Taoheng (Tao) Chen

Sanfang Qixiang, literally translating to “three lanes and seven alleys”, is an area in Fuzhou featuring historical and cultural buildings that showcase indigenous Fuzhounese culture. I also got to wear Mamianqun—Mamian Skirt, which is the traditional clothing for Fuzhounese people! Walking around Sanfang Qixiang with Mamian Skirt feels like I’ve traveled back to ancient China. Being immersed in Chinese culture has inspired me to hopefully participate in a LSA at Dartmouth since I know that Dartmouth also partners with Beijing Normal University for LSAs!

China is also known for its mountainous terrains, and I got to hike one of them—Gushan! Fun fact, “Shan” means mountain, so the formal name in English is really Gu Mountain. From being involved in the, I am well-trained when it comes to hiking! The climb was around 2,000 feet and took us about 90 minutes. The mountain is also home to the local monk and their temple—I got to chat with them briefly along the way with local hikers. Overall, it was a great experience getting to connect with nature again after being away from Dartmouth! 

The Forbidden City hosted eras of emperors, concubines, and legacies as a royal palace. I went during the winter, so it wasn’t as crowded versus summer as it can get really popular—fun fact, the Forbidden City has a total of 9,703 rooms. If you were to live in one room every day from the moment you were born, you’d be 27 years old. 

At the Forbidden City, I got to look at all of the architecture. My tour guide told me that balance plays a huge role in Chinese architecture—this is also something I had learned in Chinese 31, where my professor explained to me the traditional beliefs in Chinese culture! For example, in the column below, you will see that the pattern of the buildings alternates in dark and light colors.

Being at Dartmouth has made me more curious about travelling. Whether it’s through DOC trips or learning about LSA opportunities, I feel more courageous to trek around the world like major cities in China!

Before the Bonfire even happened,  I had the opportunity to help build it! My friend and I, along with fellow 28s, took turns in shifts to build up a mega star-shaped bonfire. And then we got to sign it afterwards with our names—it took our class two days and tons of pizza breaks in between!

Perhaps the most exciting of them all, our class got to walk around the bonfire with our housing communities. This was something I’ve never experienced before, seeing a giant flame igniting the school spirit on The Green. Upperclassmen and alumni cheered us on as we walked around the Bonfire, paralleling the powerful flame igniting our spirit. I'm proud to say that I’ve officially “come home”!

At Dartmouth, I’m also a part of the student council, who are in charge of planning class events to promote community. After the Bonfire, I got to lead a giant karaoke session where I sang my heart out with my classmates; what’s more exciting is that I’m still meeting new people from my class even though I’ve been here for more than two months. I think the beautiful thing about Dartmouth is exactly the tight-knit community that makes Dartmouth, Dartmouth!

This is a 15 minute drive from campus. The Gile Mountain hike lasts about thirty minutes, and at the end of the hike you’ll reach a giant fire-tower that oversees the entire forest in the vicinity! The pictures cannot capture just how beautiful the fall foliages are, and you just have to come to Dartmouth to experience this! 

Another trip that is also a 15 minute drive from campus but towards the Ski-Lodge instead. Side note: Yes, we do have a ski-lodge at Dartmouth! During the winter term at Dartmouth, since we’re on a four quarter term system corresponding to the seasons, Dartmouth students are able to take skiing and snowboarding classes here. Before snow covers the trails, the trail to Holt’s Ledge, which is also a part of the Appalachian Trail, makes an amazing trip during the fall to hike! This hike took about two hours, and the elevation was significantly higher than Gile, and it definitely offered a greater view of New England! 

Also, because sunrikes take place in the morning, and it gets chilly in the fall, you’d actually see mists on your way back to campus before it clears and it just adds an additional touch to the mystical veil of New England—oh, to experience Dartmouth mornings! 

The Ledyard Canoe Club, also known as “Ledyard,” is another sub club at Dartmouth that deals with many water-based trips: anywhere from paddling and canoeing by the Connecticut River on campus to break canoeing trips in the Everglades! Plus, as a Dartmouth student, all gears and boat/canoe rentals are free. I’ve gone on one trip so far: Pancake Paddles! While you don’t necessarily paddle with pancakes, we do eat pancakes and paddle! For pancake paddle, you show up to the boat house at Dartmouth by the Connecticut River and groove to morning jams while flipping pancakes. After a delicious meal, you get to paddle  a mega-canoe with your fellow classmates and vibe!