Taiwan Food Atlas

National Taiwan Craft Research and Development Institute

Taiwan's national home of craft, from bamboo weaving to lacquerware — experience it hands-on
📍 Nantou · Caotun Township · Zhongzheng Road🎨 Cultural park🔖 Traditional crafts · Workshop experiences · Permanent exhibitions

The National Taiwan Craft Research and Development Institute was established in 1954 and is Taiwan's highest-level institution for craft promotion and research. Located in Caotun Township, the campus includes permanent exhibition halls, a craft shop, and hands-on workshops showcasing traditional techniques in bamboo art, lacquerware, ceramics, weaving, and more. It also serves as a training ground for craft talent and provides industry guidance, making it an essential stop for understanding the context of Taiwan's craft culture.

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

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Exploring the permanent exhibition in depthSet aside at least an hour to walk through the full permanent exhibition. The exhibit texts are informative, and reading them in the context of Taiwan's craft history gives you a richer appreciation of how each technique was transmitted.
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Workshop experience coursesDyeing, bamboo weaving, ceramics, and other experience courses require advance booking via the official website or by phone. Some courses have limited capacity — plan ahead during busy seasons.
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Shopping at the craft storeThe store sells certified works by Taiwanese artisans, combining design sensibility with local character. It is one of the few places in a Nantou itinerary where you can bring home a genuinely quality souvenir.
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Special exhibitions and eventsThe institute hosts special exhibitions and craft festivals on a regular schedule. Check the official website before your visit to see what's currently on, so you don't miss a worthwhile special show by only seeing the permanent collection.

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.

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