New Taipei City ushered in 2026 with its renowned New Year's Eve event, "Shining New Taipei 1314 Cross-River Fireworks," held along the Tamsui River.
The celebration, which took place on 31 December, drew an estimated 90,000 visitors, making it one of Taiwan's most iconic New Year's Eve festivities.
The event combined large-scale outdoor concerts with a spectacular fireworks display, featuring performers from Taiwan, Japan, and South Korea.
A star-studded spectacle
The Tamsui Starlight Stage was headlined by HWASA, a prominent figure in K-pop and one of South Korea's most popular female artists whose high-energy performance captivated audiences and drew global attention to the celebration.
Across the river, the Bali Moonlight Stage showcased Japanese singer-songwriter Ai Higuchi, known for her theme song "Akuma no Ko" from the anime Attack on Titan, who regaled audiences with her emotionally powerful vocals which added depth to the night's performances.
The evening's highlight was a 13-minute and 14-second fireworks display, designed by the renowned French pyrotechnics group Groupe F.
Featuring over 35,000 fireworks in more than 60 colours, the display was synchronised with river reflections and architectural lighting, transforming the night sky into a visual narrative celebrating New Taipei City's urban future.
Mayor Hou You-yi remarked that "Shining New Taipei 1314" has become a defining New Year's Eve celebration for the city, uniquely distinguished by its cross-river setting and integration of music, fireworks, and urban vision.
The event also serves as a cultural prelude to the opening of the Danjiang Bridge in 2026, expected to enhance regional connectivity and boost tourism.
```
