Austin, Texas — The Goodnews Mandarin Academy – Taiwan Center for Mandarin Learning (TCML–GMA) was recently invited to participate in the 25th Annual Mid-Autumn Festival Celebration and New Building Groundbreaking Ceremony hosted by the Asian American Culture Center (AACC).
At the event, TCML–GMA not only promoted its adult Mandarin language programs but also captivated attendees with an engaging presentation of Taiwanese folk culture.
At the TCML–GMA booth, visitors explored the latest Mandarin course information and learning materials, while the Taiwan Traditional Culture Display Zone drew particular attention. The exhibit featured intricate glove puppets, playful dough figurines, and a sky lantern DIY experience, filling the venue with festive excitement.
Among the highlights, the Monkey King (Sun Wukong) puppet—complete with a cleverly engineered golden staff—sparked delight and admiration, introducing guests to the creativity and craftsmanship of Taiwan’s traditional performing arts.
Another crowd favorite was the “Formosan Black Bear with Bubble Tea” dough figurine keychain, which instantly became a popular attraction. This charming “Taste of Taiwan in the palm of your hand” offered both a cultural keepsake and a hands-on learning opportunity.
Under the guidance of Teacher Hsiao-Ting Chen, a recent graduate of the 2025 Overseas Taiwanese Folk Culture Seed Teacher Training Program, participants of all ages created their own Taiwan Black Bear dough figurine keychains in just 20 minutes—experiencing firsthand the artistry of Taiwanese folk crafts.
The festival was a vibrant celebration of multicultural unity, featuring traditional dance performances representing India, Korea, Japan, Taiwan, China, and Hawaii, along with a wide array of Mid-Autumn mooncakes and Chinese snacks that immersed visitors in the joyful holiday spirit.
Many attendees expressed strong interest in TCML–GMA’s adult Mandarin courses. Aaron Cano, a TCML student and volunteer, enthusiastically introduced the curriculum and encouraged visitors to enroll—helping spread enthusiasm for Mandarin learning throughout the community.
Director Chien-Hui Ma of TCML–GMA extended heartfelt thanks to Amy Wong, founder of the Asian American Culture Center, for her gracious invitation and continued support.
The event’s success was made possible through the dedication of many volunteers, including Aaron Cano (Class 302), Teacher Ying-Yu Lee and family, Teacher Hsiao-Ting Chen and family, and former principal Chia-Wen Hsu. Together, they helped create a joyful and meaningful cultural exchange on the eve of the Mid-Autumn Festival, strengthening ties between the Taiwanese and broader Austin communities.
