Welcome Taiwan’s First Sunrise – Uni Air Adds Extra Flights to Taitung

Reported by You t
ru / Taipei

As New Year’s Eve excitement builds, Taitung County is the only municipality in Taiwan hosting both a countdown and a “sunrise welcoming” event, leading to sold-out trains and flights during the New Year holiday. In addition to the extra train services approved by Taiwan Railways, Uni Air will operate one additional round-trip flight between Taipei and Taitung from December 25 to December 31, aiming to allow more people to bid farewell to the old year in Taitung and welcome the first sunrise of 2013 nationwide.


▲ Sunrise at Sanxiantai. (Photo / Courtesy of Taitung County Tourism Bureau)

Taitung County is the only place in Taiwan that combines a New Year’s Eve countdown with a sunrise welcoming event. This year, in addition to the traditional activities at the Sunrise Park in Taimali Township, the Taitung County Government has, for the first time, organized a campout-style sunrise event at the newly opened International Landmark in Taitung City Seaside Park. The series of events — including the “Nine Heavens” morning drum performance, a sunrise breakfast, welcoming the sunrise, a flag-raising ceremony, and a health walk — offer a vibrant and healthy way to greet the year 102 (2013).

Due to the high number of visitors from other regions who wish to ring in the New Year and then welcome Taiwan’s first sunrise, many have planned trips to Taitung for the holidays, resulting in a shortage of tickets and flight availability. Following requests from the county government, in addition to the extra train services operated by Taiwan Railways, Uni Air will also add extra flights from December 25 to December 31. Flight 8257 will depart Taitung for Taipei at 14:35 and depart Taipei for Taitung at 15:05, offering more people the opportunity to spend New Year’s Eve and welcome the first sunrise of the year in Taitung.