New Year's Eve 2019: Chase the first light at Guanyin Valley, overlooking the sunrise of "Gueishan Island"

Tripbaa Fun Bar ! Asia's Free Travel Expert

Speaking of sunrises, you absolutely can't forget the mysterious little island off the coast of Taiwan—Gueishan Island—because Gueishan Island is home to one of the so-called “Eight Views of Gueishan,” known as the “Morning Sun over Gueishan.” This Morning Sun over Gueishan is considered the most magnificent landscape on Taiwan’s northeast coast. The fiery red sun rises from atop the turtle’s head, almost as if it’s placing a beautiful hat on the giant divine turtle, symbolizing an auspicious start to the new year.

If you don’t want to crowd with others at the Bravo Café Castle waiting for the dawn, join us as we step onto the lush green grassland to welcome the dazzling first light over Gueishan Island together with a giant bulldog and some super adorable cows.

Gueishan Island got its name because it resembles a turtle in shape. It mainly consists of two volcanic formations: the turtle’s head and shell, while the tail is a long, narrow sandbar that appears to sway with the tide, just like a turtle wagging its tail. Gueishan Island is also famous for its “Eight Views of Gueishan,” which include the Morning Sun over Gueishan, the Divine Turtle Wearing a Hat, the Divine Turtle Wagging Its Tail, Sulfur Smoke over Gueishan Island, Gueishan Rock Frost, Sea Mist at Dawn, Gazing at the Stars from the Cliff, and The Hermit Watching the Tide.

New Year's Eve First Light Secret Spot – Gueishan Island in Yilan (Photo / Tripbaa Fun Bar ! Asia's Free Travel Expert)

Taoyuan Valley Grassland is located at the border between Gongliao Township in Taipei County and Toucheng Township in Yilan County. It is a vast expanse of grassland stretching three kilometers, with lush greenery resembling the Qingshan Grassland on Yangmingshan. Standing on the ridgeline of Taoyuan Valley at an altitude of 500 meters, you can gaze at the vast Pacific Ocean and the floating Gueishan Island, something the Qingshan Grassland cannot compare to.

New Year's Eve First Light Secret Spot – Taoyuan Valley Green Grassland (Photo / Tripbaa Fun Bar ! Expert Guided Tour)

At 4 PM, we gathered promptly outside Gongliao Railway Station, ready to head to today’s event venue. Jilin Elementary School was once a place filled with children’s laughter and energy, but in 2007 (the 96th year of the Republic of China), it was closed. Later, it was repurposed as an outdoor activity site, giving it a new lease on life within this valley and a different mission and meaning.

New Year's Eve First Light Secret Spot – Gongliao Taoyuan Valley (Image Source: Tripbaa Fun Bar ! Asia's Free Travel Expert)

After getting off the bus, the coach introduced the story and environment of this elementary school to our group. Here, you can find many valuable teaching materials that have disappeared from modern campuses. Friends born in the 90s, have you ever seen any of these things?

New Year's Eve First Light Secret Spot – Gongliao Taoyuan Valley (Image Source: Tripbaa Fun Bar ! Asia's Free Travel Expert)

After getting to know the surrounding environment and the companions who would be spending New Year’s Eve together, the highlight of the day arrived. If you don’t want to go to bed hungry tonight, you must put your heart into DIY. And no, we’re not talking about the run-of-the-mill kids’ activity like a barbecue—we’re making fun and delicious handmade wood-fired pizza and sweet potatoes.

New Year's Eve First Light Secret Spot – Gongliao Taoyuan Valley (Image Source: Tripbaa Fun Bar ! Asia's Free Travel Expert)

From kneading the dough yourself, adding toppings, to sending it into the big oven downstairs, there was no step we took lightly. After eating and drinking, the sky had darkened—it was time to get our bodies and minds moving. We played board games, domino team competitions, gazed at the starry sky, reflected on our mood, and then wrote a letter to ourselves to send to our future selves six months later. As midnight approached, everyone gathered around the crackling campfire, chatting over drinks and enjoying the “Mosquito Cinema,” getting ready to count down in the tranquil valley.

New Year's Eve First Light Secret Spot – Gongliao Taoyuan Valley (Image Source: Tripbaa Fun Bar ! Asia's Free Travel Expert)

At 4 AM, before dawn broke, the coach urged everyone to get up because we were going to find the first light of the northeast coast. Step by step, we headed toward the mountaintop. Besides being super excited, our mood was also touched by the tranquility of the early morning valley.

At the mountaintop, we ate the breakfast prepared by the coach, waiting for the blush of light ahead to rise. As the time gradually approached 6:35 AM, the golden sun over Gueishan Island finally showed itself. That first beam of happiness for our 2017, Happy New Year !

On the way back, we arrived at Taoyuan Valley. This vast expanse of green grass completely outshines the Qingshan Grassland on Yangmingshan ! Did you see the giant bulldog lying on the grass, gazing across at the divine turtle in the sea?

And there are also cows leisurely grazing on the grass here ! They’re really super cute !

Then there’s this thatched cottage in front of us, called Tianbian Liao Lou, which is the first stop for visitors to the terraced paddies. Originally a tenant farmer residence and cowshed, this old house was revitalized through the ingenuity of local residents and designers, combining functionality with culture to authentically restore the building. Now, it houses a very atmospheric coffee shop where you can sit and enjoy the pastoral coffee atmosphere.

Walking down, you’ll reach the terraced paddies. This is where farmers in Gongliao, drawing on the wisdom passed down through generations, developed terraced paddies to overcome the challenges of farming in the mountains, diverting stream water to irrigate and conserve moisture in the land. Nowadays, it has a somewhat solitary feel.

There weren’t any particularly thrilling experiences or super comfortable accommodations, but the biggest takeaway from this trip was probably experiencing a lot of unique activities with a relaxed mindset. It was also my first time climbing Taoyuan Valley in the dark to admire the stunning sunrise. After the sun rose, looking back at the vast grassland we were on—it was truly beautiful !

It's almost time. We head back to the activity base, where everyone grabs their cameras and eagerly captures the final moments of this two-day, one-night event. The activity wraps up around noon. Those who still want to explore in the afternoon can also check out the nearby attractions recommended by our travel experts!

PS. The above content is for the 2018 New Year's itinerary. For the 2019 itinerary, please refer to the details below.

The Caoling Ancient Trail is part of the historic Danlan Ancient Trail, which was established during the Qing Dynasty to connect Tamsui Hall and Kavalan Hall. Stretching 8.5 kilometers, it passes through “Caoling,” the mountain that marks the boundary between New Taipei City and Yilan County—hence the name “Caoling Ancient Trail.” In autumn and winter, you can enjoy the sight of silvergrass swaying like white waves across the grasslands along the route.

Staying up all night and getting up early to watch the sunrise might sound a bit crazy… But when welcoming a new year, why not do something extraordinary? Ignite your luck and embrace something unique—start by greeting the first light of the New Year’s dawn. Let your Facebook and Instagram feeds shine with a fresh new look from day one. Cook together for endless fun, enjoy nature up close, and skip the crowds of traditional countdowns. Feel the emptiness after the countdown fades, connect with nature, and realize the timelessness of body and soul. Let the forest’s phytoncides cleanse the past as you step into a brand-new year!

Authorized reprint from Tripbaa. Original article: 2019 New Year’s Dawn Secret Spot 3.0 – Gongliao Peach Blossom Valley, Watch the Sunrise Over Guishan Island – Let the Cows Graze in Peace

Recommended reading:

[Join Mom’s Info LINE to never miss real-time updates]