The history of the settlement now known as Sanyi dates back to the Qing Dynasty. Originally, the area was called Sancha ("Three Forks") due to its geographical location at the intersection of river routes. Active settlement of the region began in the mid-18th century with the arrival of Hakka immigrants. They had to clear dense forests and navigate a challenging mountainous landscape, transforming wild lands into habitable territories.
Key Factors of Development
The transformation of a small settlement into an important economic center was driven by several factors:
Natural Resources: The abundance of camphor forests was the primary engine of growth. Camphor extraction and oil production attracted labor and capital.
Transportation Infrastructure: A decisive role was played by the construction of the railway during the Japanese colonial period (early 20th century). Laying the "Old Mountain Line" through difficult terrain linked Sanyi with major ports, simplifying resource exports.
Geography: The hilly landscape with acidic soil was ideal for growing tea bushes, which became the second most important industry after logging.
Early Cultural and Economic Characteristics
Sanyi's economic identity was formed at the intersection of utility and art. As camphor tree reserves began to dwindle, locals found a use for the remaining stumps and roots. In the early 20th century (around 1918), the tradition of artistic woodworking was born.
What began as the recycling of logging waste quickly evolved into a unique cultural phenomenon. Hakka masters, known for their industriousness, began creating decorative items that were in high demand first among Japanese colonists and later on the international market. This is how Sanyi gained its reputation as the "woodcarving town," a title it holds to this day.
Timeline
Key Development Milestones
Mid-18th Century — The first groups of Hakka settlers begin to develop the territory, engaging in agriculture and camphor extraction.
1903 — Large-scale construction begins on the "Old Mountain Line" railway, designed to navigate the region's difficult terrain.
1908 — Completion of the railway line, linking Sanyi to major ports and accelerating economic development.
1918 — The birth of the woodcarving industry, as local masters begin using wood remnants to create decorative figures.
1935 — A powerful earthquake destroys the brick Longteng Bridge, the ruins of which are now one of the main historical attractions.
Modern History and Tourism
1953 — The settlement officially changes its name from Sancha to Sanyi during an administrative reform.
1960s — The golden era of woodcarving exports, when the products of local craftsmen became popular in Japan and the USA.
1995 — The opening of the Sanyi Wood Sculpture Museum, which became a center for the preservation and promotion of local art.
1998 — Regular train traffic on the "Old Mountain Line" ceases following the launch of a new railway route.
2016 — Sanyi receives the international Cittaslow ("Slow City") certificate, confirming its status as a place with a high quality of life and preserved traditions.
2018 — The launch of tourist rail bikes on the historic railway section attracts a new wave of travelers.
Milestones
Stages of Sanyi's Transformation
The development of Sanyi is a journey from a logging village to a world-renowned center for crafts and "slow tourism." Key stages that shaped the town's modern identity include:
The "White Gold" Era (Late 19th Century)
The town's initial economic foundation was laid through the mass extraction of camphor and the production of camphor oil. This attracted capital and labor to the region, turning scattered farms into an organized settlement.
Integration into the Transport Network (1908)
The launch of the "Old Mountain Line" railway was of strategic importance. Sanyi ceased to be an isolated mountain district and gained direct access to ports, allowing for the efficient export of tea, coal, and timber.
The Birth of Artistic Craft (1918)
The transition from simple logging to artistic woodworking was a turning point. Using tree roots and remains to create sculptures formed a unique cultural identity that distinguishes the town from other settlements in Taiwan.
The Export Boom (1960s–1970s)
During this period, Sanyi became a global hub for wood sculpture production. Mass exports to Japan and the USA led to an economic flourish: nearly 80% of the population was employed in the woodcarving industry, cementing the town's status as the "Woodcarving Kingdom."
Establishing a Cultural Anchor (1995)
The opening of the Sanyi Wood Sculpture Museum (the only state museum of its kind in Taiwan) marked the shift from commercial production to the preservation of cultural heritage and the support of fine art.
Tourism Infrastructure Renovation (1998–2010s)
After regular train services on the old line were discontinued, the town successfully repurposed its industrial sites. The railway was transformed into a popular attraction (rail bikes), becoming a major driver for tourism.
Adopting the Cittaslow Philosophy (2016)
Joining the international "Slow City" association (Cittaslow) established a new direction for development: moving away from metropolitan hustle in favor of ecology, supporting local traditions, and ensuring a high quality of life for residents and guests.
Architecture
Architectural Character and Urban Development
The urban structure of Sanyi is shaped by its challenging mountainous terrain and its historical role as a transportation hub. Unlike flat metropolises that expand radially, the town developed linearly—following riverbeds, old mountain trails, and later, the "Old Mountain Line" railway. The architectural landscape is an eclectic mix of traditional Hakka homesteads, engineering structures from the Japanese colonial period, and modern spaces focused on art and tourism.
