By the MOOK Scenic Spots Travel Life Network Editorial Team
With less than two months to go before 2015 ends, have you decided where to ring in the New Year? A recent online survey asked Taiwanese people about their favorite countdown cities and ranked the top ten most popular destinations during the New Year period. The survey results crowned easily accessible Hong Kong as the champion, followed by Tokyo and New York in second and third place. Check out these other favorite countdown cities, make your plans, and experience the vibrant charm of celebrating the New Year abroad.
● Hong Kong
Just a flight of under two hours from Taiwan, it’s a very convenient choice for those wanting to celebrate the New Year overseas. Hong Kong was also named one of the world’s top ten unique countdown cities in 2012, best known for its annual light and fireworks show in Victoria Harbour.
Hong Kong’s Victoria Harbour countdown has been recognized as one of the world’s most distinctive New Year events. (Photo provided by the Hong Kong Tourism Board)
● Tokyo
Tokyo has always been one of the favorite travel destinations for Taiwanese tourists. When celebrating the New Year in Tokyo, the most iconic spot is Tokyo Tower. Climb the tower to take in the galaxy-like lights of the city, or join the lively crowds in counting down the numbers on the tower to welcome the New Year. Additionally, nearby Zojoji Temple rings its blessing bell 108 times to usher in the New Year, creating an atmosphere that’s both bustling and serene.
New Year's Eve in Tokyo. (Image source / cbsnewyork)
● New York
Celebrating the New Year in New York’s Times Square is considered by many to be a bucket-list experience. The highlight comes after the countdown, when the crystal ball slowly descends from above the square, followed by a shower of colorful confetti over the crowd — a dazzling start to the new year.
Every New Year's Eve, Times Square fills with people waiting for the moment the colorful confetti bursts forth to mark the arrival of the new year. (Image source / balldrop)
● Singapore
In Singapore, the most exciting spot for New Year celebrations is Marina Bay, with its stunning fireworks and light shows complemented by the breathtaking Marina Bay Sands hotel.
● Bangkok
Bangkok is also a great choice for welcoming the New Year, not only for its pleasant climate but also for its relatively low expenses. The most popular countdown spot is CentralWorld, where amazing performances and spectacular fireworks create an incredibly lively atmosphere.
● Paris
Just being in Paris feels romantic. The main New Year spots in Paris are centered around the Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe. Alternatively, you can bring a picnic and wine to the Champs-Élysées to count down together.
Eiffel Tower New Year's Eve fireworks. (Image source / wallpaperup)
● London
London’s most famous New Year spot is the London Eye. On New Year’s Eve, the Eye stops rotating in preparation for its evening fireworks show. Due to large crowds in previous years, the London government now charges a £10 ticket fee for the fireworks display.
London Eye fireworks. (Image source / dailymail)
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