Dulan Sugar Factory
Eastern Taiwan Region
Located at the foot of the sacred Dulan Mountain in Taitung County, Taiwan, the Dulan Sugar Factory, also known as Xindong Sugar Factory, is one of the few remaining early red sugar production sites in eastern Taiwan. Founded during the Japanese colonial period in 1933 by Lai Wenqian, it initially focused on promoting sugarcane cultivation and producing red sugar. The factory reached its peak production in the 1970s, becoming Taiwan's top red sugar producer. However, economic shifts and labor shortages led to its closure in 1991. Since 2001, the site has been revitalized as a cultural park, hosting artists and craftsmen in its spacious warehouses and offering visitors exhibitions, a café, and accommodations. Its iconic tall chimney remains a landmark. The factory complex includes concrete and steel-reinforced structures with tin roofs, preserving industrial architecture while fostering creative reuse. The Dulan Sugar Factory stands out as a unique blend of industrial heritage and contemporary art, offering an immersive cultural experience in Taiwan's scenic east coast region.
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Tip: Visit during weekdays or outside major holidays to avoid crowds and enjoy a peaceful exploration. Advance booking is recommended for accommodations and special exhibitions. The site offers free parking except on certain long holidays. Visitors can benefit from combined tickets or discounts during the annual Dulan Mountain Art Festival held on the premises.
Interesting facts
- •The factory's tall chimney is a prominent landmark visible from the surrounding area.
- •At its peak, the sugarcane plantation spanned over 800 hectares, producing over 8 million kilograms of red sugar annually, making it the largest in Taiwan at the time.
- •After ceasing sugar production, the warehouses became studios for local and international artists, fostering a unique cultural hub.
- •The site hosts the annual Dulan Mountain Art Festival, attracting visitors and artists from across Taiwan and abroad.
History
The Dulan Sugar Factory was originally established in 1933 during Taiwan's Japanese colonial era by Lai Wenqian to promote sugarcane farming and red sugar production.
It expanded in the late 1930s with new facilities and modern equipment, becoming a major sugar producer.
During World War II, production was disrupted by Allied bombings and transportation difficulties.
After the war, the factory underwent ownership changes and was revitalized in the 1960s by Huang Mushui's family, reaching peak output in the 1970s.
Economic transformations and labor shortages in the 1980s led to its closure in 1991.
Since 2001, it has been repurposed as a cultural and creative park hosting artists and cultural events.
Place Guide
Main Factory Building1937-1938
The original sugar production facility features concrete and steel-reinforced construction with tin roofing. Although the interior is currently closed to the public, the building's industrial architecture remains a testament to early 20th-century sugar manufacturing.
Warehouses and Art StudiosPost-2001
Former storage spaces converted into creative studios and exhibition halls for artists and craftsmen, these warehouses now serve as the heart of the cultural park, hosting diverse art events and workshops.
Chimney Landmark1930s
A tall chimney adjacent to the factory is the iconic symbol of the Dulan Sugar Factory, representing its industrial past and serving as a visual landmark for visitors.
Café and GuesthousePost-2001
The former office and dormitory areas have been repurposed into a café and guesthouse, providing visitors with refreshments and accommodation within the historic setting.
Contact
Phone: 08 953 1212