So expensive！This year’s Taipei 101 fireworks show cost NT$60 million, the highest ever

This year’s Taipei 101 fireworks show broke away from past pyrotechnic patterns, setting up an LED light grid on the building’s north side to present the New Year’s spectacular. (Provided by Taipei 101)

Taipei 101’s fireworks show this year is quite different—not only has the number of fireworks decreased from 20,000 last year to just 16,000 this year, a reduction of nearly 30%, but it’s also half the number from the early days when 30,000 were launched, with the count getting lower every year.

Taipei 101 emphasized that due to Taiwan’s severe air pollution, in response to environmental concerns, not only has the number of fireworks been reduced, but NT$60 million has also been invested to create the LED light grid spectacle, aiming to deliver a new type of show that goes beyond just fireworks.

The public wishing to view the LED show may want to head to spots such as Civic Plaza, National Father Memorial Hall, Neihu, and Dazhi for the best angles.

The so-called “LED Light Grid T-Pad” show incorporates the meanings of Time, Taipei, and Taiwan, moving away from the traditional fireworks display method by installing 140,000 LED lights, with one placed every 25 centimeters—the highest density in the world. The light grid spans from the 34th floor to the 90th floor, covering a height of 56 floors.

However, the T-Pad show can only be viewed from the north side of Taipei 101; the other three sides will only feature regular fireworks. Those wanting to see the LED show may want to head to spots such as Civic Plaza, National Father Memorial Hall, Neihu, and Dazhi for the best angles.

The high budget of NT$60 million, surpassing last year’s NT$45 million, has reached an all-time high. Taipei 101 spokesperson Liu Jiahao stated, “It really did go over budget!”

(CommonWealth Magazine Weekly)