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Tuesday, February 20, 2018

Taiwan 8D7N Free & Easy Tour - Sun Rise at He Huan Shan (合歡山)



330am : We woke up really early in order to catch the sunrise atop the mountain of He Huan Shan (合歡山). Sleepy look on our faces at 4am as we get ready to head out. Special thanks to the kind and thoughtful folks from our mingsu who observed that we do not have suitable cold wear and lend us theirs. It was so comfortable that we managed to survive the bitter cold later on. :)


We took a van ride up towards the mountain top. Along the way, our guide stopped and let us get down the vehicle and have a star-gazing session. It was really a pretty sight seeing glittering stars in the dark sky. Our guide said it would have been even better if not for the Super Moon effect which happened the night before.

As we continue our drive up, bits of orange and yellow hue slowly emerged from the backdrop of the skyline.


530am : We arrived at the common viewing point for sun rise. It was freezing cold (~ 4 degrees) and there were already tour buses and vehicles along the road side. Everyone went for toilet break while I stayed warm in the van.


Our guide drove on and took us to a different viewing spot where there was no crowd. It was a scenic drive and I love the view of the different layers of clouds forming. 

It was really cold on top of the mountains but we waited patiently for the sun to rise. We were lucky that our guide was experienced and he was able to grasp the timing perfectly. We did not wait too long before we saw the yellow egg yolk peeping out.



610am - 合歡山日出

I could not contain my excitement as this is my first time waking up so early and finally catching the whole process of the rising sun from the mountains. Plus, I was with my loved ones to share this memorable moment.

Family Photo with the rising sun

My dream to 'catch the sun' came true! 'Holding' the golden pearl within my fingers feels so good!



This is really a great spot to watch the sun rise. The surrounding is so pretty that the leaves turn golden yellow upon the sun rays reflection. 


I thought our tour was over and we are heading back to our mingsu... but wait! Our guide took us to 武嶺. It was said that the sunrise view at He Huan Wuling is unbeatable and many photographers come here to take milky way pictures.

Standing at 3275 meters above sea level, Wuling (武嶺) is the highest point of the Taiwan highway.

From the pavilion, you get a good view of the roads.

We managed to catch the sun continue rising from this spot at 705am after our first destination.

武嶺看日出

Slightly further down a little is KunYang Rest Station (合歡山昆陽休息站) - standing at 3070 above sea level.


More scenic spots to take photographs.


We also spotted many taking jumping shots here against the clear blue sky.

We tried to do one too... ^_^

This is definitely one of our best moments of our Taiwan trip. Despite having to wake up really early, it was worthwhile. The children were tired and hungry after spending about 4 hours atop the mountains but we are thankful to return with many pictures and wonderful memories.

We took on the tour to He Huan Shan (合歡山) via our Mingsu - 清境黃慶果園民宿.
The sun rise tour cost NT400 per pax (price in 2016)

If you are in CingJing, would strongly recommend that you stay for a night and watch the sunrise the following morning.

Check out our Taiwan 8D7N itinerary.

Visit Date: 15 Nov 2016

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