The National Taiwan Craft Research and Development Institute is Taiwan's highest-level institution for craft promotion and research, located in Caotun Township, Nantou County under the Ministry of Culture. Its predecessor, the Nantou County Craft Research Class, was founded in July 1954 under first director Yen Shui-long, known as the "father of Taiwan craft," and was restructured into the Taiwan Provincial Handicraft Research Institute in 1973, renamed the National Taiwan Craft Research Institute in 1999, and reorganized under its current name in 2010. The campus houses several exhibition halls showcasing bamboo art, lacquerware, ceramics, weaving, and other traditional Taiwanese crafts.
The National Taiwan Craft Research and Development Institute traces back to the Nantou County Craft Research Class, founded in July 1954 under its first director, Yen Shui-long — known as the "father of Taiwan craft." It was restructured into the Taiwan Provincial Handicraft Research Institute in 1973, renamed the National Taiwan Craft Research Institute in 1999, and reorganized under its current name in 2010. Some campus buildings originally belonged to Caotun Commercial and Industrial Vocational High School and were incorporated into the institute's grounds after the 921 Earthquake.
Highlights of the National Taiwan Craft Research and Development Institute
The institute's predecessor, the Provincial Handicraft Research Institute, has accumulated seven decades of craft documentation and physical collections. The permanent exhibition is organized by craft category and by the craft traditions of Taiwan's various ethnic groups — from indigenous weaving and Hoklo bamboo ware to modern contemporary craft design — offering a coherent, comprehensive overview. The campus architecture incorporates traditional Taiwanese architectural vocabulary and is itself a space worth observing.
The workshop experience is the most engaging part for general visitors, with courses in dyeing, ceramics, paper crafts, and bamboo weaving — some requiring advance booking. The on-site craft shop sells works by artisans from across Taiwan, making it an excellent source of locally meaningful gifts. Items range from everyday utensils to art pieces, with the selection rotated regularly.
Making the most of your visit
Practical information
Getting there and time needed
- Located on Zhongzheng Road in Caotun Township, about 10 km from Nantou City. Driving or riding a scooter is most convenient; some bus routes serve Caotun Station, from which you can take a taxi.
- Allow 1.5 to 2 hours. Workshop experience courses require additional time. Check the institute's official website for closing days and opening hours.
Nearby connections
- Jiujiu Peak Nature Reserve is about a 15-minute drive from Caotun; you can combine the two for a natural landscapes detour.
- Heading south to Nantou City, you can visit the County History Museum and build a half-day cultural and historical itinerary around the city.
Source: compiled from context data; some information supplemented from public sources. Photos pending replacement with Dio's own shots.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the National Taiwan Craft Research and Development Institute established?
Its predecessor, the Nantou County Craft Research Class, was founded in July 1954 and reorganized several times before adopting its current name in 2010.
Who founded the institute?
Its first director was Yen Shui-long, known as the "father of Taiwan craft," who set the early direction for its craft research.
How is the institute connected to the 921 Earthquake?
Some of its exhibition buildings were originally part of Caotun Commercial and Industrial Vocational High School and were incorporated into the campus after the 921 Earthquake.
Sources
- 臺灣工藝研究發展中心 - 南投旅遊網 — 沿革與更名歷程
- 國立臺灣工藝研究發展中心 - 維基百科 — 921地震後園區沿革