Shengxing Pottery Workshop (Formerly Shiliufen Cultural Center) Introduction
As the sound of the steam train echoes, the train slowly glides into the station. Many people arrive, many depart, some reunite, and others part ways; different stories are always playing out on the platform. There are the calls of vendors, conversations among travelers, and the sound of trains departing. Nowadays, these sounds have faded into silence, leaving only the echoes of laughter and memories of past visitors. Here lies the Shifen Cultural Center of the Old Mountain Line, also known as the famous Shengxing Station. Designed and constructed by the Japanese, Shengxing Station features beam columns and a roof with shapes reminiscent of Bagua (the Eight Trigrams) and sharp spears, with a jagged eave that is quite unique. It is said that these designs take feng shui into consideration; the station is surrounded by nine mountains resembling tiger heads, known as Wanquan Mountain, and to ward off evil, symbols of weapons have been incorporated into the design for peace. Regardless of the truth of feng shui beliefs, this has certainly given the station a distinct style compared to others. Since its completion, Shengxing Station has endured several major earthquakes but remains intact. It has now been designated as a county-level historical site. The ticket counter, waiting benches, railings, and other features retain their appearance from the Japanese colonial period, and the station office still preserves the scene as it was before service ceased, exuding a strong sense of antiquity. The station houses many railway artifacts, among which a red electric signal blocking device stands out; it is a safety device for train operations, serving as a guarantee for passenger safety. Today, Shengxing Station can be regarded as one of the most important cultural assets of the Old Mountain Line. The small station is filled with a strong nostalgic atmosphere, always attracting many visitors and railway enthusiasts.
