By MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Network, reported by Chen Guanxin
The "Train Lot of Cars" event has entered its seventh year, inviting different cartoon characters as event guests each year to accompany everyone in having fun along the Jiji Line. This year, the currently hottest mobile app game from Japan, "Mushroom Cultivation Laboratory," brought its adorable mushrooms to the Jiji Line. They hopped onto the TRA Jiji Line train cars, and the author of Mushroom Cultivation Laboratory, Kawai Shingo, also came all the way from Japan, riding the TRA Mushroom Train cars with the mushrooms. Many passengers were pleasantly surprised to encounter the author in person, exclaiming how lucky they were.
Entering its 7th year, the Nantou Train Lot of Cars lets everyone have fun along the Jiji Line with cute mushrooms. (Photo provided by Nantou County Government Tourism Department)
The first steam locomotive DT668 arrived on the Jiji Line yesterday (14th) to a warm welcome, carrying passengers from all over Taiwan to enjoy the experience of riding a steam train. Despite the hot weather and the lack of air conditioning in the cars, along with occasional puffs of train smoke entering, both adults and children found the rare experience delightful. During the nearly month-long Train Lot of Cars event, locals staying overnight in Nantou can apply through their accommodation providers to reserve a free ride. The DT668 steam locomotive taking on this important role is known as the "King of Steam Locomotives," the most powerful steam train in Taiwanese history, a dream item for train enthusiasts, and a rare, fresh experience.
The author of Mushroom Cultivation Laboratory, Kawai Shingo, rides the TRA Mushroom Train car with adorable mushrooms. (Photo provided by Nantou County Government Tourism Department)
Themed Exhibition Hall—The Jiji Line Lego Fantasy Park features a series of exhibits created with Lego bricks, including characteristic trains from various countries, classic stations that blend art and history, and a scaled-down Nantou sightseeing map assembled from local attractions. There’s also an interactive area where visitors can create their own Lego works, offering surprises for both kids and adults and showcasing the magical charm of Lego. Meanwhile, Nantou is hosting its first-ever super-popular hot air balloon experience in Taiwan. Citizens can win free rides via a lottery—just donate receipts totaling over NT$1,000 spent during the event period to exchange for a raffle ticket. One winner gets two people to fly. The hot air balloon lottery event will debut at Jiji Elementary School next Saturday. During the event period, there will be balloon inflation performances every Saturday before the hot air balloons take off, allowing those who don’t get to ride a chance to see the balloons up close.
This year’s Nantou Train Lot of Cars will feature the national treasure-level steam locomotive DT668, giving visitors a taste of old-school railway charm. (Photo provided by Nantou County Government Tourism Department)
Additionally, food lovers shouldn’t miss the limited-time railway bento boxes specially made for the train festival, prepared with fresh ingredients from Nantou and available at the Jiji Station. Collect mushroom stamps at various train stations along the Jiji Line to exchange for limited-edition miniature Lego Jiji Line station models, with a different design each week. Every Friday during the event, a 399 Nantou One-Day Value Tour is offered, guided by experienced Jiji Line guides to take you deep into popular attractions, including farming or pottery experiences. Various towns also host numerous local specialty events and farmers' markets during the train festival, especially the Shuili Water Play Festival, which is refreshing and cool. Event website: travel.nantou.gov.tw/2013doodoo.
● Extended Reading: Robot Kitty Interactive Exhibition—A Sneak Peek at the Exciting Booth
http://goo.gl/J0AiS
