Hsinchu Station (Hsinchu Railway Station) Introduction
In 1886, in response to the needs of coastal defense, development, and transportation, Liu Ming-chuan obtained approval from the Qing court in 1887 to construct the Taiwan Railway. The Keelung-Hsinchu Railway was completed in 1893, and the Hsinchu ticket office (station) was established at the foot of Pillow Mountain. During the early Meiji period, Japanese railway teams, recognizing the winding nature of the railways built during the Qing Dynasty, began to modify the old routes. The newly built station was called Hsinchu Depot, which was a simple wooden station built in Japanese style. In 1908, a new railway line was opened, and the new station (Hsinchu Station) was completed in 1913, which is the Hsinchu Railway Station we see today. Hsinchu Railway Station, located on Zhonghua Road in Hsinchu City, is the only train station in Taiwan without a sign. The building style incorporates Western architectural features, with a steep, complex folding roof and dormer windows. Additionally, the structural stress points, such as pillars and the corners of walls and openings, are reinforced with stone to enhance the sense of solidity. This results in an overall architectural style that is intricate yet dignified, serious yet approachable. The designer's ingenuity has made the railway station a gateway to Hsinchu and a landmark of the city. Hsinchu Railway Station is also the oldest existing railway station in Taiwan. Due to its favorable location, it is not only a transportation hub but also the most prosperous area in Hsinchu City, and it was designated as a national historical site in 1998.
