Walking into the alley of Sanchong, you never thought that the only remaining hand-made ink factory in Taiwan would be hidden here. Da You Handmade Pine Smoke Ink Stick Factory, founded by National Master Chen-Chia De, handed by second-generation Chen Jun-Tien. As the only remaining ink factory in Taiwan, it was once close to shutting down due to competition from low-priced ink in China and manpower shortage. Fortunately, the recognition of the Global Chinese Culture & Arts Award made it famous, then became a must-visit place for ink lovers, politicians, and businessmen from home and abroad. The industry once in danger was seen and given the impetus to move forward. It takes a month to mix, knead, beat and wash a piece of ink. After Chen took over the business, he tried several times to shorten the process, but he couldn't make it. However, the ink-making business just can't be fast. If one step missing, the quality decreases. It takes a lot of effort to knead the ink, and it is not uncommon for people to injure their arms. Chen Juntian was also forced to stop working for half a month because he was injured during the ink-making process. Having watched his father's dedication to the art of ink making since he was a child, Chen says with a smile that he took care of the ink more seriously than his son. When it was his turn to take over, "every day was like a battle with ink, no wonder my father said ink is the most tricky.” Many people suggest that we can set up factories on the other side of the border to expand our territory. “But I said no because I promised my father I would stay in Taiwan.“ Faced with the future of ink making, Chen said he would consider exporting to foreign countries and China, but would never set up a factory in China. Because once the technology is stolen, we can't keep the roots in Taiwan.

• Technology
• Border