Changhua Roundhouse is a radial fan-shaped locomotive shed on Changmei Road in Changhua City, opened in 1922 (the 11th year of the Taisho era) during the Japanese colonial period with an initial 6 stall tracks, later expanded to the current 12 tracks in 1933 (the 8th year of the Showa era). It is one of only two fan-shaped roundhouses still in dynamic operational use worldwide and the only one remaining in Taiwan; it was upgraded from a county-level to a National Historic Site in 2022. On weekends, steam locomotives occasionally perform shunting demonstrations, and together with the century-old depot building preserved on its original site, the roundhouse presents a living-fossil scene rare in Taiwan's railway history.
Changhua Roundhouse opened in October 1922 (the 11th year of the Taisho era) with 6 stall tracks initially, expanded to 12 tracks by 1933 (the 8th year of the Showa era). It was upgraded from a county-designated to a National Historic Site in 2022, and is one of only two fan-shaped roundhouses still in dynamic operation worldwide, and the only one remaining in Taiwan.
Highlights of Changhua Roundhouse
The design principle of a roundhouse is to use a turntable to rotate locomotives and redirect them into any of the radial stall tracks for parking and maintenance. The Changhua Locomotive Section is located at the division point between the northern and southern segments of the Western Main Line, and historically needed to turn locomotives around — making the roundhouse an indispensable facility. The building structure is brick with arched roof sections; the twelve tracks are covered beneath a semicircular roof that, when viewed from above, fans out like an open hand.
The park has a free exhibition space displaying the history of Taiwan's railway development, scale models of steam locomotive mechanisms, and historical photographs. On weekends, steam locomotive entry demonstrations are held on an irregular schedule; the sight of a locomotive slowly rolling onto the turntable and rotating into alignment is a prized photographic subject for rail enthusiasts. Before visiting, check announcements from Taiwan Railways or the Changhua Locomotive Section to confirm whether a demonstration is scheduled that day.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Visit
Practical Information
Getting There & Visiting Hours
- About 10 minutes on foot from Changhua Train Station — head north along Changmei Road to reach the entrance to the Changhua Locomotive Section. Follow the on-site directional signs to the visitor area.
- The exhibition area is free to enter. The steam locomotive demonstration schedule is not fixed; check Taiwan Railways' Changhua Locomotive Section announcements before planning your visit.
Nearby Connections
- Changhua Confucius Temple and Baguashan Great Buddha Scenic Area are within walking distance. The three sites form the standard route for a Changhua City cultural half-day tour.
- Changhua Train Station itself is a Japanese colonial era building with a well-preserved exterior — worth a look at the station architecture while you are in the area.
Sources: Taiwan Railways Administration; Cultural Heritage Bureau, Ministry of Culture. Photos to be replaced with Dio's own shots.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Changhua Roundhouse built, and how did the number of tracks change?
It opened in 1922 with 6 stall tracks, then was expanded to the current 12 tracks by 1933.
What is the heritage status of Changhua Roundhouse?
It was upgraded from a county-designated historic site to a National Historic Site in 2022, and remains the only fan-shaped roundhouse in Taiwan still in dynamic operation.
Sources
- 彰化扇形車庫 - 維基百科 — 1922年啟用、1933年擴建為12股道沿革
- 再添喜事 全國唯一、亞洲唯二 彰化扇形車庫升格國定古蹟 — 2022年由縣定古蹟升格國定古蹟