The dazzling fireworks show at Taipei 101 has been the climax of New Year’s Eve countdown parties in Taipei since the skyscraper was completed in 2004. Usually the best place to watch the display is the Sun Yat- Sen Memorial hall, one of the historical palace nearby. 

Or venture out to DaAn Park or Maokong, which are further spots to the action, but the number people are less there, so you can have a quiet moment with your loved ones to enjoy the night. Elephant and Tiger Mountain are also good options for a superb aerial view, but it is a bit of a climb and a number of pro and amateur photographers will be giving you company to get good clicks of the fireworks display.
 
The tower changes in vivid colours and the atmosphere in the centre and on the streets is electric. Apart from the exciting fireworks, there are open air concerts, night shopping and many food stalls and gourmet experiences to be enjoyed. The celebrations take place in the Xinyi area that is a one-of-a-kind tourism area in Taiwan. 

A product of urban planning, it is the center of fashion and a place where you can watch Taipei’s future unfold. The district has convenient transportation links to other parts of the city and region. The stores here sell the world’s best brands. Four Four South Village (a restored military dependents housing complex), Songshan Cultural and Creative Park, an internationally-renowned Michelin star restaurant, eye-catching buildings and installation art, and the annual Taipei New Year Eve Party all further add to the sparkle of Xinyi District. For shopping, entertainment and delicious cuisine to art, culture and international MICE facilities, Xinyi District is the best Taiwan has to offer.

To usher in 2013, 22,000 fireworks were set off in 188 seconds, accompanied by the famous 1910 concert piece by Russian composer Igor Stravinsky. Orchestrated to an adapted version of “The Firebird,” the fireworks were presented in four acts that resembled different themes of 2012.

After the fireworks, LED light displays of “Time For Taiwan,” “Taiwan — the heart of Asia” and “Time for celebration” were shown on the tower’s walls in English and Mandarin characters. The Tourism Bureau presented the LED show as part of their efforts to promote local tourism.

In its first act, themed “Farewell to the Past,” the fireworks show displayed colors of red and blue to resemble the good and bad endeavors of 2012. The second act, themed “Dancing,” launched bold colors of red, blue, green, purple and gold sparks to resemble the hope of a New Year; the third act, themed “Challenging the Extreme” displayed long streaks of fireworks shot into the skies and the final act was “Salute to the Future.”

Apart from Taipei, other cities of Taiwan as well launch pop concerts and events to enhance people’s enthusiasm. This was also the first time Taiwan provided streaming Internet web-cast for the three major countdown events in Taoyuan, Kaohsiung and Taipei.

This year, too, extravagant celebrations are planned to usher in 2014, with special themes and activities and of course, a spectacular fireworks display!