What secrets do these old brick walls hold? We are standing before the Railway Department Park, a place where time seems to have stopped. This park, once a bustling hub of Taiwan’s railway system, now offers a glimpse into the island’s rich past. The Railway Department Park was originally the site of the Qing Dynasty Machinery Department. This department even housed an artillery factory! After Japan took control of Taiwan, they transformed the area into the Taipei Railway Factory. This factory played a crucial role in repairing locomotives and cars. It buzzed with activity, its workshops echoing with the sounds of industry.
The Railway Department Park wasn’t always a peaceful park. It was once a sprawling complex of over 40 buildings! After the ROC took control, urban planning led to the demolition of many buildings. Then came the construction of the MRT in 2005, which further shrunk the site to the ten buildings we see today.
But don’t let its smaller size fool you. The Railway Department Park still holds a wealth of history. The main brick building, a grand structure with two towers, once housed the Railway Department Office. Imagine the important decisions that were made within these walls! Other surviving structures include a cafeteria, a male washroom with an intriguing octagonal shape, an electrical room, a construction room, and even a war command center.
The Railway Department Park isn’t just a collection of old buildings. It actively tells the story of Taiwan’s railway system through interactive exhibits and thousands of artifacts. You can even find a fascinating miniature model of Taipei’s railway! As you walk through the park, let your imagination transport you back to a time when these buildings were at the heart of Taiwan’s development. It’s a journey through time, a testament to the island’s industrial past.