The world enters the new year 2024

The Pacific region is the first to welcome 2024, with big celebrations in Auckland and Sydney. Pictured is a fireworks display from Auckland's Sky Tower - the tallest in the Southern Hemisphere. (Photo: AP)

Sydney, Australia's largest city and self-proclaimed "New Year's capital of the world ", wowed crowds with its traditional fireworks display over the Harbour Bridge.

Tens of thousands of people gathered at locations along the river to witness the show. About 8 tons of fireworks were used, costing about 4.8 million USD.

New Yorkers get ready to celebrate New Year's Eve in Times Square like every year.

Of course, the ceremony of "dropping" the giant ball in Times Square at New Year's Eve is indispensable, an event that creates a highlight for New York as it enters a new year.

People take photos in front of decorations for the New Year 2024 in central Moscow. This year, Russia has suspended its usual fireworks and concerts in Red Square. (Photo: Sputnik).

Crowds gathered in Madrid, Spain, to celebrate Preuvas at Puerta del Sol ahead of the New Year.

After New Zealand and Sydney, a number of Asian countries also welcomed the New Year 2024, such as Japan, North Korea and South Korea. In Japan, people flocked to a temple in central Tokyo to watch the traditional bell-ringing ceremony, known as Joya no Kane.

Torchlight procession at Itsukushima Shrine in Hatsukaichi city, Hiroshima prefecture, Japan, on New Year's Eve. (Photo: AFP)

In Seoul (South Korea), the city government held a bell-ringing ceremony on New Year's Eve that attracted about 100,000 attendees - double the size of last year.

Thousands of people attend a New Year's Eve celebration at Wulin Square in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China. (Photo: VCG/Getty Images)

In Beijing, China, people attend a New Year event at Shougang Park.

Fireworks at Taipei 101 building, Taiwan island.

Fireworks display at Victoria Harbour, Hong Kong. (Photo: AFP)

Harbin Ice and Snow World in Heilongjiang province, northeast China, on the last day of 2023. (Photo: AFP)

Thailand welcomes 2024 with a fireworks display that lights up the sky over the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok. Around 50,000 fireworks are being launched to create an impressive display.