Chiayi Railway Station Introduction
Historical Significance: The architecture of the railway station belongs to eclectic style, featuring a reinforced concrete structure and a classical symmetrical design that showcases simplified gables and geometric decorative patterns, along with a modern sense of horizontal simplicity. The Chiayi Railway Station serves as the gateway to Chiayi City, closely linked to the city's development. After the opening of the trunk railway, it became a regional transportation hub and the focal point of urban development, with the station building representing a major public structure of historical significance. Zhongshan Road starts from the railway station and runs directly to Chiayi Park in the east-west direction, commonly referred to as "Datong." The surrounding areas regard Chiayi Railway Station as the access point, making it the geographical center of the city. During the fifty years of Japanese rule in Taiwan, the Taiwanese trunk railway was constructed for the convenience of governance and the development of rich natural resources. The Chiayi Railway Station propelled the city’s booming development from a crossroad during the Qing Dynasty period. The trunk railway divided Chiayi City into two, with the front station thriving commercially while the vast northwestern area of the rear station experienced minimal development. The platform canopy is uniquely crafted using I-beams bent to match the railway tracks. Once a station that integrated passenger transport, freight transport, sugar transport, and material transport, it has played a crucial role with diverse functions. Historical Facts: Established in 1896 (Meiji 29) as a wooden single-story station featuring a Japanese tiled roof and rain shelter exterior style. Renovated in 1933 (Shōwa 8) into the existing station building. Chiayi Railway Station is a major station along the trunk railway and also serves as the starting point for the Alishan Forest Railway, with busy operations. The station base is expansive, allowing for future underground renewal plans while maintaining the original sections. The lobby and waiting area are spacious enough to accommodate an increasing number of ticketing passengers. It was also the first site of the execution of Taiwan's elites during the February 28 Incident in 1947.
