Binglang Old Railway Station Introduction
Binglang Station in Taitung was established in 1922 during the Japanese colonial period, originally referred to as a train calling station. At that time, the narrow-gauge train ran along the old Beinan River, passing through Binglang, Dongcheng, Chulu, Jiafeng, Zhongxing, and reaching Luye Station. In 1943, Binglang was upgraded to a train station, and after the restoration of Taiwan, it was renamed Binglang Station. With the completion of the eastern railway expansion project, Binglang Station was officially closed along with Jiafeng, Dongcheng, and Chulu stations in 1982. Binglang Station is a mini train station that played an important role in the north-south meeting of trains. The station features a Japanese-style wooden station building that was constructed in two levels due to the topographical drop. The upper level includes the ticket office, station building, and waiting area, while the lower level houses staff accommodation, showcasing a rich history. Binglang Station is located between Luye and Taitung Stations, with a unique characteristic similar to Jiafeng Station, as it adopts a rather uncommon terminal station design due to a slope exceeding 2.1%. Regular trains often need to stop here to wait for trains arriving from the opposite single track before being clear to proceed on the next segment. Binglang Station is one of the few remaining Japanese-style wooden train stations along the eastern railway line that have been abandoned. The basic structure of the wooden station building remains solid, with the cement ticket office, wooden restroom, and water tower for steam locomotives well-preserved. However, the main station building has gradually deteriorated, while the surrounding old trees provide shade, allowing the old Binglang Station to blend into its surroundings, creating a dreamy atmosphere for those seeking memories of the past.
