The Nanzhou Sugar Factory Ice Shop is a snack counter within a historic Taiwan Sugar Corporation mill complex in southern Pingtung County. The factory was established in 1920 as the 'Higashiko Sugar Factory' under the Japanese-era Taiwan Sugar Manufacturing Company, and at its peak processed up to 1,200 metric tons of sugarcane daily. Production ceased on July 1, 2003, and the mill buildings were demolished in 2012; the site has since been converted into a tourist attraction. The ice shop sells popsicles made from Taiwan Sugar's own sugarcane juice, continuing the tradition of Taiwan sugar factory frozen treats.
Nanzhou Sugar Factory was established in 1920 as 'Higashiko Sugar Factory,' part of the Japanese-era Taiwan Sugar Manufacturing Company, and at its peak processed about 1,200 metric tons of sugarcane daily. The mill ceased production on July 1, 2003, and the factory buildings were demolished in 2012; the site now operates as a tourist facility managed by the Taiwan Sugar Corporation's Pingtung Division.
Highlights of the Nanzhou Sugar Factory
The Nanzhou Sugar Factory was built during the Japanese colonial period and was once an important pillar of agricultural output in southern Pingtung County. As Taiwan's sugar industry declined, production at the factory ceased, but some buildings and facilities were preserved. The brick structures and metal components within the complex bear witness to the technical standards of Showa-era industrial construction.
Taiwan Sugar ice products are a shared memory across generations of Taiwanese. The Nanzhou factory's popsicles are made from straight sugarcane juice with no added flavoring — moderate in sweetness. The factory grounds are quiet and relaxed; local families visit on weekends, giving a feel for the Taiwanese 'sugar factory afternoon tea' culture. The accessible area of the complex depends on what is currently open; some industrial facility zones are not open to the public.
How to Make the Most of It
Practical Information
Getting There & Timing
- TRA Nanzhou Station is about a 10-minute walk from the sugar factory — a convenient midway stop heading south.
- By car, enter Nanzhou Township from Provincial Highway 1; the factory is clearly signposted and has parking on site.
- The ice shop is typically open in the afternoon and early evening. Confirm before going — it may be closed on Mondays or specific holidays.
Nearby Connections
- Jiadong Yang Clan Ancestral Hall is about 15 minutes from Nanzhou; combine sugar factory culture with a Hakka historic site for a half-day route.
- Linbian Township wax apple season (December to March) — farm shopping and sugar factory ice can be planned for the same day.
Sources: Taiwan Sugar Corporation official information; facts provided by context. Photos pending Dio's on-site photography.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Nanzhou Sugar Factory established?
It was established in 1920 as 'Higashiko Sugar Factory,' part of the Japanese-era Taiwan Sugar Manufacturing Company.
When did Nanzhou Sugar Factory stop production?
The mill ceased production on July 1, 2003, and the buildings were demolished in 2012; the site is now a tourist sugar factory.
What does the Nanzhou ice shop sell?
It mainly sells plain popsicles made from Taiwan Sugar's own sugarcane juice with no added flavoring, a signature Taiwan sugar-factory treat.
How much sugarcane could the factory process at its peak?
At its peak it processed about 1,200 metric tons of sugarcane daily, making it Taiwan's southernmost sugar mill at the time.