Chinese New Year in Singapore
- River Hong Bao Carnival 2009
"Celebrating 2009 Chinese New Year in Singapore?
The River Hong Bao Carnival is a must-do!"
On this page: [River Hong Bao Photo Tour] [Tips for Tourists]
What:
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2009 Highlights:
- Chinese New Year Fireworks @ Marina Bay
- Schedule:
- likely 26 & 27 January 09
- Other dates to be confirmed (watch this space)
- Schedule:
The fireworks went off on 4 nights during Chinese New Year in Singapore 2008. Some photos of Chinese New Year Fireworks 2008 from the Esplanade Bridge.
- Free dance and acrobatic performances nightly by troupes from China.
Getting Here:
The Carnival is a 5-minute walk from City Hall MRT Station. Else, hail a taxi - except during the Chingay Parade, when the nearby roads are closed.
River Hong Bao 2007 Photo Tour
Here are some photos I took of the River Hong Bao 2007 Carnival during Chinese New Year in Singapore. River Hong Bao 2009 promises more of the same.
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The River Hong Bao is one of the most eagerly awaited carnivals during Chinese New Year in Singapore. The crowds here are waiting for the 9pm fireworks. In 2007, the fireworks went off on at least 6 nights. This year (2008), the fireworks were be launched from the Esplanade Bridge, just behind where these guys are sitting. (River Hong Bao 2009 Fireworks schedule will be listed here once it is confirmed.) |
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If you are coming from a non-Chinese community, the River Hong Bao is a great place to understand Chinese New Year customs. Not only do you see these customs in action but you also see signboards that explain what the actions symbolise. Here, a lady is throwing a coin at one of the cards that adorn this Golden Tree. Each card carries words of blessing. Hit anyone and these blessings are yours. If you miss, try again. If you miss yet again? Well, be comforted that the organisers pick up the coins and donate to charity. |
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A red piece of paper and a pair of scissors. Put them in the hands of a skilled artist and you get these intricate pieces of art. Buy one. Or if you have the patience, make your own under the guidance of the guru. |
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Not to be missed at River Hong Bao 2008 are the lanterns. Here Papa and Mama Pigs are lit up with 4 little pigs. If only Singaporeans reproduce in such abundance! |
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Photo opportunities abound. What is Chinese New Year in Singapore without a picture with the Zodiac Animal of the Year? |
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Most of 2007 was the Year of the Pig. Come 6 Feb 2008, Chinese New Year's Eve, this guy moves out of the limelight. (Visit the Lanterns' Area - you'll see lanterns representing the 12 animals of the Chinese Zodiac at the River Hong Bao 2008.) |
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At the stroke of midnight, the Mouse becomes the star of the show. Welcome the Chinese New Year Animal of 2008, the Mouse (or Rat). |
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Chinese New Year Animal of 2009 - the Buffalo. |
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Chinese New Year Animal of 2010 - the Tiger. |
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Chinese New Year Animal of 2011 - the Rabbit (Hare). |
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Chinese New Year Animal of 2012 - the Dragon. |
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Chinese New Year Animal of 2013 - the Snake. I know, he looks too cute here. |
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Chinese New Year Animal of 2014 - the Horse. |
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Chinese New Year Animal of 2015 - the Goat. |
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Chinese New Year Animal of 2016 - the Monkey. |
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Chinese New Year Animal of 2017 - the Rooster. |
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Chinese New Year Animal of 2018 - the Dog. |
Tips for Tourists Celebrating Chinese New Year in Singapore 2009
- Remember that 26-27 January 2009 are Chinese New Year holidays in Singapore. Most shops are closed. If you must, absolutely visit on these days, your best bet is to head for the Esplanade Park where the River Hong Bao is ongoing. Other destinations you could go on these days include:
- Sentosa Island (especially visit Sentosa Flowers)
- Singapore Zoo
- Jurong Bird Park
- Little India
- Kampong Glam (Malay-Arab Quarter)
- If you want to soak up the Chinese New Year atmosphere in Singapore, it's better to visit within the 2 weeks leading up to Chinese New Year's Eve (12-25 January 2009). Head down to Chinatown to watch us shop during Chinese New Year in Singapore. Or take in one or two Chinese New Year street performances.
- If your schedule permits, why not visit over the weekend when the Chingay Parade 2009 is held? Chingay Singapore is touted as Asia's grandest Street and Floats Parade. I must say that you won't be disappointed. Moreover, the Chingay venue is just next to the River Hong Bao's. You could then do the River Hong Bao and Chingay together. (Watch this space for exact dates as Chinese New Year 2009 draws near.)
- If you plan on staying near the River Hong Bao venue, consider these hotels:
Within 5 minutes' walk:
Marina Bay Luxury Hotels:
Marina Mandarin, Mandarin Oriental, The Pan Pacific, Ritz Carlton Millenia, Conrad International Centennial
North Bridge Road Hotels:
Luxury: Raffles Hotel, Fairmont Hotel (formerly Raffles The Plaza), Swissotel The Stamford
Mid-range: Peninsula Excelsior Hotel, Grand Plaza Park Hotel
Esplanade Drive:
The Fullerton Hotel
Within 15 minutes' walk:
Victoria St / Queen St:
Mid-range: Allson Hotel, Hotel Royal Queens, Carlton Hotel
Affordable: Victoria Hotel
Related to the River Hong Bao Carnival
Chinese New Year Shopping - Chinatown Night Markets
Chinese New Year Street Performances @ Chinatown Singapore
Chinese New Year Fireworks 2009
