Celebrate Railway Day with free rides on vintage trains and the CT273 steam locomotive

▲ To celebrate the 128th Railway Day, TRA specially operated the CT273 Steam Locomotive Dream Train at Hualien Station on June 7, offering free rides to selected passengers. (Photo / Courtesy ofTRAofficial website)

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

To celebrate the 128th Railway Day on June 9, Taiwan Railways Administration stations have planned a variety of celebratory events. On June 7, the Taichung Operations Section will operate the “2015 Glorious Return: A One-Day Cruise-Style Train Tour along the Mountain and Sea Lines.” The Taitung Station will run a special “Glorious Nostalgia Train,” and the Hualien Station will offer a complimentary CT273 Steam Locomotive Dream Train ride for selected passengers. The Pingtung and Fengshan Stations will also jointly launch the “Nostalgic Ping-Feng” commemorative ticket set, along with other railway and model train exhibitions, to celebrate TRA’s birthday. For more information, please visit theTaiwan Railways Administration official website.

Taipei Operations Section: Songshan Station, Taipei Station, Banqiao Station

Station History & Former Station Masters’ Creative PK Competition
Date: June 5
Event Content: Exhibition of profiles of former station masters and photos of historical station buildings.

Taipei Station

Unveiling of Station History & Works by Former Station Masters
Date: 2:00 PM, June 9
Venue: First Floor Multi-Purpose Performance Hall – Station Master’s Office
Event Content: Invitation of TRA Director-General and former station masters to jointly unveil the exhibition.

Guzheng Performance
Date: 2:00 PM, June 9
Venue: First Floor Multi-Purpose Performance Hall
Event Content: Performance by Yu Lin Guzheng Ensemble.

Model Train Exhibition
Date: June 5–11
Venue: First Floor Multi-Purpose Performance Hall
Event Content: Joint exhibition of model trains with the Railway Model Association for visitors to view.

Songshan Station

Invitation of Mr. Hitoshi O%, Station Master of Matsuyama Station (JR Shikoku, Japan), to celebrate Railway Day, reunion of former station masters, taiko drum performance by Matsuyama Elementary School students
Date: 10:00 AM, June 9
Venue: South Gate, First Floor, Songshan Station
Event content: Inviting Sister Station Chief o%, Director Renzhi from Matsuyama City, Ehime Prefecture, Japan, to visit Taiwan to jointly unveil the annual Railway Festival ceremony, symbolizing the deep friendship and cultural exchange between Taiwan and Japan’s sister stations; inviting former station masters back “home” to reunite with colleagues, and displaying the history and introduction of Matsuyama Station in the station office area to signify the passing of the torch among the people of Matsuyama; inviting the Taiko Drum Team from Songshan Elementary School to celebrate the new home of Songshan Station.

Model Railway Exhibition
Date: June 5–June 21
Venue: South Gate, 1st Floor, Songshan Station
Event content: A precious model railway exhibition provided by the 29th Station Master of Songshan Station, Li Yongsheng, along with related railway clubs, allowing passengers to enjoy the fun of a miniature railway world.

Mall Discount Promotion
Date: June 5–June 21
Venue: The Mall
Event content: Show your railway ticket at the mall upstairs to enjoy discounts on purchases.

Launch of Limited-Edition Songshan Station Bento Boxes
Date: June 5–June 21
Venue: Service Counter, 2nd Floor, The Mall
Event content: Starting June 5, purchase limited-edition Songshan Station commemorative bento boxes at the mall with an additional charge upon shopping.

Exhibition of Famous TV Channel Photography
Date: June 25–August 31
Venue: North Second Front Plaza, 1st Floor, Songshan Station
Event content: In conjunction with the Songshan District Office’s “Xikou Cultural Festival,” famous global TV channels are invited to hold a photography exhibition at the station, showcasing the beauty of Taipei through the lens and adding a cultural ambiance to the station.

