Stargazing and Watching the Sunrise to Welcome 2019 at the "Yuishan Sunrise Impression Concert"

Text / Edited and reported by the MOOK Scenic Spots Editorial Team
 
As the new year approaches, the whole of Taiwan is gearing up to welcome the first sunrise of the year. The 17th “Yuishan Sunrise Impression Concert” will be held at the Duigaoyue Viewing Platform in the Alishan National Forest Recreation Area. In addition to enjoying the concert, the event also showcases Alishan’s ecology and culture. The site decoration, created by local indigenous artists, incorporates Tsou tribal imagery into the natural surroundings, offering a holistic spiritual experience.

From December 29 for three consecutive days, there will be small-scale concerts at the Xianglin Service Area, Xianglin Sacred Tree Theater, and Zhushan Viewing Platform within the Alishan National Forest Recreation Area. These will feature performances by the Alishan Tsou Dance and Music Angels Children's Choir, Shanmei Danaiyu, and the Dabang 45-Degree Band, bringing the beautiful sounds of the Tsou people.
 
Additionally, for three consecutive days from 5:00 AM to 7:00 AM, there will be astronomical talks before sunrise at the Ogasawara Viewing Platform. Starting at 6:00 PM on December 31, there will be a stargazing event at the second floor of the Alishan Railway Station to ring in the new year together.

The main event of the Yuishan Sunrise Impression Concert this year invites Tsou singer Gao Huizhen and Amis singer Suming, alongside the youth group of the Le Xing Zhi Shi Orchestra. Together with the ambient atmosphere of the day and following the blessing ceremony by Tsou elders, they will perform songs that depict the intertwining of forests and humanity.

On New Year’s Day, in conjunction with the Tourism Bureau’s “Three Locations Welcoming the First Light of Dawn” event, attendees of the Yuishan Sunrise Impression Concert can also enjoy live views of the sunrises at Sanxiantai and Fulong simultaneously.

The Yuishan Sunrise Impression Concert is held at an altitude of over 2,400 meters. Temperatures generally remain in the single digits, so visitors should dress warmly. Free hand warmers and brown sugar ginger tea are also provided on-site.

There will also be lucky draw activities such as Facebook check-ins and joining LINE@, with chances to win limited-edition Yuishan forest life notebooks, Yuishan Sunrise Impression viewing glasses, and warm scarf blankets from the concert.