Xiangrenhe Bell and Drum Factory Introduction
The development of Xinzhuang is attributed to the river port shipping of the Tamsui River, which brought convenient transportation and urban prosperity. In the early days, Xinzhuang was the fastest-developing area in northern Taiwan. During the Japanese colonial period, Xinzhuang continued to thrive, with various recreational activities becoming increasingly active. The streets were filled with "Budaixi nests," "theater caves," and "theater alleys," symbolizing the flourishing of various opera troupes and temple fair performances. An essential prop in these activities was the drum, which heightened the atmosphere at the events. As a result, the drum-making industry in the Xinzhuang area also flourished. The most well-known drum factory is the "Hsiang Ren He Drum and Bell Factory," founded by a master named Wang Gui-Zhi (阿塗師). His eldest son, Master Wang Xi-Kun, inherited the family business and took the drum-making skills to new heights. The drums produced by Hsiang Ren He Drum and Bell Factory are well-loved and ordered by major arts groups both domestically and internationally, including the Zhu Zong Qing Percussion Group, Han Tang Music Studio, and the Yu Performing Arts Troupe. Additionally, major temples in Taiwan, such as Fo Guang Shan, Dharma Drum Mountain, Bao'an Temple, and the Confucius Temple, are also avid users of Xinzhuang drums. The reputation of Hsiang Ren He Drum and Bell Factory has also reached international acclaim, with countries such as Japan, Malaysia, the United States, India, and various European nations eager to use these drums. Consequently, Xinzhuang has become synonymous with drum-making craftsmanship, and the art of drumming has become a source of pride for the people of Xinzhuang.
