Shengxing Pottery Workshop (formerly known as Shiliufen Cultural Center) Introduction
With the sound of the steam train, the train slowly glides into the station, where many arrive and many depart, where some reunite and others part ways. The platform continually presents different stories. At the station, there are the shouts of vendors, the conversations among travelers, and the sounds of trains departing. Now, these sounds have fallen silent, leaving only the echoes of past joyful laughter from the travelers who once came here to reminisce. This place is the Shifen Cultural Center on the Old Mountain Line, also known as the renowned Shengxing Station. Designed and built by the Japanese, Shengxing Station features beams and roofs resembling the shapes of Bagua and spearheads, while the eaves have a distinctive serrated design. It is said that these designs were considered with feng shui in mind. Surrounded by nine mountains resembling tiger heads, known as Guandaoshan, the station incorporated weapon-like designs in order to ward off evil spirits—symbolizing the nine tigers—seeking peace and safety. Regardless of the truth of feng shui, it certainly gives this station a unique style compared to others. Since its completion, Shengxing Station has endured several major earthquakes yet remains intact. It is now designated as a county-level cultural relic of Grade Three. The ticket counter, waiting chairs, and railings still retain their appearance from the Japanese colonial period, while the station office preserves the scenery from before the train service ceased—a rich display of antiquity. The station houses many artifacts from Taiwan Railways, with a striking red electric signboard block instrument being the most notable; this safety device is essential for the safety of passengers. Today, Shengxing Station is considered one of the most important cultural assets of the Old Mountain Line, with its small station radiating a strong nostalgic atmosphere that consistently attracts many tourists and railway enthusiasts to visit.
