Crowds gather at Taipei 101 to ring in 2026

Taipei, Dec. 31 (CNA) Crowds began to gather around the Taipei 101 skyscraper on Wednesday evening despite inclement weather, eager to ring in the New Year.

Steady rain throughout the day in Taiwan's capital did not deter people, as small crowds began streaming into the Xinyi District and around Taipei 101 in the evening in anticipation of the New Year's celebrations.

Speaking with CNA, Angelyn, a Taiwan-based Filipino factory worker, said she joined friends at the landmark to celebrate, wishing for greater success and health in 2026.

Leandro, an Argentine marketing professional who lives in the Philippines with his girlfriend, Allora, said they traveled to Taiwan for the festivities.

"Taiwan is so close and I'd never been to Taipei 101, so I was curious to see the tower and the fireworks," Allora, a business owner, added.

A six-minute fireworks display from the iconic skyscraper is set to light up the sky at midnight.

• Taipei 101 to display Toy Story characters at New Year's Eve event

The show will be synchronized with music composed by Taiwanese artists under the age of 30, offering a multisensory blend of light and sound, according to Taipei Financial Center Corp., which operates the building.

Leading up to the countdown, a special projection-mapping show will be staged on the facade of Taipei 101.

The display is set to feature themes ranging from the Disney-Pixar film "Toy Story" to "Taiwan's unsung heroes" -- a tribute to individuals who have made significant contributions to society.

Meanwhile, the annual countdown party, organized by the Taipei City Government, is underway at the plaza in front of Taipei City Hall.

The event features a star-studded lineup, including renowned K-pop group KARA, award-winning Singaporean singer Tanya Chua (蔡健雅), and Taiwanese singer-actress Lee Chien-na (李千娜).

The musical performances are scheduled to resume after the countdown and will continue until 1 a.m. Thursday.