Huadong | 2026 Midsummer Formosa Steam Train | Taitung-Yuli One-Way Ticket | Includes Limited Edition TRA Retro Stainless Steel Lunch Box (with Pork Chop Bento)
- The annual 'Midsummer Formosa' train, with its rising white smoke and long-echoing whistle, seems to transport travelers back to the purest and most wonderful era of railway travel.
- Stops at unique stations including Guanshan, Chishang, and Dongli, allowing you to collect the heartwarming scenery and local flavors of the Huadong Valley.
- This event specially invites former TRA tea-serving masters to board the train, recreating the classic tea-serving culture that once accompanied countless travelers through the years.
- Exclusive Gift: Limited Edition TRA Retro Stainless Steel Lunch Box (includes Pork Chop Bento).
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Product Info
【Midsummer Formosa Express | Following the White Steam into the Heart of Summer in Hualien and Taitung】
As the steam whistle pierces the morning light and the black wheels begin to turn, the midsummer Huadong Valley awakens.
The annual 'Midsummer Formosa Express' is led by the CT273 steam locomotive, known as the 'Queen of Steam,' pulling vintage Chu-Kuang train cars that carry memories of a bygone era through the valley's fields, mountains, and sea. With white steam rising and the whistle blowing long and clear, it feels as if travelers are being transported back to the purest and most beautiful age of rail travel.
The train makes stops at unique stations such as Guanshan, Chishang, and Dongli. Travelers can step onto the platforms to feel the breeze brushing against the rice waves, pause to admire the moment the steam train meets a modern train, and collect the local scenery and flavors of Hualien and Taitung along the way.
From Taitung to Yuli, the view outside the window is a flow of mountain ranges and vast skies, while inside, it carries a summer memory of rail travel. Set off along the tracks of steam and encounter the most moving scenery of Hualien and Taitung in the most beautiful season.
【Special Arrangement - Reliving the Tea Culture on the Train】
For this event, we have specially invited veteran Taiwan Railways tea masters to board the train, recreating the classic tea-serving culture that accompanied countless travelers through the years. In the early days, masters would move through the carriages with teapots, using skillful techniques—flipping the lid, adding tea, pouring water, and covering the cup with one hand—to serve a perfect cup of tea on the moving train.
As the steam train slowly travels through the Huadong Valley, it not only showcases precious railway craftsmanship but also takes passengers back in time to experience the era of rail travel where human warmth was passed along with a cup of tea.
－ Station Introduction －
【Check-in】Taitung Station | Check-in Procedure: Please arrive at the 'area next to the ticket gate inside the Taitung Station lobby' between 09:20-10:00. Please ensure you arrive on time to avoid any impact on your boarding or tour experience due to personal reasons.
【Departure】Valley Journey | Steam Sounds, Midsummer Trip
The train travels through the valley, with the Central Mountain Range and the Coastal Mountain Range standing tall like guardians on both sides. The train moves slowly, beginning its journey through the valley under the protection of these magnificent mountains and rivers. Travelers can gaze quietly out the window to enjoy the pastoral scenery or put on headphones to listen to the guide tell stories of the valley's mountain mists.
【Luye】Luye Station | Tea Serving Performance & Catering Service
Luye Station is a railway station on the Taiwan Railways Taitung Line, built in 1922. This century-old third-class station retains a simple, rustic Japanese-style charm, with a unique downhill section caused by the Huadong Highway being higher than the railway.
【Guanshan】Guanshan Station | Leisurely Stroll
Step into the small town of Guanshan, which preserves a rich history and unique architecture. After arriving at the station, a guide will lead a 40-minute walking tour to share the town's stories, followed by about 1 hour of free time for travelers to explore the alleys, find local delicacies, and experience the slow life of Guanshan at their own pace.
【Chishang】Chishang Station | Land of Fish and Rice
Chishang Station was renovated and completed in 2017. Rice is the representative crop of Chishang, and the designer transformed the iconic granary into the station's imagery to unite the local community. The greenery outside the station highlights the abundant water resources and the imagery of endless vitality, presenting a true 'land of fish and rice.'
【Dongli】Dongli Station | Feeling the Mountains and Forests
Dongli Station is located next to Provincial Highway 9 in Fuli Township, Hualien County. Beside the station is a vast, boundless rice field that presents different scenery according to the changing seasons, earning it the reputation of being the most beautiful station in Taitung County.
Accompanied by the clack-clack sound of the old steam train, one cannot help but recall the happy times of childhood, as if returning to that innocent and carefree age.
【Arrival】Yuli Station | Looking Forward to Meeting the Steam Queen Again
We hope this encounter on the Midsummer Formosa Express brings you lasting memories of rail travel, and we look forward to seeing you again.
Midsummer Formosa Express Timetable (Actual operating times are subject to change by Taiwan Railways on the day).
Bento box illustration
Purchase Notice
- Arrival time is subject to adjustment based on the final departure time arranged by Taiwan Railways. If you have other means of transportation connecting to your destination, it is recommended to allow for some flexibility in case the train schedule changes due to scheduling issues. Please take note.
- Today's sightseeing train route is from Taitung Station to Yuli Station. This activity is only available from Taitung Station; boarding at other stations is not permitted. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
- The final route and schedule are subject to approval by the Taiwan Railways Administration. The itinerary may be adjusted to accommodate the final train schedules. Please be aware of this.
- The stop times listed in the table are for reference only and may be slightly adjusted according to actual traffic conditions after departure. This website reserves the right to change or modify the itinerary. Thank you for your understanding.
- Please make your reservation for this event 3 business days in advance. Reservation confirmation is subject to confirmation from our sales staff.
【Helpful Reminders】
- In the event of force majeure events such as typhoons, earthquakes, or torrential rains before the trip, our company reserves the right to postpone the departure or provide a refund.
- The traveler agrees that any costs incurred due to cancellation or postponement after ordering and payment for this product are the traveler's sole responsibility.
- Those suffering from heart disease, asthma, high blood pressure, epilepsy, diabetes, or other chronic illnesses that make them unsuitable for group activities should not register. Those who violate this rule and cause an accident will be solely responsible.
- If you have any personal medications you regularly use, such as motion sickness pills, cold medicine, insect repellent, etc., please bring them with you.
- Registration confirmation signifies that both parties agree to sign the Tourism Bureau's standardized domestic individual travel contract. Please read the contents of the contract carefully beforehand. This itinerary is subject to the relevant provisions of the "Standardized Domestic Individual Travel Contract".
Reminders
This project uses the Chu-Kuang Express train with reserved seats, one seat per person. Seat numbers will be provided before departure. Seats are assigned by the system, and we will do our best to assist fellow passengers in arranging adjacent seats. However, due to limited seating capacity in the carriages, we regret that we cannot guarantee that all fellow passengers will be seated together. We apologize for any inconvenience.
The train carriages do not provide accessible spaces, and some stations do not have accessible spaces. Passengers are advised to be aware of this in advance.
The fixed pick-up and drop-off points for this tour are Taitung Railway Station. Those who leave the group during the tour will not be eligible for a refund of the price difference.
Please note that we cannot assign seats or carriages on this special train. Due to limited seating, pets and bicycles are not allowed on board. We apologize for the inconvenience.
Please assemble on time and complete the check-in procedures within the specified time to avoid affecting your travel rights.
At each stop of the project train, please follow the instructions of your tour leader or staff and proceed within the designated routes and areas. Do not walk or cross the tracks to avoid accidents that could endanger your own safety and the rights of other passengers.
If someone fails to comply with regulations by staying in prohibited areas, railway lines, bridges, tunnels, crossing the yellow line area of a platform, or riding in a carriage that does not provide passenger service, the Railway Police Bureau may impose a fine in accordance with the Railway Act.
The locomotive, carriages, departure and arrival times of the special project trains are all subject to the scheduling arrangements of the Taiwan Railways Administration on the day.
If a passenger fails to attend the meeting due to personal reasons, the company will not provide a refund or reissue any souvenirs.
Once the order has been confirmed by our sales staff, we cannot accept changes to the date or the person receiving the order. Please take note.
Once a ticket is issued, if a passenger disembarks midway due to personal reasons, they will not be able to re-board. Any unfinished itinerary or activities will be considered abandoned, and no refund will be given.
How to Redeem Your Voucher
How to Use Your Voucher
- Please present the e-voucher on-site
Validity Period
- The voucher must be used on the selected date and within operating hours; Invalid after expiration
Meeting Point
Location Name: Next to the ticket gate in the Taitung Station lobby
Address: No. 598, Ln. 101, Yanwan Rd., Taitung City, Taitung County, Taiwan
Cancellation Policy
- Cancellations 31 day(s) (inclusive) before the selected date are allowed. Unused orders can be canceled for free
- For cancellations made 21 to 30 days prior to selected date, a cancellation fee of 10% will apply
- For cancellations made 11 to 20 days prior to selected date, a cancellation fee of 20% will apply
- For cancellations made 4 to 10 days prior to selected date, a cancellation fee of 30% will apply
- Cancellation is not allowed between 0–3 days from the selected date. Orders cannot be canceled or modified, and refunds will not be granted.
- Due to time zone differences, the confirmed cancellation date is based on the supplier’s local time. Please allow 2–5 business days to process your cancellation request, after which the cancellation fee will be charged according to the product’s cancellation policy. Once your refund request is confirmed, KKday will initiate the refund to your original payment method within 15 days. The actual refund timing depends on your card-issuing bank’s policy.
FAQ
1. What are the main unique stations that the Midsummer Island Express tourist train stops at?
The Midsummer Island Express tourist train offers one-way tickets from Taitung to Yuli. Along the route, the train will stop at unique stations in the East Rift Valley, including Guanshan, Chishang, and Dongli. Travelers can disembark at these stops to experience the local charm and scenery, savor authentic local flavors of Hualien and Taitung, and witness the rare sight of steam trains meeting modern ones.
2. What unique services or activities can be experienced on the Midsummer Island Express tourist train?
Riding the Midsummer Island Express tourist train allows you to immerse yourself in a nostalgic atmosphere, reminiscent of the purest and most beautiful era of rail travel. Onboard, we've invited former Taiwan Railways tea servers to revive the classic 'serving tea' culture, adding a touch of humanistic charm to your journey. Furthermore, you'll have the opportunity to witness the unique spectacle of steam trains and modern trains passing each other, experiencing the charm of drifting white steam and lingering whistles.
3. What exclusive gifts are included with the Midsummer Island Express tourist train ticket package?
Purchasing a one-way Taitung-Yuli ticket for the Midsummer Island Express tourist train includes a special, exclusive gift. This unique present is a 'Taiwan Railways Replicated Stainless Steel Lunchbox,' which comes filled with a classic pork chop meal. This allows you to savor authentic Taiwan Railways cuisine during your journey and take home a unique memento.
4. How can I confirm the schedule and operating dates for the Midsummer Island Express tourist train?
The Midsummer Island Express tourist train is an annual limited-time event, such as the '2026 Midsummer Island Express' as indicated in the product name. Its exact train times and operating dates are usually announced in advance. You can check the latest operating dates, specific train schedules, and available booking slots through officially authorized online platforms to plan your trip and ensure a smooth journey.
5. How can I book tickets for the Midsummer Island Express tourist train?
You can book tickets for the Midsummer Island Express tourist train through KKday. On the KKday platform, you can conveniently view package details, confirm available travel dates and train times, and easily complete the purchase process. KKday offers a clear booking interface and secure, convenient payment methods, allowing you to arrange this unique rail journey with peace of mind and ensure you successfully obtain your limited package and exclusive gifts.
6. What are the recommended photo opportunities when riding the Midsummer Island Express tourist train?
When riding the Midsummer Island Express tourist train, there are numerous excellent photo opportunities. You can capture the classic sight of the steam train's drifting white smoke and lingering whistle, especially the unique moment when the steam train meets a modern train, creating a blend of old and new railway lines. Additionally, the characteristic stations along the way such as Guanshan, Chishang, and Dongli, as well as the beautiful scenery of Hualien and Taitung's rice fields outside the window, are all unmissable photo spots.
7. What differentiates the Midsummer Island Express tourist train from regular trains?
The primary distinguishing feature of the Midsummer Island Express tourist train is that it's an annual, limited-time steam train experience, rather than a regular commuter or sightseeing train. It aims to recreate the golden age of rail travel, creating a unique nostalgic atmosphere with the characteristic white steam and long whistle sounds of a steam locomotive. Furthermore, the train revives the tea-serving culture and offers exclusive gifts and services like the limited replicated lunchbox, features not found on regular trains.
8. What unique local humanistic landscapes and features of Hualien and Taitung can be admired along the route of the Midsummer Island Express tourist train?
The Midsummer Island Express tourist train travels through the Hualien-Taitung Rift Valley, where passengers can alight to experience the rural scenery of gentle breezes rustling through rice paddies. At characteristic stations like Guanshan, Chishang, and Dongli, you can experience the simple yet profound human warmth of Hualien and Taitung and 'collect' unique local flavors. This journey offers you a special opportunity to deeply experience the natural beauty and cultural charm of Hualien and Taitung, enjoying a leisurely pace different from urban life.
