Illustrator Paolo Rui from Milan, Italy, joins Sharon Huang, our 20-year-old Hakka host, to explore Hakka culture in Hualien and Taitung. They start off with making jade accessories in Hualien followed by a visit to three local painters, pick tea leaves and lily flowers. Both then stone paint in Yuli and mill rice the traditional Hakka way. They end the day by making thick rice noodles. Paolo then paints his awe of Hakka culture from the journey.

• Painter