Weekend Special: Ride the “Alishan Steam Train” Through Historic Railway Dormitories

▲ Mei Men De Yi Tian Di, located at No. 38 Lishui Street in Taipei, is hosting Alishan steam train ride activities over two consecutive weekends. (Photo / Provided by Mei Men)

By Cai Wenjun / Comprehensive Report

No. 38 Lishui Street in Taipei may just be an address to many, but for train enthusiasts, it’s a site that carries 50 years of Taiwanese railway history. To help preserve this historic railway dormitory, following the 2014 event, Mei Men De Yi Tian Di will once again host a“Alishan Steam Train” ride experienceover two consecutive weekends starting August 1. In addition to sharing the legacy of Taiwan’s railways, the event aims to support the preservation of this old dormitory.

Mei Men De Yi Tian Di explains that “Lishui 38” was once a dormitory area for Taiwan Railway employees, where many who laid the foundation for the modernization of Taiwan’s railways once lived. However, the site fell into disrepair over time. In 2009, Mei Men leased the nearly 10-year-abandoned dormitory and spent a year and a half revitalizing it into a new cultural space dedicated to the arts and the history of Taiwan’s railways.

▲ Hop on the mini train and journey through 50 years of railway heritage. (Photo / Provided by Mei Men)

This year, a newly unveiled vertical-cylinder steam train from Alishan (also known as the Alishan No. 14 Steam Train) is available for trial rides. It was meticulously handcrafted by railway culture expert and “train master” Mr. Lin Songxiong over a span of two years.

Mei Men noted that the Alishan No. 14 steam locomotive was introduced to Taiwan in 1912 and played a vital role during the Japanese colonial period in developing the Alishan railway and transporting timber. Its unique structure allowed it to navigate Alishan’s steep slopes and sharp curves, but in 1972, it was gifted to Australia, leaving many Taiwanese with fond yet bittersweet memories. Mr. Lin later recreated a miniature version entirely by hand, based on historical photographs and documents, helping train enthusiasts reconnect with the lost legacy of the Alishan railway.

▲ The Alishan No. 14 steam train was brought back to life by train expert Mr. Lin Songxiong after two years of meticulous handmade craftsmanship. (Photo / Provided by Mei Men)

The Alishan Steam Train ride experience will take place on August 1, 2, 8, and 9 at Lishui 38.Mei Men also mentioned that Lishui 38 is scheduled to be reclaimed by Taiwan Railways in December this year. They hope that through these train ride experiences, the public can learn about the cultural and historical significance of Taiwan’s railways while supporting the full preservation of this historic railway dormitory.

“Alishan Steam Train” Ride Experience Event

Address:No. 38 Lishui Street, Taipei
Ride Dates:
August 1 & 2 (Sat & Sun: 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM; 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM)
Available Train: Alishan Vertical-Cylinder Shay Steam Passenger Train

August 8 & 9 (Sat & Sun: 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM; 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM)
Available Train: BK10 Rubber-Valved Steam Passenger Train

Ticket Price:NT$50 per person