Taiwan's Alishan Forest Railway started operating at full capacity after a 15-year break, and two new tourist charter trains started operating at the same time.
The new Formosensis and Vivid Express charter trains offer unique tour packages aimed at revitalizing rail travel and boosting tourism to the region.
Formosensis' interior features large cypress wood panels, while the exterior features black window frames decorated with red frames and the interior is filled with the distinct aromas of Taiwan red cypress and Taiwanese cypress trees.
On the other hand, Vivid Express is converted from old wagons and inspired by the Alishan Forest Railway. This train has a vibrant exterior with intertwined colors of blue, orange, white and yellow.
A historic reopening
Damage sustained during the onslaught of Typhoon Morakot in 2009 disrupted rail operations. While it was planned to reopen much earlier, Typhoon Dujuan in 2015 caused further delays.
However, last month, work on the new tunnel 42 was completed and the railway was fully reopened.
Even after a 15-year hiatus, the appeal of the century-old railway remains undiminished. Alishan Forest and Railway Cultural Scenic has become Taiwan's first cultural attraction of national importance.
Nowadays, Alişan Orman Railway uses four railway line construction methods to overcome difficult mountainous terrain, such as spiral route, zigzag turn, Ω type turn, and also uses a specially designed hill climbing locomotive, which has significant industrial and cultural value.
