2024/06/27
The Alishan Forest Railway and Cultural Heritage Office of the Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency (Alishan Forest Railway and Cultural Heritage Office) completed the renovation of the “Fenqihu Loco Shed,” a county-designated monument, at a cost of more than NT$34 million after more than five years of investigation, research, planning, design, and construction. In addition to the elegant architectural aesthetics of the building, an exhibition entitled “Memories of Mountain Journeys - Fenqihu” has been planned with dazzling sound and visual effects. In the future, vendors will also be stationed onsite, delivering creative products and services, to bring a different look to the classic loco shed. The Alishan Forest Railway and Cultural Heritage Office organized an exhibition opening event today (6/27), and is looking forward to collaborating with the local community to bring back the glory of this classic landmark of Fenqihu.
The Only Remaining Wooden Loco Shed of the Alishan Forest Railway Is Filled with a Century of Mountain Forest Memories
The Fenqihu Loco Shed is the only remaining loco shed of the Alishan Forest Railway made from precious cypress wood. It was an important hub for train changes, railroad repairs, and carriage maintenance and replenishment in the course of a train’s journey up the mountain. Since trains stopped at this station for longer periods of time and this coincided with lunchtime, Fenqihu bento boxes became synonymous with local cuisine, bringing business opportunities and prosperity to the Fenqihu settlement. However, the opening of the Alishan Highway in 1982 severely impacted railroad traffic volume, and the number of people visiting the Fenqihu settlement decreased drastically. In 1998, the Forestry Bureau and local residents jointly organized the anniversary of the opening of the Alishan Forest Railway at the Fenqihu Loco Shed, calling for the preservation of railway culture. The loco shed was transformed into an exhibition site for the old steam trains. Furthermore, the Alishan Forest Railway and Cultural Heritage Office was established in 2018, which is dedicated to safeguarding this valuable cultural heritage.
Recalling the Memories of Mountain Journeys, Re-Establishing the Glory Days of the Loco Shed
After careful investigation and research, the restoration project of the Fenqihu Loco Shed adopted the Taiwan Red Cypress as the main material for the restoration work, preserving the existing wooden mortise and tenon joints. Complete restoration was also carried out for the surrounding area, including the coal loading platform and water cranes, bringing attention to the essence of the railroad culture from the days of steam train operation. The water drainage system was also strengthened, while accessibility facilities and a mist spray fire protection system were added to enhance the firefighting capability of the wooden monument. A professional design team was also commissioned to curate an exhibition under the theme of “Memories of Mountain Journeys - Fenqihu.” Through the three main arcs of “Culture and Landscapes of the Alishan Forest Railway,” “The Daily Life of the Alishan Forest Railway Staff,” and “Display of Century-Old Machineries and Alishan Forest Railway Cultural Relics,” the Fenqihu Loco Shed will be introduced through its restoration process, the beauty of the architecture, and the scenery of the mountain line train in operation. A dazzling “Light Theater” has also been planned within the loco shed featuring steam locomotive No. 29, with light projections and live sound effects, allowing visitors to experience the sensation of a steam locomotive in motion.
New Look of a Classic Landmark to Celebrate Full Service Resumption
With the Alishan Forest Railway soon to resume full service, Fenqihu Station will be adjusted from the terminal station to become a “main relay station.” In addition to exciting exhibitions, the venue will also be rented out to introduce cultural-creative stores to enhance the quality of services. In the future, in response to the increase in train frequency after the opening of Fenqihu Station, the Fenqihu Loco Shed will return to its original function, with trains stationed there from time to time to carry out overhauling operations, allowing the wooden loco shed to be dynamically preserved. There will also be 10 to 20 Light Theater shows scheduled every day, so that visitors to Fenqihu Station can get an up-close and personal experience of the professional dedication of the Alishan Forest Railway staff and the value of this cultural heritage. From now on, the Fenqihu Loco Shed will open at 9:00 a.m. and close at 4:30 p.m. daily, and the operating hours will be adjusted after the vendor stores have moved in. Relevant information will be posted on the official website and the Facebook page of the Alishan Forest Railway and Cultural Heritage Office.