Jingtong to Pingxi - Taiwan rail adventure
Riding the Pingxi Branch Line in Taiwan. This used to transport coal miners before the mines closed for good in the 1970s.
Heels 2 Wheels: Taiwan - JingTong Railroad Station and Pingxi Old Street in New Taipei City (Ep27)
One of Taiwan's many old train stations that have turned into tourist attractions, Jingtong was originally a coal mining town as you might be able to see from the remnants that were left behind depicting the history of the area and the coal mining industry. Today, it is a popular tourist attraction, fronted by the train station (one of Taiwan's four remaining wooden stations) and Jingtong Old Street.
We then ventured up to Pingxi Train Station to explore the aged narrow street with well preserved, historic buildings stretching along each side evoking feelings of nostalgia. Most of the shops here are traditional grocery stores that still retain their original character from the 1950s.
Finally, this is also the place where many send sky lanterns floating up into the sky bearing prayers and wishes, and is also the perfect place for photo-taking and film-making, as evident in the highly popular Taiwanese film, Apple of My Eye.
For more information and location details, visit:
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel to be the first to know when new episodes are out:
Remember to follow our travels on and like us on Facebook: and
Heels 2 Wheels: Taiwan - Gold Museum in New Taipei City (Ep 28)
The Gold Museum is located in the mountainous town of Jingua Rock (Jinguashi) in Ruifang Township, New Taipei City. With plenty of historical, humanities and natural heritage, the park lays special emphasis on heritage preservation and sustainable development.
In addition to enjoying the unique geological and natural sights here, visitors of the park will have better understanding of the mining history and community culture of Jingua Rock (Jinguashi).
It is an interesting place for history lovers to visit and one gets a good introduction to the prosperous past of this now quiet town. Of course, it's a must-visit for gold lovers of any age and an activity not to be missed is that of attempting to lift the 220kg gold bar. It's been said that if anyone can lift it, it is theirs to bring home!
Visitors who want a memorable souvenir can also get a plate with sand, learn how to wash, pan, filter and then, pour the remaining contents into a small bottle. So, how much gold dust/flakes you get depends on how lucky you are!
For more information and location details, visit:
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel to be the first to know when new episodes are out:
Remember to follow our travels on and like us on Facebook: and
Police precinct in Pingxi renovated to look like a sky lantern
Renovations are nearly completed to make the police precinct in Pingxi look like a sky lantern. The new look will reflect the sky lantern's importance to this New Taipei City tourist town. The basic design for the new Pingxi police precinct was revealed in April of last year.Now that most of the construction is completed, it is apparent that this three-story building truly resembles a sky lantern. It is located next to the Jingtong Railway Station and attracts the gaze of curious tourists.TouristWhen I saw it undergoing renovations, I thought it was a new guesthouse, says this tourist. It's really attractive.The building cost NT$10 million to renovate. Plans include making the first floor a tourist service center, with the second and third floor serving as the precinct and dormitory.Chen C
2017 11 18 台北平溪線Pingxi line -菁桐火車站Jingtong train station(4K影片+TIMELAPSE)BY棟梁 #jeff0007
如果覺得我的作品不錯，麻煩請大家訂閱我的頻道，請按訂閱我，您的訂閱是我的源動力，感謝大家。。。
部落格-痞客幫
FB粉絲頁:
台灣在地的大大小小旅遊記事by棟梁-Travel notes by tungliang lin
菁桐火車站
建於1929年，目前還保持著原來日式木造車站造型。已有80年歷史的木造站房─菁桐車站，傾頹的舊房舍，散發優雅古韻，吸引許多遊客拍照留念。車站旁有座小小的古樸涼亭，遊客們可以在一旁的鐵道故事館買竹筒，將心願寫於祈願竹筒上，掛在涼亭。
在車站旁的菁桐鐵道故事館，買一張木製明信片，寫下祝福或紀念，投入門口旁的紅色復古郵筒寄出，是不少遊客的旅程紀念。緊鄰菁桐車站的菁桐老街，短短約百公尺，挨著鐵道而行，石板地磚上述說著地礦業史，街上有懷舊礦工食堂、鐵道紀念品商店、楊家雞捲等熱門店家，是遊客麋及的熱門地段。
Jingtong train station
Built in 1929, it still maintains the original Japanese wooden station shape. The 80-year-old wooden building - Jingtong Station, decadent old houses, exudes elegance and charm, attracting many tourists taking pictures. There is a small quaint pavilion next to the station, where tourists can buy bamboo at the railway museum on the side of it. Wish to write on the wish bamboo, hanging in the pavilion.
