There are places that pull you in quietly—no grand entrance, no dramatic reveal—just a soft call that says, “Come explore.” That’s how my day at Hamasen and Pier-2 began. With no strict itinerary, only the excitement of a railway enthusiast ready to follow the tracks wherever they would lead. This blog is a continuation of my Taiwan, Two, Three… (2025 Series).

📅 Travel Dates: November 14–18, 2025

From Aozihdi to Hamasen: The Journey Begins

From MRT Aozihdi Station, I transferred to the LRT Circular (Green) Line and got off at Hamasen Station. The moment I stepped out, I felt like I had entered a little pocket of history. I explored the rest of the Takao Railway Museum—roaming freely, happily, and with childlike excitement.

The museum featured retired locomotives from the Japanese era, each one carrying its own story. And right beside Hamasen MRT Station stood the Hamasen LRT Station, where timeless steel giants met the sleek modern lines of the LRT.

There was a point when both the old locomotives and the new LRT appeared in one frame—and I swear, it felt like watching history shake hands with the present. Some of the old trains were even turned into ice cream shops. So adorable, so unexpected, and so Taiwan.

Pier-2: Where Art, Railways, and Memories Meet

After soaking up everything at the Takao Railway Museum, I wandered toward the Pier-2 Art Center. The old warehouses had been transformed into cute cafés, quirky shops, and creative spaces.

Then I stumbled upon the Hamasen Railway Museum of Taiwan.

I bought my ticket, walked in, and instantly felt like I was stepping into a living timeline. My railway-enthusiast heart was more than delighted.

Hamasen Railway Museum: A Peek Into Taiwan’s Railway Soul

I spent extra time inside the Hamasen Railway Museum because it felt like stepping into a preserved heartbeat of Kaohsiung’s past. The moment I entered, the atmosphere shifted—quiet, nostalgic, almost as if the place wanted visitors to slow down and pay attention. The museum wasn’t just displaying artifacts; it was telling a story.

As I browsed through the exhibits, the displays of railway memorabilia instantly pulled me in—the different hats worn by railway staff, the neatly arranged uniforms, old Taiwan railway maps, and even collectible stamps that travelers once used as souvenirs. Each item carried a piece of history.

I loved discovering that each hat and uniform symbolized a different role—station staff, marshals, conductors. It made me appreciate how organized and deeply rooted Taiwan’s railway culture is, especially with the strong influence from the Japanese era.

One of my favorite corners of the museum was the miniature area where I could see Kaohsiung from above, with actual trains running along the tracks below. It was mesmerizing—like watching the city’s heartbeat in motion. Seeing the trains glide along the rails while the city moved around them made the history in the museum feel alive, present, and connected to today.

And, of course, the highlight of my visit was trying the “rail bikes.” I’m not sure if that’s the exact term, but it felt like I was biking along the rail tracks themselves. I couldn’t help but laugh because, in that moment, I felt like the train conductor, in charge of my own little railway adventure! It was simple, fun, and unexpectedly thrilling—exactly the kind of memory that sticks with you.

The museum may not be massive, but every corner felt intentional—like it wanted visitors to understand the heart behind Taiwan’s railway history, not just the hardware. When I finally stepped outside, it felt like I had just walked through a living memory saved for travelers like me to discover.

I wrapped up my entire railway museum afternoon with a full and happy heart.

Milk Tea, Sunset, and a Moment of Peace

I continued strolling around Pier-2, still catching glimpses of the LRT Circular Line gliding by like it was part of the art. As I walked toward Dayi Pier Station, I treated myself to milk tea and found myself witnessing my first-ever sunset in Taiwan—right here in Kaohsiung.

Golden. Serene. Soft. Beautiful. Unforgettable.
A moment that made me pause and just breathe.

Sunsets will never feel the same again. And that’s when I made a quiet promise to myself: I will return to this lovely port city. Maybe soon. Hopefully soon.

And that little boy urinating mural? It was one of those little surprises Pier-2 is known for—art that made me pause, smile, and laugh out loud (who cares), while letting my phone’s camera do its job 😂.

A Heart Lighter Than Before

I promised myself I would return to this lovely port city someday. I don’t know when, but I know I’ll be back—hopefully sooner rather than later.

I ended my day walking along the waterfront with a light heart and a peaceful mind. No rush, no worries—just the calm joy of being exactly where I needed to be. Kaohsiung has that effect on me. It captured my mind, heart, and soul… and as I left, I already knew: this wouldn’t be the last time.

It was the kind of moment I always longed for—worry-free and calm, carried by the quiet magic of solo travel.

More photos here: