TaiChung and Bamboo

 My two-day trip to Taichung has been a memorable and eye-opening experience. Taichung gave me an interesting vibe—it truly felt like the middle ground of Taiwan. Just as its name and location, it’s a combination of both Taipei and Tainan. The city has the modernization of Taipei but also retains the traditional essence that I loved in Tainan. During the trip, the bamboo workshop and wood shop we visited really surprised me. I was deeply impressed by the people at the bamboo factory, particularly their love for bamboo, and how they have skillfully integrated modern technology with this traditional material. They create everyday products that serve as constant reminders of the importance of sustainability. It was clear that their passion for this craft extended beyond just manufacturing; it was about making a positive impact on the environment and preserving tradition for future generations.

In the afternoon, we visited the wood carving workshop of Mr. Chen, tucked away in an unassuming residential neighborhood. If you weren’t looking for it, you might easily pass by without noticing it at all. Inside, the dedication of the artisans to their craft was remarkable. They have such a strong commitment to wood carving and are more than willing to share their achievements and the knowledge they’ve accumulated over the years. I found this openness to be a wonderful way of preserving an art form that is slowly fading in the face of modernization. By sharing their skills and passion with the world, they are ensuring that these traditional crafts continue to have a place in the modern world.

On the second day, we visited the National Taiwan Craft Research and Development Institute (NTCRI), and I was blown away by the works on display. I especially admired how the artists utilized bamboo to create various art pieces and furniture. Unlike wood, bamboo’s flexibility and lightweight nature allow for more innovative and unique designs. My favorite pieces were the bamboo-made lounge chair and the pendant light. The sleek, flowing lines of the lounge chair would be difficult to achieve with wood, but bamboo, with its softer texture, allows the artist’s vision to come to life more easily. The bamboo pendant light was equally striking, with its wave-like lines combined with LED strips, making the bamboo feel almost alive. 

This trip gave me a deeper appreciation for how traditional materials like bamboo and wood can be modernized and transformed into functional yet artistic pieces. The way these artisans have merged tradition with contemporary design is not only inspiring but also serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving these crafts for future generations.