Overview

The Ping Hsi Branch Line serves an area of Taiwan in decline - a former coal-mining district to the southeast of Taipei. Starting from Jui Fang, the line climbs through depressed villages consisting of tar paper-roofed houses, small temples, and the elderly. Many passengers disembark near Shi Fen to see two impressive waterfalls. The train passes through several tunnels and over bridges. The scenery is green, craggy and very typical of rural north Taiwan. The final stop is Ching Tung, a sleepy village linked to Taipei by bus.