Is that you, Thomas? The overhead view of Changhua’s Fan-Shaped Roundhouse resembles a toy train.

▲ From above, Changhua’s fan-shaped roundhouse looks like a toy train — full of childlike charm. (Photo / Photographer“Flying in the Sky”Provided. All following photos are from the same source.)

Reporter Chen Hanyin / Comprehensive report

Changhua’s fan-shaped roundhouse is not only Taiwan’s only fan-shaped “locomotive hotel,” but also a precious treasure of the island’s railway culture. This historically and culturally significant depot specializes in housing and maintaining vintage steam locomotives that have withstood the test of time, making it one of the must-visit pilgrimage sites for railway enthusiasts across Taiwan.

▲ Railway fans can enjoy themselves thoroughly and take amazing photos here.

The Taiwan Railways Administration’s Changhua Rolling Stock Depot Power Roundhouse was built in the 11th year of the Republic of China (1922). Due to the way the tracks and depot extend outward like a large fan, it has earned the name “fan-shaped roundhouse.” After racing day and night on the rails, the locomotives come inside the depot to rest and undergo maintenance, making the fan-shaped roundhouse their exclusive hotel.

▲ The fan-shaped roundhouse is like an exclusive hotel for locomotives.

Maintenance staff are busy servicing and repairing the locomotives, while the fan-shaped tracks rotate via a turntable, allowing the locomotives to enter and exit the depot. It's a rare and fascinating sight. Viewed from high above, the large fan-shaped layout, with its blue and red locomotives, resembles a toy train set. The little trains and tracks look as if they were playfully arranged into a giant fan by a child with a wild imagination, while the maintenance crew, darting between the engines wearing yellow safety helmets, resemble tiny Lego figures — an adorable and whimsical scene.

▲ A bird’s-eye view shows trains and people looking like tiny Lego toys.

Address: No. 1, Section 1, Changmei Road, Changhua City, Changhua County, 500
Opening Hours:
(1) Closed every Monday.
(2) Weekdays (excluding Mondays): 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM.
(3) Public Holidays: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM.