Taiwan’s Alishan Forest Railway resumed full operations after a 15-year hiatus, introducing two new tourist charter trains at the same time.

The new Formosensis and Vivid Express charter trains offer unique tour packages geared towards revitalising rail travel and boosting tourism to the area.

The Formosensis’ interior features large cypress wood panels, with its exterior boosting black window frames adorned with red trim and an interior ambiance that fills the air with distinctive aromas of Taiwan red cypress and Taiwan cypress. 

On the other hand, the Vivid Express was converted from old carriages and inspired by the Alishan Forest Railway. This train showcases a vibrant exterior with interwoven blue, orange, white, and yellow colours.

A historic reopening

Damage sustained during the onslaught of Typhoon Morakot in 2009 hampered railway operations. While slated to reopen much earlier, 2015’s Typhoon Dujuan caused further delays.

Last month, however, work on the new No. 42 tunnel was completed, allowing the railway to fully reopen. 

Even after a 15-year hiatus, the century-old railway’s charm remains undiminished. The Alishan Forest and Railway Cultural Landscape has become Taiwan’s first nationally significant cultural attraction.

Today, the Alishan Forest Railway employs four railway track construction methods to overcome the challenging mountainous terrain such as spiral route, zigzag switchback, Ω-type turn, along with a specially designed hill-climbing locomotive, showcasing significant industrial and cultural value.