Three of Taiwan’s foremost scenic attractions will host free sunrise concerts on New Year’s Day to spotlight the nation’s natural and cultural richness, according to the Tourism Bureau under the Ministry of Transportation and Communications Dec. 5.
 
The sites are Fulong Beach in New Taipei City; Alishan National Scenic Area in the southern county of Chiayi; and the Sanxiantai coastal region in the southeastern county of Taitung.
 
Jointly organized by the Fullon Hotel Fulong and the Northeast and Yilan Coast National Scenic Area Administration, the New Taipei sunrise event is set to commence at 4:30 a.m. and feature performances by Gongliao Junior High School Taiko drumming troupe and folk rock bank Control T. It will also include a light projection show and an array of street food options.
 
Sanxiantai is the first location in Taiwan proper to experience the sunrise, according to concert organizer East Coast National Scenic Area Administration.
 
From 4 a.m., visitors to the Taitung event will be treated to performances from artists like indigenous singer Biung Tak-Banuaz. After the celebrations, attendees will also be invited to take part in a beach cleanup and an activity to pick seashells for homeless hermit crabs.
 
Commencing at 5:30 a.m. on the Duigaoyue observatory platform located 2,405 meters above sea level, the Alishan event consists of performances by Taiwan indigenous pop singers Francesca Kao and Suming Rupi, as well as Taipei-based Philharmonia Moments Musicaux orchestra. From Dec. 29, the site will also host a series of activities in the run-up to the sunrise concert, including picnics and astronomy sessions.
 
The Tourism Bureau advises attendees to wear warm clothing and utilize public transportation in traveling to the events. (KWS-E)