Dulan is a very popular area among foreigners, and you can find many shops here that offer foreign food. It's easy to spot foreigners on the streets as well. During our visit, we didn't stay for a long time, but we did see the Dulan Site, which is a small but interesting place, and we stopped to take some pictures at the Sugar Factory.
1. Dulan Site: 959台東縣東河鄉都蘭村都蘭遺址
Dulan Forest (都蘭林場)
Dulan Forest is located in Donghe Township and is home to the Ami tribe. Despite the development of tourism, the tribe has managed to preserve many of their traditional customs and cultures. According to oral records and research, the Ami people have been living in Dulan for about 3,500 years. The village was originally called Gegalasan, but it was later renamed Edoulan, meaning the accumulation of stones or frequent earthquakes. After the Japanese occupation period, it was officially named "Tudor," and in 1937, it was renamed "Dulan." This area is considered to be the birthplace of the Ami people. The Dulan Fengnian Festival, held from June to August each year, is a significant event for the Dulan Ami. The festival includes various activities such as the Warriors dance, which tests endurance and perseverance.
Dulan Site (都蘭遺址)
The Dulan Site is located in the northwest of Dulan Village on a mild marine terrace. It contains well-preserved stone coffins and stone walls. The site, classified as a third-grade historical site, was excavated during the Japanese rule, revealing rectangle stony coffins. Further investigations by Academia Sinica led to the discovery of giant stone piles. The site and its objects date back 3,000 years and are believed to be part of the Kirin Culture. The area is now considered a protected cultural heritage and is divided into the stony coffin area and stony wall area. It is believed that more historical sites are nearby and await excavation.
Sugar factory (新東糖廠文化園區)
Xindong Sugar Factory, also known as Dulan Sugar Factory, is a historic landmark located in Dulan Village. Originally founded in 1933 during the Japanese occupation period by Lai Wenyu, the factory was primarily engaged in promoting sugarcane cultivation and brown sugar production. Over the years, it played a significant role in the local economy and became an important part of the community.
During its heyday, the Xindong Sugar Factory witnessed tremendous growth and success. In 1944, the Dongtai Sugar Field Joint Venture Club was established, marking a new chapter for the factory. With advanced sugar machinery and equipment, the factory experienced a surge in production and efficiency. Its brown sugar, known for its high quality, was highly sought after and sold to Japan.
However, the factory faced challenges during World War II. Bombings and transportation disruptions affected its operations, leading to a decline in sales and profitability. Despite these difficulties, the factory continued to operate until the end of the war. Tragically, its founder, Lai Wenyu, passed away shortly after the war, marking the end of an era.
In 1960, a new chapter began for the Xindong Sugar Factory. Led by a visionary individual from Hsinchu with experience in brown sugar production, the factory was revitalized. It underwent renovations and modernization to restore sugarcane cultivation and brown sugar production. The surrounding area, including Donghe Township, Liji Village of Beinan Township, and parts of Chenggong Town, became a thriving sugarcane planting region.
During the late 1970s, the factory reached its peak production, becoming the leading brown sugar producer in Taiwan. Its sugarcane planting area covered vast hectares, and it contributed significantly to the local economy. However, with Taiwan's economic restructuring in the mid-1980s and the rise in wages, the factory faced challenges in sustaining its operations. The closure of labor-intensive brown sugar factories in other parts of Taiwan further impacted its prospects.
Ultimately, in 1991, the Xindong Sugar Factory ceased its sugar business and entered a period of idleness. However, its story did not end there. The factory found new life as a cultural relic and creative hub for artists and craftsmen. Si Ki Xiju Sufei Studio took over the space, attracting domestic and international artists to create and exhibit their works.
Recognizing the historical and cultural significance of the factory, the Taitung County Government established the Dulan Brown Sugar Culture Park. The park encompasses various spaces within the factory complex, including the transformed office and dormitory areas, which now house galleries, restaurants, and homestays.
Visitors to the Xindong Sugar Factory can explore the rich history of the sugar industry in eastern Taiwan. They can learn about the traditional process of brown sugar production, view exhibitions by local artists, indulge in diverse culinary experiences, and even stay in the former staff quarters, now converted into cozy homestays. The factory's distinctive architecture, including its concrete structures and iconic chimney, adds to the charm and character of the site.
Today, the Xindong Sugar Factory stands as a testament to the resilience and adaptability of the local community. It preserves the legacy of the sugar industry while embracing its new role as a cultural and artistic destination in Dulan Village.
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