Takao Railway Museum

Overview

The Takao Railway Museum is an open-air heritage park occupying the former Kaohsiung Station railyard, displaying vintage steam and diesel locomotives, a functional turntable, and restored maintenance workshops. It preserves the rail history of a city built on port and rail.

Highlights

• Steam Locomotives: Several Showa-era steam engines are displayed on original track, including Taiwan-built models used on sugar-cane lines.
• Turntable: The hand-operated turntable is one of the few surviving examples in Taiwan and is demonstrated on special occasions.
• Workshop Buildings: The 1940s brick maintenance sheds have been converted into exhibition spaces covering Taiwan's railway development.

History

The railyard dates to the 1940s when Kaohsiung was the southern terminus of the Western Main Line. After the mainline station moved underground in 2018, the surface yard was preserved as a cultural park. The museum opened formally in 2020.

Visitor Tips

• Tip 1: Free entry; the park is adjacent to the new Kaohsiung MRT station.
• Tip 2: Pair with a visit to the nearby Pier-2 Art Center, connected by a cycling path.
• Duration: 30–60 minutes.