TAIPEI, TAIWAN -- (Marketwire) -- 12/18/12 -- Welcoming a new year at the TAIPEI 101 has never been this wild, innovative or newsworthy. Breaking free of all previous constraints, this year's fireworks display will feature the professional touch of French pyrotechnics company Groupe F, a Paris-based troupe whose previous collaborations include the opening fireworks show for the 2004 Athens Summer Olympic Games. Whereas traditional event organizers have always embraced the concept of "More Is Better," the TAIPEI 101 has chosen to emphasis on elegance and aesthetic design in its 188-second fireworks countdown to 2013. Coupled with an astounding musical array, more than 22,000 sparklers and shells are planned for the grand showdown -- a concert of fire and music like the world has never seen before.

'Swing for the Future' to kick off the night

Under the theme of "Swing for the Future," the countdown is to showcase a different, more alluring side of the TAIPEI 101. Departing from its usual masculine image, the iconic skyscraper will be shrouded in mystic light and bedecked with strings of flames. Ardent, pulsing and lit with fervor, the TAIPEI 101 is more than ready to put on a graceful showing once the countdown begins.

Top 3 reasons to count down at the TAIPEI 101

1. European Fireworks:
Organizers have chosen to import this year's pyrotechnic displays from Spain, the world's number one producer of fireworks. In addition to their splendid hues and vivid contrast against the night sky, Spanish fireworks are most renowned for their cold luminescence and low emission levels, a handy characteristic that will cut this year's emissions by half of last year's output. In other words, not only will the 2013 countdown be greener than ever, audiences can also look forward to minimal smoke interference and exceptional clarity.

2. Tailor-Made Elegance:
Taking advantage of the latest advancements in geolocation research, this year's fireworks ignition will be guided by GPS precision technology. Unlike traditional firing methods that only allow for massive rows of fireworks, the GPS-based pyrotechnic techniques pioneered by Groupe F can ignite each shell individually to create a cascading sky full of fiery elements. The French company has also customized large-scale firing platforms based on the TAIPEI 101's unique height and physical characteristics, including an arrangement surrounding the building at more daring angles, all in the hopes of bringing a different kind of fireworks experience for the 2013 countdown.

3. Audiovisual Satisfaction:
Lest you think this fireworks display will only be composed of lights and smoke, the TAIPEI 101 event orchestrated by the French team will be a full-blown audiovisual concert, in which music will play an equally important part as the fireworks in delighting the senses. Save the date and mark your calendars -- for this is one sensational concert that no one should miss!

In other green news, thanks to the choice of materials and careful planning on the behalf of the organizers, the total amount of carbon emissions from this year's countdown celebrations is estimated to be capped at 4,500 kg, a figure that represents a sixty-percent decrease in comparison to last year's numbers. Moreover, to live up to its reputation as the world's tallest green building, the TAIPEI 101 will be extinguishing its characteristic eyebrow lights from Jan. 2-7, 2013. This simple act of corporate social responsibility will reduce the building's electricity usage by 7,600 watts.

About TAIPEI 101

TAIPEI 101 is a landmark located in Xing-Yi District which held the record of world's tallest building between 2004 and 2010. The skyscraper is composed of two parts: a 6-storey shopping mall and a 101-storey main building. It's definitely the best way for tourists to experience Taipei city in different aspects by taking the world fastest elevators to the Observatory on the 89th floor, or reserve a table in an observatory restaurant and enjoy your dinner with the clouds outside. After the wonderful meal, you may walk down to TAIPEI 101 Mall, the first international top brand shopping mall in Taiwan, enjoy shopping at designer flagship stores. Are you ready to meet TAIPEI 101? Plan your journey right now!

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