Shanlan Train Unveiled: A Seasonal Culinary Journey Through Taiwan’s East Rift Valley

(中央社訊息服務20250326 14:15:05)The Hualien County Government, in collaboration with Lion Travel, the Taiwan LOHAS Sustainable Association, and the Taiwan Railway Corporation, Ltd., has unveiled the “Shanlan (Mountain Mist)” train, a new sightseeing service dedicated to showcasing the seasonal flavors of the East Rift Valley. The launch was announced at a press conference held today at Hualien Station. The “Shanlan” is set to commence operations on April 19, with tickets available for purchase starting March 19. This is Taiwan’s first sightseeing train dedicated to the Hualien-Taitung Rift Valley, following the successful model of the previous “Haifeng (Sea Breeze)” train. By intertwining elements of rail travel, scenic landscapes, gourmet cuisine, and rich culture, passengers are promised an immersive experience that delights all five senses.

Adorned in a yellow-green hue, the “Shanlan” train’s exterior symbolizes the lush greenery and bountiful harvests of the East Rift Valley. Its interior boasts panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows, offering travelers uninterrupted views of the valley’s majestic scenery. The route stretches from Hualien Station to Chishang Station in Taitung County, with southbound stops at Shoufeng, Yuli, and Fuli. Northbound, the train halts at Dongli, Fenglin, and Fengtian, where passengers can partake in guided local tours in Yuli and Fenglin. Notably, as the train crosses the “Kecheng Iron Bridge,” it will slow down, allowing guests to fully appreciate the picturesque tapestry of rice paddies and rolling hills, embodying the essence of Hualien’s “slow travel” philosophy.

The train’s interior is dominated by earthy green tones, creating a serene and comfortable ambiance. Expanding on the panoramic window design of the “Haifeng” train, “Shanlan” features additional face-to-face seating, perfect for friends traveling together. A unique feature is the ceiling’s hidden lighting display, which twinkles like stars accompanied by music when the train passes through tunnels. Collaborations with aromatherapy brands have led to the development of a signature scent for the train, featuring notes of sandalwood and cardamom, evoking the comforting embrace of an ancient tree. Additionally, a “Resonance Room” has been established onboard, inviting passengers to experience fragrances that represent the landscapes along the journey, further connecting them to the beauty of the East Rift Valley.

The onboard dining experience of the “Shanlan” train is helmed by Yeh Chih-Lung, a renowned private chef from Hualien and double champion of the 3rd World Master Chefs Competition. Drawing inspiration from eastern Taiwan’s landscapes and seasonal abundance, Chef Yeh has curated a six-theme culinary experience that pays homage to this unspoiled land: “Black Gold & Dewy Jade,” “Dancing with the Sea,” “Harvests from the Mountains,” “Mist over Rice Fields,” “Feast of the East,” and “Gourmet Selections.” Each dish artfully combines elegant presentation with unique flavors. For instance, the southbound appetizer “Black Gold & Dewy Jade” creatively encases salted egg yolk lava within mochi, sprinkled with mullet roe and popping candy for a delightful texture. On the northbound journey, buckwheat replaces mullet roe, paired with a savory milk cap made from a century-old Hualien soy sauce, offering a distinct taste experience.

The starter “Dancing with the Sea” features seasonal seafood seasoned with curry and mustard seeds, layered with complex flavors. Traditional indigenous delicacies like Abai are reimagined in “Mist over Rice Fields,” blending tribal traditions with innovative techniques. Ingredients such as local Chishang rice, Fuli duck, and Hualien’s fresh pork are incorporated, allowing passengers to savor the purest flavors of the region. The journey concludes with Japanese wagashi from Yuli’s youth-driven dessert brand, “The Town Studio.” Served on custom Hualien marble plates, the modified mountain-shaped mizu-yokan and namagashi provide a refreshing and light finish. Through these thoughtful culinary creations, every traveler aboard the “Shanlan” can feel the land’s call and the warmth of the East Rift Valley.

Hualien County Mayor Hsu Chen-Wei expressed gratitude towards Lion Travel for their unwavering support of Hualien. This collaboration between the county government and Taiwan Railways to launch the “Shanlan” train offers travelers a round-trip journey from Hualien Station to Chishang, with stops at several distinctive Hualien stations. Seamlessly integrating rail and bus services, the initiative encourages in-depth exploration of local tribes and rural areas, allowing visitors to savor local delicacies and experience the region’s authentic charm. Reflecting on past challenges posed by COVID-19, Mayor Hsu commended Lion Travel’s courageous transformation from promoting domestic tourism to pioneering cruise and rail products. She hopes this partnership will introduce more travelers to Hualien’s beauty, elevating the travel experience with excitement and unexpected delights. Wishing the “Shanlan” train success from April 19 to November, she aspires for it to leave every traveler with unforgettable memories.

To invite more people to experience and celebrate the “Shanlan” train, the Hualien County Government, alongside Lion Travel, the Taiwan LOHAS Sustainable Association, and the Taiwan Railway Corporation, Ltd., will host the Valley Railway Festival in April and May. The festival will include weekend town markets, night markets, guided shopping tours, a “Shanlan” photography contest, and station art installations—setting the stage for next year’s centennial celebration of the Hualien-Taitung railway. The “Valley Railway Festival” not only honors history but also aims to promote deep travel, sustainable tourism, and local economic development through the preservation and innovation of railway culture, positioning Hualien-Taitung as the premier destination for rail travel experiences among domestic and international tourists.