Written by Max Fischer (Carleton College), Student Correspondent for CET Taiwan, Fall 2025
Are you interested in studying abroad in Taipei, but are worried about leaving behind America’s favorite pastime? Well, I have great news for you.
Arriving in Taipei, I didn’t realize how popular baseball was on the island. Baseball is actually considered by many to be the national sport of the island. Baseball was initially brought to Taiwan during the Japanese colonial rule of the island, where it was systematically promoted. Now, the Chinese Professional Baseball League (Taiwan) is home to six teams from across the island, and each year, over 2.7 million people attend regular season games across Taiwan.
This week, me, my language partner, and some friends went to see the Wei Chuan Dragons face off against the Fubon Guardians at Tianmu Stadium. Getting to the stadium from NTU was relatively easy, it’s just a 50 minute ride on the MRT followed by a brief YouBike ride that will take you right to the front of the stadium. Located in Shilin, Tianmu Stadium is surrounded by great stalls, restaurants, and also great shopping. It’s a great place to spend an afternoon or evening!
Not only did we have fantastic seats, but the enthusiasm entering the stadium was immediately unmistakable. Like in the United States fans are incredibly passionate rooting for their team, but in Taipei the atmosphere was completely different.
The game itself started relatively slowly. The Guardians scored two runs in the top of the first, but then there were no runs scored until the top of the fifth. Throughout the fifth, sixth, and seventh innings, the Guardians ran the score up to 9 – 1. However, the Dragons made a substantial comeback in the bottom of the 8th, scoring four runs. At the bottom of the ninth, there was real hope, but unfortunately the Dragons did not come through.
Nonetheless, it was a really great game! Cheerleaders led chants and dances throughout the duration of the game, even during active plays. The entire stadium would join in, and people waved flags bearing the Dragons’ insignia. The whole experience was a lot of fun; it was like a fusion between a baseball game and a concert. After every hit from the Dragons, smoke cannons would even fire in celebration. Although there was no point in the game that the Dragons actually had the lead, the excitement in the stadium was palpable throughout.
At around 9:55, my language partner pointed to a neighboring apartment building and told me that at 10:00pm, the stadium is not allowed to have any more chanting or music on the loudspeakers. While I thought that would mean that the energy in the stadium would start to die down accordingly, I was mistaken. At 10:00pm, we as the crowd took matters into our own hands, people led chants and songs encouraging the Dragons in the final moments of the game.
Having been to many baseball games in the United States (go Cubs!) seeing a baseball game in Taipei was a unique and lively experience. I highly recommend any fans definitely make it to a game!