It was the first sugar refinery in Taiwan to adopt centrifugal separation technology in the early 20th century.
The refinery compound features a 'Chenn-An Temple' which houses a bronze statue of the Empress of Heaven (Mazu) brought from Japan.
Many of the original factory structures are built using a unique mix of red brick, reinforced concrete, and steel girders.
The park contains an extensive collection of contemporary iron and steel sculptures created by local artists during onsite workshops.
The site includes a preserved 'Clubhouse' built in 1901 with distinct colonial-style architecture and red-tiled roofs.
It served as a major industrial engine for the Kaohsiung region for over 100 years before ceasing sugar production.
The refinery grounds are home to various tunnels used during the Pacific War for air defense purposes.
Established in 1901, the Ciao Tou Sugar Refinery is Taiwan's first modern mechanized sugar factory, currently functioning as a cultural park. The site features an extensive collection of industrial relics, Japanese-era colonial architecture, and large-scale outdoor art installations. Visitors can explore preserved brick factory buildings, old train tracks, and various warehouses repurposed as galleries. The grounds are expansive, featuring mature banyan trees and gardens suitable for cycling and walking. It is a key site for understanding the history of the Taiwan Sugar Corporation and the development of the local sugar industry. The area contains historical railway artifacts, including decommissioned locomotives and specialized cargo cars used for sugar transport.
The elevated viewing platform near the old railway tracks provides a panoramic view of the brick factory chimneys and rusted locomotive sheds.
Rent a bicycle at the entrance to navigate the sprawling industrial grounds efficiently.
Explore the lesser-known paths behind the main factory buildings to find overgrown industrial ruins and quieter photo opportunities.
Visit the onsite snack shop to sample the signature sugar-based ice cream products.
Do not rely on walking alone; the site is massive and much of the architectural interest is spread far apart.
Avoid climbing on rusted industrial machinery or restricted historical equipment; respect areas marked as active preservation sites.
