Chimney Tunnel & Century-Old Factory – Explore Century-Old Historical Relics at Taichung’s Yuehmei Sugar Refinery

▲ This arched brick tunnel was bombarded by Allied forces during World War II.

Reported and photographed by Wang Huiqi, Taichung

Built during the Japanese colonial period, Taichung’s Yuehmei Sightseeing Sugar Refinery is not only a century-old sugar factory but also home to Taiwan’s only chimney tunnel. The refinery was transformed into a sightseeing spot in 1999. Following the route, you’ll first tour the factory and then visit the uniquely distinctive chimney tunnel to experience the marvelous sensation of “gazing at the sky through the tunnel.”


▲ Step into this century-old factory for a tour, then walk into the chimney tunnel to experience the feeling of being trapped in a well.

The tunnel serves as a flue connecting the boiler and the chimney. Originally built with bricks in an arched passage for smoke exhaust, it has now become an exceptionally unique sightseeing attraction in Taiwan. Additionally, during World War II, the refinery was bombed by the Allied forces in an attempt to halt Taiwan’s support to Okinawa, leaving multiple visible shell marks on the chimney’s exterior as historical remnants.

Formerly known as the Taikyu Sugar Factory, Yuehmei Sugar Refinery was established in 1914. Due to environmental changes, it ceased operations in 1999 and was repurposed as a sightseeing sugar refinery. Before its closure, the factory processed up to 800 metric tons of sugarcane daily. Walking into this century-old sugar refinery, you can still see many large machines used in sugar production back then.