Shanjia Station Introduction
The renovated Shanjia Railway Station is a designated historic site in New Taipei City, featuring Western-style architecture and a pebble-stone exterior that reflects the classical appearance of the Japanese colonial period. It has unexpectedly become a popular spot for wedding photography. The exhibition area includes a mini replica of Shanjia Station made from waste materials, a realistic model of the Shanjia railway, a passenger timetable from the Taiwan Railways during the post-war period, and a folding map for railway travel from the Japanese colonial period. Preserving the well-maintained Japanese-style station building, Shanjia Railway Station, located in the Suilin District, is a must-visit for railway enthusiasts. The station was established in the 34th year of the Meiji era (1901) as "Shanzijiao Station" and has a history of over a century. After a series of name changes and renovations alongside the construction of the main railway line, it was officially renamed Shanjia Station in 1962 and has retained this name to this day. It is also the only station built before World War II in the regions between New Taipei and Hsinchu, holding special significance in the history of railway construction in Taiwan, making it a popular destination for railway and history enthusiasts. Historically, Shanjia's nearby area was one of Taipei's major coal mining regions, and after its completion, Shanjia Station played an important role in coal transportation, at one point exporting up to 25,000 tons of coal during peak mining periods. Today, visitors can still find remnants of former mines (Dafeng Coal Mine No. 1 and No. 2) near Shanjia Station, offering a glimpse into the area’s mining history. As mining activities declined, Shanjia Station transitioned to serving passengers and has welcomed many travelers looking to experience the combination of railway and pedestrian pathways. This historic station, the closest to the city, allows visitors to appreciate its charm while also offering access to nearby trails such as the Dadong Mountain Trail and Datong Mountain, where one can enjoy the tranquility of the mountains.
