Taipei Sugar Factory Cultural Park Introduction
Historical Introduction: In 1764 (the 29th year of the Qianlong reign), records of sugar production began in northern Changhua, Taiwan. The area near Dali Street in Mankeng during the Qing Dynasty was characterized by privately organized sugar warehouses and extensive sugarcane cultivation. After the Japanese occupation, the establishment of the Taipei Sugar Manufacturing Co. led to significant changes in the landscape, developing into an industrial region focused on sugar factories and transportation tracks, with nearby residents relying on the sugar industry or related businesses for their livelihoods. After the restoration, urban planning continued the mixed-use land concept from the Japanese era, designating the area as industrial zones. Shortly after being received by the Taiwan Sugar Corporation, the sugar factories ceased production and were repurposed for storage, yet nearby industries such as chemicals, food processing, and paper manufacturing continued to thrive due to the residual capabilities of sugar production. In the 1940s, the precursor of the China Times, "The Reliable News," took over the Taiwan Sugar warehouse to launch a newspaper, attracting surrounding printing industries. Starting from the 1960s and 70s, the convenience of railway transportation drew in garments wholesale businesses. Throughout Taipei's development history, the area near Dali Street has consistently played a productive role. However, in recent years, changes in the industrial environment and urban development eastward have led to the decline of the once-thriving "Kaisha Wei" living circle and industrial landscape. The quality of the living environment has also declined due to population concentration and dense construction of buildings, with public facilities unable to serve the residents' needs, gradually becoming marginal in urban development. In response to residents' protests against the establishment of a rehabilitation center, they fought for a neighborhood park and to preserve the Taipei Sugar Factory, the northernmost remaining sugar production structure in Taiwan. The historic warehouse, built of red bricks, features archways, trapezoidal columns, and large-span frameworks. On September 23, 2003, it was officially designated as historical monument No. 106. The vision for the future involves three designated historical sugar warehouses A, B, and C, located in the Wanhua District along Dali Street, covering approximately 1.092 hectares, including the C1 block (Gong Er Park) and C2 block. Aside from the historic warehouses, the C1 area currently features a park and an underground parking lot. After years of effort, the preservation of the historic sugar warehouses and the acquisition of park land without charge were achieved, and the Cultural Affairs Bureau continues to seek expanded central funding for repairs. Following the restoration of the three sugar warehouse monuments, the Taipei Sugar Cultural Park commenced operations, featuring the three designated historical sugar warehouses as the Sugar Industry Cultural Exhibition Hall (Warehouse A), Wan Zhao Theatre (Warehouse B), and space provided by Taiwan Sugar Corporation for private entities (Warehouse C). Among these, the Sugar Industry Cultural Exhibition Hall operated by the bureau features a permanent exhibition titled "Opening the Sugar Warehouse," themed on the development of the sugar industry in northern Taiwan, utilizing participatory workshops for collective creation that includes historical data collection, oral history interviews, and participation in creative workshops that provide resources for artists to complete their work. The bureau also utilizes community resources by recruiting volunteer teams to assist with exhibition services and guided tours, becoming an essential local education venue since its opening. The adaptive reuse plan for Warehouse A includes a sugar industry cultural exhibition titled "Opening the Sugar Warehouse," highlighting the significance of preserving the sugar warehouse. It introduces the history of the Taipei Sugar Factory and the development trajectory of industries in the west of the city, along with a sugar art classroom available for cultural and diverse community activities. The Cultural Affairs Bureau manages the site and offers free access for visits. Warehouse B, occupied by the theatre, hosts self-organized programs and professional curation while allowing performing arts teams to rent space. Based in Wanhua, it cultivates local audiences and collaborates with schools and community organizations to promote performing arts; by organizing events such as the Mankeng International Dance Festival and the Xian Theatre Arts Residency Program, it connects domestic and international networks, enriching the performing arts ecology of the Taipei Sugar Cultural Park. (Source: Taipei City Cultural Affairs Bureau)
