Taiwan Offers Unforgettable Scenic Train Journeys Through Majestic Mountain Peaks Tropical Forests and Beautiful Coastlines

Published on April 26, 2025

Taiwan, often in the global spotlight for its political relevance, is equally deserving of attention for its stunning natural landscapes and scenic rail journeys that traverse some of the island’s most breathtaking terrains. Beyond the headlines, Taiwan offers travelers an extraordinary way to explore its tropical forests, dramatic mountain ranges, and serene coastlines by train.

One of the most enchanting destinations on this journey is Jhangnaoliao, a small railway station perched 500 meters above a lush valley. The train ride leading up to this station is an absolute dream for nature lovers. As the narrow-gauge track winds through thick tropical foliage, passing by vibrant banana groves and fields of dragon fruit and pineapples, it becomes evident why this journey is so revered. Every turn offers a fresh view of the mountain landscape, with wooden bridges and tunnels adding an air of adventure to the ride.

Jhangnaoliao sits on the historic Alishan Forest Railway line, a remarkable route that connects Chiayi to the Alishan National Forest. Built during Taiwan’s Japanese colonial era (1895-1945) to transport the island’s prized cypress wood, this line was initially constructed despite the daunting challenge posed by the mountainous terrain. The ingenious switchback system—where tracks are laid in a zig-zag pattern to allow the train to change direction—helps the train climb steep mountains. One of the most fascinating sections is the Dulishan spiral loop, a series of interconnected circles that elevate the train even higher as it winds its way up the mountain.

As I reached Jhangnaoliao, I couldn’t resist taking in the serene beauty of the place. The station itself is a popular stop for hikers, and I enjoyed a delicious mountain pepper sausage from a local stall. I was traveling on the Vivid Express, a modern addition to the Alishan Forest Railway. Since the ban on logging in 1991, the railway has been primarily used for tourism, offering visitors an 86-kilometer route that ascends to 2,216 meters (7,270 feet), showcasing Taiwan’s most picturesque mountain vistas.

While the train is composed of vintage carriages, they have been fully renovated to provide a comfortable, contemporary experience. The train’s design draws inspiration from the collared bush robin, with its blue and orange colors representing the male, and soft yellow hues for the female. The train offers a variety of seating options, including swiveling “observation” seats that rotate 360 degrees, ensuring every passenger gets an unobstructed view of the stunning landscapes. The train rangers provide a live Mandarin commentary, but the beauty of the scenery speaks for itself.

My week-long adventure in Taiwan also included several other train rides. I traveled on the high-speed bullet train, which reaches speeds of 300 kph, and hopped aboard “limited express” trains traveling at 130 kph. But one of the most memorable journeys was on the Breezy Blue Express, which travels from Taitung to Fangshan, hugging the southern coastline of Taiwan. The train offers uninterrupted views of both the Pacific Ocean and the Taiwan Strait, punctuated by dramatic mountain backdrops that make for picture-perfect moments.

Before I boarded the Breezy Blue, I had the chance to relax in Taitung’s hot springs—a tranquil experience that was the perfect preparation for the next scenic adventure. Taitung is an area of contrasts, where serene parks are occasionally interrupted by the sound of fighter jets overhead. This is a stark reminder of Taiwan’s ongoing political tensions, as the island faces threats from mainland China.

As with any visit to Taiwan, sampling the street food is a must. In Taitung, I savored crispy scallion pancakes for just NT$40 (roughly £1). In Chiayi and Taichung, the night markets beckoned with tempting treats like skewered beef, beef noodles, and bubble tea. I even dared to try stinky tofu—while its odor was overpowering, its flavor was surprisingly pleasant, though not something I would rush to have again.

Taiwan’s reputation as a global hub for high-tech manufacturing also stood out during my visit. The island, once associated with mass production of low-end goods, is now a leader in semiconductor technology, exemplifying its transformation into a modern, sophisticated economy.

Ultimately, Taiwan is much more than a destination of political significance—it is an island of unparalleled natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and modern innovation. Whether traveling through its diverse landscapes by rail, enjoying its street food, or simply soaking in the warmth of its people, Taiwan offers an experience that beautifully balances tradition with progress, nature with technology.