Chiayi's Cultural and Creative Industries Park is a Japanese-era distillery complex in the city's West District, originating as the Taisho Brewing Company's Chiayi Factory, founded in 1916 and known as Taiwan's earliest producer of kaoliang liquor — earning the nickname 'Homeland of White Liquor.' Eight brick buildings on the site were registered as historic buildings in 2003, and the complex has since been transformed into a hub of creative exhibitions, markets, and dining.
The Cultural and Creative Industries Park's predecessor, the Taisho Brewing Company's Chiayi Factory, was founded in 1916 by Japanese businessman Akashi Shotaro and became Taiwan's earliest producer of kaoliang liquor, earning it the nickname 'Homeland of White Liquor.' In 1922, the factory was placed under monopoly bureau control following the implementation of Taiwan's liquor monopoly ordinance. Eight buildings on the site — dating to 1924, 1930, 1934, and 1937 — were registered as historic buildings on February 14, 2003; the site is now managed by Taiwan's Ministry of Culture and has been transformed into a hub for creative exhibitions, markets, and dining.
Highlights of the Cultural and Creative Industries Park
The Chiayi Brewery was built during the Japanese colonial period, with the factory complex primarily using red brick and timber truss frames as its architectural language, preserving the characteristic style of Japanese-era industrial architecture in Taiwan. The renovation deliberately maintained the original building volumes and materials without extensive refurbishment, allowing visitors to directly experience the spatial scale of the century-old factory. The open courtyard connects the various exhibition halls and commercial spaces with a natural pedestrian flow, well suited to unhurried exploration.
The park regularly hosts art and culture exhibitions, creative markets, and performance events covering visual art, design and craft, and music. Some factory buildings serve as permanent exhibition spaces; restaurants and workshops have also moved in. Chiayi local design goods and agricultural products have high visibility at the markets, making it one of the channels for purchasing Chiayi specialty handmade items. Check the park's official website or social media platforms for activity information before your visit.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit
Practical Information
Getting There & Timing
- On foot: approximately 10 to 15 minutes' walk from Chiayi Train Station, and also close to the Chiayi Bus Terminal — well served by public transport.
- By car: along Zhongshan Road in Chiayi City center. Parking lots are nearby, but parking space is limited on weekends.
- The park is open year-round; some exhibition halls have fixed closure days. Creative markets are mainly held on weekends and during festivals; dining and exhibitions are the main draws on weekdays.
Nearby Connections
- Within walking distance are Chiayi City's historic buildings — Chiayi Old Prison and the Chiayi City Museum — making a half-day walking route through the old city easy to arrange.
- Wenhua Road Night Market is about a 10-minute walk from the park; combine an evening stroll through the park with a visit to the night market afterward for turkey rice and other Chiayi classics.
Source: Official information from Chiayi City Cultural and Creative Industries Park and Wikipedia entry on "Chiayi City Cultural and Creative Industries Park." Photos pending replacement with Dio's own shots.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the Chiayi Cultural and Creative Industries Park originally?
It was originally the Taisho Brewing Company's Chiayi Factory, founded in 1916 and Taiwan's earliest producer of kaoliang liquor.
When were the park's buildings registered as historic sites?
Eight Japanese-era factory buildings on the site were registered as historic buildings on February 14, 2003.
What can visitors do at the park today?
The park now hosts art and culture exhibitions, creative markets, and dining venues, with regular exhibitions and market events.
Sources
- 原嘉義酒廠 - 維基百科 — 創設年代(1916)、8棟建物年代、2003年歷史建築登錄
- 園區歷史 - 嘉義文化創意產業園區 — 官方沿革說明