Zhongli Station

Carpenter’s Home Railway Culture Environmental Advertisement and Creative Works Exhibition
Date: June 6, 2:15 PM
Venue: Front Station Ticket Hall
Event content: ‘Figures of Different Eras, Passing Through the Same Zhongli Station’ – Combining historical photos of the station, tools and equipment, and materials from Carpenter’s Home to develop environmental advertisements and creative works showcasing railway culture – organized in collaboration with the Carpenter’s Home Care Association and the Department of Commercial Design at Chung Yuan Christian University.

Distribution of “Train Image Magnet Set” Railway Promotional Items
Time: June 6, 2:15 PM
Venue: Service Counter
Event content: Limited to 60 sets of the “Train Image Magnet Set” railway promotional items.

Singing Performance
Date: June 6, 2:30 PM
Venue: Front Station Ticket Hall
Event content: Performed by the String & Sound Guitar Club of Innovation Technology College.

Zhunan Station

Date: June 7, 9:20 AM – 12:00 PM
Venue: First floor of West Station
Event content: Indigenous street performers’ saxophone performance, dance performances by moms from Zhengnan Community, ERA band performance, Zhunan Town Pipe Band concert, children’s choir performance, and more

Date: May 8 – June 30
Venue: Zhunan Station Cross-Station Corridor
Event content: Art and cultural exhibition by Yu Da University of Science and Technology and Asia Pacific Institute of Technology

Miaoli Station

1. June 9: Children’s railway heritage sketching and visit to the Railway Museum.
2. June 1 – June 15: Art and literary works exhibition in the cross-station corridor.

Taichung Station

Date: June 7, 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Venue: Front plaza of Taichung Station
Event content: “A Glimpse of Taichung” painting event (by Datong Elementary School Art Class)

Date: June 7, starting at 8:00 AM
Venue: Waiting room
Event content: Taiwanese jade exhibition “Encountering Formosa”

Date: June 7, 8:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Venue: Stage, Platform 1
Event content: Electric Trio Gods, taiko drum performances, steam train arrival, “Little Station Master” flag dance, and other music and dance performances.

Changhua Station

Time: June 7, 8:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Event content: Free medical consultation by Show Chwan Memorial Hospital.

Time: June 7, 9:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Event content: Dynamic model train exhibition, visit to the heritage room, fan-shaped train shed photography exhibit, short film screening.

Time: June 7, 9:00 AM – 11:10 AM
Event content: Level crossing safety awareness, folk dance performance by Changhua City Sports Association, steam train arrival, performance by the Southern Yao Temple Holy Mother’s General Troupe, band performance, flag dance performance, and chorus performance by Changhua Municipal Library, among others.

Yuanlin Station

Time: June 7, 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Event content: Blood donation and free medical consultation by Changhua Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare; performance by Maxxis Music Academy
Joint concert by the Heart Food Up Band, Ma San Band, Huang Jin’an Music Teaching Center & Director Xie Wenhuai of Changhua Hospital

Time: 2:30 PM – 9:00 PM on June 8
Event content: Performance by the Tuesday Band, Band led by the Chairman of Yuanlin Central Rotary Club

Time: 2:30 PM – 9:00 PM on June 9
Event content: Performance by the Maxxis Electronic Keyboard Band and Maxxis Saxophone Band

Time: June 7 – June 9
Event content: Dynamic Railway Exhibition by Mr. Chan Fu-fan

Chiayi Station

Joint Exhibition of Works by Literary and Art Writers Association
Location: Platform 1
Time: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM from June 1 to June 15
Event content: A joint exhibition featuring a series of works themed around railway scenery.

Musical feast and railway knowledge quiz with prizes
Location: Waiting Hall
Time: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM on June 7
Event content: Invite art and music bands to perform concerts in the waiting hall, with interactive prize quizzes during intermissions.

Joint Exhibition by Railway Artists
Location: Waiting Hall
Time: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM on June 7 and June 9
Event content: Special exhibition by renowned railway artists showcasing a series of works, with opportunities to watch the painters at work and participate in on-site DIY experiences.

