Founded in 1906 (the 39th year of Meiji under Japanese rule), Suantou Sugar Factory is one of the best-preserved sugar industry heritage sites in the Chiayi area. The factory's processing equipment, railway infrastructure, and buildings document a century of Taiwan's sugar industry history. The five-fen narrow-gauge sugarcane train (wujiao che) still runs on a regular schedule, offering one of the rare opportunities to ride a light narrow-gauge railway through the countryside.
Highlights of Suantou Sugar Factory
The name Suantou Sugar Factory derives from the old place name "Suantou Zhuang." During the Japanese colonial period, the Taiwan Sugar Corporation established a mill here, and the abundant sugarcane resources of the Chianan Plain sustained operations for decades. Several Japanese-era brick factory buildings remain on the grounds; some sugar processing machinery is displayed in situ, including crushers and evaporators, giving visitors a direct look at the sugar production process. The spacious factory grounds are well suited for leisurely exploration of each building.
The five-fen car (762 mm narrow-gauge mini train) is the factory's most popular attraction. The route passes through the factory grounds and surrounding farmland, with a round trip of approximately 20 to 30 minutes. The open-air carriages allow close-up views of the flat-plain scenery. Confirm operating hours and fares through Suantou Sugar Factory's official channels before your visit; more rides are available on weekends and peak seasons. Ice cream is also sold on the grounds — popsicles and traditional sugarcane ice bars are popular souvenir choices.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit
Practical Information
Getting There & Timing
- By car: head north from Chiayi City along Highway 1 to Liujiao Township, then follow signs and turn onto a county road to reach the factory. Parking is available on site.
- The five-fen train's schedule and run times are adjusted seasonally; check the factory's current announcements before departure to avoid disappointment.
- The grounds are open year-round; the five-fen train is ticketed separately. Weekends are busier; weekday visits are more relaxed.
Nearby Connections
- Liujiao Township is close to Puzi City — you can stop by Puzi Peitian Temple or the Puzi River mouth coast for a western Chiayi coastal route.
- Heading north extends to Budai Township fishing harbor, offering a geographic contrast between the coastal fishing village and sugar factory culture.
Source: Official information from Taiwan Sugar Corporation and Wikipedia entry on "Suantou Sugar Factory." Photos pending replacement with Dio's own shots.