Visit Taiwan’s most beautiful little station and see vintage train cars in Checheng

Checheng in Nantou flourished because of the Zhenchangxing Timber Mill but declined in 1985 due to changes in Forestry Bureau policy. It was only after the Jiji Branch Line became a tourist railway that the small village was revitalized. After the 921 Earthquake, the original concrete station building was demolished and rebuilt as a wooden structure. The hand-pulled five-foot gauge train cars from the past are now set up next to the station for visitors to experience the old times. Now, the Checheng Railway Culture Park also features flatcars used to transport logs, ventilated cars for fruit, refrigerated cars for frozen and preserved food, along with water tank cars, caboose cars, and other types of rolling stock.

These 10 carriages share deep connections with the history of Checheng and the railway, and feature distinctive designs that hold permanent preservation value. Once part of Checheng Railway’s transport history, these vintage carriages have been beautified and restored before returning to Checheng, where they now serve as historical railway artifacts, writing a new chapter in Checheng’s tourism history. The outdoor railway heritage display area and railway market can be integrated with the Wood Industry Exhibition Hall and surrounding attractions to form a complete nostalgic travel route in Checheng.

Checheng Painted Free Shuttle Bus. Photo provided by / Sun Moon Lake National Scenic Area Administration

In addition to the vintage carriages at the Checheng Railway Culture Park, the free shuttle bus service between Sun Moon Lake and Checheng — part of the “Greater Sun Moon Lake Travel Pass” series — has also started operation. The Sun Moon Lake National Scenic Area Administration provides five free round-trip services daily. Departing from the Shuishe Visitor Center, the bus stops at Xiangshan, Tou She, Snake Kiln, Shuishe Railway Station, and the Shuishe Township Farmers’ Association before arriving in Checheng. This allows tourists to enjoy the scenic beauty of Sun Moon Lake and then visit the charming Checheng to explore its vintage railway heritage, experience various woodworking DIY activities, and taste unique wooden barrel bento meals. Information about the free shuttle bus can be found on the Nantou Bus or Sun Moon Lake Scenic Area Administration websites.

Nantou Bus: www.ntbus.com.tw/
Sun Moon Lake Scenic Area Administration website: www.sunmoonlake.gov.tw/



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Japan’s oldest wooden train station (provided by Tripass Attractions)