The mill originally opened in 1910 during the Japanese colonial period as the Meiji Sugar Refining Co.
The 762mm narrow-gauge railway system was the backbone of rural transportation in Taiwan before the expansion of modern road networks.
The refinery complex suffered significant damage during the 1906 Meishan earthquake, requiring extensive early-20th-century reconstruction.
The park has been used as a filming location for multiple Taiwanese television period dramas due to its authentic architectural preservation.
The onsite 'Five-Five Train' (Wufen Che) derived its name from the rail gauge being exactly half the width of the standard Japanese imperial railway.
TaiSugar Suantou Cultural Park is a repurposed sugar refinery complex offering historical industrial exhibits and local food retail. The site centers on a historic sugar mill that ceased production in 2001 and has since been converted into an educational cultural center. Visitors can ride the vintage Five-Five Train, a narrow-gauge railway originally used for transporting sugarcane. The grounds feature preserved factory machinery, including steam boilers and processing equipment, displayed in their original structural context. The park incorporates a dedicated area for purchasing Taiwan Sugar Corporation products, notably their signature ice cream and local agricultural goods. Educational installations explain the refinery process and the historical socio-economic impact of the sugar industry in Chiayi. The area also hosts a multi-purpose space and has been integrated into regional tourism routes including nearby cultural infrastructure.
The railway platform with the vintage steam locomotive engine in the background.
Try the diverse flavors of sugar-based ice cream at the dedicated storefront.
Check the train departure schedule immediately upon arrival, as these operate at limited intervals throughout the day.
Bring an umbrella or sun protection as the factory site offers limited shade while walking between exterior industrial displays.
Missing the vintage train ride, which is the primary operational highlight of the park.
The site remains open daily, but the historical Five-Five Train operates primarily on weekends and public holidays; check for special maintenance closures before arrival.
Respect preserved machinery by not climbing on equipment or crossing safety barriers.
