Taipei Travel

A Hundred-Year-Old Station Brings Back its Glory:

Xinbeitou, an Outpost of History and Tourism

Article / Photos｜Taipei Culture Foundation
 

In the Japanese era, the rulers wanted to develop a hot spring industry in the Xinbeitou (新北投) area, therefore in 1916 (Taisho-5 nen), they built a branch rail line, which terminated at Shinhokuto Station, later renamed: Xinbeitou Train Station. Later Xinbeitou was adopted for the name of the neighborhood as a whole.
 
▲  Xinbeitou Station in the Japanese era (Photo: copy from Wu Junyi’s collection)

A Station That Reveals the Human and Cultural Side of Beitou

Xinbeitou Station used to be the final stop along the Beitou branch of TRA’s Tamsui Line. But when TRA closed the line 29 years ago, the station was retired and moved to Taiwan Folk Village (台灣民俗村) in Changhua (彰化). It’s a typical Japanese wooden structure and features engraved brackets under the eaves and dormers on the roof.

In recent years, an awareness of cultural heritage and a desire for preservation has risen. Consequently Taipei City Government and various civic groups have been working together to bring the station home. After many twists and turns, the latest owner, Ri-Rong Property Consultancy Firm realizing how much Taipei citizens wished to bring the old building back, agreed to donate Xinbeitou Train Station to Taipei City. The repair and assembly work was completed in March this year, and, to date, this is the only preserved old train station in Taipei.

To thank people from all walks of life for their help and effort, the Department of Cultural Affairs (文化局), the Taipei Culture Foundation (台北市文化基金會), Taipei Rapid Transit Corporation (台北捷運公司) and local Beitou residents have planned a series of exciting opening events, and everyone is welcome to come experience the charms as “A Hundred-Year-Old Station Brings Back Its Glory.”