Taichung Railway Station

No. 1, Railway Station Li Street, West District, Taichung City, Taiwan Province, China

Taichung Station traces its origins to the Japanese colonial era, when the 1917 terminal was constructed as the most important railway hub in central Taiwan. Think of it as Taiwan's equivalent to a smaller-scaled St Pancras or Munich's Hauptbahnhof during its prime, serving as the gateway that shaped the city's growth over the past century. Designated a Grade Two Historic Site, the old station stands alongside the 2016 elevated new terminal, creating the island's only surviving multi-generational station complex, an irreplaceable treasure in both railway and architectural history. The old station's architecture alone justifies the visit. Built in a Renaissance Revival Baroque style reminiscent of Florence's train station facades, it features striking ochre-red brickwork paired with whitewashed stone belt courses, a soaring central clock tower, elegant arched windows, and finely carved pediments. Photographers will find the building especially rewarding in soft daylight, when the relief sculptures along the cornices and the symmetrical front gable reveal their full craftsmanship. The heritage building now operates as the Taichung Station Railway Cultural Park, where visitors can admire the static display of the CK124 steam locomotive, explore replica ticket booths, and enjoy rotating exhibitions. The grounds also host independent craft shops and weekend art markets, blending historical atmosphere with contemporary creativity. Check the official website before visiting, as some exhibition areas have limited opening hours. Surrounding attractions make the area genuinely worthwhile. A five-minute walk leads to the legendary Miyahara Ophthalmology, a restored colonial-era building now famous for its stained-glass interiors and award-winning ice creams. The Luchuan and Liuchuan riverside corridors offer shaded promenades with public art installations and riverside cafés, perfect for a leisurely stroll. Hungry travelers should detour ten minutes to the Second Market, a century-old food hall serving legendary meat buns and radish cakes. Begin your visit at the new elevated station to appreciate contemporary Taiwanese railway design and enjoy an unobstructed view toward the heritage terminal. Walk over to the old station for photography and exhibitions, then continue along Zhongshan Road toward Miyahara and the Luchuan greenway. A quick visit takes around 30 minutes, though 1.5 to 2 hours allows for a relaxed cultural immersion. Important note: Taichung Railway Station sits in the city center, completely separate from the THSR Taichung Station in Wurih District, so do not confuse the two when booking tickets.