Zhecheng Cultural Park (Suan Tou Sugar Factory) Introduction
The Garlic Sugar Factory was established in 1906 and was the third largest sugar factory in Taiwan during the Japanese colonial period. Due to the flooding caused by Typhoon Nari in 2001, the sugar production equipment was severely damaged, leading to the cessation of sugar production and a gradual transformation into a leisure industry—tourist sugar field. The Garlic Sugar Factory, combined with Taiwan Sugar Corporation's unique five-point train, has developed into the "Sugarcane Cultural Park." The century-old sugar factory is the park's main attraction. Although the machines have ceased operation, a guided tour route has been planned, featuring exhibits such as sugar boards and molasses, allowing visitors to gain a clear understanding of the sugar manufacturing process with explanations from tour guides. The Garlic Sugar Factory features rustic wooden buildings, and visitors can take a ride on the mini-train for a delightful outing. The train departs from the station heading towards Taibao and Nanjing, with tour guides providing commentary on the scenic countryside along the way, including the gradually diminishing fields of white sugarcane. There are also charming historical buildings to admire in the park, allowing visitors to deeply feel the progress of life. At the end of 2004, a new attraction, the Ecological Park, was completed in the area, which also serves as an outdoor educational facility. The factory offers many unique and authentic ice treats worth trying, such as garlic sugar red bean popsicles, sugarcane red bean shaved ice, barley and sour plum popsicles, and other special flavors that will leave you with lasting memories!
