Top 10 Most Popular Countdown Cities Loved by Netizens!

▲Hong Kong Countdown Spectacle. (Photo / Screenshot fromHong Kong Tourism Board)

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

Counting down the New Year usually means staying at home watching TV or squeezing through crowds to see fireworks. Have you ever dreamed of experiencing a different countdown vibe in another country?Daily View Network Thermometerhas released the top 10 most popular countdown cities favored by netizens. Ranked first is Hong Kong, known for its language accessibility and proximity. In second place is Tokyo, a city that’s fun to explore and makes you want to visit again and again. Let’s take a look at what makes each country’s countdown unique, and try planning an unforgettable international New Year’s trip!

1. Hong Kong
It takes less than two hours to fly to Hong Kong, and planning a three-day, two-night trip won’t break the bank. Other advantages such as cultural similarities and a shared language make Hong Kong one of the favorite destinations for Taiwanese travelers, and of course, it’s a must-visit for New Year’s Eve.

Victoria Harbour is definitely a must-see spot in Hong Kong. During the countdown, Victoria Harbour offers not only its usual scenic beauty but also a spectacular fireworks show. Starting at 11:00 PM, wish-making shooting star fireworks are launched every 15 minutes, kicking off the countdown celebrations and making the wait much more exciting—definitely something to look forward to.

▲Tokyo Tower.

2. Tokyo
Delicious food, great shopping, and endless things to do—Tokyo has always been a favorite among Taiwanese, and budget airlines have only made it more accessible. What’s fun in Tokyo during the New Year’s countdown? You can go up Tokyo Tower or admire it from afar while counting down together with the numbers on the tower. The most popular countdown destination is Zojoji Temple, just a few hundred meters away from Tokyo Tower.

In previous years, Zojoji Temple would release balloons for blessings during the countdown, filling the sky with a romantic and magnificent sight. However, for safety reasons, this tradition was canceled starting in 2012. But you can still join the bell-ringing ceremony to experience how Japanese people welcome the New Year.

▲New Year's Eve fireworks at Times Square, New York. (Photo / Screenshot from Wikipedia, photo by Quentin Yang)

3. New York
The annual New Year’s Eve celebration in New York’s Times Square attracts millions of visitors and is the lifelong dream of anyone who loves a festive atmosphere. Many people stand in line for up to 10 hours just to catch the confetti shower after the countdown. The unique charm of the Big Apple also makes netizens say it’s a bucket-list experience to countdown in Times Square at least once in your life.

▲Popular New Year's Eve spot in Singapore, “Marina Bay.” (Photo / Screenshot from Wikipedia, photo by chensiyuan)

4. Singapore
Though small in size, Singapore boasts plenty of attractions and puts a lot of effort into its countdown events. With the sail-shaped Marina Bay Sands hotel as the backdrop, the New Year’s Eve fireworks over Marina Bay are incredibly popular, and the light show further enhances the beauty of the bay.

▲Central World. (Photo / Reporter Li Ziyi)

5. Bangkok
Hate freezing winter weather? Come to Bangkok for a warm New Year’s escape. Winter is peak tourist season in Bangkok, with cool, pleasant weather and little rain. Not to mention, five-star hotels under the same brands cost much less here—too good a deal to pass up. The hottest New Year’s spot in Bangkok is Central World, where live performances and dazzling fireworks are guaranteed—a lively, high-value celebration!

▲View of the Eiffel Tower. (Photo / Screenshot fromMontparnasse Tower fan page)

6. Paris
Romance is synonymous with Paris. Looking for a romantic New Year’s celebration? Paris is your top choice. Enjoy a laid-back picnic on the Champs-Élysées with gourmet food and wine, or head to the Eiffel Tower to count down and watch the fireworks—it’s a fantastic option. Best of all, public transportation is free on New Year’s Eve, which is very thoughtful.

▲New Year's Eve fireworks at the London Eye. (Photo/From Wikipedia, taken by John Turner)

7. London
If you're in London for New Year's Eve, you absolutely must watch the fireworks from the London Eye. The London Eye is the world’s first observation wheel and is hugely popular with the public—so it’s naturally a must-see on New Year’s Eve. Due to the overwhelming crowds in previous years, the London government has required ticketed entry for the New Year’s Eve fireworks show since 2014.

▲Welcoming the New Year with the 108 bell chimes at Chion-in Temple. (Photo/from wikimapia.org)

8. Kyoto
Kyoto, rich in nostalgic charm, also has a loyal following. On New Year’s Eve, follow the locals to Yasaka Shrine or Chion-in Temple. Among them, Chion-in boasts Japan’s largest bronze bell, and at midnight, monks strike the bell and chant sutras to pray for blessings in the coming year for all who gather there.

▲Bosingak Bell Pavilion. (Photo/From Wikipedia, taken by Steve46814)

9. Seoul
Although Seoul may not feature dazzling fireworks, it retains a strong traditional Korean flavor. On New Year’s Eve, the president visits Bosingak, the most popular spot, to personally ring the bell and offer prayers. Traditional Korean musical performances can also be seen along the surrounding streets, filling the air with New Year cheer.

▲Sydney fireworks display. (Photo/From Wikipedia)

10. Sydney
No other destination in the Southern Hemisphere attracts as much attention for New Year’s celebrations as Sydney. Watching the spectacular fireworks over both the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge is absolutely mesmerizing. Being close to the International Date Line gives a feeling of ringing in the New Year earlier than others. To secure the best spots, many people even arrive the day before with sleeping bags to stake out their place early. Up！

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