Taiwan Railways’ 8 Top Autumn-Winter Cruise-Style Train Tours – The Southern Branch of the National Palace Museum Itinerary Stands Out

By MOOK Travel & Living Network Editorial Team
 

Want to go on a trip but not sure how to plan it? Between October and December this year, Taiwan Railways has launched 8 uniquely themed “cruise-style train tour packages.” In addition to previously popular routes such as the Bulang Avenue in Chihshang, Taitung, and Luye Plateau, this time they’ve also included unique attractions like the Alishan Forest Railway. Moreover, on December 31st, there’s a special itinerary visiting the Southern Branch of the National Palace Museum and watching the sunrise at Alishan — a great option for travelers who don’t usually have time to plan trips.

● Tranquil Linmei & Rural Charm Experience
Tour Dates: Oct 10–11    Booking Date: Sep 10
Departing from Changhua Station and heading to Toucheng, Yilan. Along the way, the train stops at Yingge Station to visit the Ceramic Old Street, immersing you in a rich historical atmosphere. Next, it heads to Dasi for a cultural experience, then continues to Jiayi for a taste of local culture and cuisine. The journey also includes a stop in Hualien to explore the beauty of the coast and enjoy local delicacies.
 
● Cat-Filled Houtong & Bulang-Bunun Culture
Tour Dates: Oct 24–25    Booking Date: Sep 24

Departing from Hsinchu Station and traveling to scenic spots along the Yilan and East Coast lines. Get off at Houtong Station to admire the Coal Mining Museum Park, miners’ dormitories, and the cat village. Then head to Guanshan Station to experience rice culture at Guanshan Rice Country School. The next day, continue to Chihshang Station to explore Bulang Avenue and the Indigenous Cultural Museum.

● Lavender Fields & Forest Breathing Tour
Tour Dates: Nov 7–8    Booking Date: Oct 7

Departing from Fengyuan and traveling to scenic spots in Fangye, Taimali, and Zhiben. The tour takes a leisurely pace, including admiring the beauty of the old iron bridge at Jiouzuitang, visiting the platform-less “Fangye Station,” and personally experiencing fruit-picking fun at Taimali Station. The next day, continue to Zhiben Station to visit Zhiben Forest Recreation Area, Taiwan’s most beautiful train station at Dulluan, and the F3 Art & Cultural District in Fangliao.

● Explore Baiyang & Litan Lakes, Clam-Digging Fun
Tour Dates: Nov 21–22    Booking Date: Oct 21

Departing from Shulin Station and heading to scenic spots in Yilan County and Hualien. In Yilan Station, admire the Push Car, Diudiu Forest, and Jimmy Square. At Dongshan Station, see Taiwan’s only vine-covered platform. Visit Xincheng Railway Station to explore Taroko National Park’s Baiyang and Lushui Trails. The next day, head to Lianhuatan in Hualien Station and Lichuan Fish Farm to experience the rustic joy of “digging clams and washing pants,” ending the trip at Chongde Station to enjoy the beautiful mountain and sea views.

● Peaceful Longtian & Warm Luming Hot Springs
Tour Dates: Nov 28–29    Booking Date: Oct 28

Departing from Banqiao Station and traveling to scenic spots in Yilan and Taitung. Highlights include Yilan Station’s Diudiu Forest and Jimmy Square; Dongshan Station’s unique vine-covered platform; cycling through Japanese-style buildings in Longtian at Luye Station and savoring tea at Luye Plateau. The next day, visit the Bunun Tribal Cultural Park to experience indigenous tribal theater performances and the Taitung Native Plant Garden, and finish with a relaxing foot soak at Tangweigou Park in Jiaoxi Station to unwind.