TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan Railway (台鐵) announced Monday (Oct. 27) four guided heritage tours in November and December. The tours offer public access to explore Taipei Station's (台北車站) rich history and surrounding railway culture. This marks a shift from previous internal-only events to broader public engagement with Taiwan's railway heritage.
Tour guides will lead participants through Taipei Station and neighboring areas, revealing the station's historical significance and cultural evolution. Taipei Station underwent two relocations and three reconstructions, holding substantial portions of Taiwan's railway history. Taiwan's railway system began in 1887 when construction started on a rail line between Keelung and Hsinchu.
Taiwan Railway previously hosted similar events to celebrate its 138th anniversary, but participation was limited to internal staff and families. These events quickly reached capacity upon registration opening. The TRA Cultural Volunteer team (台鐵文化志工隊) now intends to broaden public access and engagement with cultural heritage tours.
The "Taipei Station Tour" (台北車站巡禮) will take place on Nov. 8 and Dec. 6. The "Taipei Station to Beimen: Taiwan Railway Cultural and Historical Walk" (北車－北門．台灣鐵道文史走讀) is scheduled for Nov. 22 and Dec. 20. Each session accommodates 20 participants, with registration opening on Oct. 29.