Numerous steam trains on the Nantou Train Festival offer free rides—reservations now open

By MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Life Network, reported by Chen Guanxin

 

The most talked-about railway tourism event during the summer vacation—Nantou Train Festival—adopts the theme “Travel with Building Blocks Fun” this year. A series of activities will officially kick off this Sunday (the 14th). Among them, the most popular activity, free steam train rides for those staying overnight in Nantou, is now open for reservations. As long as you stay at a legitimate accommodation in Nantou during the event period, you can apply for a ride through the accommodation provider. There are four time slots available every Sunday. Those who do not stay overnight can exchange for a vacant seat on-site with a unified invoice worth 500 NTD.

The free steam train ride experience this year will be powered by the national treasure-level steam locomotive DT668. Known as the “King of Steam Locomotives,” this train is the largest in tonnage in the history of the Taiwan Railways, with a tractive effort of over 17,000 kilograms and the ability to pull 10 carriages at once. It can be considered a dream ride for train enthusiasts and a rare, novel experience for both children and adults who have never ridden a steam train before. This year, the steam train rides are scheduled every Sunday during the event period. As long as you stay at a legitimate hotel or homestay within Nantou, you can apply for a free ride through your accommodation provider. Once your application is approved, bring the application form to the station 30 minutes before departure on the day of the ride to check in and collect your ticket.

Vacant seats on-site will be available to those who did not make a reservation. You can exchange an invoice worth 500 NTD spent in Nantou during the event period for one train ticket. In addition, the official website will update the steam train reservation status daily during the event, allowing the public to check seat availability for each trip. The most special feature of this year’s Train Festival is the first-ever hot air balloon tethered flight weekly draw for free experiences—completely free of charge. Just spend 1,000 NTD in Nantou during the event period to get a raffle ticket, where one winner brings two people up in the air.

 

The Nantou Train Festival officially kicks off this Sunday. The first steam train will depart from Zhuoshui in the morning, and Julie Zhu will perform at the opening ceremony at Jiji Station. Acting Nantou County Magistrate Chen Zhiching will take a ride in a hot air balloon to promote the experience of riding trains and flying high at the Nantou Train Festival. The building block-themed exhibition hall will also debut on opening day, showcasing exhibits created by master builders that highlight railway culture and Nantou tourism. Other exciting activities include the second annual Steam Locomotive Popular Conductor Voting, where the public selects their dream idol to ride the train with; the Building Block Master competition, where creativity with building blocks wins cash prizes; a photography contest capturing fleeting moments of trains, and a drawing contest beloved by children; the Jiji One-Day Value Tour departing every Friday for just 399 NTD per person, offering an in-depth visit to attractions along the Jiji Line, as well as dynamic stage performances on weekends. Event website: travel.nantou.gov.tw/2013doodoo.

 

 

● Read more: Free Hot Air Balloons & Steam Trains—Nantou Train Festival Kicks Off July 14

http://goo.gl/MNeHL