Full speed ahead – it is time for some Taiwan trainspotting! From Taitung to Taichung, Hualien to Kaohsiung, Taiwan is famous for its historic railway stations and old train lines that have been preserved and opened as vintage visitor attractions.
More modern day Taiwan railway activities include fun themed trains like the Formosa Express Sanrio themed train or take a Taiwan tourist scenic railway journey aboard the luxury Formosensis or dessert themed Sea Breeze / Hanfeng.
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We love Taiwanโs National Railway Museums (with several branches), adore the Alishan Forest Railway and got our Taiwan railway geek chic on at several official Taiwan Railway Corporation gift shops dotted around the country – and we even pedaled our own coastal railbike!
From dedicated trainspotters to casual railway enthusiasts, this is our guide to Taiwanโs themed trains, Taiwan railway activities, old stations and much more!
Taiwan checklist
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All set for Taiwan? Do one final check with ourย Taipei first timers guide and our packing list guide. Travelling with kids? Check out our Taipei For Kids eBook >
Alishan Forest Railway
All aboard Alishan Forest Railway, likely Taiwanโs most iconic railway systems.
Whether you are hiking through the forests or just want to let the train take the train, it is well worth taking a trip on the historic trains through the forest.
Alishan Forest has several railway stations with trains running through the park, and a main train running to and from Chiayi and Alishan Station via Fenqihu, which we detail in our Alishan itinerary article.
There are two main trains that leave Chiayi every morning – one from Chiayi to Shizilu at 9am and one from Chiayi to Alishan at 10am.
Tickets for the Chiayi to Shizilu route are much easier to purchase than the full Chiayi to Alishan route (which tends to sell out almost instantly).
Alishan Forest Railway train tickets go on sale at 6am Taiwan time 14 days in advance.
The train itself is very old and basic but the views are really stunning – please note that the train ride from Chiayi is rather wobbly so you may want to take tablets if you suffer from motion sickness.
Another alternative to reach Alishan from Chiayi is the luxury Formosensis train which we mention later.
There are also trains that run throughout the forest. The rail journeys inside the forest last only a few minutes but there is something magical about riding through the trees on a steam train waving at tourists (and the occasional squirrel).
You might like our 1, 2 and 3 day Alishan itinerary >
National Railway Museum
Hands down one of the best Taiwan railway activities, the National Railway Museum ๅๅฎถ้ต้ๅ็ฉ้คจ (map) is located on the former Taipei Railway Workshop grounds and is a sprawling site in Taipei’s Xinyi neighbourhood, dedicated to the history of Taiwan Railway.
They have done a really good job here with lots of interactive exhibits, historic carriages you can explore and sit inside, plus for a small fee (NT$100), you can even take a ride aboard an old train.
You can explore the old station buildings and former bathhouse. We loved the collection of old / vintage Taiwan Railway Administration leaflets and TV spots โ a veritable vintage feast!
And if you do have a genuine passion for Taiwan railways and historic trains, you will marvel at the collection of preserved locomotives and rolling stock.
You might like our things to do in Xinyi guide >
Hamasen Museum of Taiwan Railway
Chances are if youโve ever seen any photos of Kaohsiungโs Pier 2 Art Center before, it will be full of families riding the famous miniature train. This can be found at the Hamasen Museum of Taiwan Railway (map), in the Penglai Warehouse.
Inside, there are lots of dainty dioramas, miniature railways plus a detailed overview of Kaohsiung Portโs rich railway history.
Across from the museum, Hamasen Railway Cultural Park is where you can see lots of old train carriages and locomotives for free, in an outdoor museum. The Hamasen Railway Cultural Park is fantastic if you love old trains and vintage vehicles.
Book your Hamasen Museum of Taiwan Miniature Railway ticket >
Formosa Express Sanrio Themed Train
The Sanrio Train has arrived in Taiwan! Launched in January 2025 and replacing the previous Taiwan Disney train, the first Sanrio themed train in Taiwan runs four days a week between Taipei, Hualien, Taichung, Kaohsiung and Chiayi plus many other stops.
