Bisezhai Station in Mengzi City, Honghe
Overview
Bisezhai Railway Station (碧色寨站, Bisezhai zhan), formerly known as Bishi Zhai Station (壁虱寨站), is located in Mengzi City (蒙自市), within the Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture (红河哈尼族彝族自治州) of Yunnan Province (云南省), China. It is classified as a fourth-class station under the management of China Railway Kunming Group Co., Ltd. The station serves the Kunming–Hekou Railway (昆河铁路) and the Ge Bi Shi Railway (个碧石铁路).
The station was inaugurated on April 13, 1909, and initially named Bishi Zhai Station, later changed to Bisezhai Station. By 1918, it was designated as a special station. The station ceased passenger operations in 1992 and was officially closed in October 2010. As of March 2020, construction is underway for the Bisezhai Duyue Railway Historical and Cultural Park (碧色寨滇越铁路历史文化公园).
Key Information
- Chinese Name: 碧色寨站
- English Name: Bisezhai Railway Station
- Opening Date: April 13, 1909
- Location: Mengzi City, Yunnan Province, China
- Station Level: Fourth-class station
- Main Lines: Kunming–Hekou Railway, Ge Bi Shi Railway
- Management: China Railway Kunming Group Co., Ltd.
- Address: Bisezhai Village, Guanyin Street, Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province
Historical Background
Bisezhai Station is situated in what was once a small village called “Poxin,” home to just a few families. The station was established when the Kunming–Hekou Railway reached this location in 1909. Its picturesque scenery led to its renaming as Bisezhai, which means “Blue Color Village.”
In March 1910, the full line of the Kunming–Hekou Railway was completed, establishing Bisezhai as a crucial transport hub, making it one of the oldest railway stations in China. By 1918, it had achieved special station status.
In 1921, the Ge Bi Railway (个碧铁路) began operations, making Bisezhai the terminal station and a critical transfer point where narrow-gauge and standard-gauge trains interchanged. It was a key site for transporting goods into and out of Yunnan, contributing to its bustling economy during its peak.
The station’s decline began in the late 1950s, primarily due to the dismantling of the Mengzi to Bisezhai railway in 1959, prompted by the “Great Leap Forward” policies. Bisezhai’s once-thriving atmosphere diminished, and by the 1960s, it was downgraded to a fourth-class station.
Architectural Features
Covering an area of 2 square kilometers, Bisezhai Station is now recognized as a key cultural heritage site. The station building features a distinctive French architectural style, with a brick and wood structure adorned with red tiles and yellow walls.
Key Architectural Details:
- Height: 11.5 meters
- Width: 25.5 meters
- Depth: 10.2 meters
- Platform Width: 25 meters
- Platform Depth: 4 meters
Adjacent to the station are several historical buildings, including dormitories for French employees and a water tower, showcasing the French influence in the area.
Cultural Significance
From 1910 to the mid-20th century, Bisezhai Station played a pivotal role in trade along the Kunming–Hekou Railway. Warehouses overflowed with goods such as tin, furs, and rice, attracting merchants from around the world, including French, British, American, German, Japanese, and Greek traders.
The station was lively, with numerous trains arriving daily, bustling with passengers and cargo. This vibrant scene led locals to refer to it as “Little Paris,” reflecting its economic and cultural significance.
In 1987, Bisezhai Station was designated as a key cultural heritage site in Yunnan Province, and it received national recognition in 2013.
Notable Cultural Events:
- The station has been featured in films such as Feng Xiaogang’s “Youth” (芳华) and Li Fangfang’s “The Last Wish” (无问西东), further enhancing its cultural footprint.
Modern Developments
Mengzi City has partnered with the Yunnan World Expo Tourism Group to develop the Bisezhai Duyue Railway Historical and Cultural Park, with an investment of 5 billion yuan. The project aims to preserve the historical features of the station while creating a vibrant tourist destination.
Plans include restoring the area to reflect its former glory and the French architectural style, enhancing its appeal as a tourist attraction.
How to Get There
Bisezhai Railway Station is conveniently accessible via local transportation options in Mengzi City. Here are some options:
- From Kunming Changshui International Airport (昆明长水国际机场): Take a taxi or shuttle bus to the city center, then a local bus or taxi to Bisezhai.
- From Mengzi Railway Station (蒙自火车站): A short taxi ride will take you to Bisezhai Station.
Travel Tips
- Best Time to Visit: Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) offer mild weather and beautiful landscapes.
- Local Attractions: Explore nearby sites like Mengzi City Museum and historical streets to enrich your visit.
- Cultural Respect: Be aware of local customs and practices, especially when visiting historical sites.
- Photography Opportunities: The station’s unique architecture and picturesque surroundings make it an excellent spot for photography, particularly during sunrise or sunset.
- Plan Ahead: Check the construction status of the Bisezhai Duyue Railway Historical and Cultural Park for any events or activities that may enhance your visit.
Station Name (EN): Bisezhai Railway Station (Mengzi)
Station Name(CN): 碧色寨火车站/Bisezhai Huochezhan
Address(EN): Bisezhai Village, Caoba Town, Mengzi City, Honghe, Yunnan
Address(CN): 云南省红河州蒙自市草坝镇碧色寨
