Shengxing Pottery Workshop (Formerly Shiliufen Cultural Center) Introduction
As the sound of the train's steam rises, the train slowly glides into the station, with many arriving and many departing. Some reunite, while others part ways; different stories unfold on the platform. The station is filled with the calls of vendors, the conversations of travelers, and the sound of trains departing. Today, however, these sounds have fallen silent, leaving only the echoes of past visitors' laughter. This place is the Sixteen-Section Cultural Center of the Old Mountain Line in Sanyi, also known as the famous Shengxing Station. Designed and built by the Japanese, Shengxing Station features beams and roofs that resemble octagrams and spears, while the eaves are serrated, creating a unique appearance. It is said that these designs were influenced by feng shui considerations. Surrounded by nine mountains resembling the head of a tiger, known as the Guan刀 mountainous area, the design incorporates symbolic weaponry to ward off evil spirits and pacify the nine tigers for safety. Regardless of the truth behind feng shui, this design sets the station apart from others in style. Since its completion, Shengxing Station has endured several major earthquakes yet remains in excellent condition. It has been officially designated as a County-Level Class III Historical Site, with ticket counters, waiting benches, and railings retaining their appearance from the Japanese colonial period, while the station office preserves the scene prior to its closure, rich in history. The station houses many Taiwan Railways cultural artifacts, including a striking red electric signal device, which serves as a safety mechanism for railway operations, ensuring passenger safety. Today, Shengxing Station stands as an essential cultural asset of the Old Mountain Line, with a nostalgic atmosphere that continually attracts numerous visitors and railway enthusiasts.