With eight Sanrio character themed carriages (including a karaoke car!) plus drinks, activities and food included, this is one of the best value ways to get around Taiwan with lots of Sanrio-themed fun along the way.
The bright livery and graphics can also be seen on the outside of the train so this is a great one for Taiwan trainspotting!
From a Kuromi carriage to My Melody, Pompompurin to Cinnamoroll and Hangyodon, many of your favourite characters featured on the Taiwan Sanrio train.
We rode the Taiwan Formosa Express Sanrio themed train from Kaohsiung to Taipei one night and enjoyed โfree beersโ, amazing sunset views and a Sanrio bento box (โbian dangโ) dinner as part of our ticket price.
From what to expect on board and timetables to how it compares to the former โDisney trainโ, here is our review of Taiwanโs Sanrio Character themed train, known as the Taiwan Formosa Sanrio Express >
Xinbeitou Old Station
This is a vintage Taipei train activity to enjoy in Beitou, an easy day-trip from Taipei which you can access by getting on the red TamsuiโXinyi line and then onto the Xinbeitou branch line.
Just behind the newer Xinbeitou station, the former Xinbeitou Historic Station (map) has a museum and visitor center plus an old static train in the park outside that you can go aboard.
Inside the old station, you can learn about the railway history of the area plus there are some cool train themed Taiwan souvenirs inside plus local area gifts like a book on Beitou Market.
Taiwan Scenic Trains
Some of the worldโs best railway journeys can be found in Taiwan aboard luxury scenic trains.
As of 2026, there are currently seven popular tourist trains Taiwan Railway Corp. (TRC) and usually partnering with Lion Travel – The Coast Line (Sea Breeze), Mountain Mist, Forest Spirit, The Future, The Future Dining, Forest Joy and The Blue Retro Express.
Each scenic train has a different theme and route such as the Sea Breeze – Taiwan’s first dessert-themed sightseeing train (we are excited to be doing this in September 2026 – we will update the article soon after).
One of Taiwanโs top rail journeys and a scenic sightseeing train running between Chiayi and Alishan, we recently rode the Formosensis train ้ฟ้ๅฑฑ็ฆๆฃฎ่่งๅ ๅ่ป and it was magical.
A luxury forest train in Taiwan with beautiful carriages, fun activities and memorable experiences, this is the best way to take the train along the Alishan Forest Railway line in style.
Operating since 2024 and running several services to and from Alishan, there are four different Formomensis themed experiences meaning you can go all the way from Beimen / North Gate station (Chiayi) to Alishan and back, with new things to see and do.
A luxury Taiwan train ride through the forest and up a steep mountain, Formensis offers incredible views and fantastic service – check out our guide to Taiwanโs Formosensis train >
For the full railway run-down of all seven of Taiwanโs scenic trains, here is Lion Travelโs Taiwan tourist train overview >
Takao Railway Museum and Taiwanโs Banana Train
Run by local and enthusiastic volunteers, the Takao Railway Museum in Kaohsiung (map) is free to visit and is a two room museum in the former waiting room and freight office of the once busy station.
Take a step back in time and get up close to old railway artifacts and miniature railways โ alas we donโt speak Mandarin nor do the volunteers speak English but they were very smiling and beckoning us over to look at things.
A few steps away from the museum, you will also find a fun Taiwan trainspotting opportunity – Kaohsiungโs โbananasโ train. Kaohsiungโs railway network helped Taiwan bananas to be exported to Japan – Kaohsiung once had the nickname of โBanana Kingdomโ!
Initially planned as a temporary installation to celebrate Kaohsiungโs agricultural importance, these BIG bananas look set to be a long-term feature (well, unless anyone tries to peel them).
Taiwan Railway Corporation Gift Shops
For train enthusiasts, the Taiwan Railway Administration (TRA) has gift-shops in all the main Taiwan railway stations like Taipei Main Station, Songshan Taipei, Hualien Station, Kaohsiung Dome of Light Formosa Boulevard station and more.
