新營鐵道文化園區

ONLY OPERATING ON SATURDAY. Reserve 3 days in advance for private rides

The Xinying Railway Culture Park is located at the Xinying Sugar Factory, one of the three major factories of the Taiwan Sugar Corporation. Due to its high organizational level, its office buildings and dormitories are unique. The factory boasts numerous and closely spaced railway tracks and flexible vehicle scheduling, making it a major transportation hub during the heyday of the Taiwan Sugar Corporation's five-cent passenger train service. The factory retains a considerable number of operational five-cent carriages and small locomotives. The diesel locomotive yard houses various types of diesel locomotives, as well as 1,067mm (5/4 inch) Hitachi seven-cent carriages used to transport various raw materials between the Taiwan Railway Xinying Station and the Taiwan Sugar Corporation's Xinying By-product Processing Plant. Therefore, the railway routes are diverse and worth seeing. Source: Tainan Tourism Website

I brought two kids to ride the miniature train—also known as the "Five-Cent Train"—which was originally used to transport sugarcane. Now it's a tourist train after the pandemic. The ticket price is reasonable, and there are some shops and attractions nearby. Parking is plentiful and easy. There are also a few restaurants nearby. Recommended attractions in Xinying, Tainan.

The dynamic Victory gasoline-powered car is the biggest highlight! Imported in 1949, this batch of power passenger cars, originally the mainstay of the sugar railway's passenger service, now only includes car number 538. After restoration, it has been restored to its appearance during the sugar railway's heyday. At a time when sugar factories have almost all closed and the sugar railway has almost completely ceased operation, it is an extremely precious cultural asset. The scenery along the route is also very varied, making it a highly recommended introductory experience to understanding the culture of the sugar railway!

I happened to be visiting Xinying during the Lunar New Year and wanted to try the miniature train. The park was generally average, and the full price for a ticket was NT$150. The interior was clean and well-maintained, and there was a guided tour throughout the ride, making it a unique experience. I was lucky enough to get a ticket for the last train, so I took a photo with the train after getting off and watched it return to the depot.