Nantou: Guangyuan Lantern Tourist Factory

[Assessment Validity Period: 2022/06/23~2025/06/22] Guangyuan Enterprise is located in the Zhushan Industrial Park, Zhushan Township, Nantou County. Its founder is Mr. Hsieh Yi-huang. In 1947, Mr. Hsieh came to Taiwan alone and engaged in the manufacturing of Fuzhou-style oil-paper umbrellas. In 1963, plastic umbrellas emerged, and due to their lightness and affordability, they captured a large share of the paper umbrella market. Therefore, Mr. Hsieh Yi-huang resolutely decided to change professions for his family's livelihood. By chance, he met Mr. Liu Cai, who made traditional lanterns. He earnestly requested Mr. Liu to teach him lantern-making techniques. Under Mr. Liu's meticulous guidance, he acquired invaluable lantern-making skills. For this reason, Mr. Liu Cai is respectfully referred to as "Master Liu" by the Hsieh family descendants, in eternal gratitude and remembrance. After 1977, the company relocated to its current site in Zhushan Industrial Park. It is now managed by Mr. Hsieh Chih-cheng, Mr. Hsieh Yi-huang's youngest son. The company has been operating for over fifty years. In line with the corporate philosophy of cultural preservation, the company began its transformation into a tourist factory in 2007. The park features a new lantern exhibition center, a traditional lantern cultural hall, and a DIY painting classroom (accommodating approximately 80 people). Dedicated guides provide explanations on the cultural significance and historical background of lanterns, helping visitors understand the customs and uses of hanging lanterns. The continuously developed new-style lanterns and table lamp gifts are also ideal choices for both gifting and personal use. A visit to Guangyuan Lantern will allow you to rediscover the artistic beauty that blends tradition with modernity.