Chiayi Railway Station Introduction
Historical Significance: The railway station is designed in an eclectic architectural style, constructed with reinforced concrete, featuring a symmetrical classical style that showcases simplified gables and geometric patterned decorations while exuding a horizontally clean modern feel. Chiayi Station serves as the gateway to Chiayi City, with a high correlation to the city's development. Since the Central Taiwan Railway opened, it has become a regional transportation hub and the focal point of urban development, with the station building representing a significant public architecture of the area with historical importance. Zhongshan Road starts at the railway station and extends directly to Chiayi Park, running east to west and is known as "Datong." The surrounding areas use Chiayi Station as their main entry and exit point, making it the geographic center of the city. During Japan's fifty-year rule over Taiwan, the construction of the Central Taiwan Railway facilitated effective governance and the development of the rich natural resources of Taiwan; Chiayi Station spurred the city's prosperous growth from the Qing Dynasty's intersecting streets. The railway divides Chiayi City into two halves, with commercial activities flourishing in the front station area, while the vast northwest around the rear station has seen minimal development. The platform canopies are uniquely crafted using I-beams bent to match the railway tracks. The station has historically served multiple functions, including passenger and freight services, sugar transportation, and material movement, signifying its importance. Mini Historical Encyclopedia: In 1896 (Meiji 29), a single-story wooden station was built in the style of a Japanese tiled slanted roof with a rain shield outer wall. In 1933 (Showa 8), it was renovated to the existing station structure. Chiayi Station is a major station along the Central Taiwan Railway and also serves as the starting point of the Alishan Forest Railway, making it a busy transportation hub. The station has a spacious base, allowing for future underground renovation plans to be carried out while preserving the original components. The hall and waiting area are spacious enough to accommodate the increasing number of passengers for ticket purchasing and waiting. It was also the first site where Taiwanese elites were executed during the February 28 Incident in 1947.
