By MOOK Scenic Spots Family Editorial Team, compiled and reported
The newly launched Hello Kitty-painted Taroko Express has been hugely popular. On Father's Day, Taiwan Railways held the "Hello Kitty Goes to Alishan – ‘Forest Journey’" event. The train departed from Nangang to Pingtung at 8:26 AM on August 8, making stops in Songshan, Taipei, Taoyuan, Hsinchu, Taichung, Changhua, Chiayi, Tainan, and Kaohsiung. The return trip left Pingtung Station at 4:18 PM the same day.
Taiwan Railways held the "Hello Kitty Goes to Alishan – ‘Forest Journey’" event on Father’s Day. (Photo source: Taiwan Railways Administration)
The train departed from Nangang to Pingtung at 8:26 AM on August 8, with the return trip leaving Pingtung Station at 4:18 PM. (Photo by MOOK Scenic Spots Family, Zhang Yingying)
Taiwan Railways also specially cooperated with the Alishan Forest Railway. That day, two additional services were added between Chiayi and Beimen on the forest railway, departing Chiayi Station at 1:20 PM and 1:50 PM, and returning from Beimen Station at 3:20 PM and 3:50 PM. Visitors could tour the depot area, visit the Hinoki Forest Life Village, and experience local agricultural products, cultural and creative markets, and woodworking workshops — perfect for family fun.
The interior of the carriage cleverly features Hello Kitty everywhere. (Photo source: Taiwan Railways Administration)
Seat covers and carriage interior walls also showcase Hello Kitty. (Photo source: Taiwan Railways Administration)
The regular schedule for the new Taroko Express Hello Kitty painted train is Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays — trains 426 and 441 — running between Shulin and Taitung. The "Hello Kitty Goes to Alishan – ‘Forest Journey’" event tickets went on sale online starting at midnight on August 3. For the forest railway section, a one-way ticket between Chiayi and Beimen costs NT$38, and visitors can purchase tickets at Chiayi Station after 12 PM on the day.