Artist Tsai Kuo-chiang, who is in charge of designing the New Year's Eve fireworks show, is going big. Beating his previous score of 188 seconds, the 288 seconds of fireworks will be shooting from the Taipei 101, from the buildings around the city, and from 18 schools across the area, in creating the grandest display ever in Taiwan's history.

This golden dragon will circle Taipei 101 before flying away.

Magical boxes in seven different colors will illuminate and spin until they are overtaken by red blasts that will transform Taipei 101 into a giant red lantern hanging from the sky.

To celebrate the Republic of China's centennial year, the annual Taipei 101 fireworks show has been extended from 188 seconds to 288 seconds.

Artist Tsai Kuo-chiang, who has been commissioned to design the 60 million NT extravaganza, took the media on a tour of his office on the 82nd floor of Taipei 101 on Tuesday.

In the 100 seconds leading up to the stroke of midnight, the sky will be filled with a display of thunder and lightning fireworks. Other buildings in the area, including Taipei City Hall, Songshan Tobacco Plant, Taipei World Trade Center, CTS, and 18 schools will be releasing fireworks at the same time in conjunction with the celebrations at Dajia Riverside Park.

Tsai has also arranged for six trucks to light up the night sky with special messages.

Although he won't reveal what the messages will say, Tsai guarantees that rain or shine, the show will be an unforgettable one.