Department of Cultural Affairs

Songshan Tobacco Plant

Located on nineteen hectares of land, the Songshan Tobacco Plant is representative of Taiwan’s industrial architecture during the era of Japanese rule (1895-1945). It was the largest factory in East Asia at one time. Following World War II, it came under the management of the Taiwan Tobacco & Wine Monopoly Bureau, and ceased operation in 1998. While in use, it produced 46 different brands of tobacco products, playing a significant role in Taipei’s industrial history.
Surrounded by pleasant gardens, the plant featured a complete spectrum of facilities, from offices to production areas, boiler rooms and storage areas, arranged according to a logical production flow plan. Raw materials and finished products were transported in and out of the factory by rail, the vestiges of which can still be seen today. The Songshan Tobacco Plant also provided a nursing room, clinic and worker’s cafeteria. Furthermore, to protect the bureau’s monopoly powers, the plant included security control rooms and defensive fortifications.