A Century-old Station Rejuvenates: Series of Events to Celebrate Its Grand Reopening

By MOOK Scenic Spots Editorial Team

The historic Japanese-style railway station—Xinbeitou Station—that once symbolized the charm of Xinbeitou’s hot spring culture was relocated to Changhua for nearly 30 years due to the construction of the MRT. In 2004, the local community launched a campaign to bring the station back home, and after many twists and turns, it finally returned to its birthplace in its centennial year, marking the beginning of a new chapter for this century-old station. Officially opened in 1916, Xinbeitou Station is the only remaining station on the now-defunct TRA Beidao Line. Its structure is made entirely of wood, using traditional mortise-and-tenon joinery, and architectural highlights include the intricately carved ventilators on the roof and the distinctive 3+1 combination dormer windows.

In 1988, with the closure of the Beidao Line, the station was retired and relocated to the Taiwan Folk Village in Changhua. After years of efforts, Xinbeitou Station finally returned to its community in 2016 on its 100th anniversary, and in April of this year, it was reassembled near its original site and officially reopened to the public. To celebrate the reopening, the Taipei Cultural Foundation and local residents have organized a series of exciting events to showcase the renewed splendor of this century-old station. Visitors are welcome to experience its timeless charm.