LIVE: Beijing celebrates start of 2026 with Taiwan and Singapore

Tens of thousands of people are already flocking to the capital as London prepares to welcome in 2026.

Mayor Sadiq Khan has put out a reminder that ‘tonight is the night’ as he says ‘spectacular New Years Eve fireworks’ will return to the Thames.

He added: ‘If you don’t have a ticket, you can still watch live on BBC One or BBC iPlayer from the comfort of your own home.’

It comes as annual fireworks in Primrose Hill have been axed this year in a last-minute cost-cutting cancellation.

This year revellers will discover the gates to the park locked shut from 8pm today until 6am on New Year’s Day.

At least that is what you would think as brilliant images show how Thailand’s capital was entirely illuminated in a hue of red.

The explosions were also coupled with a magnificent drone-fuelled light show which complemented the city’s towering skyline.

Celebrations are now underway in Thailand and Indonesia where both countries have welcomed in the new year with their own spectacular displays.

The stunning photos below capture some of the colour in Bangkok.

Here is the moment fireworks explode from the Taipei 101 building in Taiwan during the New Year’s celebrations in the capital Taipei.

The Asian nations celebrating new year are coming thick and fast now.

In 25 minutes time, New Year’s Eve revellers in Jakarta, Bangkok, Hanoi and Phnom Penh will be the next to enter 2026.

As ever, we will endeavor to show you the best pictures and videos from those cities.

Here’s how crowds in Beijing celebrated the new year with a drum performance at the Juyongguan Great Wall.

Here was the scene in Marina Bay, Singapore, where fireworks exploded into the sky as the country welcomed 2026.

We’ve just reached 4pm UK time which means Beijing has now officially entered 2026 along with other major Asian destinations including Hong Kong, Singapore and Manila.

Here’s a picture of crowds gathering in the Chinese capital for a New Year Countdown celebration at the Juyongguan Great Wall.

Here are the latest pictures we can show you from the Taiwanese capital Taipei where a New Year’s Eve party is taking place in the city amid heavy rain.

Crowds at the party have watched a concert and are now waiting for a fireworks display at Taipei 101 – a 101-storey skyscraper in the city.

While Sydney is known for its spectacular fireworks display, New Year’s Eve celebrations in Japan and South Korea are much different.

Pictured below was the scene in Seoul’s Bosingak, where a bell-ringing ceremony was held to mark the end of 2025 and start of a new year.

As the final countdown approaches, crowds count down from 10 before the bell strikes at midnight.

In Tokyo, crowds at Zojo-ji temple – a Buddhist place of worship – heard bells rung 108 times.

Meanwhile, North Korea has also entered 2026 with a fireworks display at Kim II Sung Square in the capital Pyongyang.

Hong Kong will ring in 2026 without fireworks over Victoria Harbour after a massive fire in November killed at least 161 people.

The city’s tourism board will instead host a music show on Wednesday night featuring soft rock duo Air Supply and other singers in Central, a business district that also is home to the famous nightlife hub Lan Kwai Fong.

The facades of eight landmarks will turn into giant countdown clocks presenting a three-minute light show at midnight.

Fireworks have long been part of the city’s celebrations for the new year.

Hong Kong will officially enter 2026 at 4pm UK time

Beijing will be among the cities and nations next to enter 2026.

The Chinese capital will enter the new year along with Hong Kong, Singapore and Manila – capital of the Philippines.

During his New Year’s Eve address, Chinese President Xi Jinping said ‘reunification is unstoppable’ after Beijing announced the end of live-fire drills around Taiwan.