Zhaocheng 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 flooding caused by Typhoon Nari in 2001, the factory suffered severe damage to its sugar-making equipment, leading to the cessation of sugar production and a gradual transition to the leisure industry—developing into a tourist attraction known as the "Sugarcane Cultural Park." The park integrates Taiwan Sugar Corporation's unique five-foot train, with the century-old sugar factory being its largest feature. Although the machines are no longer operational, a guided tour route is planned, showcasing displays of sugar panels, molasses, and more, allowing visitors to gain a clear understanding of the sugar manufacturing process under the explanation of tour guides. The Garlic Sugar Factory, with its quaint wooden structure, offers visitors the chance to ride the five-foot train for exploration. The train departs from the station heading towards Taibao and Nanjing, with tour guides on board explaining the picturesque rural scenery along the way, including the gradually declining white sugarcane fields. The park also features charming historical buildings for visitors to appreciate and provides a deep sense of the progress of life. By the end of 2004, the park completed the development of a new ecological park, also serving an outdoor educational function. 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 craving for more!
