Nantou Train Festival: Free Rides on Historic Steam Trains

Text by MOOK Scenic Spots Travel Life Net, reported by Chen Guanxin

The annual summer train extravaganza—Nantou Train Festival—is set to take place from July 15 to August 12. This year, visitors who book accommodation in Nantou can reserve a free ride on the newly restored DT668 and the iconic CK124 steam trains. Additionally, cartoon stars from the U.S. like Sesame Street characters, Thomas the Tank Engine from the UK, and Bob the Builder will gather along the Jiji Line. Cartoon-themed exhibition halls will also be open for free visits. Moreover, a “Steam Locomotive Conductor for a Day” online vote will be held, where the public can choose from four candidates: Monkey Grab Girl, Kelan, Chicken Cutlet Girl, and Hu Ya. Voting is open now through July 15.

For the free steam train rides, this year features the newly restored DT668 steam locomotive in dynamic operation, along with the ever-popular heritage CK124. A total of 16 rides are scheduled during the event, with about 240 passengers per ride. Visitors can make a reservation through any legally operated hotel or homestay in Nantou between July 9 and August 11.

This year’s Train Festival also combines performances and local township events. In addition to various cultural and artistic activities held every Saturday and Sunday at Zhuoshui Station, Jiji Station, and Shuili Water Park during the event period, photography and children’s sketching competitions are also planned, with submissions accepted from July 15 to August 3. Food lovers can sign up online for the Gourmet Relay Competition, with a chance to win a NT$5,000 food voucher. Smartphone users can download the “Train Festival APP” after the event launch to play the “Attraction Bingo” game. While exploring the attractions along the Jiji Line, participants can earn points to redeem cartoon character merchandise. Furthermore, counties and towns such as Mingjian, Jiji, and Shuili will host a series of activities including agricultural product fairs, bike riding, weekend outdoor movies, and creative markets starting now, adding more local Nantou flavor to the summer train celebration.

The popular “Conductor for a Day” selection, paired with steam train rides, will choose from candidates including Monkey Grab Girl, Kelan, Exploding Chicken Cutlet Girl, and Hu Ya. Online voting is now open, and the winner will serve as the steam train conductor for a day during the event. There is also a special “Kids’ King Conductor” designed for children, with candidates being child actors from kids’ TV channels. The official website for the Train Festival is: travel.nantou.gov.tw/2012doodoo.

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