In front of Taipei Station

“We’re arriving at Taipei, Taipei, Taipei Station / Those wishing to alight should do so quickly / Straight ahead is the modern Taipei Station / My dreams and hope are all here.” Lim Giong’s song depicts how in the past Taipei Station was not only the hub of traffic in northern Taiwan but also the aim, hope, and dream of youth in southern Taiwan who wanted to makes something of themselves.
As the largest land traffic transit station, the view outside of Taipei Station was many students’ first impression as they arrived to Taipei to study. With the passage of time, the station was remodeled several times and the view in front of the station changed drastically. This pictures shows how the station looked before 1963, with few cars, many people walking, and short buildings on Zhongxiao West Road no higher than two to three stories. The 51-story Shin Kong Life Tower, Taipei’s modern landmark, did not rise from the ground until 30 years after this picture was taken!