Nantou Train Festival Kicks Off on the 13th with Internet Celebrity “Little Mark” as Conductor

Reported by You T-Ru / Taipei

The Nantou Train Festival will begin on the 13th of this month (103)! The most talked-about steam train celebrity conductor has been miniaturized this year—internet-famous child Little Mark and the youngest twin hosts of an online show, Lele & Z??, who have interviewed many A-list celebrities, will team up to form the adorable festival conductor duo. They’ll welcome the arrival of the beloved steam train.

▲ The popular steam train conductor is played by internet-famous child Little Mark and twin hosts Lele & Z?? (Photo provided by...).

The popular steam train conductor is played by internet-famous child Little Mark and twin hosts Lele & Z??. At the press conference held at the site today, the vibrant steam train was showcased, allowing the public to see the iconic steam train up close and meet the young and adorable conductor. As long as you have childhood memories of riding this train, or if you’ve never taken it before but are curious, you can register with your child to participate. Whether you come by car or take the train, you can visit the site and take photos.
The Jiji Line train holds nostalgic travel memories for many Taiwanese. This year’s train festival has, for the first time, collaborated with illustrators and local Nantou celebrities to create colorful, hand-painted Jiji Line carriages. Everyone's whimsical imaginations of the Jiji Line will come to life on these painted mini trains. The press conference gave an early sneak peek of the colorful Jiji Line train. To provide the public with more comprehensive travel information, the organizers will hold a “Top 10 Scenic Spots of the Jiji Line” voting campaign during the festival. The 24 scenic spots along the Jiji Line, proposed by local townships, will be open for all to vote on their must-visit spots. Voting not only enters you for a chance to win prizes, but the “Bear School” will also make surprise appearances for outdoor activities at various spots. This year’s festival also features, for the first time, colorful hand-painted Jiji Line carriages created in collaboration with illustrators and Nantou celebrities. The artworks will be displayed at the Jiji Station, and the exhibit area will include a DIY section where participants can upload their completed works to join a competition for cash prizes.


▲ The exhibit area will also feature a DIY section where participants can upload their completed works to join a competition for cash prizes. (Photo / Provided by Nantou County Government Tourism Bureau)

Purchasing local specialties is also a key part of any trip. To make it easier for visitors to shop for Nantou’s regional agricultural products, a selection of quality goods from 13 townships across Nantou has been curated into four different themed “Little Bear’s Pick Cheer Squad Specialty Boxes,” allowing the public to choose according to their preferences. In conjunction with the event, travel packages including a 499 NTD one-day tour and a 599 NTD value travel pass will cover must-visit spots on the Jiji Line, hands-on farming experiences, and cultural explorations.