The Alishan Forest Railway’s DL-34 locomotive embarked on its inaugural journey across the Welsh Highlands in the UK in May 2024, where the classic red locomotive transformed into an exchange ambassador and traveled across the country. The inaugural trip was timed to take place during the same period as the local tourist season. The Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency (FANCA) of the Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) and the Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railway jointly curated a themed photo exhibition, using precious documentary footage to show the local people and tourists the Taiwan-UK railway exchange process and the beauty of the Alishan Forest Railway. The FANCA digitized the exhibition and launched the "The Railway Journey: Taiwan-UK Friendship Online Photo Exhibition," giving railway enthusiasts in Taiwan and around the world an opportunity to transcend time and distance and re-live this momentous occasion.
DL-34’s Cross-National Journey after the 762 mm Agreement
The photo exhibition is divided into five major themes, starting with "The Sequel: A Story that Passes through 9971 KM," which witnesses the full journey of the classic DL-34 locomotive becoming an international exchange ambassador and setting off on its inaugural journey around the UK. In 2017, the Alishan Forest Railway and the Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railway became sister railways, and this unique relationship was established under the promotion of Secretary General Michael Reilly of the Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railway. The DL-34’s journey overcame various challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, international transportation, and system adjustments, before finally arriving in the UK. When the horn of the locomotive sounded at the scene for the first time, train enthusiasts were buzzing with excitement.
Flowing Railway Scenery and the Craftsmen Behind the Scenes Guarding the Memories
When visitors embark on a journey across the century-old Alishan railway, they will encounter a landscape where centuries of culture and nature are seamlessly interwoven. "Moving Landscapes" sets off from Chiayi Station with the audience, and as the altitude increases, the line of sight gradually expands. The audience then gets to explore each station along the line. During a short stop at each station, they get to observe the changing sceneries and details of the settlements. Alishan’s forestry has created the rich historical heritage of the Alishan Forest Railway. In "Reconstructing the Alishan Forest Railway," the audience gets to witness the railway connecting the important forestry and cultural resources in Chiayi City. These include the century-old Chiayi Loco Shed, Chiayi Sawmill, and even Hinoki Village, which have been successfully transformed in recent years to once again become an important part of the local culture with a new facade. "Shared Identity and Prosperity" is a testament to the guardians of the Alishan Forest Railway who remain steadfast to their posts day and night. It is their dedication that has allowed our beautiful memories of the Alishan Forest Railway to be safeguarded.
Let’s Embark on a Limited-Edition Century-Old Railway Journey!
"Themed Railway Tours" provide customized Alishan Forest Railway tourism resources. To promote low-carbon tourism, they deliver information on various railways in Taiwan. These tours also bring together information from railway-affiliated organizations including the Taipingshan Bong Train, Wulai Log Cart, Taiwan High Speed Rail, Taiwan Railway, Metro Taipei, New Taipei Metro, Taoyuan Metro, TMRT, KRTC, and Taiwan Sugar Corporation. We hope that more travelers who are passionate about railways and nature will come explore the mountain scenery of Alishan.
The Alishan Forest Railway climbs from an altitude of 30 meters to 2,451 meters above sea level and contains a wealth of forest and ecological resources. It has also nurtured human settlements that integrate the surrounding environment. It showcases the historical development of the Alishan Forest Railway and precious railway memories. The Railway Journey Online Photo Exhibition invites you to experience this tranquil forest journey together.
The Railway Journey: Taiwan-UK Friendship Online Photo Exhibition
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