A light travel experience to the “Iron Triangle Trio” – the hidden gem stations of Qiding, Zaoqiao, and Tanwen

▲ “Iron Triangle Trio” micro-travel, the Heart-Locked Bridge at Tanwen Station (right). (Left photo / provided by Taiwan Railways, right photo /Taiwan Railways Zhunan Station Facebook)

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

On the 28th, Zhunan Railway Station launched the “Iron Triangle Trio” activity, inviting the public to take a light trip to the three lesser-known nearby stations – Qiding, Zaoqiao, and Tanwen – all close to Zhunan Railway Station. These hidden gem stations offer a rich railway culture and beautiful natural scenery. Visitors can also hunt for event stamps at the three stations; those who collect two or more stamps can exchange them for a collectible railway postcard at Zhunan Railway Station.

▲ “Iron Triangle Trio” Qiding Sea View (Photo / provided by Taiwan Railways)

Qiding Sea View
Located about 50 meters uphill on the north side of Qiding Railway Station, the “Old Road Sea View” platform was once one of the Eight Scenic Spots of Zhonggang in earlier times. With a vast view, you can see the station, the railway, and the Taiwan Strait in the distance, as well as fishing boats nearby shuttling to catch fish. The sea view and sunlight create a stunning contrast, often attracting photography enthusiasts to capture the beauty of the sunset over the strait.

The Mother-and-Son Tunnels are not far from the Old Road Sea View, consisting of Tunnel No. 1 and Tunnel No. 2. The two tunnels are about 50 meters apart, one long and one short, hence the name “Mother-and-Son Tunnels.” The upper parts of the tunnels are lined with red bricks, while the lower sections are made of cement bricks. The walls clearly show numerous bullet marks, bearing witness to the intense battles during World War II when the U.S. Air Force disabled Japanese transport trains. The dim and mysterious atmosphere inside the tunnels, paired with the quiet greenery and dense foliage outside, feels like stepping into the time tunnel from Studio Ghibli’s animated film “Spirited Away.”

▲ “Iron Triangle Trio” Zaoqiao Station (Photo / provided by Taiwan Railways)

Zaoqiao Old Station
Zaoqiao Station is the first stop on the Mountain Line heading south and began operations on October 7, 1903. The station building was rebuilt after the 1935 Taichung Earthquake. Its architectural style, along with those of Tongluo, Qingshui, Ershui, Old Tai’an, and Qiaotou stations, features a flat-roofed, rectangular cement design with elegant elements such as corridors and pillars. The century-old Japanese-style railway dormitories near Zaoqiao Station have been restored in recent years by the Zaoqiao Township Office, preserving the classic simplicity of Japanese architecture. The picturesque scenery often enchants visitors who come here.

▲ “Iron Triangle Trio” Tanwen Station (Photo / provided by Taiwan Railways)

Tanwen Love Stories
Tanwen Station, formerly known as Tanwenhu Station, is the first stop on the Coastal Line heading south. It is located in Zaoqiao Township, Miaoli County, adjacent to the Provincial Highway, and the station is situated below road level. It was established when the Coastal Line opened on October 11, 1922. The station building was constructed using cedar wood imported from Japan and features characteristics such as a sharply triangular roof, Y-shaped pillars, bull’s-eye windows, and rammed earth walls. After 1983, the station ceased handling less-than-carload freight services and gradually became a flag stop. Today, with few passengers, it enjoys exceptional tranquility.On the eve of Valentine’s Day in 2014, partly due to the Heart-Locked Bridge event, some travelers began specifically visiting Tanwen Stationto attach locks symbolizing love, friendship, or family bonds on the window railings of the platform overpass, hoping to awaken their inner wishes as trains sped by with tremendous energy.

Zhunan Railway Station “Iron Triangle Trio” Leaflet Stamp Collection and Souvenir Exchange Event
1. Collect “Iron Triangle Trio” stamps at Qiding, Tanwen, Zaoqiao, and Zhunan stations. With two or more stamps, you can exchange them for a collectible railway postcard at the Zhunan Railway Station service counter. The event started on August 29, 2014 (while supplies last).
2. Leaflet pick-up and souvenir exchange: Zhunan Railway Station service counter.
For more event details, please visit the website announcement: https://www.facebook.com/zhunanstation.