Indigenous women weave a path to the mountains and forests  New Xincheng (Taroko) Station reborn as a new attraction

▲Public art at Xincheng (Taroko) Station — "Weaving the Path." (Photo / Provided by the Railway Bureau)

Reported by Lai Wen-hsuan, Taipei

Located at the entrance of Taroko National Park, Xincheng (Taroko) Station is the first gateway to eastern Taiwan. Recently undergoing a major renovation, the new station was completed on February 4th, just before Lunar New Year. The refreshed station building is like a piece of art, featuring the Taroko Gorge as its main motif, combined with eye-catching public art installations. It is set to officially debut in March, becoming a new highlight in eastern Taiwan.

Xincheng (Taroko) Station is designed with the concept of a “gateway,” drawing inspiration from the way the Liwu River carves through the Taroko Gorge, forming a V-shaped facade that showcases the grandeur and unique welcoming visual identity of eastern Taiwan’s first gateway. Additionally, calligrapher Teacher Chu Chen-nan inscribed the station name, adding a cultural touch. The renovated station not only features convenient travel facilities and a passenger-friendly environment but also introduces the aesthetics of public art into the public space, creating a beautiful encounter between transportation and the humanities.

▲The beauty of Taroko kiln-fired glass will be presented alongside light performances. (Photo / Provided by the Railway Bureau)

The public artworks inside the station also have notable backgrounds, created by two female artists, Chen Yan-jun and Lin Chieh-wen, highlighting women’s passion for artistic creation and their involvement in transportation infrastructure projects. The Railway Bureau, responsible for the renovation, collaborated with the National Museum of History to reproduce the late ink wash painting master Ma Pai-shui’s artwork “The Beauty of Taroko” using kiln-fired glass techniques at Xincheng (Taroko) Station.

“The Beauty of Taroko” original series consists of four paintings forming one theme, divided into six parts: “Spring Breeze at Taroko,” “Summer Rain at Changchun Shrine,” “Autumn Leaves at Jinhen Bridge,” “Winter Snow at the Nine-Turn Cave,” “Sunlight at Cimother Pavilion,” and “Moonlight at Tianfeng Tower.” The complete artwork measures approximately 27m x 3.5m, fired by local Hualien artist Chen Yan-jun. With coordinated light performances, Taiwan’s landscapes are introduced to the world through the station’s gateway.

▲Xincheng (Taroko) Station is reborn. (Photo / Provided by the Railway Bureau)

Located on the ceiling of the entrance hall, “Weaving the Path” drapes vibrantly colored traditional indigenous textiles over the steel structure, hanging from the ceiling like a cultural, patterned time-traveling strap. The opening at the bag’s mouth flares out like a horn, welcoming travelers from different countries and cultures.

Weaving artist Ms. Lin Chieh-wen (of the Truku tribe) led 32 indigenous weavers in this creative project. Traditional indigenous textiles often depict paths leading into the mountains—a form of memory. The artist sought to express the memories and craftsmanship of indigenous women, and through extensive public participation, breathed life into the art of weaving, ensuring its continuity.

The artworks have now been installed in the station’s lobby, with final adjustments underway. The Railway Bureau stated that a public art inauguration tea party is planned for March, where limited-edition postcards will be distributed. The revitalized Xincheng (Taroko) Station is expected to become a new tourism hotspot in eastern Taiwan.