A parent-child train adventure: a stress-free trip for moms of two

Since I don’t drive, every time I visit my parents, I have to take the train. So riding trains has become a very ordinary thing for Qianqian and Wanwan.

Recently, I found out that there are actually many kids around us who haven’t taken a train by the time they’re four or five years old. The main reason, aside from everyone driving, is the fear that the kids won’t sit still and will make a lot of noise on the train (which is indeed terrifying for both parents and fellow passengers).

This time, because of an activity in Qianqian’s class, I found out that we’ll introduce the black bear design inside the train car later on.

Our itinerary for this light trip didn’t include many attractions, but it was enough to let the kids burn off some energy (so the adults wouldn’t get too tired either).

Here’s the recommended itinerary:

For our outbound train, we specifically chose the “Puyuma Express,” which you don’t get to ride often. Its fare is the same as the Tze-Chiang Limited Express, but it’s faster and has more space. Moms and dads, don’t forget to buy tickets for your kids (babies not occupying a seat don’t need one)!

The new trains have even better spatial planning, with dedicated nursing rooms, and the walkways between train cars are not only wider but also have space for luggage. If you don’t have luggage, strollers fit comfortably too (but remember to take valuables with you when outside the car).

The seats also have a fold-out table, just like on high-speed rail, where you can place items or eat (limited to 5 kg—basically, don’t put anything too heavy!).

Ah, eating a Taiwan Railway lunchbox on the train is such a delightful experience. Wanwan had already grabbed her chopsticks and was waiting for me.

What’s special is that every car has eight sets of seats with tables, which is really convenient for family trips.

Kids can also play with toys or draw here, but it might be awkward if you’re sitting with strangers. That’s why you need to buy four tickets at once to reserve them (otherwise, single tickets are only available if there’s space three days before departure!) (Recommended reading:)

Later, when we got off the train, I glanced at the restroom in the first car—wow, is it gorgeous? Gosh, I should’ve used it. (What kind of mindset is that?)

If you’re not in a rush, after getting off the train, don’t rush to exit the station. Take some time to walk to the front of the train to see how the Puyuma Express opens its “mouth” (i.e., the connector cover).

Honestly, the Puyuma Express shakes quite a bit while moving. When eating a lunchbox, the chopsticks keep shaking. So please remind kids not to walk around casually while the train is in motion, and be careful when going to the restroom too.

The Pingtung Station and Chaozhou Station have been renovated and look super nice now. They also have elevators, so parents pushing strollers don’t have to worry about carrying them up and down stairs.

After exiting the station, see if you can find this tourist brochure published by the local government office (I picked one up at the Drama Story Museum).

It introduces some featured attractions and local dishes. If you’re unfamiliar with Chaozhou, you can also follow the guide in the brochure.

Our first stop was the “Pingtung Opera Story Museum” (visit time: about 20–30 minutes), a century-old building in Baroque style. It was originally a post office and was reopened as a museum after renovation in 2011.

The exhibits mainly focus on local traditional performing arts, rotating displays of artifacts related to Taiwanese opera, glove puppetry, and shadow puppetry.

This time, the exhibition was themed around “Taiwanese opera.” As soon as we walked in, we saw a bridge set, and the kids immediately climbed on without any prompting.

Walking further inside, another area had interactive exhibits. In addition to display cases with costumes, kids could also try on gorgeous ancient robes and play drums and gongs.

After this activity, you can also stroll around the nearby old street or head back to the roundabout you’ll pass on the way, where there’s a famous “Zhengpai Cold & Hot Ice.” Seriously, it’s always crowded here, especially in summer, of course.

Hot mung bean congee with crushed ice toppings, covered with a big scoop of ice—have a bowl on the way back before getting on the train for a satisfying finish.

Our final stop of the day was taking the “Oh Bear Train” home. We arrived at the platform 20 minutes early so we could board as soon as the train arrived and start our “bear hunt.” Unlike regular local trains, the cars are adorned with cute black bear designs and vibrant colors.

The Oh Bear siblings are scattered throughout the train, with a total of four plush toys.

“The Oh Bear Brother Riding a Bicycle”

“The Handsome ‘Tie-Lu’ Holding a Ticket”—let Wanwan demonstrate some photo etiquette.

“The Black Bear Brother Eating a Lunchbox” (Recommended reading:)

Xiao Qianqian loves this one so much—now you’re feeding her, now fetching toys for her to play with. The bento box in the black bear’s hand looks absolutely delicious!

“The Hot Springs Sister – Hannah”

Which one do you like best? Don’t forget to look for them next time you ride too!

1. The schedule for the “Oh Bear Train” can be found on the TRA website under “Latest News.” Currently, it seems that the timetable for the next eight days is published, and the fare is calculated based on the local train rate.
2. During rush hour & holidays, local trains are bound to be more crowded. Boarding from Chaozhou Station not only allows you to take fun and safe photos before departure but also ensures you’ll likely have a seat!

Honestly, parents just have to give it a try—you don’t need to drive, and you get to enjoy scenery along the way that you don’t usually see. We’re sure it’ll be a wonderful trip!(With food around, there’s no time for fussing!)

According to news we saw a few days ago, the “Family Carriage” will be launched in July 2017. Not only are the compartments adorable and the seats spacious, but there are also family-friendly restrooms, nursing rooms, and some seats even come with tables and designs that can accommodate strollers!
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The Family Carriage is, of course, prioritized for those traveling with children. Please note that children under 12 also need to purchase half-price tickets. (That includes little babies too!) We haven’t seen any ticket booking details yet, but if there’s any new information, we’ll share it with everyone later!