The Hualien Sugar Factory has experienced many years of expansion and renovation. The amount of sugar production has been increased and quality improved. In order to provide the factory with raw materials, vast sugar cane fields can be found in Xincheng Township to the north and Fuli Township to the south, which have become a unique sight in East Rift Valley. In addition to granulated sugar, Hualien Sugar Factory also has a frozen products department producing all flavors of popsicles and ice cream. These products are very popular with both locals and visitors; "a trip to the Sugar Factory for the ice cream products" has become a favorite tourist activity. Next to the Sugar Factory are neat rows of Japanese-style dormitories. Large-scale Japanese-style buildings like these are very rare in Taiwan. These residences, made of Chinese cypress, were built for the factory employees during the Japanese occupation. For many, these well-preserved old buildings create feelings of nostalgia. Following Hualien County Government's "no-chimneys" tourism development policies, the old residences underwent renovations some time ago and now operate as a Japanese-style hotel after licensed on Jan. 24, 2011, adding one more accommodation option in Hualien.