Yuanguang Blacksmith Shop

While visiting Shiding, you should never miss out on the historic Yuanguang Blacksmith Shop that has been around for more than a century and is still going strong with its high quality forged steel knives. Having been running this shop for over 40 years, the current owner Mr. Yeh Mao-De (葉茂德) is one of the very few blacksmiths left in Taiwan, who started learning from his father as a blacksmith's apprentice at the age of 18. The long history of the shop dates back to his grandfather, which explains his sheer skills and solid training as a traditional blacksmith.

Mr. Yeh is a very talented and experienced blacksmith, who not only repairs but also makes custom tools for specific needs. During our visit, he was just creating a nail clipper in the shape of an elephant, which was requested by Taipei Zoo; one time, he was even asked to design and fabricate a snake-shaped sword. It is advised to visit Yuanguang Blacksmith Shop on a quiet weekday, so that the owner would have plenty of time to share all his stories with you.