2016 Xinyi District New Year’s Eve Countdown: A Complete 7-Hour Guide

As the year comes to a close, the Xinyi District lights up with dazzling Christmas light displays, almost as if reminding everyone to gear up for the upcoming 2016 New Year’s Eve fireworks. This year, the fireworks show at Taipei 101 is bigger than ever, with an estimated 30,000 fireworks to be launched — setting a new record of 238 seconds of continuous pyrotechnics. How do you make the most of this action-packed New Year’s Eve? Just follow this countdown itinerary and you can kick off the fun the moment you arrive in Xinyi after work, and party non-stop for seven hours right up to midnight.

17:30–19:00: Head up Elephant Mountain to watch the sunset
After work, take the Red Line of the MRT to Xiangshan Station. Exit from Exit 2, walk through Zhongqiang Park, then turn left and uphill. Follow the signs and you’ll reach the trailhead. Although only 181 meters above sea level, Elephant Mountain offers one of the best vantage points for viewing Taipei 101, making it a top choice for night scenery. The Xiangshan Nature Trail loops around the western foothills and ridges. As you climb up the stairs from the entrance, you’ll be amazed by the lush greenery lining the path and the dramatic sight of steps winding upward...

Along the trail, the Six Massive Rocks offer a great spot to view the New Year’s Eve fireworks, and it's also a favorite among photographers. A few steps further, on the left side of the trail, there’s an observation platform with seats in the center — another perfect place to capture stunning fireworks photos. At this time, the sky turns from blue to purple, and below lies the bustling Xinyi District. Right in front stands Taiwan’s tallest building, so close it feels like you could touch it — that’s the magic of Xiangshan’s night view.

As the sky darkens and the city lights begin to glow, the beautiful eastern part of the city comes alive. Taipei 101 kicks off the lighting spectacle, quickly illuminating Taipei’s night sky with neon brilliance. Follow the shimmering lights to discover traces of the city’s vibrancy — it’s like eternal daylight, dazzling and bright. Take out your phone, snap a photo of the beautiful night scene, 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: End of Lane 22, Section 5, Xinyi Road, Xinyi District, Taipei City
 
19:00–19:30: Head to Civic Plaza for “Taipei’s Most Exciting New Year City”
After descending from Elephant Mountain, head toward Civic Plaza just in time for the opening main act of “Taipei’s Most Exciting New Year City” — the performance by electro queen Jolin Tsai. This year, she’s prepared 30 minutes of high-energy acts that will transform the Taipei City Hall Plaza into a buzzing mega party, getting the whole city of Taipei hyped up.