Alishan: Nearly a hundred passengers embarked on a nostalgic journey aboard an old steam train in Taiwan this week, as the island’s annual cherry blossom season reached its peak in the breathtaking mountain landscapes.
The specially themed blossom train made its way up Alishan, a renowned mountainous region in southern Taiwan, offering travelers a six-hour scenic ride along a historic railway originally built during the Japanese colonial era for logging purposes. The railway, now a cherished heritage attraction, provided an enchanting backdrop of pink and white cherry blossoms in full bloom.
“It’s quite novel, and the cherry blossoms are really beautiful,” said train passenger Chang Ya-Jou.
As the locomotive wound its way through the misty mountains, passengers marveled at the shifting vistas. “When the steam train turns, the view out there is magnificent, especially when it passes by the snow-capped Yushan. It’s truly beautiful,” Ya-Jou added, referring to Yushan, Taiwan’s highest peak, which stands majestically nearby.
The Alishan Forest Railway, a narrow-gauge line, is one of Taiwan’s most celebrated tourist experiences. After years of disruptions due to typhoon and earthquake damage, the railway fully reopened last year, allowing visitors to once again experience its historical charm and stunning scenery.
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This marks the eighth edition of the annual cherry blossom steam train event, a seasonal tradition that continues to draw tourists eager to witness the mesmerizing floral spectacle while reliving the golden age of steam travel.
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