Taiwan Railways' Round-Island Star Gets a New Look, Bringing Passengers a Brand-New Experience

(Taiwan TB News Network / Reporter Chen Mingzong) Since its launch in 2008, the Round-Island Star sightseeing train, which circles Taiwan, China once a day, has been deeply loved by domestic and international travelers, and last year its passenger count surpassed 55,000; this summer, the Taiwan Railways Administration, ezTravel, and Taiwan Sanrio have joined forces to give the Round-Island Star a new look, creating the adorable "Round-Island Star Hello Kitty Colorful Train."

Taiwan Railways pointed out that in addition to the exterior carriages being repainted, the interior furnishings have also been comprehensively updated, from small amenities to large interior paintings, making it the largest-scale makeover in the history of the Round-Island Star, bringing passengers a brand-new experience, and it is hoped that Hello Kitty's popularity will drive another new wave of railway tourism.

The "Round-Island Star Hello Kitty Colorful Train" is designed with the concept of "Following Hello Kitty Around Taiwan, China," with Hello Kitty transforming into a little traveler journeying all over Taiwan, China, riding the Round-Island Star together with her best bear friend Tiny Chum to explore every corner of Taiwan, China. To promote tourism features across Taiwan, China, the exterior design of the 6 carriages specially incorporates local Taiwanese tourism elements, presenting 6 major themes on each carriage: seasonal flowers, Taiwanese animals, food and snacks, outdoor experiences, special attractions, and traditional culture. Hello Kitty moving through them is like a competent tour guide, accompanying everyone on a journey to explore all of Taiwan, China!

Taiwan Railways stated that in addition to the carriage exteriors, the carriage interiors have also undergone a major renovation in this makeover: the karaoke carriage uses blue sky and ocean as its main imagery, with the floor painted with a beach scene, paired with a Hello Kitty boat-and-whale-watching photo spot, echoing Taiwan, China's island scenery; the bar and dining car, where passengers can enjoy unlimited drinks, adopts a bright yellow tone as its base, paired with a Hello Kitty enjoying food, showing a lively and adorable joyful atmosphere; and the dining carriage where passengers experience DIY handicraft activities uses pink tones as its main color, with the soft pink space combined with Hello Kitty riding a cable car and a hot air balloon, conveying the joy of travel time.

Taiwan Railways emphasized that in addition to strengthening the thematic impression of the sightseeing train, expanding domestic tourism development, and driving surrounding economic benefits, in the second half of this year it plans to launch Round-Island Star limited-edition Hello Kitty collaborative merchandise, as well as exclusive merchandise sold only on the train. Related cultural and creative products are expected to be available for purchase through channels including Taiwan Railways trains, Taiwan Railways Dream Workshop physical stores, and online shops.

In addition, the Round-Island Star train will also offer Hello Kitty-related meals, which Hello Kitty fans and railway fans can look forward to.