With such distinctive cultures and traditions, you can expect the same diversity in the way Asia’s cities usher in the New Year! Party with hipsters in Beijing, enjoy the fireworks in Taipei or get foamy in Sentosa with Skyscanner’s top picks for the best New Year’s Eve parties in the region.
1. Taipei
Named one of CNN’s top ten destinations to spend New Year’s Eve, the main draw of the Taipei’s year-end festivities happens at the iconic Taipei 101. Tens of thousands flock to this skyscraper in Taiwan’s capital for a splendid fireworks show designed by French pyrotechnic design experts. Head down to Taipei City Hall or Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall for the best vantage points.
Also, don’t miss the countdown concert at Civic Plaza, where you can expect to see the likes of Rainie Yang, William Wei, Wilber Pan and other popular entertainment artistes from Taiwan.
2. Hong Kong
One of Asia’s most gorgeous fireworks displays happens annually along Hong Kong’s waterfront. Watch the beauty of Victoria Harbour get enhanced by an eight-minute concert of light and music in the skies above the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.
Choose between the Kowloon and Hong Kong sides of the harbour and be sure to head there at least several hours before midnight to secure a good spot!
3. Beijing
From massive countdown extravaganzas to nightclub parties, Beijing offers a host of activities for you to choose from as 2016 creeps to an end. One of the most significant countdown events happens at the Summer Palace – a popular tourist destination, originally built as a royal garden during the Qing Dynasty. The event will be broadcasted live, featuring breathtaking cultural performances and a sixty-second countdown.
For the hip crowd and those seeking to greet the New Year to fist-pumping beats there’s the YEN Countdown, touted as Beijing’s biggest New Year’s Eve party. Held at a former electronics factory in the 798 Art District, you can see this industrial concept space get transformed by glitter and a DJ deck amidst a sea of pulsating bodies under neon lights.
4. Tokyo
New Year’s Eve in the Land of the Rising Sun seems to be an entertainment-filled affair. Get ready to party the night away with renowned electronic dance music maestros at Tokyo’s clubbing hotspot Sound Vision Museum, which regularly features top house and techno masters from around the world!
If you’re a fan of live music, then you’d go wild at Rockin’ On magazine’s Countdown Japan festival, a four-day affair with a hundred featured artistes and bands playing across four stages that finally ends off with a huge all-night party. Jazz aficionados will also love The Pit Inn at Shinjuku, where veteran jazz musicians will serenade you into 2017.
5. Singapore
Our very own Singapore offers a wide range of experiences on the night of 31 December. You are sure to enjoy the beautiful people and scrumptious cocktails at the countdown at 1 Altitude which offers you a chance to get your glam on, while offering a spectacular view of the fireworks display happening against the iconic skyline of Marina Bay Sands.
In Marina Bay Sands, enjoy live music, awesome views and family fun at the Sky High Social at the MBS Observation Deck. If you’re up for a massive party, head down to Siloso Beach for Singapore’s biggest beach countdown party – Siloso Beach Party – and welcome the new year with gorgeous partygoers, lots of foamy party antics and thumping dance music.
This article first appeared on Skyscanner’s Where to enjoy the best New Year’s Eve parties in Asia
