TAIWAN’S CERAMICS CAPITAL
When it comes to representing Taiwan’s ceramic heritage, there’s no place quite like Yingge District in southern New Taipei. Yingge Old Street, in particular, is renowned for its numerous traditional pottery boutiques and ceramics galleries, making the area a must-visit day trip from Taipei for anyone interested in ceramics, DIY pottery experiences, traditional industry, or local artisan products.
Yingge Old Street
Yingge Old Street, also known as “Yingge Ceramics Street” is home to dozens upon dozens of pottery shops and studios. It’s possible to find everything from mass-produced Chinese ceramics to one-of-a-kind locally made masterpieces. Compared to Sanxia Old Street just across the river, some of the buildings here may look more modern. But, the upside is that they are home to upscale galleries and modern boutiques where all kinds of pottery can be explored.
If shopping, the choices are nearly limitless so it’s best to have an idea of what your needs and budget are before walking around. If you’re unsure of the origin of a particular piece of pottery, flip the item upside down and there will usually be a logo or studio name written on the bottom.
Eilong Pottery Boutique
The Eilong Pottery Boutique is one of the upscale galleries on Yingge Old Street that sells household pottery and high-quality ceramics. This renowned brand is famous for producing luxury teaware and coffeeware with a modern and practical aesthetic. With a cafe upstairs, and tea shop downstairs, it’s also a great place to stop for a breather on your way around the old street. And, if you order a refreshment, chances are it will be served in a piece of pottery made by the brand.
Yingge Ceramics Museum
The Yingge Ceramics Museum is Taiwan’s first ceramics-focused museum and is dedicated to preserving and promoting local ceramics culture. Its permanent exhibitions explore the evolution of ceramics in Taiwan throughout history, from as far back as the Neolithic period to modern high-tech applications.
Permanent exhibitions are on the first and second floor and include “A Time Travel to the Past” which chronicles the use of pottery in prehistoric Taiwan; “Once We Were” which deals with ceramics in Taiwan from the 17th century onwards; “Pottery Town” which examines the history of ceramics in Yingge; and “Future Predictions” which examines the modern applications of ceramics.
Additionally, the Yingge Ceramics Museum hosts the annual Yingge Arts Festival every winter, which features both physical and digital exhibitions, as well as offers interactive ceramics-related activities.
