stadium.
