Shengxing Pottery Workshop (formerly Shiliufen Cultural Center) Introduction
With the sound of the steam train, the train slowly glides into the station, where many arrive and many depart, some reunite while others part ways. The platform constantly stages different stories. At the station, there are the shouts of vendors, the conversations of travelers, and the sound of trains departing. Today, these sounds have fallen silent, leaving only the echoes of past visitors' laughter. This is the Shierfen Cultural Center of the old mountain line in Sanyi, also known as the renowned Shengxing Station. Designed and built by the Japanese, Shengxing Station features distinctive designs; upon close inspection, one can find beam columns and roofs resembling bagua and spear shapes, and the eaves are serrated, making it quite unique. It is said that these designs were influenced by feng shui. Surrounded by nine mountains resembling tiger heads, known as Guandao Mountain, designs symbolizing weapons were incorporated as a way to ward off evil spirits and calm the nine tigers, seeking peace. Regardless of the truth in feng shui beliefs, these features set this station apart in style from others. Since its completion, Shengxing Station has survived several major earthquakes and remains intact. It has now been declared a county-level historic site. The ticketing area, waiting benches, railings, and other elements still maintain their appearance from the Japanese colonial period, while the station office preserves the scene before its operations ceased, exuding an air of antiquity. The station houses many Taiwan Railway artifacts, among which a striking red electric railway signal blocker stands out, serving as a safety device for train operations and ensuring passenger safety. Today, Shengxing Station can be considered the most significant cultural asset along the old mountain line. The small station is filled with a strong nostalgic atmosphere, always attracting many visitors and railway fans.
