Sanyi Woodcarving

Sanyi Woodcarving

　　Located at the southern tip of Miaoli County, Sanyi is renowned as the "Hometown of Woodcarving." Along Shuimei Road and in the Guangsheng New Village community, two to three hundred woodcarving shops stand in close proximity. The scent of wood mingles with the rhythmic tapping of chisels, reminding visitors that this century-old craft is still being diligently practiced. With few plains and mostly mountainous terrain, Sanyi lies at the boundary between northern and southern climates, featuring continuous mountain ranges, frequent fog, cool and damp conditions, and acidic soil—all ideal for the growth of camphor trees. The camphor tree roots are thick, broad, and often partially exposed. After years of sun, rain, and termite damage, they form uniquely shaped natural driftwood. Combined with their hardness, resistance to decay, and fragrant aroma that repels insects, these roots become natural artworks with just a bit of polishing and smoothing.

The opening of Dongda Wuchan, the first woodcarving shop in Sanyi, marked the beginning of the town’s woodcarving history. Shuimei Road, where most of Sanyi’s woodcarving businesses are concentrated, features over 200 carving shops lining the street all the way to Bogengkeng. The woodcarving artworks on display are incredibly diverse—ranging from large items such as log tables, chairs, screens, and wall decorations, to small ones like figurines, animals, insects, fish, and birds. Among them, religious figures, log furniture, and natural driftwood are the most common, reflecting how deeply woodcarving is intertwined with daily life in Sanyi. The hallmark of Sanyi woodcarving is its adaptation to the material—using natural driftwood for shaping and incorporating the grain of the wood as part of the background, with an emphasis on the artistry of carving. Unusual roots and branches that are typically hard to use are transformed into wonders by skilled carvers. As a result, although the types of woodcarving pieces displayed in various shops may be similar, it's the unique charm and artistic touch of each craftsman that make them truly captivating. In addition to Shuimei Road, another hub for woodcarving is Shen Diao Tun in Guangsheng New Village, which is home to many individual workshops where you can find plenty of creative pieces. It's common to see carvers demonstrating their skills on-site. At the end of Shen Diao Tun lies the Woodcarving Museum, the only museum in Taiwan dedicated entirely to woodcarving. It serves as the spiritual emblem of Sanyi’s woodcarving tradition. The museum’s collection mainly consists of masterpieces by veteran artisans, as well as works by contemporary masters and award-winning pieces from art exhibitions.