Ciao Tou Sugar Refinery is a former sugar factory in Qiaotou District, Kaohsiung, now run as the Taiwan Sugar Museum. The refinery opened in 1901 under Japanese rule and produced sugar until 1999. Its 23-hectare park keeps the factory halls, colonial-era buildings and industrial relics, and adds art, greenery and family activities. Walk through the sugar production hall, see the Baroque-style office building and the Japanese-style dormitories, and stop at a 台糖冰品 ice bar for a classic treat.
From sugar factory to heritage park
The refinery was opened in 1901 during Japanese colonial rule and is widely remembered as the first modern mechanical sugar refinery in Taiwan. It produced sugar until 1999. The site is now a designated city historical heritage and cultural landscape.
The park covers 23 hectares. Its old factory halls, machinery and industrial relics sit alongside art spaces, ecological areas and family activities, so the grounds work as both a museum and a place to spend an afternoon.
Inside the sugar production hall
The production hall holds large vintage machines that show the whole process, from pressing the cane to crystallizing the sugar. Information panels explain each stage, so you can follow the work in order.
Much of the factory is open to walk through. Plan time to look at the machinery closely, since the scale of the equipment is the main draw inside.
Buildings and sculptures on the grounds
The yellow Baroque-style office building is one of the most photographed buildings on the site. Nearby, Japanese-style dormitories and a red-brick water tower show the range of colonial-era construction.
The Guanyin statue is a focal point, and visitors hang wish plaques there. The 鐵園迷城, or Iron Garden Maze, is made from recycled metal parts shaped into quirky sculptures. Bougainvillea blooms in season and adds colour to the paths.
The park is also good for street and abstract photography, with rusted structures, painted walls and open spaces that suit a slower pace.
Getting around, eating and drinking
Bicycles can be rented for the large grounds, and four-person bicycles suit families with children. The mini train, known as the 五分車, runs through the greenery on weekends only.
The park has restaurants and cafes, including a Japanese cafe in a former dormitory. Ice treats from 台糖冰品 are the classic stop, with red bean yeast ice and black sugar desserts among the options. The site also hosts craft shops, an artist village, cultural performance groups and wedding events.
The nearest station is Qiaotou Sugar Factory Station on the MRT. The entrance, restroom and parking lot are listed as wheelchair accessible.
Perguntas frequentes
How long do you need at Ciao Tou Sugar Refinery?
A couple of hours covers the main buildings and sculptures. A half-day visit suits anyone who adds bike rides or a long food stop.
How do you get to Ciao Tou Sugar Refinery by train?
Take the MRT to Qiaotou Sugar Factory Station. The refinery has its own station on the line.
Is Ciao Tou Sugar Refinery wheelchair accessible?
Yes. The entrance, restroom and parking lot are listed as wheelchair accessible.
Does the mini train run every day?
No. The mini train runs on weekends only.
Can you eat at Ciao Tou Sugar Refinery?
Yes. The park has restaurants and cafes, including a Japanese cafe in a former dormitory.
