New Years in Taiwan 🇹🇼 🧨
Here’s a quick breakdown of how the celebration of new years in Taiwan went! Just know that it was such a great experience, so if you are still on the fence about it, think no more.
We started off the day as per usual, had breakfast -> lunch -> shopping before returning back to our hotel to rest for a bit. Dinner required a bit more planning because a lot of stores around our area were closed so we opted for dinner at Raohe Night Market instead. It was really packed but nothing we couldn’t handle. I would say that if you’re considering eating near Taipei 101, it would be good because that means you won’t have to squeeze with the crowd heading to Taipei 101 nearing the countdown but the dinner crowd would still be substantial - pros and cons.
We arrived at Taipei 101 near 10 pm and spent roughly 2 hours waiting near the tower.
Here’s where the tips come in -
1. No regrets arriving 2 hours before the countdown especially since we came in a big group. If we had arrived at perhaps 11 pm, we would either have to stand at the back (further away), stand at the sides (blocked by trees + strong winds) or find a space that might not be directly facing the tower.
2. The winds are insanely strong so make sure to dress warmly, even a windbreaker would be useful.
3. Buy some snacks/food/hot drinks before making your way to Taipei 101. They have convenience stores in the area but the selection isn’t a lot and the pricing is slightly higher compared to getting the snacks near your accommodations (iinw)
4. Bring a mat/something to sit on while you’re waiting as the floor will get really cold. We ended up sourcing for cardboards from the stores which was quite the experience ngl but if you don’t want to have to go through the hassle, just bring your own!
5. The wait can be quite difficult if you are travelling with young ones/elderly so you might have to work around that but there are benches available… not sure how much of a help that would be but better than having them sit on the floor 😭
After the countdown’s over, you can either choose to take the subway or walk. We opted to walk because the weather was really good + we were still quite excited and thrilled from the fireworks & decided to start our year with a nice walk with the crowd haha!
Overall, it was such a great experience and I would honestly recommend people to experience it at least once 🫶🏻
#countdownintaiwan #taiwancountdown #taipei101 #taipei101countdown
If you're planning to experience New Year's Eve in Taipei, I highly recommend exploring Raohe Night Market before heading to Taipei 101. The night market offers an incredible variety of local street foods and a vibrant atmosphere that complements the festive spirit. From spicy stinky tofu to freshly made seafood congee, the food stalls are a culinary adventure that you won't want to miss. Getting to Taipei 101 can be an adventure in itself, especially during the countdown. Arriving early not only secures a good viewing spot but also allows you to absorb the excitement building up around the iconic tower. Remember to dress warmly with layers and bring a mat or something comfortable to sit on; standing on the cold ground for hours can be taxing. While waiting, having some snacks or a hot drink on hand really helps keep your energy up. Convenience stores around Taipei 101 are limited and a bit pricey, so stocking up beforehand is a smart move. Traveling with family? Consider that the crowds and long wait times may be challenging for young children or elderly companions—taking advantage of benches or planning a shorter viewing might be best. Post-countdown, walking away from the event area is often more enjoyable than waiting for the subway, especially if the weather is pleasant. This way, you can soak in the celebratory vibe as you stroll through the city's lively streets. Remember, experiencing New Year's Eve here is not just about the fireworks but also about the rich local culture and the shared joy of welcoming a new year together. Whether it's your first time or a return visit, Taipei’s unique blend of traditions and modern celebrations makes it truly special.
