As the sparkling and colorful fireworks blast through the air, creating a beautiful breathtaking atmosphere of 188 seconds, the 508-meter high landmark of Taiwan, Taipei 101, lit up the sky in the first few minutes of 2013, displaying the words “Time for Taiwan” to greet the New Year and to proclaim the official start of the Taiwan Tourism Events calendar.

To welcome the New Year, Taiwanese people are holding over 40 spectacular events all over Taiwan. Among them, the fireworks show at Taipei 101 attracts the most attention, including from people and media around the world. It’s a must see event for both the Taiwanese and overseas visitors.

In fact, in December 2012, CNN selected Taipei — along with New York, London, Berlin, Sydney, Hong Kong, Dubai, Edinburgh, Samoa, and Kyoto — as one of the top 10 destinations to experience the New Year in style, calling the celebrations in our capital “the perfect start to 2013”.

But Taiwan doesn’t only offer a perfect start; throughout the whole year travelers can enjoy 42 romantic, exciting and unique events organized to show all the beauty, warmth and rich culture the country has to offer.
Besides the New Year fireworks in January, these events include, the Taiwan Lantern Festival in February, the Mazu “Goddess of the Sea” Pilgrimage in March, the Daxueshan International Bird Watching Competition in April, the Fulong Sand Sculpture Art Festival in May, the Dragon Boat Festival and the Xiuguluan River Rafting Activity in June, the Yilan International Children’s Folklore & Folkgames Festival in July, the Ghost Festival in August, the Sanyi International Woodcarving Art Festival in September, the Love in Alishan – Wedding Under Sacred Tree event, the Yunlin International Puppet Art Festival, and the Taiwan Hot Spring and Fine Cuisine Carnival all in October, the Taiwan Cycling Festival in November, and the Purple Butterfly Watching Activities as well as the Taipei Marathon in December.

Therefore, the New Year celebration represents just the official start to an exciting year ahead in Taiwan.

As the Director General of the Taiwan Tourism Bureau, David W.J. Hsieh, puts it: “Whenever you come, wherever you go, and whatever you do, you can always have a spectacular trip here in Taiwan.”

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