New Taipei City Hosts Spectacular Cross-River Fireworks Show to Ring in 2026

On December 31, 2025, New Taipei City held its much-anticipated Shining New Taipei 1314 Cross-River Fireworks event, marking the arrival of 2026 with a truly dazzling celebration. The grand display along the Tamsui River captivated an audience of over 90,000 visitors and featured a stunning combination of live performances, breathtaking fireworks, and vibrant cultural exchange.

This year’s event was elevated by a star-studded lineup of artists from Taiwan, Japan, and South Korea. The two main stages, located in Tamsui and Bali, provided the perfect backdrop for a series of spectacular performances that mesmerised crowds. The Tamsui Starlight Stage was headlined by HWASA, one of South Korea’s most prominent K-pop artists, while the Bali Moonlight Stage featured renowned Japanese singer-songwriter Ai Higuchi, whose emotive performances resonated deeply with the audience.

A Cross-Cultural Celebration at New Taipei City’s New Year’s Eve Event

The event was not just about music and fireworks; it was also a celebration of international collaboration and cultural exchange. As artists from three nations performed across the two stages, the Tamsui and Bali areas were seamlessly linked via a live broadcast, enhancing the sense of connection between the two districts. The historic waterfront districts, already rich in cultural significance, will soon be connected physically by the Danjiang Bridge, which is set to open in 2026. This new bridge will further improve the regional connectivity, supporting tourism and fostering sustainable development along the river corridor.

At 8:26 p.m. sharp, the highlight of the evening commenced—a 13-minute and 14-second fireworks display designed by the world-famous Groupe F. This breathtaking show, featuring more than 35,000 fireworks in over 60 colours, was set to music and synchronized with the reflections of the fireworks on the river, creating an immersive visual experience that celebrated both New Taipei’s natural beauty and its ambitious urban future.

New Taipei City’s Growing International Reputation as a Cultural Hub

Mayor Hou Yu-ih of New Taipei City emphasized that the Shining New Taipei 1314 celebration has now become a key event for the city, standing out as one of Taiwan’s most iconic New Year’s Eve festivities. The cross-river nature of the celebration, along with the combination of music, fireworks, and a forward-looking urban vision, sets it apart from other events in the region. This year’s celebration also served as a cultural prelude to the inauguration of the Danjiang Bridge, which will dramatically enhance accessibility and drive growth for both the tourism sector and local businesses.

New Taipei’s ongoing development into a cultural epicentre of Taiwan is clear from the growing international appeal of events like this. For travellers, it provides a unique opportunity to experience the fusion of traditional and modern elements, all within a spectacular setting by the Tamsui River.

A New Year’s Eve to Remember for Travellers

The Shining New Taipei 1314 Cross-River Fireworks Show has solidified its place as one of the region’s premier New Year’s Eve events. With a diverse artist lineup from Taiwan, Japan, and South Korea, coupled with an awe-inspiring fireworks display, the celebration was a remarkable way to ring in 2026. For those visiting Taiwan in the future, New Taipei City promises an unforgettable experience, blending cultural heritage with cutting-edge developments that will undoubtedly draw even more international visitors in the years ahead. This remarkable event not only highlights New Taipei City’s cultural vibrancy but also positions it as a must-visit destination for global travellers looking to celebrate the New Year in style.

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