📖 Prefer reading in Chinese?
You can find the full Mandarin version of this article here: 👉[中文版本請參考這裡]
After more than a year of closure, the Bong Bong Train at Taipingshan National Forest Recreation Area finally resumed full operation on October 1, 2025.
If you’re planning to visit Taiwan, this is the perfect time — from November to February, Taipingshan offers the most breathtaking sunrises, sea of clouds, and crisp mountain air.
Taipingshan is one of those places every Taiwanese person should visit at least once in their lifetime.
🎥 Watch my Bong Bong Train experience here!
🎥 More scenes from Taipingshan
🌲 Taipingshan — A Dreamy Cloud Forest Near Taipei
Located in Yilan County, Taipingshan is about a 1.5-hour drive through winding mountain roads from Taipei.
As you ascend, layers of mist and forest slowly unfold, giving you the surreal feeling of entering a fairy-tale mountain world.
To be honest, I didn’t expect much before visiting — but the scenery completely blew me away.
If you tend to get carsick, bring motion sickness pills, salty snacks, or sour plums — the curves can be quite intense for first-time visitors!
🚞 The Bong Bong Train is Back — Fully Reopened on October 1, 2025
The main reason for my trip was to ride the Bong Bong Train, a tiny forest railway famous among local and international travelers alike.
After being severely damaged by Typhoon Koinu in 2024, the line was suspended for more than a year. Finally, on October 1, 2025, it officially reopened — a moment many nature and railway lovers had been waiting for.
Originally, I planned to make this just a day trip.
But due to road construction, cars were only allowed to pass every 60 minutes, and the last train departed at 2:30 PM.By the time we reached the station, it was already past 3 PM — the last train had left.
At first, I felt disappointed. But then, on a whim, I called to ask if Taipingshan Villa still had a room available.To my surprise — they did! And not just any room — it was in the Xiaonan Building, located at the highest point with the best mountain views.
That moment of disappointment instantly turned into pure excitement.
As night fell, mist drifted through the windows, carrying the scent of cypress and mountain air.It felt like being embraced by the forest itself.The next morning, I finally got my long-awaited ride — the 8:30 AM Bong Bong Train.
The moment it started moving, the rhythmic clatter through the trees filled me with childlike joy. After a year of anticipation, that first ride was nothing short of magical.
🎥 Watch my Bong Bong Train journey here!
✅ Up next: ticket info, train seat tips, and the secret to photographing that iconic forest curve 🌿
🎫 Bong Bong Train Ticket Information
Tickets for the Bong Bong Train go on sale daily at 7:00 AM at the Taipingshan Station ticket counter.All rides are same-day tickets only (no online booking available).
However, guests staying at official lodges get a special perk:
- Taipingshan Villa guests can reserve the 7:30 AM and 8:30 AM trains.
- Cuifeng Lodge guests can reserve the 8:30 AM and 9:30 AM trains.
Each ride is a round trip, lasting about 20 minutes each way with around one hour to explore at the destination — Mao Xing Station.
There are roughly 8 departures per day (9 on weekends), and each train carries up to 81 passengers.
💡 The Story Behind the Bong Bong Train
The Bong Bong Train wasn’t originally built for sightseeing.
It was once a logging railway used to transport timber from the mountains of Taipingshan — one of Taiwan’s richest cypress regions.
The Mao Xing Line, where the current train runs, was among the most scenic parts of the old logging railway, crossing multiple bridges and steep valleys.
In 1985, a 3-kilometer section was restored, and by 1991, it reopened to the public as a tourist railway.
As for the name “Bong Bong”?
Some say it comes from the bouncing sound made by the uneven tracks.
Others believe it’s from the engine’s puffing rhythm echoing through the forest.
Either way, the name is cute, nostalgic, and perfectly fits this tiny forest train.
🎥 A short clip of the train’s sound and scenery
🚂 Secret Tips for Choosing the Best Seat (and Photo Spot!)
If you want that Instagram-perfect forest curve shot, remember this:
📸 Sit in the back cars and shoot forward when the train curves!
Here’s the golden rule:
👉 On the outbound trip, sit on the left side.
👉 On the return trip, switch to the right side.
Get this wrong, and… you’ll end up staring at the mountain wall instead of the valley view 😅
But sit on the correct side, and you’ll capture the breathtaking image of the train snaking through the green forest — the signature photo every traveler wants.
🌲 Mao Xing Station — A Piece of History Hidden in the Woods
When you arrive at Mao Xing Station, you’ll immediately feel a sense of peace and nostalgia.
This wooden station was built during the Japanese era, entirely made of Taiwan cypress, and stands as a quiet witness to the island’s rich forestry history.
Sunlight filters through layers of trees, casting moving shadows across the wooden planks.
It feels almost like stepping into a hidden world — serene, timeless, and deeply connected to nature.
🌿 Mao Xing Forest Trail — Three Routes Through the Woods
Don’t just take the train — make time for the Mao Xing Historic Trail, a short and beautiful hike through the forest.
There are three connected routes:
- Main Trail (1.1 km) — Flat and easy; perfect for families and seniors.
- Upper Loop (500 m) and Lower Loop (500 m) — Slightly uphill but short and scenic, great for those who want to immerse in forest air.
I chose to walk the upper and lower loops first, skipping part of the main route.
