Not sure where to go during the holiday? Top 5 breathtaking spots in Eastern Taiwan to welcome the first light of dawn

▲ Eastern Taiwan is always the top choice for welcoming the first light of dawn, this photo shows the very first sunrise in all of Taiwan on Lanyu (Orchid Island). (Photo provided by Wu Dongjun, unauthorized reproduction prohibited)

Reported by Chen Ziying / Taipei

On the last day of 2014, still not sure where to ring in the new year? Thanks to its early view of the first sunrise, many people choose to spend their New Year’s holiday in Hualien and Taitung. ETtoday EBC News interviewed seasoned Eastern Taiwan travel expert Wu Dongjun to recommend the best places to visit in the region during the New Year’s holiday.

1. Qixingtan (Seven Star Lake)

▲ The stunning sunrise at Qixingtan. (Photo provided by Wu Dongjun, unauthorized reproduction prohibited)

▲ In 2015, F-16 fighter jets will make a special flyover to greet the sunrise at Qixingtan in Hualien. (Photo provided by He Feng Hotel)

Among the six recommended spots, Qixingtan in Hualien is the top pick. Wu Dongjun said that aside from the undeniable beauty of Qixingtan’s bay, visitors can once again enjoy an F-16 flyover to welcome the sunrise this year. At dawn, four jets will perform a low-altitude flyby along the Pacific coast as the first light appears. Wu Dongjun believes this makes it the most unique place in Taiwan to welcome the dawn.

2. Hehuan Mountain
“The most accessible place above 3,000 meters,” is how Wu Dongjun describes it. Located at the border between Xiulin Township in Hualien County and Ren’ai Township in Nantou County, Hehuan Mountain offers a higher chance of seeing the sunrise compared to the eastern coastline because it sits above the clouds. However, temperatures on Hehuan Mountain are extremely cold, so it's important to dress warmly when greeting the dawn. Waterproof clothing, hats, and shoes are also recommended.

3. Lanyu (Orchid Island)

▲ Lanyu sees the first sunrise in all of Taiwan. (Photo provided by Wu Dongjun, unauthorized reproduction prohibited)

Taiwan’s very first ray of sunlight originates from Lanyu. The Central Weather Bureau recently announced the sunrise times for New Year’s Day 2015 across Taiwan, with Lanyu welcoming the first light at 6:32 AM, closely followed by Green Island at 6:34 AM. If you want to experience the thrill of seeing Taiwan’s earliest sunrise, Lanyu, the eastern offshore island, is definitely the place to be.

4. Longpan Grassland
Both Longpan Grassland and Sanciandao (Three Immortals Island) are among the earliest places on the main island to see the sunrise. However, Wu Dongjun noted that due to more stable weather conditions in Southern Taiwan, there’s a higher likelihood of seeing the sunrise at Longpan Grassland than at Sanciandao in Taitung. Moreover, Longpan Grassland has fewer visitors, making for a more peaceful and relaxing experience.

5. Taimali

▲ Taimali is known as the hometown of the sunrise. (Photo provided by Wu Dongjun, unauthorized reproduction prohibited)

When talking about sunrises, you can’t forget Taimali. Since the start of the millennium, Taimali has attracted large crowds of tourists coming to watch the sunrise, earning it the nickname “the birthplace of the sunrise.” Besides its breathtaking scenery, it’s also a sacred site for the Amis indigenous people. After watching the sunrise, you can also head to the Golden Hot Springs by the Taimali River to enjoy some winter warmth.