National treasure steam train returns to service again: Mid-Taiwan wooden station tour to launch in March

Text by MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Life Network, compiled and reported by Chen Guanxin

 

The iconic national treasure steam train CK124 “Midsummer Taiwan No. 1” is poised to hit the tracks once more in March. On this run, the Midsummer Taiwan No. 1 will guide railway fans on a journey to explore Taiwan Railways’ wooden station buildings, including those at Zhuifen and Xinpu, allowing participants to revisit the bygone era of rail travel within the span of a single day.

This cruise-style train itinerary titled “CK124 Wooden Station Building Tour – 2nd Anniversary Commemorative Special of the 2014 Midsummer Taiwan No. 1” will be held on two dates in March: the 8th and 9th. Ticket sales will begin at 9:00 AM on February 21, with a single fare of NT$899 per person. The price includes round-trip tickets between Changhua and Zhunan (coastal line outbound, mountain line return), a commemorative cap, and an identification badge.

 

The itinerary includes stops at wooden railway stations such as Zhuifen, Rinan, Xinpu, Dashan, and Tanwen. Among them, Zhuifen Station features a uniquely structured wooden building. The name “Zhuifen” means “branch point” in Japanese, named so because it is where the Taichung Line diverges from the West Coast Line. Xinpu, unlike other aging coastal wooden stations, offers passengers a view of the blue Taiwan Strait right outside the station exit, making it the western trunk line station closest to the sea.

 

 

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