Stations with tile style:
Taiwan island has many kinds of railroads. Besides the secondary lines with their particular travel appeal, most of the railways are mainly for the purpose of transport. The South Link Railway is a line for the benefit of both transportation and tourism. In the brand new train cars, rarely can passengers be seen dozing off; most have their eyes plucked wide open, gazing at the scenery. In the cars one also often glimpses young lovers accompanying each other, snuggling together close to the window. It is really like a scene from MTV. Too bad the lovable little line still has a few shortcomings to be mended.
The East Coast National Scenic Area Administration, which is responsible for planning the east coast's tourism resources, did not include the development of the railroads along the east coast in their agenda. At present, there is a shortage of connecting traffic facilities between the rail line and many scenic spots, which results in some inconvenience for those visitors who are not driving their own car.
Furthermore, this is a newly opened train line, and the stations along the way all look more like newly built apartment buildings. The walls are all covered with porcelain tiles. At first, because of the cost of land, all the stations were located far away from the center of the town. Several stations, including Taimali, Tawu and Kuchuang, are all situated on hillsides outside of town. If outside visitors want to get to the station on time for an early train trip, they must climb up a steep slope first thing in the morning. For those unaccustomed to hiking, this is quite an ordeal.
Many travelers like to spontaneously alight from the train along the line and spend time at many different spots. Unfortunately, the Taiwan Railway Administration has yet to design any ticketing services for passengers to freely disembark and reboard. Passengers are obliged to determine for themselves how much time they can remain at each location and acquire for themselves a seat on the next train. It is best to purchase your ticket for the next train right after disembarking, before going sightseeing.
On the other hand, many of the local people have taken this business enterprise in their own hands. Recently, nearby the Taitung train station one can find medium- and small-sized travel buses operated by travel agencies. The driver serves as a tour guide, taking tourists on a one-day expedition of the east coast. The trip will probably include visits to the Chulu cow farm, Chihpen, Hungyeh hot spring, and the major scenic spots of the east coast. For the independent traveler, it can be choice that saves both time and energy.
The South Link Railway was the last little worry in the round-island rail network. Now that it had been developed, might it not open up a new path for Taiwan's railroads?
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Since the South Link Railway began operation, its three hours of visual magnificence has attracted many passengers. During holidays a ticket is especially hard to find.
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Of the nine aboriginal groups in Taiwan, six can be found in Taitung. Al l the different ethnic festivals and celebrations are sure to please, whether you want an authentic experience or a raucous time.
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Along with good scenery Taitung also offers treasures of the humanities. Changping, Chilin, and the Peinan ruins are all found here. But these archaeological sites are not open to the public every day. (photo by Vincent Chang)
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(Left, right) The splendid coolness of autumn yields fruit of the season . In the famous Taitung City night market, one can enjoy eating delicious pomelos, custard apples and seafood. (photo by Ni Shu-yun)
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With a pure and unblemished coast, Taitung has been called "Taiwan's Haw aii." (photo by Vincent Chang)
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Chengkung and Fukang are Taitung's little fishing villages. A journey here can win you delicious seafood at a nice price.
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Lily blossoms spread along the ground lend a poetic quality to Taimali.
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Sitting in a South Link train car as it winds its way along the Pacificcoast, one can never fully appreciate the splendor of peak and sea.
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Schedule of Harvest Festivals
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South Link Railway Important Scenic Spots
South Link Railway Little Fact File
The South Link Railway begins in Fangliao, Pingtung County, and terminates at Peinan (Taitung New Station), at the junction with the East Coast Line. The South Link Railway altogether has 19 stations, of which 14 are boarding depots and five are switching stations.
After arriving in Taitung City, it is possible within the vicinity of the railway station to rent an automobile (approximately NT$1300 to NT$2000 per day, depending on the make and model) or a motorcyle (about NT$350 per day), to visit the many tourist spots in the area. Taitung taxis do not use fare meters, so chartering a car and driver might be comparatively expensive. If you wish to travel by local public buses, be sure to check the schedule in advance, so as not to waste time waiting.
For information concerning food, accommodations or transport during your travels, contact: Taitung County Travel Service Center (089) 326146;
Taitung Visitors Association (089) 340699; or the Taitung County Task Committee, CYC (089) 329891.
Remember to reserve tickets and hotel rooms ahead of time. Hotels tend to be booked full, especially during public holidays, so make preparat
ions in advance.
To make use of the Chihpen Hotsprings Area luxury hotel shuttle bus service, arrangements must be made at least 24 hours in advance. Although a fee is charged, it is still less expensive than taking a private taxi. Pick-up points include the Taitung train stations (new and old), the Chihpen train station, the Taitung airport.
Sitting in a South Link train car as it winds its way along the Pacificcoast, one can never fully appreciate the splendor of peak and sea.