Xiangrenhe Bell and Drum Factory Introduction
The development of Xinzhuang arose from the river port shipping of the Tamsui River, with convenient transportation leading to the prosperity of the city. Xinzhuang was the fastest-growing area in northern Taiwan during its early development. Throughout the Japanese colonial period, the Xinzhuang area continued to prosper, with various entertainment activities becoming increasingly active. The streets were filled with "puppet theaters," "opera venues," and "opera alley," symbolizing the flourishing of various performance troupes and temple fairs. An indispensable prop in these activities was the drum, which helped to create the atmosphere at events, thus the drum-making industry in the Xinzhuang area also developed. The most well-known drum factory is the "Hsiang-Jen-He Bell and Drum Factory," founded by a master known as A-Tu, whose real name is Wang Gui-Zhi. His eldest son, Master Wang Hsi-Kun, inherited the family business, taking the art of drum-making to new heights. The drums produced by Hsiang-Jen-He are favored and ordered by major art groups both domestically and internationally, including the Ju Percussion Group, the Han Tang Yue Fu, and the U-Theatre. In addition, many major temples in Taiwan, such as Fo Guang Shan, Dagu Mountain, Baoan Temple, and the Confucius Temple, are also avid users of Xinzhuang drums. The reputation of Hsiang-Jen-He Drum Factory has even spread abroad, with countries like Japan, Malaysia, the United States, India, and various European nations eager to use them. As such, Xinzhuang has become synonymous with drum-making craftsmanship, and the art of drumming has become a source of pride for the people of Xinzhuang.
