Sisal cultivation was introduced to the Hengchun Peninsula during the Japanese colonial era due to the region's specific soil conditions and climate.
Sisal fibers were primary materials for manufacturing ropes, twines, and sacks before the widespread adoption of synthetic polymers.
The plant is characterized by its sword-shaped leaves and tall, vertical yellow flowering spikes that grow rapidly when the plant matures.
Hengchun was once known as the 'sisal capital' of Taiwan, supporting a thriving export industry that reached its peak in the 1960s.
The Sisal Industry Historical Exhibition chronicles the legacy of the sisal hemp industry, which was once the economic backbone of the Hengchun Peninsula. Located within the Kenting National Park area, the exhibition occupies a converted factory space that highlights the processing and manufacturing evolution of sisal fibers. Exhibits display vintage machinery used for decorticating, washing, and drying sisal leaves. The center documents how this drought-resistant crop shaped the local landscape and provided vital income for the region during the mid-20th century. Visitors can observe the transition from manual labor to mechanized production methods. The site provides context for the historical ecological and industrial development of southern Taiwan.
Beside the restored antique decortication machines and the vintage wooden structural supports inside the main exhibition hall.
Combine this visit with nearby nature trails in Kenting National Park to understand the environment that allowed the plant to flourish.
Use the provided educational signage to better grasp the mechanical processes shown in the exhibits.
Bring sun protection if you plan to explore the outdoor grounds surrounding the exhibition building.
Do not mistake this for a large-scale commercial museum; it is a specialized historical site with a quiet, educational focus.
Closed on Mondays for facility maintenance.
