2025 New Year's Day: Welcoming the Dawn at Bishan, Matsu's Highest Peak
Matsu National Scenic Area Headquarters under Tourism Administration, Ministry of Transportation and Communications, in collaboration with the Beigan Township Office, Beigan Township Representatives Council, Beigan Defense Command, and other organizations, jointly hosted the "2025 Beigan New Year's Dawn and Flag-Raising Ceremony" at Bie Mountain, the highest peak in Matsu, and the Tangqi Sports Field. Distinguished guests in attendance included Lienchiang County Councilor Zhou Ruiguo, Lienchiang County Councilor Chen Yufa, Beigan Township Mayor Wu Jinping, Beigan Township Representatives Wang Fangyao, Wang Changyuan, Wang Guanyu, and Zhan Tingyu, Beigan Defense Command Commander Xie Jiawen, Beigan Police Station Director Liu Jiajia, and Matsu National Scenic Area Headquarters Director Huang Shifang, welcoming the dawn of a brand-new year together with visitors.
Bie Mountain, located in Beigan Township of Matsu, stands at an elevation of 298 meters, making it the highest mountain in the Matsu region. It commands control over the sea area of Matsu and houses a military command post at its peak, serving as an important military stronghold in Beigan. On clear days, visitors can enjoy sweeping views from the observation deck of the command post, including the distant islands of Juguang and Nangan, as well as panoramic vistas of Houwo, Dawo Mountain, and Tangqi Village. Directly ahead lies Beigan Airport, with Lion Islet, Daqiu, Xiaoqiu, and Gaodeng islands also visible. During the foggy season, thick mist blankets the area, creating an enchanting "sea of clouds" effect that resembles a heavenly landscape. Winters are notably cold, and when strong cold fronts move southward, frost and snow often occur. At the beginning of 2024, Bie Mountain saw a rare snowfall of 5 centimeters, attracting locals and tourists who flocked to the mountain to enjoy the snow and capture the memorable scenes.
To welcome the New Year's sunrise in a unique way, the 2025 New Year's Day event was specially held at Bie Mountain, leveraging its exceptional geographic location to bring visitors blessings for the year ahead and create an experience distinct from Taiwan’s typical dawn-welcoming activities. At 6 a.m., in a brisk 8°C temperature, approximately 300 visitors, along with military officers and soldiers, gathered at the Bie Mountain observation deck. As the golden rays of the rising sun illuminated the sea, the crowd was deeply moved, exchanging New Year’s greetings and expressing hopes for a fresh start. Despite the chilly winds, the excitement of the participants remained undeterred. Engaging in light exercise and walking together, they embraced the spirit of travel and movement, ushering in good fortune. Along the route, visitors encountered military slogans, outposts, and historic landmarks rich with stories, adding a touch of mystery and wartime nostalgia to this memorable event.
Following the sunrise celebration, a "Shout Out Loud" activity was held. Facing the vast ocean with Bie Mountain at their backs, visitors were invited to voice their hopes and aspirations for 2025. Whether loud or soft, each declaration was carried by the mountains, sea, and sky, symbolically empowering participants with the energy to make their dreams come true. Welcoming the New Year in a unique way was filled with vitality, participants at the event enthusiastically declared it an unforgettable experience.
Matsu National Scenic Area Headquarters noted that many visitors tend to believe that Matsu loses its charm once the blue tears season ends. However, for many, Matsu's true allure lies in its autumn and winter atmosphere, offering a distinct Min Dong cultural experience that is worlds apart from Taiwan. Visitors can enjoy bountiful seafood, share the warmth of local hospitality over refreshing Kaoliang liquor or rich aged wine, and savor the comforting taste of red yeast chicken soup. Matsu's winter combines the chill of the northeast monsoon with an understated elegance. A winter visit to Matsu is not only a feast for the senses but also a profound cleansing of the soul. Everyone is warmly invited to Taiwan's northernmost destination to embrace the spirit of renewal and experience the unique charm of the season.
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