Shengxing Station

Located at an elevation of 402.326 meters, it is the highest point on Taiwan's Longitudinal Railway. The station was established in the 29th year of the Guangxu reign of the Qing Dynasty (1903). It was originally named 'Bogongkeng Signal Station' and later renamed 'Shiliufen Signal Station'. In the 24th year of the Republic (1935), it was again renamed 'Shiliufen Station' and began offering passenger and freight services. During the Japanese colonial period, the construction of the Mountain Line Railway began in sections ten years before the Republic (1901). The Zhunan-Miaoli section was completed and opened to traffic on May 25, nine years before the Republic (1902). On October 17 of the same year, the Miaoli-Sanyi section was completed and opened. In the spring of the following year, the Sanyi-Bogongkeng section opened, though it was only used for transporting railway construction materials. The section between Bogongkang and Houli, due to rugged mountainous terrain and numerous rivers, was difficult and time-consuming to build. After overcoming many challenges, construction was finally completed four years before the Republic (1907), and the entire Mountain Line Railway opened for service. Shengxing was originally called Shiliufen (十六份). It is said that in the Shengxing mountainous area, camphor trees once grew abundantly. During the period of reclamation, sixteen distilleries for camphor extraction were built, hence the name. After the Retrocession of Taiwan (1945), when Sanyi Township was established, its name was changed to the current one. Shengxing Station is situated on a small plateau in a valley. The entire building is constructed from wood, with each pillar meticulously crafted without using any nails. Shengxing Station is surrounded by nine mountain peaks, forming a very unique landscape believed to ward off evil spirits. The station area's scenery is ingeniously arranged, with various flowers and trees planted according to the terrain, creating a delightful and aesthetically pleasing sight. Among the many stations along Taiwan's railway lines, very few boast such beautiful and diverse scenery. Outside the station, a dozen or so households form a small mountain village nestled deep within the mountains. The residents' slow, leisurely pace of life is deeply captivating. The section from Shengxing to Guandaoshan belongs to the Liyutan Water Source Protection Area, which preserves a lush forest. Winding roads extend through it, offering a cool, tranquil, and elegantly serene atmosphere.