Zacheng 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 and ceased sugar production, gradually transforming into a leisure industry - a tourist sugar factory. The Garlic Sugar Factory has developed as part of the "Cane Cultural Park" in conjunction with the unique sugar railroad operated by Taiwan Sugar Corporation. The century-old sugar factory within the park is its most notable feature. Although the machines are no longer in operation, the factory has planned a visitor route showcasing items such as sugar boards and molasses; guided tours allow visitors to clearly understand the sugar-making process. The Garlic Sugar Factory features quaint wooden structures where visitors can take a ride on the sugar train. The train departs from the station heading towards Taibao and Nanjing, and the tour guide on board will explain the pastoral scenery along the way, including the progressively diminishing fields of white sugarcane. The park also features charming historical buildings to admire, allowing a profound sense of life's progress. By the end of 2004, a new ecological park was developed in the area, serving as a venue for outdoor education. The factory offers many unique and local ice treats worth trying, such as garlic sugar red bean popsicles, cane cultural red bean shaved ice, barley and sour plum popsicles, and other special flavors that will leave you craving for more!
