No. 353 Steam Locomotive Returns to Service – Qishan Station’s Sugar Railway Story Museum Opens on April 2

▲ Qishan Station’s Sugar Railway Story Museum sees the No. 353 steam locomotive return to Qishan Station (Photo provided by netizen Paul)

Reported by You Ruru / Taipei

Kaohsiung’s Qishan Station has a long history, once a key stop on the Taiwan Sugar Corporation’s Qimei Line railway. After suffering partial exterior damage and general aging of the building due to a storm last year (2015), improvements have been planned to address exhibition displays at the station and enhance the surrounding historical landscape. The “Sugar Railway Story Museum” will officially open to the public tomorrow (April 2).


▲ Qishan Station’s Sugar Railway Story Museum officially opens on April 2 (Photo provided by Kaohsiung City Government)

The Qishan Station Sugar Railway Story Museum features nine themed sections: “Qishan Through Time,” “Rail Gauge Slices,” “Little Train Catwalk,” “Soaring Qimei Line,” “Township Station,” “Sugar Country Railway,” “Light and Shadow of Sugar Rail,” “Five-Foot-Gauge Train IoT,” and “Sweet Memories.” Among them, the “Rail Gauge Slices” exhibit displays 1:1 cross-sections of commonly used rail gauges, showcasing the differences between 762 mm gauge trains, standard gauge, and narrow gauge trains. The Little Train Catwalk features timed dynamic displays of important models of Taiwan’s sugar railway vehicles, including Taiwan Sugar Corporation’s oldest preserved 0-6-0-Tank No. 274 steam locomotive, as well as the No. 317 steam locomotive—the only surviving model manufactured by Taiwan’s Iron Works after World War II.

▲ Qishan Station’s Sugar Railway Story Museum (Photo provided by netizen Paul)

The No. 353 steam locomotive has returned to Qishan Station, recreating the former look of the Qimei Line and bringing back childhood memories for many, injecting vitality and business opportunities into culture-based tourism. Additionally, to thank local residents for their long-term care and support for the historic Qishan Station building, those with proof of residency in Qishan District can enjoy free admission. Visitors can head to the “Qishan Station Sugar Railway Story Museum” to explore the golden age of Taiwan’s sugar railway.


▲ Qishan Station’s Sugar Railway Story Museum (Photo provided by netizen Paul)


Qishan Station
No. 1, Zhongshan Road, Qishan District, Kaohsiung City
The “Sugar Railway Story Museum” officially opens to the public on April 2