Nostalgic Railway Charm of Taoyuan, Hsinchu, and Miaoli

Taoyuan, Hsinchu, and Miaoli are covered in mountains and hills, most famously known for their May tung blossoms. However, the charm of these regions goes far beyond that. The mountain landscapes complement garden-style restaurants, making them perfect for leisurely strolls. The nostalgic railways that bear witness to nature’s changes and the passage of time, as well as the local crafts full of artistic sentiment, are all worth revisiting.

 

The railway cultural park is not inside the station. Before heading down the stairs, you need to turn right and follow a path uphill. Soon, you’ll arrive at the observation deck, where you can enjoy the sight of windmills slowly turning, trains speeding by, fishing boats cruising gently, and fighter jets roaring overhead. The railway stretches out before you, with a tall white windmill slowly rotating to the left front. In the distance lies the Taiwan Strait, bustling with fishing boats, while the blue sky is often streaked by Mirage 2000 fighter jets. Here, you might catch all three modes of transport—land, sea, and air—in a single view.

 

Descend the stairs next to the observation deck, then follow a dense forest path. Before long, you’ll reach what is listed as the Qiding Twin Tunnels. Follow the signs to get up close to this hidden gem nestled within the secluded path—a remnant from the Japanese colonial period. The tunnel was built in 1928 but was abandoned in the 1970s due to insufficient space for electrification and route adjustments by the Taiwan Railways Administration. However, thanks to its well-preserved condition and efforts by local advocates, it was registered as a Miaoli County historic building in 2005 and transformed into a cultural park. This allows visitors to witness history in a safe and comfortable environment. Faint bullet marks from World War II can still be seen on the tunnel walls.

Neiwan Station is the terminus of the Neiwan branch line. Stepping out of the station, you’ll find comic artist Liu Xingqin’s characters Uncle San and Auntie Po greeting visitors everywhere, and even robots on the street poles—these cartoon figures add a delightful touch to the hometown scenery. Strolling along the mainly single-story buildings, you’ll be greeted by the aroma of wild ginger flower zongzi, which is simply mouthwatering. Flat rice noodles, eel vermicelli... and various Hakka dishes mean you definitely won’t go hungry.

 

Although Shengxing Station has been out of use since the old Mountain Line was discontinued in 1988, this old route has become a new hub for nostalgia. Originally named “16th Share Station,” Shengxing Station was built in 1912. Perched at an altitude of 402.236 meters, trains passing through here had to laboriously climb uphill. The station’s unique structure features a gable with a protruding triangular design, sawtooth eaves, and a grid-like wooden pillar. From the ticket window and waiting room to the stationmaster’s office, platform, and railway tracks, the entire building retains its original appearance.