Steam trains return to eastern Taiwan in August & cruise-style train tickets go on sale July 29

▲The CT273 will speed through eastern Taiwan in August. (Photo / Taiwan Railways Administration)

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

Remember the successful relaunch of the CT273 steam locomotive, known as the “Queen of Steam Locomotives,” by Taiwan Railways on Railway Day, June 9? After two years of restoration by TRA, the iconic engine made its debut during Railway Day and will now serve as the powerhouse of the “SL Midsummer Formosa” steam train, chugging through eastern Taiwan to showcase the region’s breathtaking scenery.

To promote railway tourism and celebrate the second anniversary of the SL Midsummer Formosa, the Taiwan Railways Administration is running a steam train special to eastern Taiwan for the first time this year (2014). The Yuli to Taitung steam train will operate on August 7, 8, and 9 (Thursday to Saturday), with stops at Zhishan, Guanshan, and Shanli stations. Travelers can disembark at Zhishan to visit the scenic “Heaven’s Road” and “Proud Lang Boulevard.”

This SL Midsummer Formosa cruise-style train consists of four SPK air-conditioned express cars (240 seats total) and two non-air-conditioned DR2511-2512 diesel railcars (80 seats total). Starting at 9:00 AM on Monday, July 28, online ticket sales open for all three train services on August 7, 8, and 9. Tickets are divided between air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned cars, so please choose accordingly when booking.

For fare details, the SPK air-conditioned express car reserved seat ticket is NT$1,270, while the non-air-conditioned DR2511 diesel car unreserved seat ticket is NT$1,016. These packages also include a commemorative ride certificate, a multi-functional spike pen (retail value NT$499), and a set of empty lunchbox containers from the Hualien-Taitung electrification commemorative edition (Taroko Express style) (retail value NT$250). Passengers can collect these souvenirs at the Yuli Station check-in desk with their ticket stub on the day of travel.

Itinerary highlights of the SL Midsummer Formosa cruise-style train:
1. The steam train departs from Yuli Station at 13:05, arriving at Zhishan Station at 14:13 and staying until 15:13 (60-minute stop). Passengers can explore nearby attractions such as the “Zhishan Rice Ball Culture Story Museum.”
2. Next, the train stops at Guanshan Station from 15:38 to 16:15 (37-minute stop). Visitors can walk to the nearby old Guanshan Station and surrounding historic dormitories, where well-preserved traditional Japanese wooden architecture offers a nostalgic glimpse into the past.
3. The final stop is the famous Shanli Station from 16:45 to 17:05 (20-minute stop). With few daily services, it has been dubbed the “unreachable station” by local writers. A viewing platform near the station offers vistas of the Jian Mountain and Little Huangshan across the Beinan River. There's also a famous white chapel nearby for memorable photos.
4. The journey ends at Taitung Station (arrival at 17:15).