Three New Ways to Celebrate New Year’s in Tainan: Sunsets at Yantian, Dawn at Erliao, and Countdown Concerts

By MOOK Travel Life Network, Reported by Li Xinyi

 

This year, New Year's events are being held all over Taiwan, and Tainan City has launched a three-part countdown series: “Sunset at Yantian,” “Love Comes to Tainan Countdown Concert,” and “Dawn at Erliao.” The Tainan City Tourism Bureau recommends a 3-day itinerary, where visitors on the first day head to Beimen to visit the Michelin Green Guide three-star highly recommended site “Nankunshen Daitian Temple,” the grand ancestral temple of all the Kings in Taiwan. The newly built Lingxiao Palace was lavishly constructed with an investment of 600 million NTD to create a pure gold Jade Emperor’s Decree; nearby attractions such as the “Blackfoot Disease Memorial Museum,” “Qianlaiye Grocery Store,” and “Beimen Visitor Center” are also great spots for sightseeing.

The highlight is watching the sunset at Jingzijiao Salt Field, the oldest and most well-preserved salt field in Taiwan, during dusk. When the sun sets, the colorful afterglow reflects on the pristine white tile salt pans, creating a mosaic-like patchwork on the earth, resembling a natural work of art, truly breathtaking. In addition, you can head south along the coastline toward Jiangjun and Qigu, enjoying seafood, boating on o_ lakes, and viewing salt mountains along the way, extending your journey into a deeper West Coast religious, fishing, and salt-themed experience.

 

On the second day, explore the mountainous back gardens of Tainan—Yujing and Xinhua. From the top of Yujing's Tiger Head Mountain, enjoy sweeping views, taste dried mangoes and mango beer, then stroll through the baroque-style Xinhua Old Street and the picturesque Tiger Head Pond Scenic Area, known as one of the “Eight Scenic Spots of Southern Taiwan.” Prepare to head up to Zuozhen’s Erliao to watch the sunrise. The badland terrain of Zuozhen’s Caoshan Moon World connects with the mudstone badlands of Neimen, Tianliao, and Yanchao in Kaohsiung, forming a unique chalk landform known for its striking and rugged beauty, showcasing the wonders of nature. It's worth noting that starting at midnight on December 31st, Erliao will implement traffic control with limited vehicle and pedestrian access, so it's best to arrive early.

On the third morning, you can take bus routes 88 or 99 of the “Taiwan Tourist Shuttle” to visit landmarks in the city such as Chihkan Tower, Confucius Temple, Anping Fort, and Yi Zai Fortress to explore historic sites and savor Tainan delicacies, or join the Michelin-recommended walking tours “Anping Old Street Stroll” or “Tainan Historical Walk.” In the evening, head to Tainan High-Speed Rail Station to attend Taiwan’s only low-carbon New Year’s Eve party without fireworks, counting down with various singers and joyfully welcoming 2013. Besides the countdown event, you can explore creative art shops or old-house cafes and bars in Haian Road or Shennong Street for a relaxing drink; visit famous night markets such as Garden Night Market, Dadong Night Market, and Wusheng Night Market to experience Tainan’s vibrant night market scene; or take a stroll along Anping Harbor and Canal to enjoy the night scenery and a different side of Tainan by night. If time permits, you can even stay overnight in Guanziling to experience one of the world’s three major mud hot springs, and the next day visit Houpi Jingliao—the hometown of “No Rice, No Problem” farming life—and the Orchid Biotech Park for a leisurely rural escape. For more detailed event information, please visit tour.tainan.gov.tw.

 

● Read More: Welcome the New Year by Hot Air Balloon – Concerts by Show Lo and Frances in Taitung

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