[Family Travel]Unfading Passion: A Candle Sightseeing Factory

Previously, I watched “Step by Step, Discovering New Taiwan” with Yong. One episode introduced this “Manzhu Candle Factory.” The factory owner really moved me, so when Yong had his winter break and we—his ever-watchful parents—thought it was time to take him to experience some sightseeing factories, I immediately suggested visiting Manzhu.
(Recommended Reading:)

Across Taiwan, thanks to the Tourism Bureau of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications promoting factory transformation, all kinds of sightseeing factories have sprung up. Those that haven’t...

The first thing I saw upon entering this factory was an ever-blooming tung blossom tree. Though covered in dust, the wax tulips told me that they truly put great care into developing local industries, and that they have deep affection for their hometown. Just that alone deeply attracted me.

Although not a single person was in the factory when we arrived, I called out toward the seemingly empty workshop: “Hello, we’d like to do the DIY experience!” A smiling proprietress responded from somewhere inside the dim factory: “Sure, I’ll be right there!” I knew then that today’s experience wouldn’t disappoint.

The proprietress led our family and turned on the lights in one of the rooms—holy cow, I was startled. The entire room was filled with candles.

Though the candles were displayed on simple angle iron racks, every single one of them was so exquisitely crafted that I couldn’t help but look closely. It’s rare for me to visit such a place without being on assignment. Not approaching the workers as a journalist, this unique perspective meant that the auntie and the boss still gave each visitor a very detailed introduction.

Their introductions felt like candlelight illuminating their pasts—dreamlike yet so real. They spoke passionately about “the best years… the best years of Taiwan!” As I looked at the beautifully crafted candles sealed behind glass, with only our families and theirs in the dimly lit workshop...

I love all kinds of stories where people refuse to give up easily. This boss is one of those stories. I remembered his words from “Step by Step, Discovering New Taiwan,” although I didn’t share my thoughts with him that day.
(Recommended Reading:)

Especially in the dim factory, where you had to turn off the lights when leaving the room to save electricity in this energy-conscious sightseeing factory, I recalled the way he spoke—“Speaking words full of hope in what seems like a hopeless situation.” That’s not an easy thing to do. It really isn’t.

When we did our DIY that day, even though we were the only group of guests in the whole factory at the time (another group returned later), the proprietress, seeing that I wanted Yong to try both a paintable candle and a mold-release one, didn’t push other DIY options just to make a sale. Instead, she said, “If you want to do the mold-release one, I can let you try it out. We can just recycle the wax, no problem. Doing just one is fine too—you’ll still get to experience it.”

How could I not? After hearing her say that with a big smile, I immediately decided: Mom would do one, Yong would do one, and I’d pick one to do too. Later, Yong painted two. Since we were there, I wanted to know what objects you spend all day with that make you love your craft so much you’re willing to sacrifice many opportunities. I bet candles feel fascinating when you touch them up close.

Again and again, she talked about equipment and history—I really love the way she works.

That day I also brought along our family’s “Goddess Li,” who had a great time painting. It’s a sightseeing factory where both adults and kids can find their own joy.

We got to try various steps and details of candle crafting, and I joined in—it was really fun.

I painted a little house for myself, and the process was genuinely enjoyable.

We spent almost three hours in total, made four pieces, and left just as happily as we came. And the ever-watchful parent said, “We’ll come back again!” It’s really worth a repeat visit.

Thinking back to when we were leaving, the proprietress ran out to our car and insisted on helping me bag up the candle I had painted. She was afraid I might smudge it before it dried, and she admired my creation like a treasured artwork. Then she even jogged back inside to grab two scented wax blocks for us to take home and put in our closets. She said they contain lots of essential oils and wood shavings—they smell amazing.

Because of that rare human touch, no matter how the candles smell, I’ll definitely come back. What an unforgettable sightseeing factory—I loved it and especially recommend it to everyone.
(Recommended Reading:)

■ Address: No. 6, Lane 438, Zhonghua Road, Toufen Township, Miaoli County
■ Reservation Phone: 037-621893, 037-638685
■ Closed every Monday; extended holidays follow accordingly, reservations available if needed
■ Reservation Fax: 037-611083 (Business hours: 9:00–17:00)