Xinying Station

Appreciation of Taiwanese Local Music and Art
Location: Station Waiting Room
Date: June 9
Event content: Inviting the Driftwood Band to perform Taiwanese local music in the station waiting room, with participation from local figures and community groups.

Captivating Railway Dance Art Performance
Location: Station Waiting Room
Date: June 9
Event content: Inviting members of the Tainan City Rhythm Committee to perform popular dances in the station waiting room.

Tainan Station

Commemorative Stamp Activity for the 128th Anniversary of Railway Day
Location: Station Hall
Date: June 1–June 9
Activity: Commemorative stamps for the 128th anniversary of Railway Day will be available for passengers to stamp as souvenirs.

Musical Notes 'Dancing' Travelers Music & Art Event
Location: Station Hall
Date: June 7
Activity: The Earth Music Theater is invited to perform music and dance shows at the station.

Gangshan Station

Shaolin Health Exercise Performance
Location: Station Hall
Time: June 5
Activity: The Shaolin Health Qigong Association is invited to perform Shaolin Health Boxing and Meimubang (eyebrow-height sticks) at the station hall.

Xinzuoying Station

Railway Station and Train Photography Exhibition
Location: Exhibition Area on the 4th Floor of Global Mall
Date: May 24, 2015 – June 30, 2015
Activity: Railway photographers are invited to showcase distinctive Taiwanese railway stations and train photos in a special exhibition.

Railway Photography Lecture
Location: 3rd Floor, Global Mall
Date: June 6
Activity: Railway photographers are invited to introduce the beauty of railways and share little stories behind them.

Musical Feast Birthday Celebration
Location: Station Hall
Date: June 7
Activity:
1. Inviting school or community music groups to perform at the station.
2. The station’s mascot characters Sasa and Yingying, along with Global Mall mascots and a giraffe, will lead passengers and children in cutting a birthday cake together.

Train Ride Shopping Discounts
Date: May 1 – August 31
Event Details: Enjoy shopping discounts at Universal Department Store with your train ticket.

Steam Train Ride
Location: 1st Floor Arcade of the Station
Operating Hours: June 5th from 16:00–17:00, June 6th from 11:00–12:00 & 14:00–15:00
Event Details: Free ride on June 5th with a Universal iKids Card. On June 6th, free ride with a valid Taiwan Railways ticket for that day or any amount of Universal Department Store receipt (120 ride vouchers per session, while supplies last).

Kaohsiung Station

Railway Dynamic Model Exhibition
Location: 3rd Floor Waiting Hall of the Front Station
Date: June 7th (Sun) 10:00–16:00
Event Details: Display of various train models and operation on model tracks.

Hometown Voices Choir (Council of Indigenous Peoples)
Location: 3rd Floor Waiting Hall of the Front Station
Date: June 7th (Sun) 10:00–11:30
Event Details: Choir performances, instrumental ensemble, song and dance to celebrate, and sharing of birthday cake.

Railway Travel Lecture Series
Location:
1. Underground Engineering Exhibition Hall (Kaohsiung Dome-Style Old Station)
2. Construction Site Behind the Exhibition Hall
Date: June 9th (Tue) 9:00–10:30, 10:30–11:30
Event Details:
1. Invited speaker: Xie Ming[Character not displayed] from the Southern Office of the Railway Reconstruction Bureau to give an insightful lecture on railway travel. 2. Visit the Underground Engineering Exhibition Hall and learn about the progress of Railway Underground Project Bid No. 212.

Railway Photography Exhibition
Location: Overpass Bridge at this Station
Date: June 5th–June 10th, All Day
Event Details: Carefully captured photos by veteran railway staff and rail enthusiasts.

Blood Donation Drive
Location: East Entrance Plaza
Date: June 9th (Sun) 9:00–17:30
Event Details: Blood donors will receive a souvenir provided by the blood donation center.

