Charcoal House

Hsinchu Attractions

Charcoal House Introduction

Near the intersection of Fengcheng Road and Xinhu Road in Baoshan Township, there is a home that has been emitting smoke for cooking all year round. Curious vehicles passing by often stop, lured by people seeking shade under the trees. Some may invite you to eat a homegrown orange or enthusiastically explain the traditional charcoal-making method that is barely surviving. This is the home of charcoal. Eight years ago, the Li family rebuilt the kiln, hoping to keep this old industry alive by using ancient methods to produce the best quality charcoal. Li Yongxing, who returned to his hometown from Taipei ten years ago, has the robust build of a farmer. He recalls watching his grandfather and uncles making charcoal since he was a child; the routine of tending to the charcoal kiln throughout the year amidst farming illustrates their way of life. However, as life progressed, the demand for charcoal decreased due to competition from low-priced imported charcoal, leading many kilns to go out of business. Fortunately, the village chief of Baoshan Township wanted to revive this craft, and Li Yongxing was unwilling to see his grandfather's and uncles' skills die out. With the technical guidance of his father, Li Shenghua, and funding support from the township office, he adorned the kiln with a handmade "straw hat," stacking the acacia wood chopped from the mountains tightly inside the kiln, then reigniting the sign of charcoal's home using camphor wood for fuel. The phrase "unwilling to give up" sounds simple, but it's not easy to bear. Li Yongxing mentioned that fortunately, his children have grown up, alleviating economic pressure somewhat; otherwise, making and selling charcoal would not be profitable at all. From chopping wood on the mountain to sorting firewood and stacking it in the kiln, just the preliminary work alone takes about ten days. The charcoal-making process requires another 20 to 25 days, plus an additional 15 to 20 days to cool down completely after sealing the kiln (if the timing is off and the kiln is opened too early, the uncooled charcoal will ignite upon contact with air). In total, it takes at least a month and a half. However, from over 20,000 pounds of acacia wood entering the kiln, only about 6,000 pounds remain as charcoal, selling for 20 NT dollars per pound, which truly only covers labor costs. Without the sense of mission tied to that "unwillingness," who could manage to keep going? Charcoal production often starts around two or three in the morning because even in winter, the recently opened kiln remains quite warm, making it exhausting work to move the charcoal as they quickly break into a sweat. Plus, as they handle the dark charcoal, they all become covered in black soot. Thick pieces of charcoal resembling a man's thigh are moved out, and due to the long burning time, they are fully carbonized; the charcoal here is both smokeless and long-burning, attracting informed buyers who are already waiting. For those interested in charcoal-making, it's advisable to call ahead to inquire about kiln opening times. The experience is rare and often draws many photography enthusiasts to help with moving the charcoal and "become black" themselves. It's worth mentioning that at the time this publication is released, it coincides with the Lunar New Year, the peak season for mikan and ponkan oranges. The citrus fruits grown by Mr. Li Shenghua have won awards. Opening the kiln represents the harvest time. Whether to help with the charcoal or to pick citrus, this New Year at the home of charcoal will yield extraordinary rewards!

Charcoal House Travel Information

Address:Fengcheng Road, Lane 8, Baoshan Township, Hsinchu County


Transportation Methods:Take National Highway No. 3 towards Sanfeng Road Section 2/Bamboo 43 County Road in Baoshan Township. Exit at the 98-Baoshan interchange on National Highway No. 3 → Continue on Bamboo 43 County Road. Drive to Fengcheng Road Lane 8.


Other Nearby Attractions: Fengcheng Charcoal Kiln (Home of Charcoal)Xincheng Xinfeng TempleXinfeng TempleBack Shadow Orange OrchardFu Hsing Tea Exhibition and Sales CenterLongsheng TempleSt. Therese's ChurchYuan Sheng TempleBaosheng TempleShenjing Village Camellia Garden Area


Nearby Cuisine: Hsincheng Wind Sugar Leisure ParkFukai Tea HouseSongbai PavilionHsin Hsin Tea FactoryEmei Tea House12 CaféLi Mama's Tube Rice CakeHe Family Garden RestaurantShadow CaféFamily Recipe Snacks (Xin Nong Street Dumpling Restaurant)


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