Zhudong Railway Station Introduction
The Historical Development Due to the rich agricultural, forestry, and mineral resources in the area around Zhudong, large-scale factories (such as those for cement and glass) have been established one after another. In order to develop these mountainous agricultural, forestry, and mineral resources and promote industry, the Zhudong-Neiwan branch railway was constructed. The Zhudong-Neiwan line was the first railway in Taiwan that was completely completed by locals after the Japanese left. The section from Hsinchu to Zhudong was opened for service in 1947 (the 36th year of the Republic of China), and the section from Zhudong to Neiwan was completed in 1951 (the 40th year of the Republic of China), making the entire line operational. With the shift in economic patterns, by the 1980s, due to the depletion of minerals and timber, along with the rapid development of road transportation, the Zhudong Station gradually declined from its former bustling state to one of quietness. Currently, it serves mainly as a commuter station for the surrounding areas on weekdays, while on weekends, it becomes a popular transportation line due to the Neiwan recreational area. The Zhudong Station was built during the post-war transition of power and, based on its architectural style, it is believed to have been constructed by locals referencing the design drawings from the Japanese Railway Department during the colonial period. Therefore, its historical and commemorative significance is considerable. Architectural Features Due to the rich agricultural, forestry, and mineral resources in the area around Zhudong, large-scale factories (such as those for cement and glass) have been established one after another. In order to develop these mountainous agricultural, forestry, and mineral resources and promote industry, the Zhudong-Neiwan branch railway was constructed. The Zhudong-Neiwan line was the first railway in Taiwan that was completely completed by locals after the Japanese left. The section from Hsinchu to Zhudong was opened for service in 1947 (the 36th year of the Republic of China), and the section from Zhudong to Neiwan was completed in 1951 (the 40th year of the Republic of China), making the entire line operational. With the shift in economic patterns, by the 1980s, due to the depletion of minerals and timber, along with the rapid development of road transportation, the Zhudong Station gradually declined from its former bustling state to one of quietness. Currently, it serves mainly as a commuter station for the surrounding areas on weekdays, while on weekends, it becomes a popular transportation line due to the Neiwan recreational area. The Zhudong Station was built during the post-war transition of power and, based on its architectural style, it is believed to have been constructed by locals referencing the design drawings from the Japanese Railway Department during the colonial period. Therefore, its historical and commemorative significance is considerable.
