Shanjia Station Introduction
Shanjia Railway Station, a designated historic site in New Taipei City after renovation, features Western-style architecture and a pebble-washed exterior, reflecting the classical appearance of the Japanese colonial period. It unexpectedly became a popular spot for wedding photography. The exhibition area includes a replica miniature version of Shanjia Station made from waste materials, a realistic model of the Shanjia Railway, passenger timetables from the Taiwan Railway during the post-war period, and Japanese colonial tourism brochures. This well-preserved Japanese-style station is a must-visit for railway enthusiasts. Located in the Shulin District, Shanjia Railway Station was established in the 34th year of the Meiji era (1901) and was originally called "Shanzijiao Stop." With a history of over a century, it underwent renaming, station house renovations, and the construction of the Cross-Island Railway. In the 51st year of the Republic of China (1962), it was renamed Shanjia Station and has retained that name till today. It is also the only remaining station built before World War II between New Taipei and Hsinchu, holding unique significance in Taiwan's railway architecture history and is a must-visit site for both railway and history fans. Due to its historical connection to coal transport in the area, which was one of Taipei's main coal fields, Shanjia Station played a significant role in coal transportation, once exporting up to 25,000 tons of coal during its peak. Today, visitors can explore the nearby coal mine remnants (Dafeng Mine No. 1 and Dafeng No. 2) to glimpse Shanjia's mining history. As the mining era faded, Shanjia Station transformed into a passenger service station, welcoming many travelers keen to experience the railway and hiking trails. It’s worth visiting this ancient station closest to the city to feel its charm while also heading to the nearby Dajon Mountain Trail and Datong Mountain for a serene woodland experience.
