Taizhou welcomes New Year with citywide celebrations

A drone light show is held on the first day of 2026 in Taizhou, Jiangsu province. [Photo/Taizhou Daily]

During the New Year holiday from Jan 1 to 3, Taizhou rolled out more than 100 festive events across its scenic areas, shopping streets, commercial hubs and cultural venues.

On New Year's Eve, Taizhou MixC hosted a five-hour countdown celebration featuring light shows, live music and magic performances, attracting tens of thousands of spectators. As midnight approached, the crowd counted down together, while thousands of balloons rose into the night sky.

Similar celebrations unfolded simultaneously at Taizhou Golden Eagle Shopping Center, Taixing Wuyue Plaza and Jingjiang Yangtze River Cultural Center, where concerts, bonfire parties, snowfall effects, light displays and food markets kept the festive mood alive.

People gather at a countdown event in Jingjiang, Taizhou. [Photo/Taizhou Daily]

That evening, the Fengcheng River Scenic Area set the tone with a visually rich countdown event. At the Old Street North Square, classical music and dance performances blended guqin (seven-stringed Chinese zither) melodies with electronic beats. A water-and-fire show featuring jet-powered performers and molten-iron fireworks lit up the river, while hundreds of sky lanterns carrying wishes for the New Year floated upward, bringing the event to its climax.

On the night of Jan 1, Taizhou's first New Year drone show made its debut over the Fengcheng River. A fleet of 800 drones formed shifting images in the sky, showcasing zodiac symbols for the Year of the Horse, Taizhou landmarks, images recalling the city's championship victory at Jiangsu Football City League, and New Year greetings.

Running also became a popular way to welcome the New Year. On the morning of Jan 1, nearly 400 runners took part in a 6.6-kilometer fun run through historic streets and landmarks in Taizhou. In Xinghua, 200 residents participated in a brisk walk around Lianxi Lake Park.