Popular Railway in Nantou

You can check the schedule for the Jiji Line tourist train on the official website of the Taiwan Railways Administration (e.g., on the TRA website's train schedule query page). Alternatively, you can check directly at the ticket windows or notice boards of major stations in the Nantou area, such as Ershui, Jiji, or Checheng Station. As the Jiji Line has fewer services compared to main line trains, it is recommended that travelers confirm the train schedule in advance to plan their visits to attractions and travel times more efficiently, ensuring a smooth and punctual journey.

To travel from Taipei to Sun Moon Lake by train, multiple transfers are usually required. First, you can take the High-Speed Rail (HSR) or Taiwan Railways Administration (TRA) to Taichung Station. Upon arrival in Taichung, you will need to transfer to a Nantou Bus or other shuttle bus service that goes directly to the Sun Moon Lake scenic area. If you wish to experience the Jiji Line tourist train, you can take a train from Taichung to Ershui Station, transfer to the Jiji Line train to Shuili or Checheng, and then take a bus or taxi to Sun Moon Lake. The overall travel time is quite long, so it's recommended to plan in advance.

Nantou's Jiji Line railway primarily offers a rural charm and historic stations. The route is relatively flat, with scenery focused on pastoral landscapes, villages, and waterfronts, making it ideal for a leisurely exploration and experiencing local culture and small-town life. Chiayi's Alishan Forest Railway, on the other hand, is renowned for its high mountain and forest scenery, unique spiral tracks, and switchback routes, providing a challenging and majestic experience. The two offer distinct travel experiences in terms of terrain, natural landscapes, and railway engineering.

The Jiji Line features different floral landscapes throughout the seasons. In spring, you can enjoy the romance of blooming cherry blossoms, especially around Checheng. In winter, the fields between Jiji and Shuili are planted with crops like rapeseed and cosmos, creating vast golden or colorful flower seas. Some station areas are also adorned with flowers planted by local residents. Regarding events, local governments or stations occasionally host small markets or cultural activities to coincide with festivals. It's advisable to check local tourism information.

After arriving in Nantou by train, the most common way to reach Cingjing Farm is to first take the train to TRA Taichung Station or HSR Taichung Station. From either Taichung Station or HSR Taichung Station, you can transfer to the Nantou Bus 'Taiwan Tourist Shuttle Cingjing Route' which goes directly to various stops in Cingjing Farm. Although the bus services are scheduled, pay attention to the last bus times. This is the most convenient public transportation method to Cingjing. It is recommended to confirm the transfer times to facilitate your itinerary.

In the Nantou area, the Jiji Line railway itself is the most representative unique tourist train experience. The Jiji Line is famous for its nostalgic green tunnels, old-fashioned wooden stations (like Jiji Station and Checheng Station), and its scenic landscapes and local cultural attractions along the route. Taiwan Railways Administration occasionally collaborates with local entities to launch painted trains or themed trains, adding an element of fun for travelers and making the Jiji Line a unique tourist highlight.

Taiwan offers many unique tourist train routes ideal for day trips, with Nantou's Jiji Line being a highly popular choice. The Jiji Line boasts beautiful scenery along its route, with many distinctive stations to stop at, such as Checheng with its wood industry cultural park and Jiji Town with its cycling paths. It's very suitable for a relaxing day trip. Additionally, New Taipei City's Pingxi Line railway is another classic day trip route, offering a chance to experience sky lantern culture and mining history. Both routes have their own charm and allow travelers to feel the allure of Taiwan's railways.

Tickets for Nantou's Jiji Line can be purchased as single journeys at the ticket windows of Taiwan Railways Administration stations. For a more in-depth experience of the scenic route, it is recommended to purchase the 'Jiji Line One-Day Pass,' which allows unlimited rides on the Jiji Line trains within the specified period, enabling flexible exploration of each station. For convenience and added protection, related packages or experience tours can also be booked through KKday, which offers Chinese customer support and flexible cancellation policies, alleviating concerns about language barriers.

The Jiji Line is rich in tourist resources. At Jiji Station, you can rent bicycles and cycle through the green tunnels, enjoying treats like banana roll cake and banana ice cream. Near Shuili Station, the Snake Kiln Cultural Park offers pottery-making experiences. The terminal station, Checheng, features a wood industry exhibition hall and a log pond trail, exuding a nostalgic Japanese ambiance. Local delicacies such as bento boxes served in wooden containers and plum-related products are also worth trying. Each station possesses its unique charm, deserving of careful exploration.

Nantou's Zhuoshui River Line railway is the current Jiji Line. It was initially built to transport materials for the construction of the Sun Moon Lake hydroelectric power plant and later transformed into a railway for transporting lumber and local residents. It carries the history of industrial development and daily life in the Nantou region. Today, the Jiji Line has become a renowned tourist railway, with stations like Jiji, Shuili, and Checheng preserving rich historical architecture and culture. Some stations or local groups occasionally offer cultural tours or provide guidebooks, allowing travelers to gain a deeper understanding of its history.