Text by MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Network, reported by Chen Guanxin
The annual summer train event—Nantou Train Festival—will be held from July 15 to August 12. This year, visitors staying in Nantou can book a free ride on the recently restored DT668 and the iconic CK124 steam trains. Additionally, cartoon stars such as the Sesame Street gang, Thomas the Tank Engine from the UK, and Bob the Builder will gather along the Jiji Line, with themed exhibition halls open for free visits. Moreover, an online vote will be held to select the "Steam Train Conductor for a Day" from four candidates: Monkey Grab Girl, Kelun, Chicken Cutlet Girl, and Hu Ya. Voting is open now through July 15.
This year’s Nantou Train Festival brings together cartoon characters and online celebrities, attracting families and fans of these personalities. (Photo provided by Nantou County Government Tourism Bureau)
For the free steam train rides, this year features the newly restored DT668 steam locomotive in dynamic operation, along with the ever-popular heritage CK124. There will be a total of 16 rides during the event, each accommodating around 240 passengers. Visitors who stay at any licensed hotel or homestay in Nantou between July 9 and August 11 can make a reservation through their accommodation provider.
This year’s Train Festival also combines performances, local township activities, and more. Aside from weekend arts and cultural events at Zhuoshui Station, Jiji Station, and Shuili Water Park during the festival period, photography and children’s sketch competitions are also planned, with submissions accepted from July 15 to August 3. Food lovers can sign up online for the Gourmet Relay Competition, with a chance to win a NT$5,000 food voucher. Smartphone users can download the “Train Festival APP” after the event launch to play a scenic bingo game. While exploring attractions along the Jiji Line, participants can collect points to redeem cartoon character merchandise. In addition, towns such as Mingjian, Jiji, and Shuili will host a series of activities including agricultural product fairs, cycling events, weekend movies, and creative markets starting now, adding a local Nantou flavor to the summer train celebration.
At the press conference, the eye-catching beauties quickly had camera shutters working overtime. (Photo provided by Nantou County Government Tourism Bureau)
The popular "Conductor for a Day" selection, held alongside the steam train rides, will choose from candidates including Monkey Grab Girl, Kelun, Bursting Chicken Cutlet Girl, and Hu Ya. Online voting is now open, and the winner will serve as the steam train conductor for one day during the event. There is also a special “Kids’ King Conductor” designed for children, with candidates being child actors from kids' TV channels. Official website of the Train Festival: travel.nantou.gov.tw/2012doodoo.
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