Don’t want to battle the crowds for the fireworks show? Taipei City recommends 19 trails and scenic spots for New Year’s Eve

▲ Don’t want to fight the crowds on New Year’s Eve? The Taipei City Department of Civil Engineering recommends 19 great spots in the city for a relaxed fireworks viewing experience. The photo above was taken from the Mt. Zhishan Xiangshan Temple looking at Taipei 101. (Image / from Wikipedia)

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

As the countdown from 2013 to 2014 arrives next Tuesday, the highly anticipated Taipei 101 fireworks show will make its grand return once again. If you’d rather avoid the packed crowds and shoulder-to-shoulder congestion, considerthe Taipei City Department of Civil Engineering's recommendations to visit 15 nearby hiking trails or 4 scenic areas, where you can comfortably take in the full view of the fireworks.

The Xiangshan and Hushan trails in Xinyi District, located in the Four Beasts Mountain area near Taipei 101, offer prime views and a strategic advantage — such as the Six Boulders, Jifu Temple Plaza, or the photography platform onXiangshan Trail, which are just a 15-minute walk away; withinHushan Trail, spots like the 120 Heights Pavilion, Hushan Peak Platform, Fuxing Garden, and Shifang Zen Temple are also just a 5 to 15-minute hike, making these well-maintained trails a popular choice for locals to enjoy the New Year’s Eve fireworks.

% It’s an ideal spot to watch Taipei 101’s fireworks without battling the crowds. (Image / from Wikipedia)

If you prefer not to party at the New Year’s Eve concert, consider taking the Maokong Gondola, which recently debuted a new Hello Kitty livery, up the mountain. Enjoy the Taipei night skyline while savoring the subtle bitterness of tea lingering on your palate. Then, as the countdown nears, take a short walk tothe Xiangshan Temple on Feilong Trail or the Huangjiao Pavilion on Zhangshu Trailto catch the dazzling fireworks light up the sky as 2014 begins.

If you don’t mind watching from a slightly farther location, the Department of Civil Engineering suggests visitingYuanshan, Xianji Rock, Jiannan Butterfly Garden, or Zhinan Scenic Area. These spots not only allow you to escape the hustle of downtown but also offer panoramic views of the entire Taipei Basin — making them perfect for a peaceful yet spectacular New Year’s Eve fireworks experience. The department also provides free “Hiking Trail Route Maps” that the public can pick up, or visit theMountain Trails Themed Websiteplanned by the Taipei City Department of Civil Engineering to download them.