A sunrise is the moment when night transitions into day, marking the start of a new day. It is the same sun rising, yet it illuminates entirely different landscapes, repeating endlessly without ever missing a beat. In Asia, savor the first rays of morning light and embark on a new journey!
1. Mount Tai (China)
Location: Shandong Highlights: Mount Tai is one of the best places in China to watch the sunrise. The summit, Yuhuangding, stands at 1,532.7 meters above sea level, with a complex terrain and abundant rivers and springs. Since ancient times, countless scholars and poets have praised the sunrise views at Mount Tai. At dawn, the first light transitions from gray to orange-red, with the clouds in the sky glowing in hues of red and purple, merging with the sea of clouds on the horizon, resembling a grand oil painting. The best viewing spot is at the Sunrise Peak, where, as the sun rises above the cloud cover, golden rays spread out, dyeing the surrounding peaks, and creating a breathtaking spectacle.
2. Mount Bromo (Indonesia)
Location: Eastern Java Highlights: Standing at 2,329 meters, Mount Bromo is one of Indonesia’s most famous and spectacular volcanoes, attracting visitors from around the world with its stunning landscapes. At sunrise, you can witness a truly breathtaking view from the Mount Bromo viewing platform. As the sun rises, the scenery around the crater transforms dramatically, with colors shifting from dark to red, orange, and gold, creating a mesmerizing spectacle.
3. Mount Phousi (Laos)
Location: Luang Prabang Highlights: Located in the center of Luang Prabang, Mount Phousi is the highest point in the city. Standing at the summit, you can enjoy panoramic views of the entire town. As the sun rises, it gradually illuminates this tranquil and serene city, creating a peaceful and picturesque scene.
4. Jeongdongjin Sunrise Park (South Korea)
Location: Gangneung City Highlights: Situated on a pier along the eastern coast of Gwanghwamun Gate in what was Hanyang (now Seoul) during the Joseon Dynasty, Jeongdongjin is an exceptional spot for watching the sunrise. The area features clear blue seas, azure skies, beautiful beaches, unique rock formations, and lush pine forests. Every New Year’s Day, the turning of the sandglass ceremony and sunrise celebrations are held here to welcome the new year.
5. White Sand Dunes (Vietnam)
Location: Mui Ne Highlights: Also known as the “Flying Sand Dunes” due to their ever-changing shapes with the wind, the White Sand Dunes are a top spot for sunrise viewing. As the sea breeze sweeps across, the distant horizon becomes visible, and as the sun rises, the sky gradually turns soft pink and purple, illuminating the ocean, dunes, and nearby villages.
6. Oarai Sun Beach (Japan)
Location: Ibaraki Prefecture Highlights: Oarai Sun Beach offers a sunrise view combined with the Torii Gate coastline. At sunrise, the Torri Gate presents a blend of solemnity and romance, making Oarai Sun Beach a favorite spot for photographers. According to legend, deities once descended here. At sunrise and sunset, sunlight filters through the clouds, illuminating the scene, while waves crash against the rocky shore, creating a truly beautiful and sacred ambiance, reminiscent of a magical realm. The sight of the powerful waves crashing against the Oarai cliffs is also quite spectacular.
7. Bagan (Myanmar)
Location: Central Myanmar Highlights: Bagan offers one of the most spectacular sunrise experiences in the world. In this historic “Land of Ten Thousand Temples”, watching the sun rise above the pagoda spires as the world gradually brightens is a profoundly moving experience. The sheer magnitude of the view is indescribable and deeply soul-stirring.
8. Angkor Wat (Cambodia)
Location: Siem Reap Highlights: During the equinoxes each year, the “Angkor Wat sunrise equinox” phenomenon where the first rays of the rising sun align perfectly with the central tower of Angkor Wat occurs here. From the west entrance of Angkor Wat, you can witness the sun rising directly above the central tower of the temple, creating a stunning alignment. This sunrise spectacle, combined with the grandeur of Angkor Wat, offers a remarkable fusion of architecture and nature, making for an extraordinary sunrise experience.
9. Lugu Lake (China)
Location: Border of Sichuan and Yunnan Provinces Highlights: Known as the “Pearl of the Plateau”, Lugu Lake features various islands, lush forests, and a seamless blend of water and sky, with crystal-clear waters like a mirror. For centuries, Lugu Lake has maintained its serene, poetic beauty. In the morning, as you sail on the lake and watch the sunrise over the mountains, you’ll experience a scene of picturesque romance and anticipation.
10. Hoshitoge Terraced Rice Fields (Japan)
Location: Niigata Prefecture Highlights: Full of nostalgic rural charm, the Hoshitoge Terraced Rice Fields features approximately 200 rice paddies of varying sizes, arranged in a fish-scale pattern and extending down to the sea. If you’re lucky, you can witness the stunning sea of clouds in the early morning. As the sun rises, the golden light illuminates the cloud sea, enhancing the terraces with a soft, dreamlike quality. The deep cloud sea and shimmering mirror-like water make this a favorite spot for photographers.
