The Tourism Bureau of the Ministry of Transportation is promoting "Taiwan Mid-Summer Festival" this year with five main activities, one of which is "Railway Tourism Fun." The "2024 Mid-Summer Treasure Island Train," organized by the Taiwan Railways Administration, will depart in the form of a cruise-style train, leading passengers through the beautiful scenery of the Huadong Valley. The Mid-Summer Treasure Island Train, powered by the CT273 steam locomotive, includes six Ju Guang carriages and stops at stations like Yuli, Fuli, Chishang, Shanli, and Taitung, allowing passengers to leisurely explore popular attractions and unique small stations around each stop.
The Mid-Summer Treasure Island Train is a cruise-style train that operates in Huadong every summer. (Photo / Courtesy of the Tourism Bureau of the Ministry of Transportation)
The Huadong Valley National Scenic Area Administration (HVNSAA) is committed to promoting railway tourism in the Huadong Valley, collaborating with the Taiwan Railways Administration and local government offices to offer a series of discounts and activities for passengers. HVNSAA Director Guo Zhenling stated that this event not only combines the local summer refreshment theme "Come Enjoy Tea and Coffee Ice," promoting low-carbon sustainable tourism but also aims to revitalize the economy of the Huadong region through these activities.
Passengers on the Mid-Summer Treasure Island Train, upon presenting their train ticket stubs and proof of accommodation from the previous day or the day of travel or receipts of over 500 NTD spent at the Fuli Market, can redeem a limited-edition honey-flavored black tea gift box. Additionally, each stop will offer local herbal teas for passengers to enjoy for free.
Exploring the Treasures of Huadong by Train, Savoring Local Flavors Yuli Town offers sea salt lemon drinks made from "Jinxi Lemons" grown without toxic chemicals. The "Nine-Day Good Field" established by returning Bunun youth provides iced honey-flavored black tea. The "Green Dot Winery," run by a Taiwanese-German couple, has developed a golden needle flower sparkling drink. At Luye Highland, the "Housheng Tea Garden" and "Tianlai Tea Garden" offer floral-scented red oolong cold brew tea and Luye Highland red oolong cold brew tea, respectively. The Uninang Multicultural Workshop presents prickly ash red oolong tea.
At Taitung’s Shanli and Ruiyuan stations, passengers can taste mulberry juice and pineapple juice from "Guoyuan's Home" in Taitung, as well as tea tree herbal tea and white crane lingzhi tea from the "197 Tea Tree Estate." Each local office will also arrange wonderful welcoming performances, adding more fun to this annual event.
The itinerary of the Mid-Summer Treasure Island Train is meticulously designed, allowing passengers to experience the natural beauty and local culture of the Huadong Valley during their railway journey. Moreover, this event emphasizes the concept of low-carbon sustainable tourism, hoping to attract more participants and jointly protect this beautiful land.
This event is not just a railway tour but also a feast that combines food, culture, and nature. From Yuli to Taitung, each stop has unique features and surprises awaiting passengers. Whether tasting local herbal teas or participating in special activities at each station, this journey will provide an incredibly rich experience.
