The blue-skinned Jieyou sightseeing train that can relieve worries
The Blue-Painted Jieyou Sightseeing Train, a descendant of the Taiwan Railways' "Ordinary and Express" trains and "South-Link Star Sightseeing Train," has been restored and is now in operation, retaining many vintage features such as manually-opening windows, rotating electric fans, and green leather seats. Traveling along the South-Link Railway, it offers breathtaking views of the southeastern coastline and mountain scenery, as well as the vast expanses of the Pacific Ocean and the Taiwan Strait. Guided tours enhance the unique character of each location. The train passes through 17 distinctive stations, some of which offer stops of 10 minutes to an hour, allowing passengers to disembark for photos or explore the hidden gems. Notable stops include:
- Jialu Station and Fangshan Station: Taiwan's southernmost stations.
- Duoliang Station: Known as "Taiwan's Most Beautiful Station," it's a photographer's paradise. When passing Duoliang Station, the train deliberately slows to 20 kilometers per hour, allowing passengers ample time to admire the scenery and capture the station's red railings and the Pacific coastline. - Jinlun Station: Visit St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Jinlun, one of only three remaining black churches in the world. Led by a Paiwan tribal chief, you'll begin with a traditional welcoming ceremony, allowing you to gain a deeper understanding of the Jinlun tribal culture. After the guided tour, the chief will enthusiastically sing a farewell song, a key cultural experience on the Blue Pipe Jieyou cruise.
- Taimali Station: Best known for welcoming the first light of dawn, it's known as the "Land of the Sunrise." Upon exiting Taimali Station, you'll be greeted by a straight, wide road. From a distance, the visual difference between the sea level and the ground below makes it a popular photo-op in Taitung.
- The Blue Pi Jieyou cruise offers a variety of dining options, allowing you to enjoy the scenic coastline along the way while also satisfying your taste buds. Fangliao → Taitung: Pork Rib Bento + Fruit Box
Taitung → Fangliao: Millet Donuts + Tea (Wax Apple Juice or Blue Curacao Drink)
The Blue Pipe Jieyou Express runs two trips daily, one from Fangliao to Taitung and one from Taitung back to Fangliao.
Drop-off locations from Fangliao: Jinlun, Zhiben, and Taitung.
Drop-off locations from Taitung: Zhiben, Taimali, Longxi, and Fangliao.
The Blue Pipe Jieyou Express offers a variety of ticket options, including one-way and one-day round-trip tickets.
I chose the one-day round-trip, departing from Fangliao Station in the south. If you're visiting Taitung, you can book just one trip. The train doesn't have air conditioning, so I chose it when it's cooler.