Our Actions
During the construction process at Chiayi Station, we accidentally discovered the historic turntable from the Japanese colonial period, which reminded us that Taiwan’s historical stories are closely related to the figures of internal migration. For this reason, we decided to seize this rare opportunity to enter the historical context of railways, feel the sentiments of internal migrants, and continue this culture. To prevent this precious railway culture from being forgotten, we planned the “Railway New Pathways” rail economy and cultural journey, inviting everyone to visit these historical sites together, review the past, understand the present, and promote United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in modern urban development, allowing this profound cultural memory to be inherited and developed.
Implementation Methods
Walking Reading Activities
• First walking reading activity: Contrasting the fountain roundabout that opened the modern era with the new train station after railway elevation, presenting the modernization changes brought by landmarks.
• Second walking reading activity: Contrasting the internal migration history of the Houy community with Kedge’s current international migrant workers, presenting the migration culture under railway economic development.
• Third walking reading activity: From Woo Chiayi City Living Room, unboxing the railway elevation construction site/engineering office, exploring the starting point of Chiayi City’s Grand Station Plan.
• “Railway New Pathways” Exhibition: Traveling through past and present, learning from history, whether through venue activation or preserving historical emotions, combining exhibitions with space, entering Chiayi’s urban time machine.
Results and Highlights
Through three walking reading activities and exhibitions, we led community residents and colleagues to visit Chiayi Station’s historic district, gaining deep understanding of Chiayi Station’s development process and railway culture. Through walking reading, participants could not only review past history but also understand how railway elevation brings diverse development possibilities to the city. This journey explored stories of internal migration from an empathetic perspective, promoting cultural exchange and strengthening community tolerance and inclusion. Through this opportunity, we also hope to convey to the public that railway elevation not only improves urban transportation convenience but also stimulates new economic and cultural opportunities, promoting Chiayi City toward more sustainable and livable future development.
- Three walking reading activities visitor count: 80 visits
- “Railway New Pathways” exhibition, visitor count: 420 visits
- Exhibition period: May 4 to May 26
- Exhibition venue: Taocheng Douhua (Guang – hua Store)