Timber train stations showcase a rich chapter of Taiwan’s railway history.
Wood, typically cypress, was the primary construction material for train stations when Taiwan’s rail lines were launched in 1888. While most early structures have been replaced with modern alternatives, some remain in use. Of the 268 stations operated by Taiwan Railways Administration, about 20 are traditional timber buildings.
Serving more than 1,000 passengers per day, Baoan Station in southern Taiwan’s Tainan City is the country’s busiest wooden transport hub. Built in 1900, the Japanese-style cypress structure previously served as a major transit center for goods and workers in the area’s sugar industry. Some modern additions now adorn the facility such as an automated ticketing machine and plastic chairs on the platform, though most of it is largely unchanged. The station was designated a historic site by the city government in 2001.
Daily services at Taiwan’s other remaining wooden stations are less popular. Zhuifen Station, located at the junction of the Coast Line and the defunct Mountain Line in central Taiwan’s Taichung City, welcomes just a couple of hundred passengers each day. Built in 1922 and designated a historic site in 2002, this cypress facility looks much as it did after first opening. Though commuter numbers have decreased, the station is still frequented by visitors from near and far. Tickets between Zhuifen and Chenggong Station, also in Taichung, are much sought-after during exam season since the Chinese characters for Zhuifen can also mean “to get a high score” while those for Chenggong indicate “success.”
Several wooden stations that have fallen out of use are also preserved as historic attractions. Among them is Shenghsing in northern Taiwan’s Miaoli County, the highest station on the Western Line. Constructed in 1906, the facility ceased operations when the old Mountain Line was shuttered in 1998. It was listed as a historic site the following year and has since grown into a tourist destination.
At one time, all of these stations played significant roles in fostering economic development and transportation services. While their contributions in these areas may have waned, they are now helping preserve a rich chapter of Taiwan’s railway history.
—by Jim Hwang
Tickets from Zhuifen to Chenggong stations in central Taiwan’s Taichung City can also be read as “successfully getting a high score,” explaining their popularity during exam season.
Shenghsing Station in northern Taiwan’s Miaoli County has become a tourist attraction since ceasing operations in 1998.
Rinan Station in Taichung was built in 1922 and designated a historic site in 2003.
Most of the wooden stations still in operation are too small to service express trains.
Services on the Mountain Line ended in 1998.
Constructed in 1922, Zhuifen Station is located at the junction of the Coast Line and the now-defunct Mountain Line.
Wooden stations’ role in providing transportation services and supporting economic development has waned over the decades.
Checheng Station in central Taiwan’s Nantou County was built in 2001 after the original station dating back to 1922 was destroyed in a major earthquake Sept. 21, 1999.
Baoan Station
Zhuifen Station
Constructed in 1891, Qidu Station in northern Taiwan’s Keelung City was moved from its original location to nearby Qidu Railway Memorial Park after being replaced by a modern structure.
Shenghsing Station
Hexing Station, built in 1950 in northern Taiwan’s Hsinchu County, is the only wooden station on the Neiwan Line.
Taiwan’s traditional wooden stations have diverse interior designs and construction details.
A wooden cargo cart is showcased at Checheng Station.
An old train car, the surroundings and the lever frame for controlling rail switches at Hexing Station