These Taiwan Railway gift shops carry everything from train shaped EasyCards to metal train bento boxes and childrenโs toy trains.
There are also other Taiwan train souvenir shops at the National Railway Museum in Xinyi.
You might like our guide to the best Taiwan souvenirs >
Fenqihu Station 1912 Loco shed / Fenqihu railway museum
The Alishan Forest Railway is one of Taiwanโs most scenic rail journeys and at the Fenqihu Railway museum (map), you can learn about how the line has transformed from carrying timber to transporting tourists.
Fenqihu Railway Station sits over 1,400 meters above sea level and is likely your first port of call if arriving by train.
Fenqihu was always an important service and maintenance hub for the Alishan Forest Railway and the museum here details the human and mechanical aspects.
Here at the 1912 Fenqihu Train Garage (1912ๅฅฎ่ตทๆนๆฉ้่ปๅบซ), you can collect free Taiwan souvenir ink stamps, see old engines and trains, plus see the (not so good) Fenqihu Loco Shed light show every half hour or so.
More things to do in Fenqihu >
Taichung train station & Taichung Station Railway Cultural Park
Taichungโs swish modern TRA train station (map) is an unexpected great photo spot in the city.
Head over to admire some of the awesome art installations dotted around outside, including the famous and colorful โAnticipationโ statue (pictured), which depicts a child excitedly waiting outside the station (totally a future Taiwan trainspotter).
Next door, the old Taichung railway station has been turned into the Taichung Station Railway Cultural Park (map) where you can dine on old carriages and enjoy picnics on the old railway tracks.
On the weekends, the old railway tracks and former station platforms play host to cute crafts markets and bakery stalls โ or there are old Taiwan Railway carriages which have been transformed into a cool cafe and cute gift shop full of train merchandise.
More things to do in Taichung >
Taitung Railway Art Village
Taitungโs Railway Village (map) sprung up after the old railway line and station here was decommissioned in 2001.
The former warehouses and sidings have been transformed into a museum, gift shops plus a very useful Tourist Information and Visitor Center (where you can book the Taiwan Tourism East Coast Line shuttle).
Outside along the old railway line, you can admire various outdoor installations and artworks or just sit on the old platform. Taitung Railway Art Village is free to visit and located right next to one of the main bus stations in Taitung.
Luodong Forestry Culture Park
A free to visit Luodong attraction in Yilan, Luodong Forestry Culture Park ็พ ๆฑๆๆฅญๆๅๅๅ (map) is a short walk from the train station (in fact, you get a great view of it as you arrive on the train from Yilan Station).
A former timber processing site with many of the original buildings still intact, here you can climb aboard old railway carriages and logging trains, or walk around the huge lake at the center of the park.
There is much to enjoy here with nature trails and huge forest canopies which local families picnic under. Luodong Forestry Culture Park also has gift shops including lots of products made from local wood (and Wooderful Life souvenirs) as well as a cafe onsite.
More things to do in Yilan including Jiaoxi hot springs and Kavalan Whisky distillery.
National Taiwan Museum Railway Department Park
Just NT$100 to visit, the National Taiwan Museum Railway Department Park ๅ็ซ่บ็ฃๅ็ฉ้คจ้ต้้จๅๅ (map) opened in 2020 and is the newest branch of the National Taiwan Museum. It is housed in the former offices of the Railway Department of the Japanese colonial Government.
From model trainsets to build your railway tours, this museum has detailed exhibits (some in English) plus video displays โ please note this is mainly miniatures as opposed to life sized historic trains.
PS If you are a railway fan or Taiwan trainspotter, buy the NT$130 admission ticket which gives you access to all four Taiwan National Museum branches including the much bigger site in nearby Xinyi. Take exit Y13 from Taipei Main Station.
Taiwan Connection 1908
Call it a โhigh-lineโ or a โsky gardenโ, the โTaiwan Connection 1908โ (map) is a small area of reclaimed railway line that runs north from Taichung Station for just over 1km, parallel to the canal.
