Qixingtan, Taimali, and Toucheng Greet the Most Breathtaking Dawn – East Taiwan Is Breathtakingly Picturesque

Reported by Chen Zi-Yin / Special Feature

As 2013 draws to a close, welcoming the brand-new 2014 with the first light of dawn holds special New Year significance, and the northeast corner of Taiwan and the entire eastern region are among the best places to greet the dawn. Where can you see the most beautiful dawn in East Taiwan? ETtoday East Taiwan Travel Cloud has selectedfour must-see dawn spots in Hualien and Taitung, namelyQixingtan in Hualien, Orchid Island in Taitung, Taimali, and Sanxiantai.In addition, Toucheng in Yilan stands out with“Turtle Mountain Sunrise”which is ranked first among the Eight Scenic Spots of Lanyang.

For dawn views in Hualien, Qixingtan is the top recommendation. Also known as Crescent Bay, Qixingtan is the only county-level scenic area in Hualien County. Watching the morning light in the enchanting crescent-shaped bay, with its azure waters and adjacent mountain scenery, is sure to be an unforgettable memory for the year.This year, the “Fighter Jet Welcoming the Dawn” event was launched for the first time at Qixingtan. F-16 fighter jets will perform at the moment the dawn breaks, joining visitors in welcoming the first light of 2014.


▲ Qixingtan is a must-visit attraction in Hualien, where the calm sea reflects the dawn, creating a serene and hopeful atmosphere. (Photo by Wu Dongjun)

Orchid Island in Taitung is the first place in Taiwan to greet the dawn. In previous years, it attracted large numbers of tourists to “chase the dawn,” with the island’s charm complemented by the orange-red glow.The very first rays of dawn in all of Taiwan shine upon Red Head Mountain,making it truly intoxicating and a spot of breathtaking beauty according to locals.


▲ The stunning Orchid Island is the first place in Taiwan to greet the dawn. (Photo by Wu Dongjun)

When it comes to dawn in Taitung, Taimali cannot be left out. Known as the “Hometown of the Sun,” Taimali Township features a winding coastline, long stretches of sandy beaches, and mountainous backdrops. Since hosting its first dawn-welcoming event in the year 2000, whether you’re strolling on the beach, watching the sunlight on the Pacific, or ascending the mountains to greet the dawn above the sea of clouds, the experience is equally uplifting.


▲ Taimali Township, known as the “Hometown of the Sun,” is also an excellent place to greet the dawn. (Photo by Wu Dongjun)

Sanxiantai, which has gained popularity in recent years, features three towering rocks on the island that form a beautiful scene with the sea-crossing arch bridge. The first dawn of 2014 shining upon it makes it even more worthwhile to visit.You can also climb onto the small island, embrace the dawn, and admire the winding and fascinating beauty of the East Coast. Every year, dawn-welcoming events are also held in the East Coast Wind Area, featuring performances by Amis tribespeople singing and dancing, creating a lively atmosphere.


▲ The three giant rocks and eight-arch bridge of Sanxiantai reflect the morning light. (Photo by Wu Dongjun)

In addition,the Easton Ocean Hot Spring Hotel located in Toucheng, Yilan, known for its stunning sea views, is considered the best place in the Northeast Corner to greet the dawn. The hotel offers views of “Turtle Mountain Sunrise,” ranked first among the Eight Scenic Spots of Lanyang.Visitors can gaze at Turtle Mountain Island from the sea from the hotel, and on New Year’s Day, they can also welcome the brand-new 2014 in the specially designated “Dawn Viewing Area” planned by the hotel.


▲ In the Northeast Corner, you can watch “Turtle Mountain Sunrise,” the first of the Eight Scenic Spots of Lanyang, to welcome the new 2014. (Photo provided by the operator)

※ According to the observatory, the first dawn of 2014 will rise at 6:33 AM on January 1st over Orchid Island, an outlying island, while the first dawn on Taiwan proper will appear at 6:35 AM, visible from Sanxiantai in Taitung and Eluanbi in Pingtung.