Hamasen Railway Cultural Park Introduction
The Harajian Railway Cultural Park, located near the light rail and metro stations, preserves the historical railway branch line and old trains. Whether you are a railway enthusiast or a traveler, you can ride the "Harajian Train" and step into the nostalgic "Dudu Train" to experience the prosperity of the past century of railway history in the harbor city. You can also visit the Pier-2 Art Center and other attractions, enjoying the rich cultural and historical tapestry of Kaohsiung. The history of Harajian dates back to the Japanese colonial period when, with the development of Kaohsiung Port and the prosperity of railway transport, it became an important cargo hub in southern Taiwan. In 1900, the main railway line reached Tainan and established a temporary "Dagou Stop," initiating the connection between the railway and the port. To cope with the growing demand for port transportation, land reclamation began in 1904 to expand new port areas and railway facilities, and Harajian was born on this new land. The Dagou Station (now the Old Dagou Station Story Hall) was officially completed in 1908, becoming Kaohsiung's first train station, tightly linking the port with the city. The Japanese pronunciation of the railway "Bin Line" is "Ha-Ma-Sen," hence the name "Harajian." A must-visit for railway enthusiasts! The Old Dagou Station Story Hall serves as the original train station, witnessing the rise of Kaohsiung Port and the glory of railway transport. Officially opened in 1908, Dagou Station suffered extensive damage during World War II but was rebuilt in 1947 and continued to operate as the Taiwan Railways Kaohsiung Port Station until its closure in 2008. As Kaohsiung's railway transport entered a new era, this century-old station transformed into today's Old Dagou Station Story Hall, allowing visitors to gaze back at the golden age of railways. For more information, please refer to: Old Dagou Station Story Hall Railway Resurgence – "Harajian Train" Recreates Bin Line Glory To ensure that railway culture goes beyond static displays, in November 2024, the park will introduce the Bin Line sightseeing train "Harajian Train," bringing trains back to this historic railway. Covering a distance of just 540 meters, it is not only a nostalgic journey but also a time-travel experience of railway culture, allowing visitors to feel how railways have driven the development of Kaohsiung over the past century. Harajian Train Boarding Information: Departure Times: 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM / 1:30 PM - 6:00 PM, every half hour (on Saturdays, Sundays, and national holidays) Ticket Purchase: Online or at the "Harajian Train" ticket window next to the Old Dagou Station Story Hall. Dudu Train – Memories and Rebirth of Kaohsiung Port The Dudu Train, converted from the Taiwan Railways Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) express trains, used to operate on the Kaohsiung Port Line between 2003 and 2006, shared as a common memory among Kaohsiung residents. At that time, these trains featured colorful designs, with tables and bar counters, being one of the few tourist trains transformed by Taiwan Railways. Preserved and rescued by Kaohsiung City's Cultural Bureau and reintroduced with unique vendors, the Dudu Train has been reborn in the Harajian Railway Cultural Park, becoming a part of cultural history, bringing people new memories and experiences. Experience the Fusion of History and Art In addition to the century-old railway and retro train displays, the Harajian Railway Cultural Park features large installation art, including oversized travel trunks and gramophones as iron sculptures on the grass, attracting visiting travelers to pause and admire, with every corner being an ideal spot for photos.
