Jingtong

Established in 1929, the Jingtong railway station is the terminal station of the Pingxi line in Taipei. Over a period of more than eighty years, Jingtong was once a bustling coal town in the area which still retains the charm of yesteryear. Tourism started to thrive after the decline of the coal mining industry, and the Jingtong railway station gives visitors an insightful look into the industry at its heyday.

Upon leaving the station, you might be surprised at the small size of the town compared with others along the Pingxi line. The name of this little town is derived from the trees that used to reign here and share the name “Jingtong.” Similar to the flying lanterns sent off as a blessing in Pingxi, the rail of Jingtong is lined with a row of bamboo rolls, on which people write their prayers or wishes.

Tucked away on the old street is the Jingtong Railway Story House where many visitors come and send some unique wooden postcards to themselves so as to track their own experiences while traveling and to remind themselves of such a charming little town in northern Taiwan upon return.