A Must-See for Sunrise Chasers! The Legendary Dawn at Wenling Sunrise Park!

Hidden on the Shitang Peninsula in Wenling, Taizhou, Zhejiang, lies a place of extraordinary significance—the Millennium Sunrise Park! This is the geographical coordinate where the first rays of sunlight touched mainland China in the 21st century! At 6:46 AM on January 1, 2000, the dawn of the new millennium radiated from here across the land. Today, the park features monuments and an observatory, making it a prime spot to witness the sunrise over the sea and embrace the romance of time and space. With its azure waters, clear skies, unique rock formations, and scenic greenways, all under the banner of the "Light of the Century," it’s a picture-perfect destination for a meaningful travel experience! 🚗 Transportation Tips: Self-Drive: Navigate to "Millennium Sunrise Park, Shitang Town, Wenling." Exit at Wenling West or Daxi on the Shenhai Expressway/G15, then drive for about 1 hour. The mountain roads are winding—drive safely. Getting to Sunrise Park from Wenling City/High-Speed Rail Station: Bus: From Wenling High-Speed Rail Station, take Bus 231/232 (toward Shitang Ruoshan) and alight at Sunrise Park Station. The ride takes about 1.5 hours, costing around ¥10. ⚠️ Note the last bus time (usually around 6:00 PM). Taxi/Ride-Hailing: The fastest and most convenient option. From the high-speed rail station to the park, it takes about 1 hour and costs ¥100–150. Ideal for sunrise chasers or group travel. Within Shitang Town: Taxis from local homestays or attractions are readily available, usually taking 10–20 minutes. 🗺️ Itinerary (One-Day Highlights): Core Goal: Catch the sunrise! 🌅 Recommended Schedule: Early Morning: Check the sunrise time in advance! Arrive at Sunrise Park at least 1 hour early (earlier during peak season!). Aim for 4:30–5:00 AM to secure a good spot (in front of the monument or on the viewing platform). Sunrise (Around 5:00–6:00 AM): Witness the golden dawn breaking over the sea—a truly awe-inspiring moment! 📸 Snap away! Morning: Explore Sunrise Park (1–1.5 hours): Visit the New Millennium First Dawn Monument and snap photos at the latitude/longitude marker. Tour the observatory (learn about astronomy and the dawn’s history; open 8:30 AM–5:00 PM). Coastal Greenway (1 hour): The park connects to the Shitang Coastal Greenway. After sunrise, stroll along the path, enjoy the sea breeze, and take in the stunning ocean views and colorful fishing villages. Rent an e-bike if you prefer. Noon: Lunch: Head to Shitang Town or nearby fishing villages for fresh local seafood (see food recommendations below!). Afternoon: Colorful Xiaoluo Village (2–3 hours): Take a taxi/bus to the Instagram-famous Colorful Xiaoluo Village (close to Sunrise Park). The pastel-colored houses are a photographer’s dream! 📸 Optional: Visit Jinsha Beach for sand and surf, or head to the Ring Viewing Platform for panoramic views. Evening: Return to your accommodation or depart. 🚫 Pitfalls to Avoid: Weather is Key! ☀️➡️🌧️: Sunrise viewing is 100% weather-dependent! Always check the forecast for Shitang, Wenling (use a reliable app for cloud cover and rain predictions). Overcast/foggy days may ruin the view—adjust expectations or plans. Consider adding 1–2 flexible days. Poor Time Management: Taxis to the park at dawn can be unreliable! Book in advance or ask your homestay for help. Buses won’t get you there in time for sunrise. Drive carefully on mountain roads. Oversleeping/Lateness: Sacrifice sleep for the sunrise! Set multiple alarms ⏰—missing it defeats the purpose! Crowds: During holidays/peak season, the viewing platform gets packed! Arrive early to claim your spot. Wrong Footwear: The park and surrounding areas have stairs and rocky terrain. Wear comfortable, non-slip shoes—no heels! Falling for "Best View" Scams: The official spots (monument, platform) are the best. Don’t pay extra for alternatives. 🍜 Food Recs (Shitang Specialties): Qian Gao: A Wenling staple! Stuffed rice cakes with noodles, veggies, meat, or eggs—huge and delicious. Perfect for breakfast! 👍 Shan Fen Yuan: A local sweet! Glutinous rice balls with sesame filling—a must for mochi lovers! 🍡 Mung Bean Noodles: Actually made from sweet potato starch, served stir-fried or in soups. 🦀 Seafood! Seafood! Seafood! Don’t miss it in this fishing town! Hit up local seafood stalls or busy restaurants: Must-Try: Beltfish, yellow croaker, pomfret, mantis shrimp, blue crab (seasonal), and shellfish (razor clams, clams). Styles: Home-style, steamed, scallion oil, salted pepper, or garlic stir-fry—all highlighting freshness! Ginger Egg Pudding: A unique dessert/tonic, rich in ginger flavor, great for warming up. 🏠 Accommodation: Shitang Homestays (Best for Sunrise): Pros: Close to Sunrise Park! Many offer sea-view terraces; some even have sunrise views from the room (confirm in advance), saving you the early trek. Options: Concentrated in Wuao Village, along the Coastal Greenway, or near Jinsha Beach. Styles range from stone houses to modern designs. Prices: Sea-view rooms are pricier on weekends/peak season (¥300–1000+). Book early, especially for holidays! Search Keywords: "Shitang sea-view homestay," "homestay near Sunrise Park." Wenling City Hotels: Pros: More options, budget-friendly, with easy access to dining/shopping. Cons: About 1 hour from Shitang (Sunrise Park), requiring a 3–4 AM departure for sunrise—exhausting! Best For: Those skipping sunrise or focusing on city activities. 📌 Pro Tips: Layer Up: Dawn at the coast is windy and chilly! Even in summer, bring a windproof jacket/light down coat! 🧥 Bug Spray: Coastal greenery means mosquitoes—pack repellent or balm. Sunscreen: Post-sunrise brings strong UV rays! Hats, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen are a must! 🌞 Cash: Some vendors/fishermen only accept cash—carry small bills. Eco-Conscious: Sunrise Park is sacred—pack out trash and respect the environment! Local Etiquette: Shitang is a traditional fishing town—honor local customs. ✨ Final Thoughts: Awaiting sunrise at Millennium Sunrise Park isn’t just about the spectacle—it’s a tribute to time and nature. When golden light pierces the horizon, it illuminates not just the day but also something deep within. Plan a weekend and chase that light! 💫