TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR) announced a special one-day tour to commemorate the comeback of the historic Hamasen train on Nov. 30, allowing travelers to experience four rail modes in one day.

Priced at NT$2,980 (US$92), the package offers a comprehensive railway experience, including the HSR, traditional train rides, metro, and light rail. As a special bonus, travelers departing on Nov. 30 and Dec. 1 will receive a limited-edition Hamasen balloon and a mini HSR wind-up car.

This year marks Kaohsiung's centennial anniversary and the 124th anniversary of the city's railway. The cultural bureau has undertaken a significant project to restore the Hamasen train and revitalize Hamasen Railway Cultural Park.

The newly upgraded park, now boasting Taiwan's largest outdoor railway museum, features a collection of over 30 historic Taiwanese trains, including passenger, freight, and service trains from various eras. To coincide with the return of the Hamasen train, the park will host a series of weekend markets and music events from Nov. 30 to Dec. 15.

This package offers a round-trip HSR ticket from Taipei and an electronic Hamasen experience pass. The pass covers a dynamic demonstration ticket for the Hamasen train, a one-way ticket for the Hamasen Museum of Taiwan Railway mini-train, a one-day pass for the city’s metro and light rail, and a meal set at the Hamasen cafe.

Upon arriving at Zuoying Station via HSR, travelers can transfer to the metro and light rail to reach Hamasen Railway Cultural Park. Once there, they can enjoy both large and small train rides.

After a railway adventure, visitors can unwind at the cafe, savoring coffee and snacks. This unique experience allows travelers to explore the region while experiencing four modes of transportation in a single day.

The dynamic demonstration of the Hamasen train will resume its classic route from the old Takao Station to the Wufu Fourth Road level crossing. Operating on weekends and national holidays, it provides a unique opportunity for rail enthusiasts and children to immerse themselves in the region's cultural heritage.

Hamasen is a transliteration of the Japanese word “Hama-sen,” which refers to the railway branch line that extended from the station to the wharf and warehouses. The city's integration of the Western Trunk Line in 1900 and the Hamasen Line strengthened its transportation network, facilitating the region's land and sea transportation.

Kaohsiung began solidifying its position as a major export hub and financial center. The city's role as a significant exporter of Taiwan's agricultural products, coupled with the expansion of its banking industry, marked the beginning of its transformation into a major port city.