Indigenous Culture Shines on New Taipei City's San-Ying Line MRT

New Taipei City's San-Ying Line MRT is celebrating a successful trial operation, surpassing 750,000 passenger trips in less than a month. The line has become a significant driver of local tourism, with weekend ridership averaging 53,000 and contributing to a 20-30% increase in visitors to key attractions such as Sanxia Old Street and Yingge Old Street.

In a move to honor indigenous culture, the city has unveiled its third themed train, following previous designs inspired by Hakka culture and the New Taipei City Museum of Art. This new indigenous-themed train showcases the rich cultural heritage of Taiwan's indigenous peoples. The exterior features Amis traditional clothing patterns, while the interior is inspired by indigenous weaving culture, incorporating elements like the Amis 'alofo' (lover's bag) which symbolizes blessings and friendship.

The design, conceptualized by Lin Zhaoqing, uses a river motif to connect the areas of Sanxia, Yingge, and Taoyuan, reflecting the historical indigenous presence. The train also features 120cm-tall 3D figures of a "little rascal" from the Atayal tribe and "Kama" from the Paiwan tribe, aiming to provide a pleasant travel experience. Special indigenous-themed arrival music is also played at Taipei University Station to immerse passengers in the cultural atmosphere.

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The San-Ying Line is mobile space art, with every station having its own characteristics and stories.

Mayor Hou Yu-ih highlighted the train line's role as a "mobile space art," with each station offering unique characteristics and stories. He noted the line's efficiency, with trains arriving every two minutes during peak times, crucial for managing the large crowds, especially during events like the New Taipei City Museum of Art's fireworks display, which saw 72,000 passengers on a single day.

The success of the San-Ying Line extends beyond transportation; it actively promotes cultural understanding and economic development along its route. The line's ability to shorten travel times, meet commuting needs, and boost tourism underscores its vital role in the region's growth and cultural enrichment.

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The exterior incorporates elements of Amis traditional clothing patterns, displaying vibrant ethnic colors; the interior is designed with indigenous weaving culture as the main theme, through the imagery of weaving actions and elements like the Amis 'alofo' (lover's bag) that symbolizes blessings and friendship.