Popular with joggers, photo shoots and the odd romantic couple, weโd only recommend this as an easy walk way from Taichung station to Taichung Creative and Cultural Industries Park.
Otherwise, it is just a semi-interesting walk-way where you can still see some of the old sidings left over from the old railway.
Taiwanโs Station Master Dog and Mikan The Cat
Yes, Taiwan loves its animals, so much so that there is a station master dog near Chiayi plus Kaohsiung has a famous station master cat called Mikan ่ๆ.
A few miles outside of Chiayi, Lumachan Station (map) is a historic hinoki wood station that was recently renovated by Alishan Forest Railway and Cultural Heritage Office – we went there as part of a trip on the Formosensis train.
Lumachan Station is home to a station master dog, an Akita called Boji or Pokichi (we arenโt quite sure!). The akita bounded out to meet travellers plus there were lots of cute dog souvenirs and canine keepsakes to buy.
Meanwhile, why not meet Mikan ่ๆ, Kaohsiungโs Famous Station Cat? Mikan was a stray cat adopted by a member of staff at Ciaotou Sugar Refiner Kaohsiung Metro station (map).
Mikan has a huge social following, her own range of cute kitty merchandise and makes regular appearances at a Kaohsiung Metro KRTC station (KRTC stands for Kaohsiung Rapid Transit Corporation).
Read our Mikan guide or our Kaohsiung Xinzuoying station cats guide.
Pingxi Line
The Pingxi rail line is a journey into the past and a perfect day trip from Taipei.
A 13km stretch of railway that was originally built during the Japanese colonial era to transport coal, this popular tourist train route goes through some of Taiwanโs most beautiful landscapes and celebrated its 100th anniversary recently (in 2021).
With several villages and towns to explore along the way โ there are many places to see along the 8-mile long โverdant valleyโ including Houtong Cat Village, Shifen Old Street and Shifen Waterfall.
Read more in our Pingxi Line guide >
Shenโao Rail Bike
And now for a completely different Taiwan railway activity and an awesome coastal adventure.
Taiwanโs first rail bike with a view of the sea and mountains, the Shenโao Rail Bike is a fun way to explore the Northern Taiwan coast between Badouzi (map) and Shenโao (map).
Along a 1.3km stretch of coastline track along a former coal-mining route, jump into a colorful rail-bike buggy, look out to sea and pedal slowly between two stations.
There is even an ocean-themed tunnel of lights (very trippy!) along the way to keep you entertained – read our ultimate guide to the Shenโao Rail Bike in Northern Taiwan >
PS We would recommend booking your Shenโao Rail Bike tickets in advance with KKDay as it is a simple booking process plus the Rail Bike sells out in advance for some trips.
Hualien Old Railway Line
Part of the former Taitung to Hualien railway line which closed in 1982, this strip of old railway sidings and track has now been transformed into a small shopping area, complete with coffee shops, cafes and several interpretive plaques.
It is quite cool to walk along an actual old railway line that is very much in the heart of Hualien, plus local street artists and painters have drawn murals in the local area.
Whilst possibly not worth a special visit, a visit to Hualienโs Old Railway Line (map) could easily be combined with Hualien Creative And Cultural Industries Park and the Golden Triangle shopping area, both nearby.
Hualien Railway Cultural Park & Eastern Railway Site
2026 update โ much of the railway park is now closed due to damage during the earthquake but several shops and the ่ฑ่ฒ้้็ตๅฝฑ้ข cinema here are still open. Much of the site however is sadly taped off and closed down since our first visit, including the vintage waiting rooms and museum.
There are several creative and cultural parks in Hualien but we think the best and most interesting is Hualien Railway Cultural Park and the Eastern Railway Site next door (map).
The former offices and storage area for the Hualien to Taitung Railway that closed in the 1980s, the site was reopened in 2003 as a protected historic building and now you can walk around the former waiting room, warehouse and also see the old locomotive.
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