Checheng Railway Station is located in Shuili, Nantou, and serves as the terminal station of the Jiji Branch Line, a nearly 30-kilometer railway that starts from Ershui and winds through fields, valleys, and rivers. When the train passes through the fifth tunnel, the darkness suddenly gives way to blue skies and lush greenery. This instant transformation into brightness and openness creates the illusion of stepping into a hidden paradise, which is why Checheng is romantically nicknamed the “Secret Garden.”
The station building itself carries a distinctive charm. Nearly destroyed in the 921 Earthquake, it was later reconstructed in wood by the Sun Moon Lake National Scenic Area Administration. Not only was the station rebuilt with timber, but even the square in front of it was paved with wooden materials, giving the entire area a warm and rustic character.
Checheng is more than just a railway terminus—it embodies the living memory of Taiwan’s forestry industry. Once thriving from logging and timber transport, the town has since transformed into a tourist attraction. Today, it connects themes of railways, timber, electricity, and wineries, offering visitors a cultural and historical journey through a thoughtfully curated travel route.
