Constructed in 1922 during the Japanese Occupation, the Changhua Railway Roundhouse is one of only a handful of railway roundhouses remaining in the world and the only one left in Taiwan. By handful, I mean three railway roundhouses in the world to be exact!

This roundhouse has been likened to a hotel for trains as it was built as an area for repairing trains and to park the long-distance trains at this fan-shaped garage. The reason being, unlike its successors, the modern day diesel and electric locomotives, steam locomotives were only designed to move forward. Any direction of motion other than that would render it practically useless. The turntable therefore allowed easier motion for the steam locomotives – an ingenious solution if you ask me!

To all the locomotive enthusiasts out there, you will definitely be elated with the opportunity to see this historical area that is still in operation and if you’re lucky, you might be able to see a train or two taking a 180° spin at the roundhouse’s turntable!