Welcome the “closest urban New Year’s Day sunrise” at Er’liao — invitation only

▲ Sunrise at Zuozhen Er’liao. (Photo / Taken from the official website of Tainan City Tourism Bureau)

Tourism Center / Comprehensive Report

Located within the Siraya National Scenic Area, Zuozhen Er’liao has become a new favorite spot for locals to greet the first light of the New Year in recent years. The small sunrise viewing pavilion attracted hundreds of people last year who climbed up to catch the first rays of the new year. To create a refined and high-quality sunrise-watching atmosphere, the Siraya National Scenic Area Administration specially organized a competition this year — only the winners will be invited to ascend the pavilion to watch the sunrise.

The Er’liao sunrise is popular for its unique geographical features such as “the lowest-altitude sea of clouds view,” “proximity to the city,” and “the longest line of sight for the sunrise.” The most sought-after sunrise viewing spot is the administration’s specially built “Sunrise Viewing Pavilion.” This all-wooden pavilion sits at the highest point in the area. Besides watching the sunrise, visitors can also take in the dramatic badland terrain and feel the majestic surge and flow of the sea of clouds.

The arrival of 2015 happens to mark the transition from 2014 (“Love You for a Century”) to 2015 (“Love You with a Kiss”). In response, the Siraya Administration has themed this year’s event around “One Century, One Kiss,” launching an online essay-writing contest. Participants simply need to write a 150- to 300-word love declaration on the dedicated event page of the Siraya Administration’s official Facebook fan page before 11:00 AM on December 20th, tag two friends to boost popularity, and invite family and friends to leave comments and likes. The most popular entries will win the chance to enjoy a romantic and elegant breakfast at the Er’liao Sunrise Viewing Pavilion, welcoming 2015 in an atmosphere filled with love.

Liao Yuanlong, director of the Siraya National Scenic Area Administration, said that Er’liao’s terrain is relatively small and cannot accommodate large crowds, so visitor numbers are restricted every year. This year’s sunrise event will feature meticulous planning in terms of personnel and activity management to emphasize quality and atmosphere. The goal is also to establish Er’liao as a new romantic destination and provide visitors with a comfortable place to watch the sunrise, greeting the happiness of the New Year.

For event details, please visitthe official website of the Siraya National Scenic Areafor more information.