EAGER or reluctant to farewell 2010, the first sight of sunshine in the New Year is ready to embrace you. Enjoy it in three special attractions.

Dongji Islands

    in Zhejiang Province

    The Dongji group has 28 islands, including four that are inhabited, plus 108 reefs. They are the easternmost inhabited islands where China first meets the sun each day.

    As visitors near the Dongji Islands, a statue on a mountain on Miaozihu Island, resembling a male version of the Statue of Liberty in the United States, becomes visible. It is a statue of Chen Caibo, one of the first fishermen to visit the islands. He is worshiped by locals as a god to guide fishermen at sea.

    A popular attraction on the islands is a stone house called “The Potala Palace at Sea.”

    Transport: Fly to Zhoushan in Zhejiang Province from Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport and take a ferry to the Dongji Islands. The ferry departs at 8:30 a.m. and returns at 11 p.m.

    Accommodation: Stay at Meiju Inn or Dongfu Hotel on the islands. Or stay in a room with sea views at the Shimatou Bar for 500 to 600 yuan a night.

    Cuisine: Visitors can go fishing with local fishermen and enjoy freshly cooked seafood. Dishes made from fresh farm produce are also recommended.

    Taishan Mountain

    in Shandong Province

    Taishan Mountain is of historical and cultural significance north of Tai’an City in Shandong Province. It has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1987.

    The sunrise on Taishan Mountain has always been considered one of the best in China and on Jan. 1, 2011, the sun will rise at about 7:15 a.m., according to a Chinese travel Web site. The ideal place to view the sunrise is on Sunrise Peak.

    Taishan Mountain is one of the “Five Sacred Mountains.” It is associated with sunrise, birth, and renewal and is often regarded as the foremost of the five. It has been a place of worship for at least 3,000 years and frequently served as the foremost ceremonial center for eastern China during this period.

    Transport: Fly to Jinan in Shandong Province from Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport and take a train to Taishan Mountain. Or take a train to Guangzhou East Railway Station and then a train to Taishan Mountain.

    Accommodation: There are star-level hotels on the mountain costing around 200 yuan per night. Or stay at an air force hostel on the mountain, where visitors can enjoy the sunrise in their rooms.

    Cuisine: Try Taishan Mountain Sanmei, a dish with pakchoi, beancurd and water, deep-fried peanuts with vinegar, dishes cooked with traditional Chinese herbs, as well as wild vegetables.

    Yabuli

    in Heilongjiang Province

    For many people, sunshine and snow is an exciting experience. Yabuli in Shangzhi City in Heilongjiang Province is an ideal destination.

    There are a dozen ski resorts in Yabuli. Among these is the Yabuli Ski Resort, the largest in Asia and the third-largest in the world. It is 177 kilometers southeast of Harbin where the 1996 Winter Asian Games and the 2008 National Winter Games were held. It was also the site of the 2009 Winter Universiade. Club Med Yabuli ski resort also opened this month.

    Transport: Fly to Harbin in Heilongjiang Province from Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport and take a bus to Yabuli.

    Accommodation: There is a wide selection of hotels and hostels in Harbin and Shangzhi, where Yabuli is located.

    Cuisine: Try porridge with different flavors, barbecued snacks, sausages, chicken soup and steamed stuffed buns. (Li Jing)