Hamasen Railway Cultural Park Introduction
The Hama-Sin Railway Cultural Park, located near light rail and metro stations, has preserved the historical railway branches and old trains. Railway enthusiasts and travelers alike can ride the "Hama-Sin" and step aboard the nostalgic "Doo-Doo Train" to experience the prosperity of the century-old railway history in the port city. Visitors can also easily explore nearby attractions like the Pier-2 Art Center and the Warehouse No. 2, immersing themselves in Kaohsiung's rich cultural and historical heritage. The origins of Hama-Sin date back to the Japanese colonial period. With the development of Kaohsiung Port and the booming railway transport, it became an important freight base in the south. In 1900, the Taiwan Main Line was first opened to Tainan with a temporary "Dagang Station," initiating the connection between the railway and the port. To meet the increasing demands of port transport, land reclamation began in 1904 to expand the port area and railway facilities, and Hama-Sin was born on this new land. In 1908, Dagang Station (now the Old Dagang Station Story House) was officially completed, becoming Kaohsiung's first railway station. The "Coastal Line" and the "Commercial Port Line" tightly connected the port with the city. Since the Japanese pronunciation of the Coastal Line is "Ha-Ma-Sen," this later became the origin of the name "Hama-Sin." For railway enthusiasts, the Old Dagang Station Story House is a must-visit. Located within the Hama-Sin Railway Cultural Park, it is the original station building of early Dagang Station, witnessing the rise of Kaohsiung Port and the splendid history of railway transport. Dagang Station officially opened in 1908 but was nearly completely destroyed during extensive air raids in World War II. The existing structure is from a reconstruction in 1947, serving as the Taiwan Railway's Kaohsiung Port Station until it ceased operations in 2008. As Kaohsiung's railway transport entered a new era, this century-old station transformed into today's Old Dagang Station Story House, allowing people to gaze into the golden age of railway history. For more information, please refer to: Old Dagang Station Story House To revive interest in railway culture beyond static exhibits, the park will launch the "Hama-Sin" scenic train on the Coastal Line in November 2024, bringing the train back to this historic railway. This short 540-meter ride is not only a nostalgic journey but also a time-traveling experience of railway culture, allowing visitors to feel how the railway has driven Kaohsiung's development over the past century. Hama-Sin ride information: Departure times: 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM / 1:30 PM – 6:00 PM, every half hour (Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays) Ticket purchase: Online or at the "Hama-Sin" train ticket window next to the Old Dagang Station Story House Doo-Doo Train – Memories and Revival of Kaohsiung Port The transformed Doo-Doo Train, modified from the Taiwan Railway's diesel multiple unit, used to operate on the Kaohsiung Port Line from 2003 to 2006, a shared memory of Kaohsiung residents. At that time, these trains were designed with colorful exteriors and interiors featuring dining tables and a bar, making them one of the few tourist trains of the Taiwan Railway. Preserved through efforts from the Kaohsiung City Government's Cultural Affairs Bureau and incorporating unique businesses, the Doo-Doo Train has been revitalized in the Hama-Sin Railway Cultural Park, becoming a part of cultural history and bringing new memories and experiences to visitors. Experience the Fusion of History and Art In addition to the displays of century-old railways and vintage trains, the Hama-Sin Railway Cultural Park features large-scale installation art, including oversized travel trunks and gramophones made from iron, attracting visitors to stop and admire them. Every corner serves as a perfect photo spot. For detailed transportation information to Hama-Sin, please check the relevant sources.
