2016 Xinyi District New Year's Eve Countdown 7-Hour Full Guide

As the year comes to a close, the Xinyi District lights up with a dazzling Christmas light display, as if reminding everyone to gear up for the upcoming 2016 New Year’s Eve fireworks. This year, the fireworks show at Taipei 101 promises to be even more spectacular than previous years, with an expected 30,000 fireworks launched over a record-breaking 238 seconds. How can you make the most of this action-packed New Year’s Eve? Just follow the countdown itinerary below, and you can party non-stop for seven hours—from arriving in Xinyi after work right up until midnight.

17:30–19:00 Climb Elephant Mountain to Watch the Sunset
Take the Red Line MRT after work and get off at Xiangshan Station. Exit from Exit 2, walk through Zhongqiang Park, turn left uphill, and follow the signs to reach the trailhead. Although Elephant Mountain stands just 181 meters above sea level, its prime location offering sweeping views of Taipei 101 makes it one of the best spots for nightscapes. The Xiangshan Nature Trail loops around the western mountainside and ridgeline. As you ascend from the entrance, you’ll be amazed—and perhaps a bit awed—by the lush greenery lining the path and the seemingly endless stone steps that stretch upward.

Along the trail, the Six Giant Rocks offer a fantastic vantage point for viewing the New Year’s Eve fireworks and are also a favorite spot among photographers. A few steps further, on the left side of the trail, there is an observation platform with seating in the center—a perfect place for capturing stunning shots of the fireworks. At this time, the sky turns from blue to purple, with the bustling Xinyi business district beneath your feet and Taiwan’s tallest building towering close enough to touch. That’s the magic of Xiangshan’s night view.

As night falls and the city lights come on, the beautiful eastern part of the city begins to glow. Taipei 101 kicks off the light show, quickly illuminating the Taipei sky with neon brilliance. Follow the sparkling lights to discover the traces of the city’s vibrancy. It’s almost like eternal daylight, so dazzling. Grab your phone, snap a beautiful night shot, upload it to Facebook, check in, and share your gratitude for 2015—kicking off the romantic countdown to the New Year.
 
Xiangshan Nature Trail
Address: No. 22, Lane 150, Section 5, Xinyi Road, Xinyi District, Taipei City
 
19:00–19:30 Head to Civic Square for “Taipei’s Most Exciting New Year’s Eve”
After descending from Elephant Mountain, head toward Civic Square just in time for the opening act of “Taipei’s Most Exciting New Year’s Eve”—a performance by DJ diva Jolin Tsai (Xie Jin Yan), who will bring 30 minutes of high-energy entertainment that will transform the Taipei City Hall Plaza into a massive party venue, getting the whole city of Taipei pumped.