About Hsinchu Glass

A long time ago, few people in Taiwan knew how to make glass. However, since Hsinchu had the sand and natural gas needed for glassmaking, it gradually became Taiwan’s glass hub. In 1939, Japanese established the first factory in Hsinchu that specialized in high-quality glass, marking the beginning of Taiwan’s glass craftsmanship.

photo by here

photo by here

Later, more and more glass factories were built in Taiwan. By the 1950s, mass production of glass bottles, light bulbs, and glass tubes became common. During the 1960s and 1970s, factories started making beautiful glass decorations, such as vases, lamps, and even Christmas ornaments. The glass industry in Hsinchu became very important and created many job opportunities!

However, in the 1980s, due to the oil crisis and marketing changes, Hsinchu’s glass industry faced difficulties, and some factories had to close. Fortunately, people realized that glass wasn’t just for daily use—it could also be turned into beautiful artworks! So, the government and artists worked together to promote glass art, establishing the Glass Museum of Hsinchu City and organizing the Hsinchu International Glass Art Festival. This transformed glass from a practical material into an important part of culture and art.

photo by our team

photo by here

Today, Hsinchu’s glass industry not only produces artistic pieces but also integrates high technology, such as optical fiber, semiconductor glass, and even nano-glass. This allows Hsinchu’s glass culture to continue shining brightly into the future!