See massive ships entering port up close: 4 must-see highlights of the “New Keelung Railway Station”

▲ Exterior of the new Keelung Railway Station. (Photo provided by the Second Engineering Team of the Nangang Construction Area, Taiwan Railways Administration Reconstruction Bureau)

Reported by Cai Wenjun, Taipei

The new Keelung Railway Station is set to open on June 29, becoming Taiwan’s first semi-underground railway station. In the future, in addition to serving as a new transportation landmark for Keelung, it will also provide locals with a new space for relaxation and enjoying views of Keelung Harbor.

Huang Qirui, captain of the Second Engineering Team of the Nangang Construction Area, Taiwan Railways Administration Reconstruction Bureau, said that after the completion of the new Keelung Railway Station, there are four must-see highlights:

1. The new Keelung Railway Station is divided into the South Station and the North Station, and makes extensive use of solar panels to achieve energy-saving and carbon-reduction goals.

2. The installation art piece “Canliu” located inside the north area is a public artwork inspired by the imagery of fishing nets by the sea in Keelung. Woven to resemble fishing nets, when sunlight hits it, a subtle sense of fluidity can be seen.

▲ The new Keelung Railway Station uses a large number of solar panels, achieving energy-saving and carbon-reduction goals. (Photo provided by the Second Engineering Team of the Nangang Construction Area, Taiwan Railways Administration Reconstruction Bureau)

Unique features of the South and North Stations:

1. The South Station adopts the design concept of “Keelung Chicken Cage” and features an observation deck and open-air café on the rooftop, allowing travelers to take in the full beauty of Keelung Harbor.
2. The North Station is an open space that not only provides transportation services for travelers coming from all directions but also includes an open-air café. Being adjacent to Keelung Harbor, it offers expansive views where visitors can closely watch massive ships entering the harbor, providing a relaxing spot for the general public during their leisure time.

Huang Qirui pointed out that both the North and South Stations will be able to sell tickets in the future. However, if entering the South Station from the old station, passengers will need to go through the ticket gate of the old station, then cross a pedestrian footbridge—upon reaching the bridge, they will enter the lobby of the South Station. Volunteers will also be available to assist with guidance during the initial opening period. Meanwhile, the old Keelung Railway Station is planned to be transformed into a cultural and creative space for displaying artistic works.

In coordination with the opening of the new Keelung Railway Station, track switching will take place over the two days of June 27 and 28. During this period, all Taiwan Railways trains between Keelung and Badu will be suspended. Free shuttle bus services will be arranged by Taiwan Railways as follows:

1. From Keelung Station and Sankeng Station to Badu Station and Qidu Station from 04:50 to 23:50.
2. From Qidu Station and Badu Station back to Sankeng Station or Keelung Station from 05:00 to 01:00.

During peak hours from 10:00 to 20:00, buses will run approximately every 10 minutes; during other times, they will run about every 20 minutes, with additional services added flexibly based on passenger volume.