Shueishang Township preserves the ruins of Nanjing Sugar Factory, built during the Japanese colonial period, as well as Shueishang Airport — a site of considerable significance in Taiwan's civil aviation history and the predecessor of the present-day Chiayi Airport. Together, these two industrial and transportation heritage sites trace the historical trajectory of agricultural sugar production and early aviation development in the Chianan region, and serve as on-the-ground venues for understanding Taiwan's modern industrial history.
Highlights of Nanjing Sugar Factory and Shueishang Airport
Nanjing Sugar Factory was a product of the sugar industry's expansion across the Chianan Plain during the Japanese colonial era. Some buildings in the factory complex retain the Japanese-era brick industrial architectural style, making them tangible examples for studying Taiwan's modern industrial architecture. The factory ruins document the full arc of the sugarcane industry on the Chianan Plain — from its peak to its decline — and are similar in nature to Suantou Sugar Factory in Liujiao Township, though the preservation condition and exhibition scale differ. Confirm the site's open status before visiting.
Shueishang Airport's history is closely tied to the early development of civil aviation in Taiwan; from the late Japanese colonial period through the early postwar years it served as an important aviation hub for the Chiayi area, and the present-day Chiayi Airport continues on that same foundation. The factory and the airport each represent different aspects of the modernization process. Their co-existence in a corner of Shueishang Township forms a rare industrial and transportation heritage cluster on the Chianan Plain, appealing to visitors with an interest in Taiwan's modern history.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit
Practical Information
Getting There & Timing
- By car: Shueishang Township borders the southern edge of Chiayi City; head south from Chiayi City along Provincial Highway 1 to reach it conveniently.
- Confirm the open status of the Nanjing Sugar Factory ruins in advance as some sections of the factory may have safety restrictions. The area around Shueishang Airport is a restricted zone; observe from publicly accessible areas only.
- A half-day is recommended; pair the visit with the surrounding Chianan Plain rural scenery.
Nearby Connections
- Shueishang Township is adjacent to Chiayi City, making it easy to connect to city-center dining or cultural routes on the return trip.
- Heading south extends to Suantou Sugar Factory in Liujiao Township for a comparative heritage itinerary covering Chiayi County's sugar industry historic sites.
Source: Shueishang Township Office information and Wikipedia entry on "Shueishang Township." Photos pending replacement with Dio's own shots.