Taiwan’s Shanlan Mountain Mist tourism train will begin a new Tainan–Changhua route on April 3, 2026, expanding scenic rail travel options for visitors exploring cultural and rural destinations.
Summary: Taiwan’s Shanlan (Mountain Mist) tourism train is expanding with a new route between Tainan and Changhua County, officially starting April 3, 2026. The service is operated by Taiwan Railways Corp. (TR) in partnership with Lion Travel and is designed as a slower, scenery-focused way to explore Taiwan’s south-central countryside and cultural hubs.
Taiwan’s Shanlan Mountain Mist tourism train is preparing to add a new scenic rail option for visitors, with a Tainan–Changhua County route scheduled to begin service on April 3, 2026. The expansion follows the train’s official arrival at Tainan Station on Wednesday, which served as an early look at the upcoming route and the onboard experience being promoted to travelers.
Shanlan Mountain Mist tourism train expands Taiwan rail tourism
The Shanlan service is positioned as more than a way to get from one city to another. It is being marketed as a tourism product aimed at travelers who want a slower pace and a more immersive view of Taiwan’s cultural and rural landscapes, with comfort and sightseeing built into the journey.
Taiwan Railways Corp. and Lion Travel partnership
The train is operated by Taiwan Railways Corp. (TR) together with Lion Travel, combining railway operations with trip planning and travel services. The collaboration reflects a broader push in Taiwan to turn rail journeys into curated tourism experiences rather than standard commuter-style trips.
Ahead of the April launch, the train’s stop in Tainan was part of a demonstration run. According to the report, the preview trip departed from Bao-an Station in Tainan, stopped at Tainan Station, continued north toward Dalin Station in Chiayi County, and then returned to Tainan. The run was used to showcase the service approach and give the public an early sense of what the route will offer once it opens.
Tainan–Changhua route highlights: scenery and slower travel
A central selling point of the new route is the view from the train as it crosses Taiwan’s south-central corridor. The journey between Tainan and Changhua is expected to pass through plains, valleys, and rural areas, emphasizing the idea that the ride itself is part of the attraction.
- Wide agricultural fields and farmlands
- Quiet countryside towns along the tracks
- Traditional railway communities
- Rolling hills and open horizons
Local tourism and regional economic impact along the railway
The new service is also framed as a way to spread tourism beyond Taiwan’s most-visited urban centers. By linking destinations across the southern plains and central regions, the route is expected to encourage more visits to smaller communities and local attractions that may not typically be top stops for travelers.
- Increased visitor numbers to lesser-known communities
- More demand for local food and agricultural products
- Growth in regional tourism businesses and accommodations
- Stronger cultural visibility for towns along the railway
Shanlan’s track record in eastern Taiwan since April 2025
Before the Tainan–Changhua expansion, the Shanlan train had already established itself as a tourism service in eastern Taiwan. It has been operating between Hualien and Taitung since April 2025, and the report notes that its popularity helped build confidence for extending the concept into other regions, including the historically significant areas between Tainan and Changhua.
Destination focus: Tainan’s heritage and food culture
Tainan is presented as a key draw for cultural travelers, described as Taiwan’s oldest major city with temples, colonial-era sites, and traditional neighborhoods. Visitors arriving by rail will be positioned to explore well-known landmarks and local streetscapes, while also using the city as a base for a slower, experience-led itinerary.
- Chihkan Tower
- Anping Old Fort
- Koxinga Shrine
- Traditional markets and heritage streets
The report also highlights Tainan’s street food reputation, pointing to dan zai noodles, milkfish dishes, and traditional Taiwanese desserts as part of the appeal for travelers combining sightseeing with local cuisine.
Destination focus: Changhua County’s temples and rural landscapes
At the northern end of the route, Changhua County is described as a quieter alternative for visitors seeking a more local feel. The area is associated with temples, historic streets, and rural scenery, and is characterized in the report as a “hidden gem” for travelers looking beyond the most common itineraries.
- Lugang Old Street
- Baguashan Great Buddha Scenic Area
- Traditional craft villages and local markets
- Countryside roads and farming communities
Changhua’s fertile plains are also noted as part of its identity, creating opportunities for visitors to experience rural life and try locally grown produce while traveling through the region.
Onboard experience: comfort features aimed at tourists
Unlike standard commuter services, the Shanlan train is described as being built around leisure travel. The report says passengers can expect spacious seating, large windows for countryside viewing, a calm onboard atmosphere, and travel information intended to support tourism planning along the route.
Why this matters for travelers and the tourism industry
For travelers, the April 3, 2026 launch adds a new way to plan multi-stop trips across Taiwan that emphasize scenery, heritage, and regional food rather than speed. For the tourism sector, the Tainan–Changhua route signals continued investment in rail-based tourism that can distribute visitor spending to smaller towns and rural areas, while making the journey itself a core part of the destination experience.
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