Taiwan’s first “Jimmy Liao Train Station” takes off into the skies of fantasy—stroll through a picture-book fairy tale world

▲The Jimmy Liao Square in Yilan has become a sensation, with new facilities added and the site now officially open. The photo shows Diudiu Forest. (Photo provided by Yilan County Government Commerce, Industry & Tourism Division)

By Chen Zi-Yin / Staff Writer

The world’s first square themed around Jimmy Liao sparked a wave of enthusiasm after opening last June, attracting over 140,000 visitors in total. Today (21st), Taiwan’s first “Jimmy Liao Train Station” has officially opened. Installation artworks inspired by Jimmy Liao’s picture books have also been added to both the Yilan Railway Station and Diudiu Forest Square. The organizers held a lighting ceremony earlier today.

The tree-filled space in front of Yilan Railway Station has been transformed into a “train station in the forest.” The boy and girl from the picture book “Secrets in the Stars” stroll through it, while the giraffe from “Giraffes Can’t Dance” serves as the gatekeeper, bringing the once ordinary station to vivid life. Meanwhile, in Diudiu Forest Square, a new highlight awaits—the Jimmy Liao Starry Sky Train installation hangs overhead, as if speeding through the forest, engaging in a visual dialogue with the original cultural art piece by architect Huang Sheng-Yuan.


▲Taiwan’s first “Jimmy Liao Train Station” is lush with greenery, creating an atmosphere like walking through a fairy tale. (Photo provided by Yilan County Government Commerce, Industry & Tourism Division)

In addition, Yilan County Government stated that it has also planned a guided tour route titled “A Mini Journey Through Yilan with Jimmy Liao,” connecting key sites that carry the old memories of Yilan. Led by guides trained by the county government, the tour takes visitors to explore the Yilan Railway Station, Diudiu Forest Square, Red Brick House, Yilan Xingkou, Yilan County Tourism Service Center, South Gate Old Prison, Shezhi Memorial Hall, Vascular Tissue Moat, Yilan Distillery, and Yang Shifang Memorial Forest Park. Through this cultural corridor that blends traditional and modern features, rich in nostalgic charm, visitors can experience Yilan from a unique perspective. Starting January 25th, the “A Mini Journey Through Yilan with Jimmy Liao” guided tour service will be available every Saturday and Sunday.