There’s a restroom near the lower loop, and the gentle slopes let you truly feel surrounded by trees and the scent of phytoncides — that calming “forest aroma.”
If you’re traveling with kids, stick to the main path; it’s safer and smoother.
If you have extra time, walk all three — it takes only about 20 minutes round trip with photo stops.
The timing works out perfectly:
Take the 8:30 AM train, arrive around 8:50, and enjoy a peaceful walk before catching the 10:00 AM return train.
🌄 Don’t Rush — The Scenic Platform Has a Limit!
Here’s a friendly reminder: the scenic viewing deck at Mao Xing only allows 10 people at a time.
So instead of rushing off the train, take your time — walk the upper loop first, then visit the viewing platform later when the crowd thins out.
Finally, stroll along the lower loop before heading back.
This route feels the most natural and lets you fully enjoy the tranquil rhythm of the forest without rushing.
🌿 Maosing Trail — A Walk Through Time
After the Bong Bong Train ride, many travelers head straight to the Maosing Reminiscent Trail (茂興懷舊步道) — a serene forest path that follows the remnants of the old logging railway. It’s about a 3.8 km round trip and offers one of the most immersive forest experiences in northern Taiwan.
Walking here feels like stepping into a green cathedral — towering cypress trees stretch skyward, and a cool mist lingers in the air. The trail is covered in soft moss, and the wooden paths and rail ties remind visitors of the area’s logging history. You can almost imagine the trains of the past carrying massive tree trunks down the mountain.
Along the way, you’ll find interpretive signs in English and Chinese that explain the forest ecology and historical background, making it a relaxing yet educational walk. Many visitors say that the Maosing Trail is one of the best places in Taiwan to experience the forest’s tranquility without being too physically demanding.
📸 Photo Tip: Come early in the morning — the soft sunlight filters through the mist, creating an ethereal atmosphere perfect for photography.
☕ Taipingshan Villa & Lunch Break
After a few hours of forest exploration, head to Taipingshan Villa (太平山莊) — the main area where you can rest, eat, and enjoy the view. There’s a restaurant, convenience store, and several lookout spots with sweeping views of the mountains.
Try their mountain vegetables, hot soup, or even a cup of local coffee grown from nearby Yilan regions. It’s a great way to warm up, especially if you visit in autumn or winter when the mountain temperatures can drop below 10°C.
If you’re staying overnight, this is also where most Taipingshan guesthouses and lodges are located. Staying here gives you a chance to catch the sunrise and sea of clouds, one of the most famous scenes in Yilan.
🏞️ Nearby Attractions: Jiuzhize Hot Spring & Cueifong Lake
Before heading down the mountain, make sure to check out two must-see nearby spots:
- Jiuzhize Hot Spring (鳩之澤溫泉) — A public hot spring area where you can boil eggs in natural hot spring water! The outdoor pools are surrounded by lush greenery, making it the perfect place to relax your muscles after a day of hiking.
- Cueifong Lake (翠峰湖) — The largest alpine lake in Taiwan, often shrouded in mist. It’s about 15 minutes from Taipingshan Villa by car and offers easy boardwalk trails and mesmerizing reflections of the forest on the lake’s surface.
Both places complement the Bong Bong Train perfectly, turning your trip into a complete Taipingshan nature experience.
🚗 Getting to Taipingshan — Transportation and Travel Tips
Although Taipingshan National Forest Recreation Area is located in Yilan County, getting there is easier than you might think.
Driving from Taipei takes about 3 hours (including the winding mountain road).
From the park entrance to the Bong Bong Train Station, allow about 1.5 hours more for driving and walking.
✅ Transportation Tips
- By Bus: Take the Kuo-Kuang Bus (Luodong–Taipingshan Line) for a direct ride.
- By Car: Set your GPS to “Taipingshan Bong Bong Train Station.”
- From the ticket counter to the train platform, expect to climb about 100 steps, so plan extra time.
☀️ Catch the Golden Sunrise at Taipingshan
Many travelers know about Alishan’s sunrise, but few realize that Taipingshan’s sunrise is equally breathtaking.
During autumn and winter, the golden sunlight breaks through layers of mist swirling in the valleys — a view that leaves you speechless. The mountain scenery here in Taiwan easily rivals the forests of any other country.
This trip made me realize something simple yet profound —
You don’t need to fly abroad to find beauty and serenity. Right here in Taiwan, you can experience both healing calm and majestic landscapes.
If you’re looking to escape the city and reconnect with nature,
the Bong Bong Train of Taipingshan is truly worth the journey.
📞 Official Information
- 🌲 Official Website: Taipingshan National Forest Recreation Area
- 💬 Facebook Page: Taipingshan National Forest Recreation Area
- 🎫 Ticket Hotline: (03) 980-9812
- 🔍 Ticket Status Check: Click here
📌 Final Thoughts — The Most Charming Forest Railway in Taiwan
The Bong Bong Train is more than just a mode of transport — it’s a living piece of Taiwan’s mountain history.
From golden sunrises and misty forest trails to the aroma of coffee at Yunhai Café, every part of this journey is filled with warmth and wonder.
If you’re searching for a peaceful and photogenic travel spot in Taiwan,
Taipingshan should definitely be at the top of your list this autumn and winter.
🌏 Read This in Mandarin
If you’d like to read the original Mandarin version of this article — with even more photos, cultural notes, and travel tips — you can check it out 👉 [here]
