Shengxing Station Introduction
At an elevation of 402 and 326 meters, it is the highest point of the Taiwan Railways Administration's vertical railway. This station was established in the 29th year of the Qing Guangxu era (1903). Originally named "Bogongkeng" signal station, it was later renamed "Shiliufen" signal station. In the 24th year of the Republic of China, it was again renamed "Shiliufen Station," starting passenger and freight services. During the Japanese occupation, the construction of the mountain line railway began in the first ten years before the Republic of China, with the Zhunan-Miaoli segment completed and opened on May 25th, 1937. On October 17th of the same year, the Miaoli-Sanyi section was opened. The following spring, the Sanyi-Bogongkeng section opened, but was only used for transporting construction materials for the railway. Between Bogongkeng and Houlis, due to the mountainous terrain and rivers, construction took a long time. It was not until the fourth year before the Republic of China that, after much difficulty, the mountain line railway was fully completed and opened. Shengxing was formerly known as Shiliufen, and it is said that in the past, the Shengxing mountain area was lush with camphor trees. During the reclamation period, 16 distillation boiling houses for camphor were built, hence the name. After the restoration of Taiwan, Sanyi township was established, leading to its current name. Shengxing Station is located on a small terrace in a valley, with the entire building constructed from wood, where each support pillar was made without nails. Surrounding Shengxing Station are nine mountain peaks, uniquely shaped, which are believed to ward off evil. The arrangement of the station area is thoughtfully designed, with various flowers and trees planted according to the terrain, creating a pleasing sight. There are very few railway stations in Taiwan that offer such bright and diverse scenery. Outside the station, a dozen households are gathered in a small mountain village, nestled deep within the mountains, with a leisurely pace of life that is deeply enchanting. The area from Shengxing to Ganshan is part of the Liugui Reservoir water source protection area, preserving a dense forest, with winding roads stretching through it, providing a cool and tranquil atmosphere and an elegant ambiance.
