Alishan Railway - Taiwan

For quite some time it was not possible to send and received mail from Taiwan. Now, after more than 2 years, I started to received officials from there again. These, both from the Alishan Railway, are two of the nicest I've ever received with TW id. I kinda like cards with old trains.

Alishan Forest Railway is one of the most iconic, best preserved and most beautiful historical mountain railways in the world. Starting at the center of Chiayi City, it passes through tropical forests, subtropical hills, and rising into the temperate forests in the mountains, originally ending up at Alishan. It is definitely something you should experience while you are in Taiwan.

The railway attracts visitors from all over the world and is one of the most popular attractions in Taiwan.

 

TW-3313730, sent by Shengjie.

The Alishan forest railway was opened in 1912 during the Japanese occupation of Taiwan. Originally it was built to transport lumber from mountain areas in Chiayi County, especially cypress and Taiwania wood. The railway consists of narrow gauge track, and has 50 tunnels and70 wooden bridges.

 

 TW-3411510, sent by Vasya.

After the Alishan highway was completed in 1982 and logging in Taiwan was banned, passengers along the railway dropped considerably. However, the railway has become popular again in recent years due to its unique and historic preservation. - in: https://www.foreignersintaiwan.com