aeeble

As the train's steam whistle blows, the train slowly glides into the station. Many people arrive, while others depart. Some reunite, while others part ways. The platform is always a stage for different stories. At the station, you can hear the vendors calling out, passengers chatting, and the sound of the train moving. But now, these sounds have fallen silent, leaving only the laughter and chatter of tourists who come to reminisce about the past. This is the Shih-Chien Station, also known as the Shengxing Station, located at the Sixteen Mile Cultural Center of the old San-Yi Mountain Line. Designed and built by the Japanese, a closer look at the Shengxing Station reveals that its beams, pillars, and roof have a design similar to the Eight Trigrams and spearheads. The eaves are sawtooth-shaped, which is quite unique. It's said that these designs take into account feng shui principles. Since the Shengxing Station is surrounded by nine mountains with ridge-like formations that resemble the heads of tigers, the station's design incorporates elements that symbolize weapons to ward off evil and bring peace. Regardless of the validity of the feng shui claims, this station's style is certainly distinct from other train stations. Since its construction, the Shengxing Station has survived several major earthquakes, but it remains intact. It's now been designated as a county-level historic site. The ticket booth, waiting chairs, railings, and other features still maintain their original appearance from the Japanese colonial period. The station office still looks as it did before the train line was discontinued, exuding a rich sense of history. Inside the station, many Taiwan Railway artifacts are preserved, including a distinctive red electric route sign. This device is a safety mechanism for railway operations and can be considered a guarantee of passenger safety. The Shengxing Station can be considered the most important cultural asset of the old mountain railway line. This small station is filled with a strong nostalgic atmosphere, attracting many tourists and railway enthusiasts to visit.