Crazy New Year's Eve Countdown！Top 11 Best Spots to Watch the 2015 Taipei 101 Fireworks

By / MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Life Network Editorial Team

As 2014 comes to an end, ringing in the new year with the dazzling fireworks of Taipei 101 has become a signature event for Taiwanese people. Taipei 101 has also announced 11 spots to watch this year’s countdown fireworks, allowing the public to stake out their viewing positions early！

◎ Elephant Mountain
A well-known spot among photography enthusiasts. Along the Elephant Mountain trail, there are multiple platforms offering views of Taipei 101, or you can continue climbing up to Jiufeng (Nine-Five Peak), enabling spectators to enjoy the fireworks while taking in the entire cityscape of Taipei. The sea of lights every year attracts many photographers who stake out their spots at least a week in advance.

◎ Rainbow Riverside Park
Located in the Neihu area, Rainbow Riverside Park sits to the northeast of Taipei 101. From here, looking toward Taipei 101, the Eastern Circular Expressway lies just to the left of your line of sight, with the sparkling road lights creating a different kind of urban beauty alongside the tower.

◎ Neihu Jianan Mountain
 The Neihu area, located to the northeast and north of Taipei 101, offers clear views of the fireworks as long as you find an open space. Some photography enthusiasts prefer to go to Jianan Mountain, slightly northwest of Taipei 101, which allows both the Miramar Ferris Wheel and the Taipei 101 fireworks to be captured in the same frame. However, it is a bit farther away, and the Northeast Monsoon may cause some visual interference.

◎ National Father Memorial Hall
Near the pond inside the National Father Memorial Hall is already one of the favorite spots for tourists to take photos of Taipei 101, and New Year’s Eve is no exception. But as the memorial hall is located to the northwest of Taipei 101, smoke might affect visibility.

◎ Intersection of Keelung Road and Xinyi Road
This spot is also popular among photography enthusiasts. Normally, many gather on the overpass here to take photos because it allows for both traffic and Taipei 101 to be framed together, giving off an urban vibe！ However, it is located to the west of Taipei 101 and is a major traffic route, so be sure to check for any New Year’s Eve restrictions and possible smoke interference.

◎ Sisifang Village
Although located to the southwest of Taipei 101, it is very popular among young people due to its large grassy area！ Every New Year’s Eve, many gather here to lie on the lawn and watch the fireworks. In addition, being southwest of Taipei 101 and relatively close, be mindful of falling firework debris.

◎ Open Space on Xin’an Street near Taipei Medical University
This open space is usually frequented by dog lovers, but on New Year’s Eve, it transforms into a prime spot for watching Taipei 101’s fireworks. With no tall buildings in front, the view is quite good.

◎ Taipei’s Most Exciting New Year’s Eve Countdown Party
The most exciting way to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Taipei is, of course, to join the crowds and the performers on stage, and feel the thrill and emotion of the countdown moment！

◎ Cathay Financial Holding
The Cathay Financial Conference Center is located on Songren Road, and the plaza in front of the building is an excellent spot to watch the Taipei 101 New Year’s Eve fireworks. Every year, Cathay Financial sets up booths on the plaza, offering not only hot drinks to keep everyone warm but also over 2,000 prizes including scratch cards, and they even set up a big screen to live broadcast the countdown party performances, counting down with the whole nation to welcome the new year with fireworks！Time: 12/31 20:00~01:00.

◎ Songshou Park
Songshou Park also gathers many people to watch the fireworks show every year. Before the show begins, the Huaxin Lihua Building will present a special dynamic light show on its exterior facade from around 17:30 on New Year’s Eve until 00:30 the next day, waiting together with the public for the arrival of the new year.

◎ Taipei 101  89th Floor Observation Deck
Offering a unique perspective on the fireworks, the Taipei 101 Observation Deck provides a breathtaking experience of “watching the fireworks amid the fireworks” with its full 360° floor-to-ceiling windows from the highest vantage point. The limited-edition “2015 High-altitude Fireworks Countdown” double tickets are available in only 350 sets — just 700 people will get to ride the world’s fastest elevator up to the observation deck, and receive a certificate, commemorative photo, Taipei 101-themed drinks, and souvenirs. Each set is priced at NT$2,000.