Slip on a pair of heels — Yayoi Kusama makes the new Yuanlin Railway Station “a place you’d want to fall in love.”

▲ The new elevated Yuanlin Railway Station officially began partial operation today (November 2). (Photo / from the Beautiful Life Connector fan page, the same below)the fan page of Jiezhe (same applies below)

By Chen Rui-zhong / Comprehensive report

The elevated railway project in downtown Yuanlin, including the permanent track switch between Huatan and She Tou, was successfully completed as planned this morning (November 2). The new elevated Yuanlin Railway Station has also partially opened. Featuring two island platforms, the new station is designed with trees and bamboo baskets as its concept, and includes public artworks by both domestic and international artists, such as Yayoi Kusama, turning Yuanlin Railway Station into the “station you’d most want to fall in love at.”

▲ The new Yuanlin Railway Station features works by several domestic and international artists, adding an artistic atmosphere. (Photo shows the artwork "Time-Space - Blossom")

The Yuanlin Railway Station, which has been in operation since 1904, has a history of over 100 years and has undergone multiple renovations and reconstructions. To effectively alleviate congestion, eliminate level crossings, and remove obstacles that hindered the development of the east and west sides of the station, construction of the Yuanlin Urban Railway Elevation Project began in September 2007.

▲ The first passenger train, No. 102, marked a new chapter in the history of the new Yuanlin Railway Station. (Photo / from Wong Hui-ping’s Facebook)

The elevated railway route in Yuanlin spans approximately 3.98 kilometers from the Beishi Road level crossing in the north to the Yuanlin Drainage Canal in the south. In addition to constructing the new Yuanlin Railway Station and elevating the railway line, the project also removed three existing level crossings, five underpasses, and one highway bridge. According to Taiwan Railways, the project will significantly improve issues such as traffic accidents, delays, and vehicle fuel consumption.

▲ The first passenger train, No. 102, marked a new chapter in the history of the new Yuanlin Railway Station. (Photo / from Wong Hui-ping’s Facebook)

The new elevated Yuanlin Railway incorporates design elements inspired by local features such as trees and bamboo baskets. Inside the station, there are public artworks created by domestic and international artists, including a floor painting titled “Welcoming Hope,” “Time-Space - Blossom,” “Dream Tree · Tied Bell,” and “Tactile Memory.” In the station square, there will also be a piece by renowned artist Yayoi Kusama titled “I Set Off in High Heels to Meet My Boyfriend,” standing approximately 2.5 meters high and 4 meters in diameter. It is expected to be completed by May 2015, adding a strong romantic ambiance to the Yuanlin Railway Station and making it the “station you’d most want to fall in love at.”

% The artwork “My Friend Who Wears High Heels and Goes to Meet Her Boyfriend” (illustration of the said piece) will fill the new Yuanlin Railway Station with a romantic vibe.

To celebrate the opening of the new Yuanlin Railway Station, Taiwan Railways issued 2,500 sets of the “Yuanlin Urban Railway Elevation Commemorative Ticket Set,” which attracted crowds lining up for purchase on the opening day.

Hu Xiang-lin, Director of the Railway Bureau, stated that the originally scheduled year-end completion of the elevated track switch and opening project was completed ahead of schedule today. The second phase will follow the opening of the elevated railway, continuing with the demolition of old railway facilities and the greening and beautification of the new station façade, square, and spaces under the bridge. The entire project is expected to be completed by January 2016.