No outsiders allowed — Welcome to the gates of the underworld in July as Nantou’s Monster Train sets off

▲ Monster Village has become one of Nantou’s most popular tourist spots in recent years. (Photo provided by the Nantou County Government Tourism Department, the same applies to the following images)

Reported by Chen Rui-zhong / Comprehensive report

As the annual lunar July approaches once again, Taiwan Tourist Shuttle, in collaboration with Xitou Monster Village, is launching its third edition of the Xitou Line Ghostly Express Shuttle. This gives the public the chance to ride the Xitou Line bus for free and celebrate Ghost Festival with the monsters and ghosts of Monster Village.

On the day of Ghost Gate Opening this year (July 27), drivers of the Ghostly Express Shuttle will dress up as ghosts and monsters. Passengers who wear their scariest outfits or ghost and monster masks can enjoy a free ride worth over NT$700 on the Xitou Line. They can also join the grand monster parade and exciting celebration performances at Monster Village’s annual highlight, the Oni Festival.

▲ Reserve your spot to dress as a ghost and board the shuttle on Ghost Gate Opening Day for a chance to ride for free.

According to the organizers, this year’s Ghost Month features special guests from Kyoto — the “One Hundred Demons Night Parade” — along with ninja representatives from Iga Ueno. There will also be performances by the Jiutian Art Dance Troupe and Tianxiang Taiko Drum Group. Passengers on the Xitou Line can get off at stops that match their interests to create their own personalized Xitou Line itinerary. This Ghostly Express Shuttle event operates on a reservation basis. Those interested in signing up or learning more can visitTaiwan Tourist Shuttle Xitou Line official websitefor details.