Zhudong Station Introduction
Historical Development: Due to the abundant agricultural, forestry, and mineral resources in the area around Zhudong, large-scale factories (such as cement and glass) were successively established. To facilitate the development of agricultural, forestry, and mineral resources in the mountainous areas, the Zhudong-Neiwan branch railway was constructed. The Zhudong-Neiwan line was the first railway completely built by locals after the departure of the Japanese. The section from Hsinchu to Zhudong opened in 1947, and the section from Zhudong to Neiwan was completed in 1951, thus fully connecting the line. With the shift in economic patterns, by the 1980s, due to the depletion of minerals and timber, along with the rapid development of road transport, Zhudong Station gradually declined from its past bustling activity to the current quiet scene. Currently, it mainly serves commuter transport for the surrounding areas on weekdays, while on weekends, it becomes a popular tourist transport line due to the recreational spots in Neiwan. Zhudong Station was built during the transitional period after the war, and based on its architectural style, it is inferred that it was constructed by locals after taking reference from the design drawings of the Japanese Railway Department during the colonial period. Therefore, it holds significant historical and commemorative value. Architectural Features: The Zhudong Station was built due to the abundant agricultural, forestry, and mineral resources in the Zhudong area, with large-scale factories (such as cement and glass) being established. To support the industrial development of mountainous areas, the Zhudong-Neiwan branch railway was constructed. The Zhudong-Neiwan line was the first railway to be fully completed by locals after the Japanese left. The segment from Hsinchu to Zhudong opened in 1947, and the section from Zhudong to Neiwan was completed in 1951, thus establishing full service on the line. As the economic model shifted in the 1980s, the depletion of minerals and timber, coupled with the rapid growth of road transportation, led to the gradual decline of Zhudong Station, which transformed from a bustling hub to its current sparse scene. Presently, it serves primarily as a commuter line for the surrounding areas during weekdays, and a popular tourist transport line on weekends due to the recreational attractions in Neiwan. Zhudong Station was constructed during the political transition after the war, and its architectural form suggests that it was built based on modified designs from the Japanese colonial period, thus holding significant historical commemorative significance.
