Woodcarving in Putian has roots in Taiwan


In a section of Putian, Fujian province, there's a popular woodcarving shop where creative ideas from both sides of the Taiwan Strait collide and merge.
Chen Chun-hao, who came from Taiwan, has an agarwood collection museum, focusing mainly on Buddhist-themed carvings, primarily in agarwood and sandalwood. His clients include those from temples, high-end collectors and entrepreneurs.
Chen carries on the entrepreneurial legacy of his forebears in Putian, which is associated with Mazu, a sea goddess worshipped by people on both sides. He has been working to develop the woodcarving industry in Putian for more than two decades.
"The craftsmanship in Putian is first-rate," Chen said. "Virtually all the products in my store are processed and carved in Putian."
Chen noted that over the past two decades, governments on the mainland have provided support in both personal and professional aspects of life.
"In the years I've spent on the mainland, the scale of development has completely surpassed my imagination. I hope youth from Taiwan can visit here more."
Yang Zishuo contributed to this story.