Donghua Camphor Factory

The Miaoli Tongluo area is densely planted with camphor trees. In earlier years, there were over a hundred camphor factories, but today, Donghua Camphor Factory is the only remaining camphor refinery in Taiwan. Founded in 1937, the factory has been operating for over seventy years and is currently run by the third-generation owner. The factory still preserves a camphor worker's license issued by the former Taiwan Governor-General's Office, made of cypress wood, which can be considered its most prized possession. As soon as you reach the entrance, you can smell the rich scent of camphor. The shop offers a wide range of products. Originally, Donghua only produced essential oils like camphor oil and citronella oil. After the third-generation owner took over, he dedicated himself to developing new products, even attending a cosmetics research program at Providence University. He creatively developed 200 different products, from handmade soaps, shampoos, and shower gels to a myriad of other items. This small shop is filled with so many products it can be dazzling. In recent years, the old camphor factory has also integrated new creative ideas. Not only does it offer guided tours explaining camphor production to visitors, but it also allows children to make DIY soaps, ensuring everyone leaves with enriching and wonderful memories.