By Li Xinyi, compiled and reported
Taiwan Railways' cruise train made its maiden voyage on April 14 this year, offering three types of 2-day tour packages: "Yilan & Taipingshan," "Taitung & South Cross-Island Highway," and "Yilan & Hualien," with adult fares starting at NT$4,000. The first to debut, the "2-Day Tour of the Beauty of Yilan and Taipingshan," quickly sold out nearly all tickets when bookings opened on March 16. The second package, the Taitung & South Cross-Island Highway journey, will open for ticket reservations on April 20, with the departure date set for May 19.
Taiwan Railways' cruise train this year highlights special itineraries in eastern Taiwan. (Photo provided by Taiwan Railways Administration)
The cruise train packages offered by Taiwan Railways utilize the island-wide rail network to take travelers across Taiwan. The all-inclusive packages cover transportation, meals, accommodation, sightseeing, and guided tours. The "Rich 2-Day Tour of Taitung & the South Cross-Island Highway" departs from Tainan, Kaohsiung, Fengshan, Pingtung, and Xinzuoying. In addition to enjoying the scenic beauty of the Wulu Canyon and Pilu Lake, travelers will also visit Taiwan’s largest small station — the Jialu Station — the legendary "unreachable station" — Shanli, as well as Zhutian Station, one of the only remaining Japanese-era wooden stations on the Pingtung Line alongside the now-defunct Sankecuo Station.
The "Yi-Hua Scenic 2-Day Tour," departing from Shulin, Banqiao, Taipei, Songshan, and Qidu on June 30, opened for bookings on June 1. The route includes stops at Houlong, Hualien, Hanben, and Luodong. Highlights include exploring the cat village of Houlong, the Changfeng Leisure Farm, and the Mugecuoyu Eco-Art Gallery. Hanben Station is also the filming location where the male protagonist meets a Lithuanian girl in the movie "Island Etude."
Taiwan Railways official website: www.railway.gov.tw
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