Summer is the perfect time for travel. Taiwan Railways Administration (TRA) has partnered with the Siraya National Scenic Area in Tainan to launch a cruise-style train, offering three family-friendly rural experience tour packages. Online ticket reservations open on the 7th. Additionally, a passenger-and-vehicle car has been added, making it easy for cyclists to explore the Siraya region.
The Siraya Management Office has collaborated with TRA this year to introduce one-day rural experience tours suitable for families and cyclists. Passengers can board at Pingtung, Fongshan, Kaohsiung, and Xinzuoying. On July 16th, the itinerary includes a visit to Zoumaile Farm and the mango market. On July 31st, travelers can enjoy lotus viewing in Baihe, explore the butterfly ecology and the unique water-fire phenomenon at Guanziling Red Leaf Park. On August 13th, visitors will interact with crickets at the Xinhua National Botanical Garden and pick longans and experience longan drying at the Nanhua Eco-Recreation Area.
The experience package is a set fare, with adult tickets ranging from NT$434 to NT$526, and child tickets from NT$268 to NT$414. Cyclists pay an additional NT$128 round-trip fare. The plan includes shuttle buses and onboard volunteer guides. Participants of the July 16th tour will also receive a NT$100 cash voucher.
Chen Wen-chuan, station master of TRA’s Kaohsiung Railway Station, said that in addition to the cruise-style train, TRA also offers monthly tours on the third Wednesday of each month along the South-Link Line, and a tour of the Wushulin Sugar Refinery on August 8th.