Chiayi Railway Station Introduction
Historical Significance: The architecture of the Chiayi Railway Station is of eclectic style, featuring a reinforced concrete structure with classical symmetrical elements that showcase simplified gable designs and geometric pattern decorations, combined with a clean and modern horizontal appearance. The Chiayi Railway Station serves as the gateway to Chiayi City and is closely related to the city's development. Since the opening of the Taiwan West Coast Line, it has become a regional transportation hub and a focal point for urban growth. The station building is a major public structure that represents the area and holds historical significance. Zhongshan Road runs from the railway station directly to Chiayi Park in an east-west direction, and is known as "Datong." The surrounding areas regard the Chiayi Railway Station as the main entry point, establishing it as the geographical center of the city. During Japan's fifty-year rule over Taiwan, to facilitate governance and develop the abundant natural resources, the Taiwan Main Line was constructed, which led to the vigorous development of Chiayi City from the cross streets of the Qing Dynasty period. The Taiwan Main Line split Chiayi City into two; the front station saw vibrant commercial development, primarily located in the southeastern part of this region, while the northwest section of the back station experienced little to no development. The platform canopy is uniquely crafted with I-beam frames that are bent to match the railway tracks. Historically, it was a station that integrated passenger transport, freight, sugar transport, and material transport, reflecting its diverse functions and importance. Historical Trivia: In the 29th year of the Meiji era (1896), a wooden single-storey station was built in the style of Japanese tiled roofs with rain boards as exterior walls. In the 8th year of the Showa era (1933), it was rebuilt into the existing station building. The Chiayi Railway Station is a major station along the Taiwan Main Line and also serves as the starting point for the Alishan Forest Railway, making it very busy in operations. The station's vast grounds allow for future underground renovation plans to proceed while preserving the original parts. The hall and waiting area are spacious enough to accommodate the increasing number of travelers purchasing tickets and waiting. It is the first site of the execution of Taiwanese elites during the February 28 Incident in 1947.
