TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — A train service that takes passengers more than halfway around Taiwan and treats them to “unparalleled sea views” is proving popular, CNA reported Saturday (Feb. 13).

The service came into being after the completion of railway electrification around the main island in December. Taiwan Railways Administration’s (TRA) Puyuma Express train No. 422 starts at Shulin train station in Taipei and ends in Kaohsiung, taking six hours and 33 minutes, and costing NT$1,174 (US$40.50).

Taitung Station Chief Yang Shun-an (楊舜安) said the train follows the North Link line — with its magnificent sea views — to Hualien. The train then travels through the countryside to Taitung, between the Central Mountain Range and Coastal Mountain Range, before entering the South Link line to cut out the mountainous southeastern corner of Taiwan, and heading along the coast to its final destination.

He said the South Link section of this route allows passengers to enjoy the scenery of two seas — the Pacific Ocean and the Taiwan Strait.

Yang added the service has proven popular and received favorable reviews, according to CNA. He said many people take the train from Taipei, Yilan, or Hualien, just to enjoy the "unparalleled sea views."

TRA said passengers traveling from Taipei to Kaohsiung now have the option of taking the scenic, eastern route, though it is more expensive. The Taiwan High Speed Rail service from Taipei to Kaohsiung takes between 1.5 to two hours.

(CNA photo)