The Qiaotou Sugar Factory, with a history of 123 years, is launching a series of events from September 21st to November 17th to promote sugar industry culture. The activities include art performances, a real-world puzzle-solving game, the Suzuki Fujisaburo Cultural Exhibition, and blessings from Avalokiteshvara, inviting people to visit and experience the beauty of culture and history during the autumn season.
Taiwan Sugar Corporation pointed out that the Qiaotou Sugar Factory was Taiwan’s first modernized sugar factory, witnessing the country's industrialization process. The sugar factory site, which preserves historical sugar industry relics such as the sugar manufacturing plant, community office, and Japanese-style wooden houses, has been designated as a municipal cultural landscape. To promote the sugar industry history, the park has collaborated with Morimachi, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan to organize the "Suzuki Fujisaburo Cultural Exhibition," introducing Suzuki Fujisaburo’s contributions to Taiwan’s sugar industry and showcasing the journey from traditional sugar manufacturing to industrialization.
The Qiaotou Sugar Factory, operated by Taiwan Sugar Corporation, is the first modernized mechanical sugar factory in Taiwan. It still retains its original industrial style and has been designated as a municipal cultural landscape. (Photo source: Ministry of Economic Affairs website)
The "Qiaotang Amazing Mystery Hunt" puzzle-solving game will take place from October 18th to November 17th, with game scenarios set in the park's historical buildings. Participants can explore the sugar factory's history through puzzles, and those who complete the mission will have a chance to win gift vouchers for use at the exhibition center.
The highlight of this event is the "Suzuki Fujisaburo Cultural Exhibition Opening and Blessing Ceremony" on November 16th. The exhibition will present the history of Taiwan’s sugar industry, Suzuki’s contributions, and the connection with Avalokiteshvara. The venue will be decorated with Japanese-style blessing bells, lanterns, and torii gates. Additionally, traditional artisans, known as “Sugar Painting Uncle” and “Sugar Blowing Uncle,” have been invited to perform traditional folk crafts, allowing visitors to fully experience the unique charm of Qiaotang during the grand blessing ceremony.
The Black Bronze Statue of Avalokiteshvara (Guanyin) in the Qiaotang Park is modeled after the Avalokiteshvara statue at Yakushi-ji Temple in Nara, Japan. It symbolizes protection, ensuring smooth factory operations and the safety of personnel. (Photo source: Ministry of Economic Affairs website)
Taiwan Sugar Corporation encourages the public to support environmental protection by taking the Kaohsiung MRT Red Line to Qiaotou Sugar Factory Station (R22A) and walking to the event venue. There is also a parking lot available in the park for those driving. This autumn, come and enjoy the cultural tour at Qiaotang and experience the century-old charm of the sugar industry.
