Sanyi Wood Sculpture Museum

The basics

Commissioned in 1990 and open to visitors since 1995, the Sanyi Wood Sculpture Museum is a one-of-a-kind cultural destination in Taiwan. Wood carving emerged as a Taiwanese craft during the Ming and Qing Dynasties, and arose specifically in Sanyin in 1918, when resident Wu Chin-pao began producing large quantities of religious figurines and decorative objects. The local industry continues to thrive today, and the Sanyi Wood Sculpture Museum is designed to showcase it, as well as highlight wood-carved artifacts and objects from other regions and traditions.

The Sanyi Wood Sculpture Museum is located north of Taichung City in Taiwan’s northwest, and its accessible size makes it easy to explore independently.

Things to know before you go

• Young children, disabled visitors, and seniors can visit the museum for free, and admission is discounted for students and local residents.

• If you’re looking for a memorable souvenir, head to the museum’s gift shop.

• The museum is accessible to wheelchair users.

How to get there

The Sanyi Wood Sculpture Museum is a 6-minute drive or 30-minute walk from the Sanyi Train Station, which connects it to Taichung City. If you’re driving from Taichung City, it takes between 30 minutes and 1 hour via National Highway No. 1.

When to get there

The Sanyi Wood Sculpture Museum is open every day except Monday, from morning until early evening (last entrance is 30 minutes prior to closing time). The museum is also closed on New Year’s Eve, and its hours can vary during national holidays, so be sure to check the schedule in advance.

Sanyi area attractions

If you’re heading to Sanyi on a day trip, make the most of your time and pair your visit to the museum with other Miaoli County attractions. Highlights include the Ayatal Indigenous Cultural Park (dedicated to local indigenous people and traditions), Shei-Pa National Park, the Miaoli Ceramic Museum, and Huataoyao Botanical Garden.