Guangxing Paper Mill is a handmade-paper workshop in Puli Township, Nantou County, founded in 1965 by Huang Yao-dong under the original name "Guangxing Paper Processing Studio," renamed Guangxing Paper Mill in 1973, and transformed into a tourist factory in 1995 under second-generation operator Huang Huan-chang — Taiwan's first papermaking tourist factory. Drawing on the abundant spring water of the Puli basin, the mill preserves the complete production process for bamboo and cotton paper and invites visitors to try hand-papermaking themselves, keeping a craft that once faced extinction alive through hands-on practice.
Guangxing Paper Mill was founded in 1965 by Puli native Huang Yao-dong under the name "Guangxing Paper Processing Studio," initially subcontracting export-bound calligraphy paper and everyday paper products such as perm paper. It was renamed Guangxing Paper Mill in 1973, and in 1995 second-generation operator Huang Huan-chang led its transformation into Taiwan's first papermaking tourist factory.
Highlights of Guangxing Paper Mill
Puli's basin geography collects mountain spring water of excellent, soft quality, and a papermaking industry developed here as far back as the Qing dynasty. Guangxing Paper Mill carries on that industrial heritage. The mill retains traditional papermaking equipment, and every step from material preparation to pulping, sheet forming, and drying can be observed. Guides walk visitors through the principles behind each process, making it a concrete setting for understanding Taiwan's traditional papermaking culture.
The hand-papermaking experience is Guangxing's most popular activity. Under the guidance of a craftsperson, visitors operate a bamboo mold to witness the entire birth of a single sheet of paper. The mill also sells a wide range of handmade paper products — from writing paper and postcards to fine art paper — some made with plant materials native to Puli, giving them both practical and commemorative value.
Making the most of your visit
Practical information
Getting there and time needed
- Located in Guangxing Village, Puli Township. Easy to reach by car or scooter, about 5 km from Puli town center. Some bus routes heading toward Dili pass near the mill.
- Allow 1 to 1.5 hours, including the tour and experience. If the workshop is busy, expect a short wait or book in advance by phone. Weekends and holidays are busier.
Nearby connections
- Puli town center has the Tobacco and Wine Factory, Paper Dome, and various cultural factories. Guangxing can be combined with Puli's town attractions for a half-day craft-themed tour.
- Head north to Huisun Forest, or south to Yuchi Township to connect with the Sun Moon Lake area.
Source: compiled from context data; some information supplemented from public sources. Photos pending replacement with Dio's own shots.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Guangxing Paper Mill founded?
It was founded in 1965 by Huang Yao-dong under the name Guangxing Paper Processing Studio, renamed Guangxing Paper Mill in 1973.
When did Guangxing become a tourist factory?
In 1995, second-generation operator Huang Huan-chang led its transformation into Taiwan's first papermaking tourist factory.
What can visitors experience at Guangxing?
Visitors can operate a bamboo mold to try hand-papermaking themselves and tour the full production process from raw material to finished sheet.
Sources
- 廣興紙寮 台灣手工紙文藝復興 - 台灣光華雜誌 — 創立年代與轉型為觀光工廠的歷程