‘Steam Queen’ Returns: Three Summer Runs Through the Hualien-Taitung Valley
Taiwan Railways Administration (TRA) announced three runs of the ‘Midsummer Treasure Island’ steam train event in July and August 2025. Pulled by the CT273 ‘Steam Queen’ locomotive, the train will travel between Yuli and Taitung through the East Rift Valley. Tickets go on sale at 10 AM on June 15 on the official website, priced at NT$2,188 each.
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- 📰 Published: June 12, 2026 at 10:39
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(Central News Agency, reporter Lu Taicheng, Taitung, June 12) As the summer tourism season approaches, Taiwan Railways Administration (TRA) announced today that it will operate three runs of the 'Midsummer Treasure Island' steam train event in July and August. Tickets will be available on the official website starting at 10 AM on the 15th.
The TRA Eastern District Operations Office issued a press release this morning detailing the 2026 Midsummer Treasure Island Steam Train event, an annual summer railway event. The Midsummer Treasure Island train, pulled by the CT273 steam locomotive, known as the 'Steam Queen', and attached to six Chu-kuang Express cars, will run from Yuli to Taitung. The three runs are scheduled for July 18, August 1, and August 15, with stops at Yuli, Fuli, Chishang, Guanshan, and the final stop, Taitung Station.
Yang Shun-an, Acting Director of the Eastern District Operations Office, told CNA reporters about the experience of traveling through the East Rift Valley on the Midsummer Treasure Island steam train. The journey includes stops at Fuli Station, known as the 'Land of Rice', and Chishang Station, designed to resemble a granary. Passengers can also visit the old Guanshan Station building, a blend of Eastern and Western architectural styles.
He said that the scenery along Taiwan's round-the-island railway is beautiful, encouraging people to plan a railway trip on the weekend to experience a different kind of railway charm. Riding the Midsummer Treasure Island train allows one to enjoy the unpolluted air of Hualien and Taitung, the interplay of fields and mountain mist, and also visit classical architecture and the unique small farmer markets at each station, making for a sun-filled railway mini-vacation.
The TRA Eastern District Operations Office stated that each ticket is priced at NT$2,188. Passengers can receive a commemorative gift upon presenting their ticket on the day of travel. Besides enjoying the valley scenery along the route, various small activities will be held on the train and at the stops, with lucky passengers receiving additional surprises. Seats are limited for each run. For detailed itinerary and ticket purchase information, please visit the TRA's official website. (Editor: Chang Mingkun) 1150612
The TRA Eastern District Operations Office issued a press release this morning detailing the 2026 Midsummer Treasure Island Steam Train event, an annual summer railway event. The Midsummer Treasure Island train, pulled by the CT273 steam locomotive, known as the 'Steam Queen', and attached to six Chu-kuang Express cars, will run from Yuli to Taitung. The three runs are scheduled for July 18, August 1, and August 15, with stops at Yuli, Fuli, Chishang, Guanshan, and the final stop, Taitung Station.
Yang Shun-an, Acting Director of the Eastern District Operations Office, told CNA reporters about the experience of traveling through the East Rift Valley on the Midsummer Treasure Island steam train. The journey includes stops at Fuli Station, known as the 'Land of Rice', and Chishang Station, designed to resemble a granary. Passengers can also visit the old Guanshan Station building, a blend of Eastern and Western architectural styles.
He said that the scenery along Taiwan's round-the-island railway is beautiful, encouraging people to plan a railway trip on the weekend to experience a different kind of railway charm. Riding the Midsummer Treasure Island train allows one to enjoy the unpolluted air of Hualien and Taitung, the interplay of fields and mountain mist, and also visit classical architecture and the unique small farmer markets at each station, making for a sun-filled railway mini-vacation.
The TRA Eastern District Operations Office stated that each ticket is priced at NT$2,188. Passengers can receive a commemorative gift upon presenting their ticket on the day of travel. Besides enjoying the valley scenery along the route, various small activities will be held on the train and at the stops, with lucky passengers receiving additional surprises. Seats are limited for each run. For detailed itinerary and ticket purchase information, please visit the TRA's official website. (Editor: Chang Mingkun) 1150612
FAQ
Where can I buy tickets for the Midsummer Treasure Island train?
Tickets can be purchased on the official TRA website.
What is special about the CT273 steam locomotive?
Known as the 'Steam Queen', it is admired for its classic appearance and powerful performance.
Is food allowed on the train?
It is not specified in the article, but food and drinks are generally allowed on TRA trains. Please check with TRA for details.