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After more than four years of anticipation, Taiwan Railway Corporation’s Jiji Line, beloved by railway enthusiasts and international visitors, resumed service with the inaugural run of its “Journey to the West” themed train. Service on the Jiji Line was suspended in August 2021 due to a landslide along Provincial Highway 16. With strong support from the Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC), the Nantou County Government, and legislators including Yu Hao, Taiwan Railway invested nearly NT$3.6 billion in reconstruction. On January 5, the first phase of service (from Zhuoshui Station to Jiji Station) was officially relaunched, with full-line operations to Checheng Station scheduled for July this year.

The launch ceremony was attended by Chen Shih-Kai, Minister of MOTC; Nantou County Mayor Hsu Shu-Hua; legislators Yu Hao and Mai Yu-Chen; Chen Yu-Hsiu, Director General of the Tourism Administration, MOTC; Cheng Kuang-Yuan, Chairman of Taiwan Railway; Chen Jin-Lun, Executive Director of the Central Taiwan Joint Services Center; Jiji Township Mayor Wu Da-Cun; County Councilors Chen Shu-Hui, Huang Chun-Lin, and Wang Chiu-Shu; and Chen Ya-Wen, Chairperson of the Jiji Township Council. Many local residents also joined the celebration. Performances by elders from the Bazhang community and students from Ai-Liao Elementary School—including dance and taiko drumming—added festive energy to the event.

  Artist Hung Yi, who designed the train, explained how his "Journey to the West" motif incorporates local specialties such as mountain bananas, the endangered leopard cat, and Nantou’s scenic landscapes, transforming the train into a “moving artwork.” As the vividly painted train, adorned with colorful motifs, pulled into Jiji Station, it drew gasps of admiration from the crowd.

 Minister Chen emphasized the government’s strong support for the reconstruction and restoration of the Jiji Line, and shared that he himself is a devoted visitor to Jiji and Checheng. He expressed hope that central and local governments will continue to collaborate in developing a network of premier destinations, highlighting Nantou County’s rich array of attractions.

 Mayor Hsu pointed out that before the suspension, Jiji attracted nearly 1.2 million visitors annually. During the four-and-a-half-year closure, that number dropped to just over 100,000, underscoring that the line’s reopening is not only about restoring transportation but also reviving local ties and tourism vitality. She expressed deep gratitude for the central government’s attention and the unwavering advocacy of legislators. Their support has enabled Taiwan Railway to overcome immense challenges, bringing the Jiji Line restoration to near completion (99%). With today’s reopening of the Zhuoshui–Jiji section, full service including Shuili and Checheng stations will resume in July.

 She added that the county has installed integrated smart bus shelters in front of the stations to improve transfer routes. After getting off the train, travelers heading to Sun Moon Lake or Xitou can transfer at the bus shelter to board the Taiwan Tourist Shuttle Service. Upcoming events such as the Nantou Flower Carnival, the 2026 Nantou Lantern Festival, the JiuJiuFeng Helium Balloon Park opening, and the Jiji Lantern Festival will further enrich the visitor experience. Board the train today and enjoy a spring outing in Nantou!