In Xinyi district will start on Saturday, December 26 at 3.00pm with a warm-up for the countdown a few days later, and will be decorated with huge balloons, mascots of the Taipei International Flora Expo as well as a big flower float. There will also be traditional drum troupes, lion-dancing troupes, cheerleading squads, marching bands, and more. On New Year's Eve, Citizen Square in front of Taipei City Hall will host the count down and well-known artists will take to the stage to welcome the New Year, starting at 7.00pm. Traffic restrictions will be implemented.

Snake Alley, a night market in Huaxi Street famous for snake meat, open daily 7pm - 2am, popular with tourists, although very little English is spoken by the vendors. Near by is the Longshan Temple, Guangzhou Street #211, one of Taiwan's most important places of worship. Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall and Culture Center with the National Theater and the National Concert Hall, is situated on Zhong Shan South Rd.#21.

Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall, Renai Rd., Sec 4, #505 open daily 9am - 5pm, dedicated to the man considered as the father of The Republic of China.

Fort Santo Domingo on the hilltop overlooking the Danshui River, was established in 1628. Together with the Chief Taxation Officer's Residence, also known as "Little White House' from 1869 gives, apart from the historical buildings, a splendid view of the river. Zhongzheng Rd., Lane 28, # 1, Danshui, Taipei County, open 9.30 - 6.00pm Tuesday - Sunday.

Taipei Fine Art Museum, Zhong Shan North Rd, Sec 3, #181 open Tuesday - Sunday 9.30am - 5.30pm, exhibits over 4000 contemporary paintings.

Taipei Folk Arts Museum, Yuya Road #32, Beitou open Tuesday - Sunday 10am - 5.30pm, over 5000 exhibits are displayed in a beautiful Tang-dynasty style building with an exquisite Japanese interior design, originally a Japanese officer's 'Spa Club'.

Museum of World Religions, Jungshan Rd. Sec 1, #236 6Fl, Yonghe City, Taipei County, open Tuesday to Sunday 10:00-17:00 . The museum incorporates a wealth of multimedia and interactive devices, enabling its visitors to acquire a comprehensive understanding of religious arts, literature, music, ceremonial rites and architecture.

Grand Hotel, Zhong Shan North Rd, Sec 4, #1 built in Ming dynasty palace style, and the National Palace Museum, Chih-Shan Rd, Sec2,# 221open daily 9am - 5pm.

Yangmin Shan Zhongshan Building, Yangming Rd. Sec 2, #15, Beitou, guided tours 8.30/10.00/1.30/3.00 .A classical style Chinese palace.

Photographer: Harry Huang http://www.flickr.com/photos/goldentime/