"Taiwan's Closest-to-City Sunrise" in Erliao, Tainan Has Crowd Control and Ticket Requirement

▲ The Erliao Viewing Pavilion in Tainan is hailed as the "closest city-based sunrise spot." (Photo / Provided by Siraya National Scenic Area Administration)

By Reporter Tsai Wen-jun / Comprehensive Report

As 2015 rapidly approaches, various New Year's Eve events across Taiwan are being unveiled one after another. The "Erliao Sunrise Festival" in Zuozhen, Tainan, now in its second consecutive year, has introduced new measures this time — crowd control will be implemented, and visitors must have tickets to enter.

The Erliao Viewing Pavilion in Zuozhen is praised as the "sunrise spot closest to a city," where visitors can also enjoy sea of clouds views. It is the lowest-altitude location in Taiwan for watching both the sunrise and sea of clouds. Its accessible geographical location, without the need for strenuous mountain treks, has made it a popular photography destination. The annual New Year’s Day sunrise event held here has long been one of the most beloved activities in southern Taiwan.

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However, due to the limited space at the viewing pavilion, to ensure visitor safety and maintain the quality of the viewing experience, the organizer, the Siraya National Scenic Area Administration, announced that for the first time this year, there will be a maximum crowd control limit of 3,000 people, and entry will require a ticket. The public can obtain free tickets from 12 designated locations specified by the Siraya Administration, with each person allowed to collect once per day and up to two tickets per collection. Only those with tickets can take the shuttle bus up the mountain to welcome the sunrise. The administration stated that this measure will also help pre-estimate and manage the number of visitors. Ticket collection runs from December 17 to December 31.

Tainan “Erliao Sunrise” Ticket Collection Method

Ticket Collection Period: December 17 to December 31, 2014
Ticket Collection Limit: Each person may collect once per day, up to two tickets each time
Entry Rules: The Siraya Administration operates shuttle buses for the sunrise event. Entry is only permitted with a valid ticket; those without a ticket will not be allowed entry.
See the table below for the 12 ticket collection locations. (Table / Prepared by Reporter Tsai Wen-jun)