The highly anticipated annual Taipei 101 New Year's eve pyrotechnics display is ready to blow spectators away this year with a record-breaking number of fireworks transforming the world's second-tallest skyscraper into a silver waterfall, a glowing pagoda and a ferocious dragon.


This year's show, which will last for 288 seconds and will use more than 30,000 fireworks costing over NT$60 million (US$2.01 million) is being touted as the "longest, biggest and most expensive" of the last six years, said Michael Liu, the building's spokesman.

As the nation celebrates its 100th founding anniversary next year, the show will focus on that theme. Exactly 100 extra seconds will be added to the duration of the show, compared with the standard 188 seconds in previous shows, Liu said.

This is also the first time the organizers have collaborated with international groups such as Grucci, a New York-based pyrotechnic company with over 150 years of experience in firework shows and the pyrotechnician Tsai Kuo-chiang, who is the main creative force behind the show.

"We are confident that spectators are in for a great show. By using high-quality fireworks, we have reduced the likelihood of smoke clouds to the minimum, " Liu said, adding that the show will take place as scheduled unless there is torrential rain.

Six other New Year's Eve fireworks displays will take place around the country.

Besides the one at Taipei 101, the capital will also have two other shows to ring in the new year, including one sponsored by the Council of Cultural Affairs to be held at Dajia Riverside Park and another one at the Miramar shopping center in the Neihu District.

In central Taiwan, in addition to a show at the Taichung Stadium, Janfusun Fancy World amusement park in Yunlin County will also light up the sky with 15,000 fireworks in 11 minutes and will turn its Ferris wheel into the world's biggest "smiley face."

In southern Taiwan, the newest entertainment landmark -- E-da World in Kaohsiung County -- is preparing to wow spectators with 50,000 fireworks, while Dream Mall in Kaohsiung City will also hold its annual display after a massive New Year's Eve count-down party.