New Taipei Welcomes 2026 with Landmark Cross-River Fireworks Celebration

International

International artists, a 13-minute fireworks spectacle and two riverfront stages turn the Tamsui River into the focal point of Taiwan’s New Year celebrations

New Taipei City rang in 2026 with its signature New Year’s Eve event, Shining New Taipei 1314 Cross-River Fireworks, staged simultaneously on both sides of the Tamsui River in Tamsui and Bali. Blending large-scale outdoor concerts with a choreographed fireworks display across the river, the celebration drew an estimated 90,000 visitors on December 31, reaffirming its status as one of Taiwan’s most distinctive New Year events.

A Tri-National Lineup on Two Riverfront Stages

The 2026 edition placed a strong emphasis on international cultural exchange, featuring performers from Taiwan, Japan and South Korea. On the Tamsui “Starlight Stage,” K-pop star HWASA delivered a high-energy headline performance that brought global attention to the event. Across the river, the Bali “Moonlight Stage” offered a contrasting musical atmosphere, led by Japanese singer-songwriter Ai Higuchi, whose emotionally charged vocals are internationally known through Attack on Titan’s theme song Akuma no Ko.

Throughout the evening, artists performed on both stages, connected by a live broadcast that visually and symbolically linked the two riverbanks. The concept echoed New Taipei City’s longer-term urban vision, as Tamsui and Bali are set to be physically connected by the Danjiang Bridge, scheduled to open in 2026.

Fireworks as the Night’s Centerpiece

At 8:26 p.m., the event reached its climax with a fireworks show designed by the internationally renowned French pyrotechnics group Groupe F. Lasting 13 minutes and 14 seconds, the display featured more than 35,000 fireworks in over 60 colors, carefully synchronized with reflections on the river and surrounding architectural lighting. The result was a sweeping visual sequence that combined natural scenery with New Taipei City’s evolving skyline.

A Celebration with an Urban Vision

Mayor Hou Yu-ih described Shining New Taipei 1314 as a defining New Year’s Eve event for the city, highlighting its unique cross-river setting and the integration of music, fireworks and urban development. He emphasized that the celebration also serves as a cultural prelude to the opening of the Danjiang Bridge, which is expected to improve regional connectivity, stimulate tourism and support sustainable development along the Tamsui River corridor.

With its growing international profile and strong visitor response, the 2026 edition once again positioned New Taipei City as a major cultural stage for welcoming the New Year in East Asia.