At the station next to the Jingtong Railway Story Museum, buy a wooden postcard, write down a greeting or memorial, put in the mailbox next to the red retro mail, is the journey of many tourists Memorial. Close to the Jingtong station Jingtong old street, as short as about 100 meters, next to the railway line, stone slabs above mining industry history, the streets of nostalgic miners canteen, railway souvenir shops, Yang chicken rolls and other popular stores, Is a popular tourist elk and lots.
Specially made time-lapse movie in Taipei, Taiwan, and if there is demand, please contact the authority part linjeff0007@gmail.com my name is lin tungliang
Taiwan Sugar Museum and Old Train Station Kaohsiung Taiwan
The Taiwan Sugar Museum (Chinese: 台灣糖業博物館; pinyin: Táiwān Tángyè Bówùguǎn) is a museum about sugar in Qiaotou District, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
The museum building dates back to the Japanese rule of Taiwan when it was constructed as a sugar refinery factory in 1901 and completed in 1902. The factory underwent second and third stages of construction in 1905-1911 and 1911-1945 respectively which focused on the construction of leisure and religious needs of the employees. During World War II, two factories were damaged during bomb raids. They were then restored. Due to the declining of world's sugar price, the area was turned into museum and was opened in 2006.
Clever marketing turns Pingxi Branch Line into lifeblood of new international tourist destination
Pingxi in New Taipei CIty has become one of Taiwan''s top 10 tourist sites for independent travelers for the first time. It''s known for the Pingxi lantern festival, but more visitors mean trains serving the town are increasingly crowded. The Pingxi Branch Line has come a long way since 30 years ago when it was facing a shutdown. But thanks to some clever marketing by locals, the area has been reborn as an international tourist destination. Just how did they pull it off? Unlike any other train station in Taiwan, Shifen Station on the Pingxi Branch Line in New Taipei still uses antique signaling systems from the Japanese colonial era, rather than modern electronic train controls. The sight of humans dispatching trains at the station attracts plenty of railroad fans from at home and abroad.Liu Li-weiShifen Station Deputy StationmasterActually a lot of tour groups from Japan come to see our signaling block system and our semaphore signals because they are from the Japanese era. Lots of railroad fans will make a pilgrimage here just to see this system.These two Japanese travelers eagerly survey the scene, having come all the way to Pingxi to launch sky lanterns. Sky lantern sellers in the town offer all kinds of packages, with each color of lantern corresponding to a certain type of wish, whether for love, prosperity, or health. Just as these tourists are enjoying the charm of launching sky lanterns, their ears are greeted by a shrill whistle warning that a train is about to come. There’s about one departure per hour on the Pingxi Branch Line, which in many places forces trains to pass slowly between private houses and buildings close on both sides. Some get a real kick out of being able to stand right next to the passing trains.Risa NoichiJapanese TouristThere’s not many places in Japan where you can look at the train up close. I think it’s wonderful. It’s a totally new experience for me.Filipino TouristIt was actually new for me. I wasn’t this was ganna be on the railway. Actually when the train arrived, I was like “oh!”Though Pingxi District has the smallest population of any district in New Taipei, it has successfully managed to transform itself into an international tourist destination based on its famous sky lanterns and railroad. The whole length of Shifen Old Street bubbles with activity, as tourists write on their lanterns in English, Korean, and many other languages. It’s a stark contrast from 30 years ago, when the Pingxi Branch Line was so infrequently used that authorities were close to doing away with it.The final stop on the Pingxi Line is Jingtong Station, where the mottled wall of an old ore washing plant right next to the platform serves as a reminder of the mines that flourished here during the Japanese colonial period. By the 1980s, though, the coal industry was in terminal decline, and interest in the station dropped off.Li Wen-chuanJingtong Cultural HistorianIn the beginning, the Pingxi Line didn’t see any tourists, who only really went to Shifen Waterfall. Even on the weekends before there was any five-day work week, when the train arrived here on Sunday there would only be about three people onboard. As a cultural historian of Jingtong, Li Wen-chuan encouraged his fellow townspeople at that time to fight to preserve the Pingxi Line, which in the end was saved from demolition. But Li also realized that if the branch line were to maintain its lease on life, passenger loads would have to be increased significantly. So he decided to use the area’s history as a marketing tool.Li Wen-chuanJingtong Cultural HistorianBefore, there used to be a fruit ice shop on the left side of the tracks, and a young railroad worker inspecting the tracks used to peek over a wall at the pretty woman who worked in the shop. Later on, they became a couple!Li’s strategy seems to be working, given the many young couples who come to the area around Jingtong Station to write their wishes on bamboo tubes before hanging them on this wall. It’s become one of the most romantic sights along the Pingxi Line.It’s not just Shifen and Jingtong Stations that are driving tourism on the Pingxi Line. Each station on the line has its own unique qualities that together have made it the most profitable branch line in the whole Taiwan Railways network.Hsu Min-chiehTRA Transportation DepartmentThe Pingxi Line averages 1.59 million passengers per year, and brings in annual revenues of more than NT$40 million. Having been left behind by the decline of the coal industry, theseformerly silent mountain towns have been reborn as international tourist destinations, thanks to an effective marketing approach going back to the area’s history. The Pingxi Branch Line looks set to continue bringing tourists from far and wide to experience the region’s unique blend of nostalgia and slow living.
