Betel Nut Old Railway Station Introduction
Binglang Station in Taitung was established in 1922 during the Japanese colonial rule in Taiwan, originally referred to as a train signal station. The narrow-gauge trains ran along the old Peinan River, passing through Binglang, Dongcheng, Chulu, Jiafeng, Zhongxing, and reaching Lukang Station. In 1943, Binglang Station was upgraded to a full train station and renamed after Taiwan's retrocession. With the completion of the East Line railway expansion project, Binglang Station was officially closed in 1982 along with Jiafeng, Dongcheng, Chulu, and three other stations. Binglang Station is a mini train station that plays a significant role in the north-south train passage. The station features a traditional Japanese wooden structure and was built with two levels due to the terrain elevation: the upper level includes the ticket office, station master’s room, and waiting area, while the lower level houses the station staff quarters, boasting a rich historical background. Binglang Station is located between Lukang and Taitung Stations and is notable for its unique design as a turning station due to a slope exceeding 2.1%. Regular trains often need to stop here to wait for trains from the opposite single track to enter the station before being cleared to depart on the next leg of the journey. Binglang Station is one of the few remaining Japanese-style wooden train stations along the eastern railway line that have been dismantled. The basic structure of the wooden building is still sturdy, and facilities such as the concrete ticket office, wooden restroom, and water tower for steam locomotives have been well-preserved. However, the main building of the station has gradually deteriorated over time, while the surrounding old trees provide ample shade, allowing the old Binglang Station to be surprisingly hidden in its environment, creating a dreamy setting for those seeking to reminisce the past.
