Taiwan, an island nation, is blessed with a coastline that feels like poetry carved by the Pacific. The East Coast, in particular, is a place where mountains plunge into the sea, and the horizon stretches endlessly. This September, we boarded the Breezy Blue (藍皮解憂號) — a nostalgic train that carries travelers through tunnels, across time, and along with some of the most astonishing coastal scenery in Taiwan.

The Breezy Blue

The train was originally a Taiwan Railways ordinary express service, running between Taitung (台東) and Yuli (玉里). It ceased operations on August 15, 2015, when the Eastern Railway was fully electrified. Fortunately, on October 23, 2021, the train was reborn as the Breezy Blue — a dedicated sightseeing service offering distinctive features:

• Nostalgic Retro Design
  • Manually operated windows — the only train in Taiwan where passengers can open them.
  • No air conditioning; instead, old-school rotating electric fans.
  • Classic green leather seats that recall the charm of early railway travel.
• Slow Travel Rhythm
  • The Breezy Blue moves at a gentler pace, encouraging passengers to relax and savor the landscapes.
• Guided Tours
  • Onboard guides share stories of the railway’s history, the communities along the tracks, and the cultural significance of the journey.
• Local Flavors
  • Passengers enjoy regional specialties — from bento boxes featuring Taitung rice to snacks highlighting indigenous ingredients.
• Tribal Encounters
  • At select stops, travelers can join excursions into nearby villages to experience music, crafts, and traditions that root the journey in living culture.

A charming little shop on the train that offers a delightful selection of snacks, refreshing drinks, and unique souvenirs.

The tickets look so great that we keep them as mementos.

Scenic Route

The Breezy Blue runs between Taitung (台東) and Fangliao (枋寮) along the South Link Line (南迴線), weaving through tunnels and hugging cliffs where the Pacific crashes below.

This stretch of coastline is dramatic yet gentle. Train windows frame turquoise waters, rugged cliffs, and fields rolling toward the sea. It is a landscape of contrasts: the solidity of mountains, the fluidity of waves, and the fleeting beauty of light shifting through tunnels. Riding the Breezy Blue feels like moving through a living postcard.

Breathtaking coastal view from Breezy Blue.

Conclusion

The Breezy Blue is not just transportation — it is an invitation to step back in time, to let the rhythm of the rails carry us through history and horizon. In a world that often rushes, this train reminds us that journeys are not only about destinations, but about the stories, flavors, and landscapes we gather along the way.

Travel Tips and Information

• The Breezy Blue is a dedicated sightseeing train operated by Lion Travel (雄獅旅遊). Tickets are not sold at train stations. They can be purchased directly through Lion Travel (note: no English purchase information is available) or via third-party travel agents such as KKday.
• The Breezy Blue experience includes guided tours, but they are currently conducted only in Mandarin.