Taiwan Railways' 2-day, 1-night cruise-style train itinerary has been popular since its debut. From April to June this year, four unique themed train tours have been added: Sanxiantai in Hualien and Taitung, Neiwan & Expo Museum, Shihgu Music & Hot Air Balloon Carnival, and Mugu Muyu & Steam Train & Whale Watching. These allow travelers to enjoy their trips with ease, experience Taiwan’s local charm from fresh perspectives, with prices starting at NT$4,250 per person.
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Changhua Fan-Shaped Roundhouse is the only remaining fan-shaped locomotive depot in Taiwan, named for its fan-like layout formed by a 360-degree rotating turntable extending outward. (Photo provided by Taiwan Railways Administration)
The Steam Train & Sanxiantai Hualien-Taitung 2-Day Highlights Tour is now open for booking, departing from northern Taiwan on April 13. Travelers will ride the iconic steam locomotive LDK59 from Hualien, experiencing Taiwan Railways’ history and culture amid the sound of its whistle. The tour includes visits to Sanxiantai and Jialulan Recreation Area to admire the naturally eroded coastal rock formations, cycling in Luye Longtian and exploring the Rice Kingdom School in Guanshan to enjoy its unique scenery, and a slow train ride through Renhe Station to take in the Qingshui Cliffs. The trip concludes with a visit to Dongshan Station, home to Taiwan’s only vine-covered platform.
The Neiwan & Expo Museum Enrichment 2-Day Tour is scheduled to depart from southern Taiwan on May 25. It will include stops at Dajia Zhenlan Temple and Wenchang Shrine with tastings of the area’s famous buttery cookies, a visit to the historic Xincheng Railway Station—now the Xincheng Story House—and exploration of Neiwan, the Taichung Expo Museum, and the historic Miaoli Southern Village to admire traditional Hakka architecture. The tour ends with a visit to Changhua Fan-Shaped Roundhouse and other railway heritage sites. Booking opens on April 26.
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Travelers on the “Mugu Muyu & Steam Train & Whale Watching” tour can ride the dreamy LDK59 steam locomotive. (Photo provided by Taiwan Railways Administration)
The Shihgu Music & Hot Air Balloon Carnival Tour bookings open on May 24, with the trip departing from central Taiwan on June 22. The itinerary includes a visit to Shihgu Cultural Village to explore the historical artistry blending Taiwan’s sugar industry and drum performances, attendance at the Luye Gaotai Hot Air Balloon Carnival to float above vast grasslands, and tours of Taitung Native Plant Garden and the National Museum of Prehistory to enjoy the East Rift Valley scenery and experience Taiwan’s prehistoric history and culture. The tour also features a stop at the distinctive southern loop station—Kaluguan Station.
The Mugu Muyu & Steam Train & Whale Watching Tour opens for booking on May 31. On June 29, travelers will head to the northeastern coastal ecosystem at Fulong Station, then continue to Mugu Muyu to enjoy the gentle, picturesque landscapes of Hualien. The whale watching experience takes place aboard a safe and comfortable vessel, guided by an experienced captain, allowing visitors to marvel at marine life in a smooth and secure journey. Back in Hualien, guests will ride the iconic LDK59 steam train, immersing themselves in Taiwan Railways’ heritage amid the sound of its whistle, and visit Dongshan Station—the only vine-covered platform in Taiwan. The trip ends with a walk from Waiao Station to Waiao Beach. For bookings and full itinerary details, visit the Taiwan Railways Administration website at www.railway.gov.tw.
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