Hamasan Railway Cultural Park, conveniently located near the light rail and metro stations, preserves the railway branch line and vintage trains of the past. Whether you're a railway enthusiast or a traveler, you can ride the "Hamasan Train" or enter the nostalgic "Dudu Train" to experience the prosperous history of the harbor city's railway, and visit nearby attractions such as the Fort 2 Art Zone and Storeroom No. 2 for a comprehensive glimpse into Kaohsiung's cultural arts and historical heritage. The journey from Takau Station to Hamasan offers a testament to Kaohsiung's railway history.
Hamasan's history dates back to the Japanese era. With the development of the Takau Port and the rise of railway transportation, this area became a significant freight hub in southern Taiwan. In 1900, the main railway line reached Tainan and a temporary "Takau Stop" was established, connecting the railway to the port. To accommodate the growing demand for port logistics, land reclamation and the construction of new port and railway facilities began in 1904, giving birth to the newly developed Hamasan. In 1908, Takau Station (now the Old Takau Station Storyhouse) was officially completed as Kaohsiung's first train station. The "Harbor Line" and "Commercial Port Line" linked the port with the city center, with "Harbor Line" named "Ha-Ma-Sen" in Japanese, eventually becoming the origin of the name Hamasan.
A must-visit for railway enthusiasts is the Old Takau Station Storyhouse within the Hamasan Railway Cultural Park. This original station once witnessed the rise of Takau Port and the golden age of railway transportation. Takau Station was officially opened in 1908, although it was nearly destroyed by severe air raids during WWII. The remaining structure was reconstructed in 1947 and continued operating as Takau Port Station under the TRA until its formal closure in 2008. With the evolution of Kaohsiung's railway system, this century-old station transformed into the current Old Takau Station Storyhouse, offering visitors a chance to revisit the golden era of railways. For more information, visit the Old Takau Station Storyhouse.
Reviving Railway Culture—The "Hamasan Train" Reimagines the Harbor Line's Splendor
To transcend static railway exhibitions, the park launched the "Hamasan Train," a harbor line sightseeing train, in November 2024. This 540-meter journey is not only a nostalgic trip but also a cultural time capsule, allowing visitors to experience history through a cargo train ride, appreciating how railways have propelled Kaohsiung's development over the past century.
**Hamasan Train Operating Information**
**Departure Times:** 10:00–11:30 / 13:30–18:00
**Frequency:** Every 30 minutes (Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays).
**Ticketing:** Online ticket purchase or on-site at the ticket booth at the Old Takau Station Storyhouse next to the Hamasan Train.
**Dudu Train—A Relived Memory of Kaohsiung Port**
The "Dudu Train," a retrofitted TRA diesel-powered self-service express train, operated along the Kaohsiung harbor branch line between 2003 and 2006, becoming a cherished city memory. Its exterior featured painted white trains with dining tables and bar counters inside, making it one of TRA's rare sightseeing-train conversions. Rescued by Kaohsiung’s Department of Cultural Affairs and revitalized by introducing unique businesses, the Dudu Train has found new life within the Hamasan Railway Cultural Park, becoming an integral part of cultural heritage with fresh experiences for visitors.
**Experiencing a Fusion of History and Artistic Diversity**
Beyond railway history and vintage trains, the Hamasan Railway Cultural Park showcases large-scale art installations, such as giant suitcases and gramophones, installed on its grassy areas. These iron sculptures attract travelers to gather and admire, with every corner serving as the perfect spot for photography. For detailed transportation information to Hamasan, please refer to the park's visitor guidelines.