Taiwan Railways transforms 16 stations: capsule hotels & container markets

By MOOK Scenic Spots Editorial Team

In recent years, the government has been actively promoting local tourism features, renovating and refurbishing many historical buildings, injecting new vitality. Taiwan Railways is also working hard to change visitors' stereotypes about train stations, transforming them from mere transportation hubs into multifunctional spaces for shopping, dining, recreation, and cultural creativity. Currently, stations such as Taipei, Banqiao, Nangang, Songshan, and Xinzuoying have already achieved diversified spaces. Recently, Taiwan Railways announced plans to redesign 16 stations across Xinwuri, Pingtung, Chaozhou, and the Yilan–Hualien–Taitung region in collaboration with private enterprises, turning these stations into brand-new commercial spaces.

Pingtung Station
 
On the first floor of Pingtung Station, besides commercial and food functions, a “One Township, One Specialty” area has been set up to promote local delicacies and souvenirs, selling specialties such as Donggang blackfin tuna, Linbian black pearls wax apples, Wanluan pork knuckles, and Wandan red beans. The second floor will feature a fitness center and a railway travel space, with plans to introduce capsule hotels priced at no more than NT$1,000 per night.

Xinwuri Station
 
Considering the needs of business travelers, Xinwuri Station will not only offer food and shopping spaces but also include a convention center, offices, and meeting rooms, with the theme of “Wuri Station 1905.” The station entrance will feature a nostalgic design with Japanese-style black tiles, creating an old-time atmosphere. The second floor, connected to the high-speed rail area, will house an interactive mini train, a railway heritage museum, and a retro market. The third floor will feature a railway merchandise shop, while the fourth and fifth floors will be designated for conventions and office spaces.

Chaozhou Station
 
Chaozhou Station will introduce a multifunctional banquet hall and a container market, aiming to make Chaozhou the trendiest station on the Taiwan Railways network.

13 Stations in Yilan, Hualien & Taitung
 
The 13 stations in eastern Taiwan—including Dongcheng, Dongshan, Xincheng, Hualien, Shoufeng, Fenglin, Guangfu, Ruisui, Yuli, Chihshang, Guanshan, Luye, and Taitung—will be redesigned to include bicycle replenishment spaces. Centered around “tri-sport light travel,” these stations will provide bicycle rentals and host motorcycles and large heavy motorcycles, allowing visitors to rent in one place and return in another, making it easy to explore Hualien and Taitung by bike. On September 5, Dongcheng, Ruisui, and Guanshan are expected to complete their planning and open, while the remaining stations will launch by the end of this year. The service for renting large heavy motorcycles will be available at the Hualien and Taitung stations starting in August next year.