【Hsinchu, Taiwan】
Hexion Station, a stop on the Taiwan Railways Administration’s (TRA) Neiwan Branch Line, is affectionately known as the “Love Station” due to a romantic local legend and is a famous tourist attraction in Hsinchu. However, this beloved site was recently forced to suspend services after the TRA abruptly terminated its lease, citing issues with the legality of the station’s buildings.
The Hsinchu County Government signed a lease agreement with the TRA in 2019 to utilize the station area. It then entrusted the Jiuzantou Culture Association to manage operations, transforming the station into the official Hsinchu County Tourist Service Center. Through these efforts, the station successfully introduced cultural and creative ventures and dining services, drawing large crowds. Last year, the County Government even secured central government subsidies to further renovate the area.
📌 Control Yuan Investigation Reveals Licensing Flaw
The charm of the “Love Station” was overshadowed when an investigation by the Control Yuan (Taiwan’s governmental watchdog body) revealed a critical issue: parts of the station’s buildings used for public services—including the tourist center and food outlets—had never obtained a legal occupancy permit (use license).
The Control Yuan determined that the TRA had committed a major oversight by leasing or transferring the operation (OT) of unlicensed structures for public use, and subsequently issued a correction to the TRA. To comply with legal requirements and prevent further violations, the TRA immediately halted the station’s re-utilization project and terminated the lease agreement with the County Government.
🚧 Operators Withdraw, Vitalization Efforts Halted
As a result of the termination, the County Government and the operating association have been forced to withdraw from the station area. All cultural, creative, and tourism services have ceased. The successful revitalization project that transformed the once-quiet “Love Station” has now been temporarily shut down and left idle.
The Hsinchu County Government expressed regret over the termination, stating that the TRA did not clearly disclose the building’s legal status when the station was transferred. The County is now actively negotiating with the TRA, hoping to resolve the complex legal issues, such as applying for retroactive permits, to ensure the station can meet public safety standards and eventually reopen to visitors.