By Chen Guanxin, compiled and reported
Many people who grew up in the 1980s to 2000s have fond memories of 77 Milk Chocolate, a childhood favorite. Now, the delicious taste continues, and the brand has launched a premium chocolate line called “CHOTTY&COTTY,” and opened Taiwan’s first “Chocolate Republic” offering virtual reality and a full sensory experience. It is set to open this Saturday (the 14th) in Bade City, Taoyuan County. The venue features a cocoa greenhouse, a magic kitchen, and a DIY classroom, among other facilities. Visitors can see the so-called “prima donna” cocoa tree and learn tips on selecting and making chocolate. During the opening period, ticket discounts apply for partial consumption or DIY course fees, allowing both adults and children to get up close and personal with chocolate.
Sweet chocolate paired with fresh strawberries that have a hint of fruity acidity—enjoy a romantic afternoon tea moment. (Photo by Chen Guanxin, SpotTown)
The Chocolate Republic park includes a water play area, a kids’ graffiti zone, and flower fields featuring tropical, temperate, and cold-climate trees. The museum’s irregular exterior is full of childlike charm, resembling an unopened box of chocolates—only by visiting can you discover all the surprises inside.
The uniquely shaped museum building, along with the surrounding tropical, temperate, and cold-climate plantings, artfully evokes the natural imagery of chocolate. (Photo by Chen Guanxin, SpotTown)
The interior is divided into three floors. The first floor is a souvenir and dining area, and also features a cocoa greenhouse where three cocoa trees, which are very particular about temperature, humidity, and growing conditions, are planted—letting visitors see the “prima donnas” up close. The second floor houses a dessert workshop and a chocolate knowledge zone, where you can watch the chocolate-making process and learn how to use the five senses—sight, smell, hearing, touch, and taste—to select high-quality chocolate. The knowledge zone also includes a mini model of a chocolate production line. If you want to understand how these delightful flavors go through over ten processes to reach your taste buds, this section is not to be missed.
A mini version of the chocolate production line shows all more than ten manufacturing steps, making it easy to understand how chocolate is made. (Photo by Chen Guanxin, SpotTown)
Ever tried the hot chocolate with pepper that indigenous people drank? Want to make chocolate at home? The third floor’s history and mythology zone shares stories and fun facts about chocolate, while the magic kitchen, guided by a virtual reality chef, teaches you how to make delicious chocolate at home. The DIY classroom also offers hands-on experiences led by professionals, letting you enjoy the fun of chocolate-making.
Above: A virtual chef explains how you can make sweet treats at home. Below: Not content with just tasting, the DIY classroom also offers chocolate-making classes so both adults and children can enjoy the fun of making their own. (Photo by Chen Guanxin, SpotTown)
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