Xihu Sugar Factory Introduction
Xiluo Sugar Factory exudes sweetness and nostalgia, combining culture, leisure, and gastronomy. It not only fully preserves the former sugar manufacturing facility, with its huge smokestacks and sugar evaporation tanks, radiating a "steampunk" vibe, but also features an old steam locomotive that still runs along the old tracks, adorned in vibrant colors to carry passengers. Additionally, the quaint old buildings have transformed into specialty shops selling traditional snacks like shaved ice, as well as trendy desserts and ice cream. The expansive area includes lush forests, green lawns, and designated large barbecue zones and ecological ponds, making it a diverse and rich tourist attraction in Changhua. Taiwan was once the largest sugar exporter in Asia, and Xiluo Sugar Factory was the highest-producing sugar factory in the country. After its glorious history, the large sugar manufacturing facility now leads visitors to experience the splendor of a century-old sugar industry. Relevant government agencies have also sought to have it listed as a "World Industrial Heritage Site," highlighting its impressive scale and inherent charm.
Xiluo Sugar Factory was established in 1919 during the Japanese rule and has undergone three expansions since then. It was originally named Taihe Sugar Co., Ltd. After the establishment of Taiwan Sugar Corporation in 1946, it was renamed "Xiluo Sugar Factory." In 2002, sugar production ceased, and it transformed into a recreational and tourism site, combining cultural heritage preservation with historical and educational significance.
Xiluo Sugar Factory features a railway area that is a must-visit for railway enthusiasts, a cultural area with numerous attractions in the old factory buildings, a recreational area offering outdoor activities, and a barbecue area accommodating hundreds of people, making up four main themes. The park spans both sides of Zhangshui Road, each with its own entrance.
At the Xihu Sugar Factory, the first thing that catches your eye is the gigantic 45-meter smokestack, symbolizing Taiwan's historic status as the world's leading sugar producer. The sugar factory preserves equipment like the sugar cane press, boilers, honey separators, and sugar evaporation tanks, with dedicated staff responsible for guided tours and maintenance. It is open free of charge on holidays and shows related films. After watching the tour video, exploring the factory becomes even more engaging; here, the massive 4-meter diameter gears and the intricate pipes of the cogeneration system create an atmosphere reminiscent of a bygone era of steam technology, exuding a sci-fi "steampunk" vibe.