Change of schedule for more than 400 trains
Taiwan Railways implemented a new schedule today, affecting more than 400 trains. Over half saw a schedule change in excess of five minutes. The railway also expanded Puyuma express train service to Hualien and Taitung, though many commuters continue to complain that these tickets are hard to acquire. Taiwan Railways' schedule change left many people confused about departure times. Passengers had little choice but to ask station staff for help purchasing tickets, as they were afraid of missing their train. Beginning on Wednesday, Taiwan Railways changed departure and arrival times on east and west coast lines, affecting over 400 trains.Fortunately, there weren't any delays on the first day of the new train schedule.The Puyuma express train now services Taitung, with a total of 12 different trains on weekdays and 18 over the weekend. However, many still believe tickets for the express train are difficult to purchase.The express may be easy for tour groups to purchase. But for individuals, I don't think there will be many benefits even if they add extra trains. Peng Kun-yenTRA Transportation Services DivisionAt first, many people worried they couldn't reserve a ticket, so they would have several people reserve seats when in fact they only needed one. Tickets that are returned or not collected will be automatically released by the system. Taiwan Railways also restarted service on the Shenao line today. It is integrated with the Pingxi line, allowing direct access from Pingxi and Jingtong to the Keelung National Museum of Marine Science and Technology.
Jingtong Old Street, New Taipei Taiwan
Lantern, Old Train in Taiwan
Jingtong 青桐
Built in 1922, the architecture of the Crown Prince Hotel reflects a fusion of Japanese and Western styles, a spectacular sight to see for all travelers to Jingtong. Also known as the Shidi Club or the Taiyang Club, the hotel was used by the Taiyang Mining Company as a guesthouse, a staff training center, and an entertainment venue. Constructed with premium Taiwanese cypress using unique interlocking techniques, the Crown Prince Hotel is one of the best-preserved Japanese-era buildings in Taiwan. A few dozen Japanese-style dormitories nearby functioned as lodging for staff workers at the Taiyang Mining Company and were allocated according to rank. Because the overwhelming Japanese style of these buildings, locals would often refer to the area as Hokkaido or Tokyo. After decades of neglect and erosion, only five or six houses remain intact today, but the area retains its charm. The quaint atmosphere makes the site a hot spot for TV shows and commercials as well as a popular holiday getaway
Heels 2 Wheels: Taiwan - National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium in Pingtung (Episode 18)
Next stop on our itinerary was The National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium, located on the north west coastal area at the foot of Gueishan (Tortoise Mountain) of Kenting National Park. We then round off the night with a visit to the Kenting Night Market.
Accomodation for the night was at YOHO Beach Resort, a luxurious Taiwan resort conveniently located in the famous Kenting National Park in Pingtung, Taiwan. This beautiful resort is designed by Huang Yung-Hung, a famous Taiwan architect who has also designed a number of great works in Taiwan. The resort is comprised of Venetian and Mediterranean-styled architectures well-integrated with breath-taking ocean sceneries for an exotic holiday ambience.
For more information and location details, visit:
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel to be the first to know when new episodes are out:
Remember to follow our travels on and like us on Facebook:
Jingtong Old Street 菁桐老街
Jingtong Old Street is the heart of the historic mining town of Jingtong, in Pingxi District of New Taipei City. It has a long street with delicious food and souvenirs, sky lanterns,, and many historical buildings nearby. As the last stop on the Pingxi Railway, you should definitely get off the train and check it out.
