Centenary of the Founding of the City
Let's welcome Kaohsiung Railway Day on November 29
Revitalize the Kaohsiung Harbor Railway Line, Hamasen Starts Afresh
On November 29, 1900, the Kaohsiung-Tainan section of the Western Trunk Line commenced operations, marking the beginning of a period of accelerated growth and development for Kaohsiung that has spanned over a century. Following the opening of the railroad, Kaohsiung evolved from a small coastal town and an alternative port to the port of Anping, which became the most significant external port in southern Taiwan. In 1908, the Port of Kaohsiung surpassed the Port of Anping in throughput, prompting the Japanese Empire, which ruled Taiwan at the time, to embark on three consecutive phases of port construction. This transformed Kaohsiung into a node connecting the island with the rest of the world, leading to rapid growth for the city. The establishment of Kaohsiung as a city in 1924 was a direct result of the port’s development and the accompanying rise in railroad traffic. After World War II, Kaohsiung’s position as one of the world’s largest ports made Kaohsiung the second largest city in Taiwan.
As the city of Kaohsiung celebrates its centennial in 2024, a review of the city’s development over the past 100 years reveals three main themes: “Railway,” “Harbor,” and “Industry.” These themes will be the focus of the “100 Years of the Good City” celebration. One of the most significant events will be the “Revitalize the Kaohsiung Harbor Railway Line,” which has been in the planning stages for over a year. The project will include trips to Chaozhou, Suao, Taipei, Nantou, and other locations in Taiwan to locate a diverse range of train cars scattered across the country. These include passenger vehicles such as tuk-tuks, as well as specialized freight cars such as hoppers, slag wagons, and wooden wagons for carrying goods. The project will transform the Hamasen Railway Cultural Park into a comprehensive outdoor railway museum, with a significant investment in human resources and efforts to revitalize the former railroad tracks that have been decommissioned. November 29, an important date in Kaohsiung’s history, will be designated as “Kaohsiung Railway Day.” This designation is intended to highlight the significance of the Hamasen train as a symbol of Kaohsiung’s progress in the next 100 years.
On November 30, the Hamasen Railway is going to resume service and be officially launched with a series of engaging activities, including the introduction of special railroad lunchboxes, the Railway Music Festival, the Train Cinema, and the Parent-Child Market. We cordially invite you to Kaohsiung to experience the unique opportunity of riding on the century-old railroad for both passengers and freight and to learn about the story and history of Taiwan’s railways.