Architectural Styles and Historical Eras
Several key stylistic layers can be identified in Sanyi's appearance, reflecting different stages of the region's development:
Traditional Hakka Architecture (18th–20th Centuries)
Early buildings consist of farmhouse dwellings made of adobe and red brick. This style is characterized by tiled roofs with curved "swallowtail" ridges and the "Sanheyuan" layout (a U-shaped courtyard house). These buildings are functional, ascetic, and harmoniously integrated into the surrounding landscape.
Japanese Colonial Style and Engineering Architecture (1895–1945)
The period of Japanese rule left the most prominent architectural legacy. Two main directions dominate here: traditional Japanese wooden construction (using mortise and tenon joints without nails) and monumental infrastructure objects made of brick and concrete, inspired by Western engineering schools of the time.
Modern Minimalism and Eco-Architecture (Late 20th – 21st Century)
As the town's status as a tourist destination grew, buildings emerged that strive for harmony with nature. Raw concrete, glass, and wood are used to emphasize the connection between the interior and the forest environment.
Iconic Structures Defining the Town's Image
Several key landmarks serve as Sanyi's signature sites and visual guides to the region's architectural history:
Shengxing Station
A prime example of wooden architecture from the Japanese period. Built in 1906, the station is constructed entirely of wood without the use of nails. The building features a distinctive "irimoya-style" roof and windows with frames resembling the bagua octagon (to ward off evil spirits according to Feng Shui), demonstrating a unique syncretism of Japanese technology and local beliefs.
Longteng Bridge Ruins
A monument to early 20th-century engineering. Built in 1907, this brick arched bridge was once considered a masterpiece of railway construction. Even in its ruined state (following the 1935 earthquake), the massive red brick pillars showcase industrial-era aesthetics and high-quality masonry.
Shuimei Street
The main commercial artery, representing commercial development from the second half of the 20th century. Hundreds of woodcarving shops are concentrated here. While the architecture of the buildings themselves is utilitarian, the abundance of wood sculptures on facades and sidewalks creates a unique open-air museum atmosphere.
Sanyi Wood Sculpture Museum
An example of modern architecture. The building (especially its extended wing) is characterized by minimalist forms and the use of natural light and materials that echo the themes of forest and timber, symbolizing the town's transition into the era of cultural tourism.
Notable People
Masters and Pioneers of Sanyi
The history of Sanyi is inextricably linked to the people whose craftsmanship and engineering genius transformed a quiet mountain village into a thriving center of culture and tourism. From the founders of the woodcarving school to the creators of the legendary railway, these individuals shaped the region's unique character.
Founders of the Woodcarving Tradition
It is thanks to these individuals that Sanyi earned the title of "Woodcarving Kingdom."
Wu Yu-nu Father of the Woodcarving Industry (Early 20th Century) A local resident credited with founding the artistic craft in Sanyi. Legend has it that in 1918, he was the first to collect dry roots and remains of camphor trees from the forest, processing them into decorative stands and figures. His success inspired his neighbors, sparking the mass production that later made the town world-famous.
Lai Yong-mei Master Mentor and Reformer One of the first local masters to receive a professional art education in Japan. Upon returning to Sanyi, he introduced new carving techniques and quality standards, turning a cottage industry into true art. Lai Yong-mei trained many apprentices, forming a generation of masters who brought Sanyi’s products to international markets.
Art and Culture Figures
Modern artists with roots in the traditions of the Miaoli and Sanyi regions have proven that local craft can be elevated to fine art.
Ju Ming World-Renowned Sculptor Although Ju Ming became famous for his monumental works in bronze and steel (such as the "Taichi" series), his creative journey began right here with an apprenticeship in traditional woodcarving. He is the most prominent example of the evolution of a Taiwanese master: from a temple carving apprentice to a world-class artist. His legacy continues to inspire modern Sanyi carvers to push beyond traditional forms.
Kang Muxiang Contemporary Eco-Artist A renowned master whose career is closely tied to the region's carving community. He became famous for giving a "second life" to driftwood, creating large-scale sculptures from it. His works, frequently exhibited internationally, have helped redefine Sanyi's image as a center for ecological art.
Infrastructure Visionaries
The town's development would have been impossible without those who conquered the difficult mountain terrain.
Hasegawa Kinsuke Chief Engineer of Taiwan Railways (Early 20th Century) A Japanese engineer who oversaw the design and construction of the most challenging sections of the island's railway, including the "Old Mountain Line" passing through Sanyi. Under his leadership, tunnels and bridges were erected (including the famous Longteng Bridge), which today serve as the town's main tourist magnets and monuments to engineering thought.