Background:
Jingtong Train Station was completed in 1929 as the last station on the Pingxi Railway Line.
The surrounding town and Jingtong Old Street were created soon after.
The town relied on local coal mines for its economy, but by the 1980s coal mining in Pingxi District had all but stopped due to safety issues and low worldwide coal prices.
There are a number of historical buildings in the area, including the Coal Life Museum, multiple coal mines, and the station itself, as well as numerous residences.
Currently there is an average of about 1,000 visitors per day to the station (making it the second busiest station on the railway) and the area has become a popular tourist destination.
Hours:
24/7
Price:
Free
How to get there:
By Train: Take the TRA to Ruifang Station, and then switch to the Pingxi Railway line. Get off at Jingtong Station, the last station on the line, and you're there!
By Car/Scooter: Take provincial highway 2 east toward Pinglin, then get off the main highway once you reach Shifen. Then turn right and go west on county road 106 until you reach the Jingtong Station. After that, you can park across the river or somewhere further away where parking is available.
Pingxi Shifen Sky Lantern Taiwan Vlog 2019
#PingxiSkyLantern #Taiwan
Pingxi to Lingjiao - Taiwan rail adventure
Riding the Pingxi Branch Line in Taiwan. This used to transport coal miners before the mines closed for good in the 1970s.
Jiji Small Railway Line Tour (Taiwan)
The Jiji Line / Jiji Small Railway Line / 集集線 is a branch line of the Taiwan Railway Administration, located in Changhua and Nantou Counties in Taiwan with a length of 29.7 km. The line was originally built by Taipower to facilitate the construction of Mingtan Pumped Storage Hydro Power Plant in Sun Moon Lake. Afterwards, the colony government purchased the route in 1927. The line was severely damaged in the 1999 Jiji earthquake on 21 September 1999, but was repaired and resumed operations in February 2002.
On Jiji Line, there are twelve runs everyday, however, only one runs between Ershui Station and Checheng Station, and the others travel between Taichung Station and Checheng Station. The headway between each number of runs is about two hours. Due to the line being single tracked, only one train can travel the full length at a time. Historically, only the TRA's diesel-powered trains could operate on the line due to the width of the line's tunnels. Following the renovations from 2010 to 2011, the Jiji Line became navigable to other types of trains.
A one-way ticket fare, from Ershui to Checheng, is NT$44 by mileage for adults. And, an unlimited-rides pass fare is NT$80, for used in one day. The Jiji Line ticket and one-day round-trip pass is available for purchase at all the following stations: Zhunan, Miaoli, Fongyuan, Taichung, Changhua, Yuanlin, Tianzhong, Ershuei, Dajia, Shalu, Douliu, Dounan, and Chiayi.
Pingxi Line, Taiwan
Train ride from Jingtong to Ruifang, on the Pingxi Railway Line.
kc keelung national museum of marine science and technology
This video is about kc keelung national museum of marine science and technology
music: disney's under the sea (instrumental version)
Pingxi Train Line Trains (Taiwan)
The Pingxi Small Railway line is a thirteen kilometre, narrow-gauge railway, one of three remaining open from the Japanese era. The towns along the Pingxi Line were all once thriving mining towns, all feature “old streets” selling tourist paraphernalia and old Japanese buildings.
Pingxi line | eatseetravel.net
A day on Pingxi railway, visiting Pingxi, Shifen and Shifen waterfalls
Heels 2 Wheels: Taiwan - Dachu Coffee Farm and Qigu Salt Mountain in Tainan (Episode 14)
Down one mountain and up another, we chanced upon Dachu Coffee Farm, a cozy joint nestled in a quiet corner, far above and away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Refreshed and regenerated from the short coffee break, we then head down the mountain and scootered over to Qigu, which actually has a long history of generating salt and actually contributes to over 60% of Taiwan's salt production. It is also a popular tourist destination and many have come to view and photograph the salt plains and Salt Mountains, also known as Qigu Yan Shan.
Finally, Qian Lai Ye in Qigu is the perfect shop for a little souvenir shopping. Inside it, one can find a large array of knick-knacks, old-school toys, candy, biscuits, drinks, and oh, the unforgettable Salted Egg Yolk & Walnut ice cream. You'll also see alot of frog memorabilia and frog-themed items everywhere, because the Taiwanese drama The Prince Who Turns Into a Frog (王子變青蛙) was filmed here.
For more information and location details, visit:
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel to be the first to know when new episodes are out:
Remember to follow our travels on and like us on Facebook: