15 Easy-Access Spots in Taipei to Watch the "Taipei 101 New Year's Eve Fireworks & Light Show"

▲Simulated view of the Taipei 101 New Year’s Eve fireworks combined with light effects. (Photo / Provided by Taipei 101)

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

As 2016 comes to an end and we welcome 2017, the Taipei 101 New Year’s Eve fireworks are undoubtedly one of the most anticipated events. Minister of Finance Sheu Yu-jer recently confirmed that the fireworks will indeed go ahead, with the theme “Lighting Up Taiwan,” albeit reduced to just over 10,000 shots. The exciting news is that this year also marks the first time the fireworks will be combined with 800 special effects lights — how it will all play out is both thrilling and something to look forward to. But if you don’t want to battle the crowds at the Taipei 101 front plaza,ETtoday and the Dongsen News Cloud have put together a list of 15 spots outside of Taipei 101 itself where you can still enjoy the fireworks — and manage to stay away from the biggest crowds. It’s time to start planning with your loved ones where you’ll watch this year’s show!

▲The view of Taipei 101 from Elephant Mountain is fantastic (Photo courtesy of a netizen)huanghyaline(Please do not repost or reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement.)

1. Elephant Mountain Trail:As the highest point in the Four Beasts Mountain (Tiger, Leopard, Lion, and Elephant) trail system, it offers a 270-degree view that’s extremely close to the “fireworks viewing platform” at Taipei 101. Spots such as the photography deck, Six Giant Rocks, Yongchungang Platform, City Therapy Platform, Shiryu Garden, Elephant Mountain Printing Deck, and Chaoran Pavilion all have well-established trails that provide sweeping views of the Taipei 101 fireworks and the surrounding landscape.

Transportation: Get off at Taipei Zoo Station, walk toward Zhongqiang Park on Section 5 of Xinyi Road for about 15 minutes to reach the entrance of Lane 22, Alley 150. Alternatively, get off at Yongchun Station and walk toward Yongchun High School for about 25 minutes to reach Yongchungang Park.

▲The view of Taipei 101 from Tiger Mountain is smaller but the crowds are relatively thinner than at Elephant Mountain (Photo courtesy of a netizen)wyler_lian(Please do not repost or reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement.)

2. Tiger Mountain Trail:At an altitude of 140 meters, popular fireworks viewing spots include the 120 Highland Pavilion, Jifu Palace Square, Fuxing Garden, Forest Outlook Pavilion, and Ten Directions Zen Temple.

Transportation: Get off at Houshanpi Station, walk along Zhongpo South Road toward Fude Street for about 20 minutes to reach the trailhead at Ci Hui Tang in Alley 251, Fude Street.

3. 44 South Village:Located on Songqin Street in Taipei’s Xinyi District, it was originally Taipei’s first military dependents’ village and has since been transformed into a park, a military village museum, and a café. Watching the New Year’s Eve fireworks here offers a strong contrast between old and new — no wonder it’s a favorite spot for photographers.

Transportation: Exit from Exit 2 of Taipei 101 / World Trade Center Station, turn left, and walk for about 3 minutes.

4. Overpass at the Intersection of Xinyi Road and Keelung Road:A familiar spot for photography enthusiasts, this is a famous vantage point for shooting Taipei 101. You can also capture the flow of traffic on multiple roads including Xinyi Road and Keelung Road, creating a bustling urban vibe. Highly recommended for those seeking a modern feel — arrive early to secure a good spot.

5. Parking Lot in Front of Songshan District Land Administration Office (No. 2, Lane 11, Alley 391, Zhuangjing Road):This parking lot next to the Songshan District Land Administration Office is fairly open. However, as it's surrounded by tall buildings, you’ll need to choose your angle carefully. The plus side is that it's outside the restricted area, and there’s a parking lot right next door. Consider arriving early, parking your car, and watching the fireworks from inside.

Transportation: Get off at Taipei City Hall Station, take Exit 2, then transfer to shuttle buses 266, 32, or Blue 5 to “Xinyi Junior High School” Station.

6. Xinan Street Park Green Space:The large grassy area on Xinan Street is located near the military base in front of Taipei Medical University. With plenty of space, and many shops and convenience stores nearby, you won’t have to worry about hunger pangs. It’s great for a group of friends to picnic and then watch the fireworks.

Transportation: Take the Wenhu Line to Liuzhangli Station, exit and walk to Wuhsing Street, where you’ll see the big grassy field. Walk to the intersection of Wuhsing Street, Alley 220, and the 7-11 to find the field.

▲The Taipei 101 Building is very visible from the National Father Memorial Hall (Photo courtesy of a netizen)zeruch_shi(Please do not repost or reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement.)

7. National Father Memorial Hall Plaza:Not far from Taipei 101 yet without the hassle of queuing to exit, the National Father Memorial Hall offers one of the best vantage points for viewing the tower. Enter from the Guangfu South Road entrance, walk straight, and you’ll find the prime spot to see Taipei 101. By the memorial’s reflecting pool, you can capture both the fireworks over Taipei 101 and their reflections in the water.

Transportation: Get off at Taipei 101 Memorial Hall MRT Station, exit from Exit 4, and you will arrive.

8. Bitan Shrine in Neihu:During the day, you can admire the temple, and at night, gaze out over the entire Taipei Basin. Taipei 101, Grand Hotel Taipei, Songshan Airport, Nangang, and the lights of countless homes create a dazzling celestial river on the ground, offering an unobstructed view of the Taipei 101 fireworks.

Transportation: Take Exit 1 of Neihu Station on the Wenhu Line MRT, walk to No. 452, Section 2, Neihu Road, in front of “Jiantou Fude Temple,” then transfer to Bus Xiao 2. Transportation is less convenient, so driving there in advance is recommended.

▲ A view of the Taipei Basin from Jiannan Mountain (Photo / Reporter Zhang Yizhong).

9. Jiannan Mountain:Besides Taipei 101, you can also take in the beautiful sight of the Miramar Ferris Wheel at the mountain’s base. Taipei 101, Eastern District, Songshan Airport, Neihu, Dazhi Bridge… the spectacular views are truly breathtaking. Popularized further by the idol drama “In Time with You,” what was once a hidden gem is no longer so secret.

Address: No. 60, Lane 45, Alley 717, Beian Road, Zhongshan District, Taipei City. Transportation is less convenient, so driving there in advance is recommended.

10. Jiannan Butterfly Garden:The butterfly garden, arched bridges, wooden boardwalks, and Jiantan Ancient Temple make this a serene and secluded spot perfect for a nature outing. With not-too-steep terrain, it's easy to hike and allows for photographing both Taipei 101 and Miramar’s New Year’s Eve fireworks from a direction unobstructed by smoke.

Transportation: Get off at Jiannan Station on the MRT, then walk for about 10 minutes.

11. Zhinan Tea Trail Hiking Path:There are two recommended sections here: the “Flying Dragon Trail” and the “Camphor Lake Trail.” The Flying Dragon Trail can be reached by heading from National Chengchi University’s Huan Shan Second Road toward Zhangshan Temple; the Camphor Lake Trail offers views of Tieguanyin tea plantations along the way. You can first take the Maokong Gondola up to Lingfeng Pavilion, enjoy some tea and a meal, and then watch the New Year’s Eve fireworks, taking in the sweeping panoramic night view.

Transportation: Get off at Taipei Zoo MRT Station, then transfer to Bus 236, 237, 282, 611, Xiao 10, Brown 3, Brown 6, Brown 6, Brown 11, Brown 15, Green 1, or Zhi 3, and get off at National Chengchi University Station.

▲ Xianji Rock (Photo / Screenshot fromTaipei City Government’s Department of Civil Affairs website.)

12. Xianji Rock:Also known as Jingmei Mountain, it stands only 144 meters tall. Though not high, it features the challenging “Hero’s Slope.” After climbing the 78-step Longevity Staircase and the 100-step Immortal Ascent Slope, you’ll reach the summit. From the top, you can gaze across the Taipei Basin, and the environment is peaceful and pleasant.

Transportation: Exit from Exit 2 of Jingmei MRT Station, then walk for about 20 minutes.

13. Around Grand Hotel Taipei:Due to its elevated location, Grand Hotel Taipei offers a commanding view and is also a good spot nearby to watch the fireworks. For example, the Guanyin Platform in Yuanshan Scenic Area can be accessed from Section 77, Yuanshan Scenic Area, via the Haomei Trail—though it involves a relatively long walk and requires stamina.

Transportation: MRT passengers can take free shuttle buses from Yuanshan, Dazhi, or Jiantan Stations to Grand Hotel Taipei.

▲ The No. 6 Water Gate at Riverside Park offers a riverside view of Taipei 101 (Photo / Provided by a netizen, please do not reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement).irene_e72Provided, please do not reproduce without permission to avoid infringement.

14. Riverside Park:Riverside parks along the Keelung River, such as Yingfeng and Dajia Riverside Parks, as well as those like Meiti, Guanshan, and Rainbow Riverside Parks, not only offer views of Taipei 101 fireworks but also those from Miramar—a great two-for-one spot where you can stake out your viewing position early. Rainbow Riverside Park is even listed among the 11 best fireworks-viewing spots announced by Taipei 101 in 2014. Given that Taipei’s winter winds blow from the northeast, it’s wise to choose spots northeast or north of Taipei 101. Rainbow Riverside Park, located north-northeast of Taipei 101, is perfectly positioned to avoid smoke obstructing the fireworks display.

▲ The area near Rainbow Riverside Park in Raohe Street is also a highlight for viewing Taipei 101 (Photo / Provided by a netizen, please do not reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement).chekailiProvided, please do not reproduce without permission to avoid infringement.

▲Fuzhou Mountain Park Viewing Platform (Photo / Provided by a netizensyantingPlease do not take unauthorized photos to avoid copyright infringement.)

15. Fuzhou Mountain Park:Located next to the exit of Section 3, Xinhai Road, North Second Expressway, and the Taipei Connector, the park’s hiking trails include wooden boardwalks and gravel paths, which are quite easy to walk on. You can enter the hiking trail from the entrance opposite No. 199 Wulong Street. The slope is relatively gentle, and it takes about a 10-minute walk to reach Pavilion No. 1, where you can enjoy a complete view of Taipei 101, the urban scenery of Da’an District, Datun Mountain, and Guanyin Mountain, offering an excellent vantage point.

Transportation: Exit at Linguang Metro Station and walk for about 15 minutes.