Issuing Unit: Department of Culture and Tourism
The Yunlin County Government continues to promote the restoration and revitalization of the historical site of the Beigang Sugar Factory. This evening (Jan. 16), the large-scale art installation Auspicious Cloud of Light, located within the “Beigang 1911 Hao-Ku Cultural and Industrial Park,” was officially illuminated. The artwork integrates the century-old sugar industry culture with the symbolism of Beigang Mazu belief. Through the interplay of light and shadow, it breathes new life into the historic grounds and forms part of the overall planning for the 2026 Beigang Lantern Festival, embodying the cultural imagery of Beigang’s Lantern Festival celebrations.
County Magistrate Chang Li-shan stated that the Beigang Sugar Factory was founded in 1909 and has a history spanning over a century. The factory ceased operations in 2005, and in 2016, its sugar production plant, steam locomotive depot, and warehouse clusters were registered as historical buildings. In 2023, the county government completed the transfer of building ownership from Taiwan Sugar Corporation and is now entrusted with managing a total area of 11 hectares. Among these, 24 warehouses will undergo phased revitalization, with 12 expected to be restored by the end of 2026. To usher in a renewed appearance for the century-old sugar factory, Yunlin-born artist Yang Shi-yi created the large-scale art installation Auspicious Cloud of Light. Yang shared that he used sugar crystals as the main visual design element, symbolizing the sweetness, happiness, and prosperity brought by Beigang’s sugar industry. The work consists of three ascending auspicious clouds, with cloud-tail patterns echoing the iconic upturned eaves of Beigang Chaotian Temple. It blends the sense of stability found in religious faith with the sweetness of local culture, symbolizing the spreading of light and blessings upon everyone who enters Beigang.
Magistrate Chang emphasized that the Beigang Sugar Factory holds significant industrial and historical value for Yunlin. Auspicious Cloud of Light is not only an artwork but also a major achievement in the county’s efforts to restore and activate cultural assets. She hopes that through the integration of artistic installations and festival events, the site will become an important landmark and photo spot in Beigang, attracting pilgrims and tourists to stay overnight, rediscover the town from new perspectives, and further promote local tourism and cultural development—bringing Beigang’s historic charm to life once again.
Auspicious Cloud of Light is Taiwan’s first large-scale glass art installation, created through a cross-disciplinary collaboration with Spring Pool Glass. It is composed of handcrafted amber-colored glass blocks stacked together. During the day, the installation glistens like translucent sugar crystals; at night, dynamic lighting transforms it into a flowing cloud of light. Along the surrounding pathways, lightboxes combining sugar factory motifs and paper-cut patterns cast gentle illumination, allowing visitors to enjoy layered visual experiences and making the installation a renewed visual highlight of the park.
Deputy Magistrate Chen Bi-jyun noted that the installation integrates glass craftsmanship, lighting design, and local religious culture, showcasing Beigang’s rich cultural heritage. In the future, as warehouse restoration progresses, the park will gradually develop complete cultural functions. The artwork will become part of residents’ daily lives and serve as a key venue for the Beigang Lantern Festival and related events.
Director Hsieh Ming-hsuan of the Department of Culture and Tourism stated that Auspicious Cloud of Light will serve as one of the themes of the Lantern Festival. By connecting Beigang Old Street, Chaotian Temple, and the sugar factory park, the county government plans to curate guided tours, lantern events, and cultural experiences. This will allow visitors not only to admire the lanterns during the festival but also to deeply appreciate Beigang’s history, faith, and cultural narratives, continuously strengthening local tourism vitality.
Beigang Township Mayor Hsiao Mei-wen expressed gratitude to Magistrate Chang and the cultural tourism team for collaborating with artist Yang Shi-yi to design the large-scale installation for the Beigang Sugar Factory's “Beigang 1911 Hao-Ku Cultural and Industrial Park.” She noted that Auspicious Cloud of Light integrates the imagery of Beigang Mazu, the sugar factory, and the lantern festival, symbolizing sweetness, happiness, light, and auspiciousness—bringing blessings to visitors and boosting overall tourism in Beigang.
The lighting ceremony on January 16 featured Yunlin County Magistrate Chang Li-shan, Deputy Magistrate Chen Bi-jyun, Director Hsieh Ming-hsuan, Mayor Hsiao Mei-wen, County Councilor Huang Wen-hsiang, Beigang Township Representative Council Chairperson Huang Mei-lan, and artist Yang Shi-yi. Through synchronized light-and-music performances and guided site tours, participants witnessed the century-old sugar factory’s transformation through art.
Director Hsieh added that Auspicious Cloud of Light will serve as a permanent installation at the Beigang 1911 Hao-Ku Cultural and Industrial Park and remain illuminated daily from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. The lighting presentation cycles every 15 minutes, consisting of a 3-minute dynamic display, a 9-minute static display, and a 3-minute full-brightness segment. This allows visitors to appreciate the changing interplay of light and shadow and capture memorable photos.
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