Golden Dragon Mountain: A Low-Carbon Dawn to Welcome the First Sunrise of the Year Amid Sea of Clouds

A New Year's Day flag-raising ceremony was held in Zhongxing New Village, Nantou County. (Photo by Liao Zhihuang)

On New Year's Day 2018, the Forest Recreation Area Administration welcomed the first sunrise of the year at Golden Dragon Mountain in Yuchi Township, Nantou County. Meanwhile, Nantou County Government and the Taiwan National Sports Association organized a flag-raising ceremony and hiking event in Zhongxing New Village. Marking 60 years since its establishment, Zhongxing New Village was particularly lively due to the influx of visitors for the New Year's flag-raising.

Golden Dragon Mountain is renowned for its sunrise views. The Forest Recreation Area Administration and Yuchi Township Office hosted a "Welcome the Dawn" event, using vehicle shuttles and hiking to minimize air pollution, reminding the public to conserve energy and reduce carbon emissions for a fresher start to the new year.

Nantou County Magistrate Lin Ming-chen, who attended the New Year's Day flag-raising ceremony, also shared two wishes for the new year. First, he urged the central government to address the issue of air pollution, as PM2.5 affects public health and lung cancer mortality rates are already high — a problem the central government must take seriously.

Second, the county government will assist youth employment and plans to construct affordable housing for young people on public land to resolve housing issues.

Attendees also included Legislator Hsu Shu-hua, Nantou City Mayor Sung Huai-lin, and local representatives, who joined the flag-raising ceremony. The event continued with a hike led by Magistrate Lin Ming-chen, kicking off the new year with sports and wellness.