Pingtung Station

Commemorative Platform Ticket Set “Remembering the Phoenix, Thinking Back, Farewell Old Station”
Venue: Waiting Halls at Pingtung Station and Fongshan Station
Date: June 6 at 8:00 AM
Event Details: With the upcoming launch of the elevated Pingtung Railway Station and the demolition of the current station, a commemorative ticket set titled “Farewell, Old Station” will be issued, incorporating elements from the already-demolished Fongshan Station.

“Nostalgic Views of Pingtung” Railway Station Photo Exhibition
Venue: Platform 1 at Pingtung Station
Date: June 9 at 10:00 AM
Event Details: Display of vintage photos of the station and distribution of panoramic station bookmark cards to passengers, allowing them to revisit the station’s history.

“Saxophone Serenade to You” Musical Tea Gathering
Venue: Platform 1 at Pingtung Station
Date: June 9 at 10:00 AM
Event Details: The “Pingtung Citizens’ Saxophone Orchestra” will perform a train-themed suite. Light refreshments will also be provided to celebrate Railway Day with passengers.

Taitung Station

Date: June 6 at 08:30 AM
Event Details: A special heritage train, the Guanghua Nostalgia Train, will be operated to offer free rides to local residents and distinguished guests.
Registration: 089～229685

Hualien Station

Date: June 7, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM on Railway Day
Venue: Former Hualien Station
Event Details:
1. Operation of a special CT273 steam locomotive train from Hualien to Wanrong, offering rides to retired Taiwan Railways employees and children from the Liming Vocational Training Center.
2. Special invitation to former chiefs of the Hualien Maintenance Section to return for a celebratory gathering.
3. Performance by the Hualien County International Sport Dance Association showcasing splendid dance routines.

Ruifang Station

Orchestra Performance
Date: June 9 at 10:00 AM
Venue: Ruifang Station Yard and Plaza
Event Details: Performances by local school clubs and government-registered orchestras at the station

Railway Knowledge Quiz with Prizes
Date: June 9 from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM
Location: Waiting room in the front station hall
Event content: Introduction to railway station categories, level crossing safety for everyone

One-day station master fashion show
Date: June 9, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: Waiting room in the front station hall
Event content: Through public participation, simple costume changes to role-play as station staff members

Samba drum performances, folk dance performances, samba dance performances
Date: June 9, 10:30 AM – 11:00 AM
Location: Station square
Event content: Inviting schools and local community groups to perform, creating a lively atmosphere

Railway vintage relics exhibition
Date: June 9
Location: Waiting room in the front station hall
Event content: Exhibition of vintage railway items

Yilan Station

Photography exhibition
Date: June 1 – June 14, all day
Location: Platform 1 of Yilan Station
Event content: Inviting the “How to Become a Life Photographer” class from Yilan Community College to hold a learning achievement exhibition

Dance celebration of Railway Day
Date: June 6, 9:00 AM – 9:30 AM
Location: Front station square of Yilan Station
Event content: Inviting the award-winning team “Yuanye Dance Team of Erjie Community, Wujie Township” from the 2014 National Presentation of “Elders Move Together”

Ocarina performance
Date: June 6, 9:30 AM – 10:00 AM
Location: Waiting room at Yilan Station
Event content: Inviting the “Melodious Ocarinas – Double-Reed Ocarina Class” from Yilan Community College to perform at the station

Brass quintet
Date: June 6, 10:30 AM – 11:00 AM
Location: Waiting room at Yilan Station
Event content: Inviting the Yilan High School student band to perform a brass quintet in the waiting hall of this station and interact with passengers.

Ludong Station

Photography Exhibition
Time: June 6–June 20
Location: Ludong Station premises
Event content: An exhibition titled “Prosperity Rising” will be displayed in the waiting room, featuring photographs of the CK-124 steam locomotive provided by several enthusiastic railway photographers.

Dance Celebration of Railway Day
Time: June 9
Location: Ludong Station premises
Event content: Thirty teachers and students from the town-run “Dong’an Kindergarten” will perform a dance, along with a performance by the folk dance club of Daxinli Community, celebrating Railway Day together with passengers.