Chinese New Year in Singapore:
River Hong Bao Carnival 2012
| Celebrating Chinese New Year in Singapore 2012? The River Hong Bao Carnival is a must-do! |
Planning for Chinese New Year in Singapore for 2012? Here are some tips to get you going...
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What:
River Hong Bao Carnival 2012
Street Performances, Shopping, Games, Lanterns and Fireworks.
Where:
Marina Bay Floating Platform / Esplanade Waterfront Promenade
(venue to be confirmed)
When:
21-29 Jan 2012
Getting Here:
The Carnival is a 5-minute walk from Esplanade and Promenade 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 2011 promises more of the same.
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 fireworks. In years past, the fireworks went off on many nights. Fireworks Schedule for River Hong Bao 2012:
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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. On 6 Feb 2008, Chinese New Year's Eve, this guy moved 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. |
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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. |
Chinese New Year in Singapore 2012:
Tips for Tourists Celebrating
- Remember that 23-24 Jan 2012 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
(Years past, Sentosa Flowers was the highlight event.) - Singapore Zoo
- Jurong Bird Park
- Little India
- Kampong Glam (Malay-Arab Quarter)
- Sentosa Island
- If you want to soak up the Chinese New Year atmosphere in Singapore, it's better to visit within the 3 weeks leading up to Chinese New Year's Eve (1-22 Jan 2012). 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 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 very near the River Hong Bao's.
Chingay Parade 2011 Dates: 3 & 4 February 2012.
- If you plan on staying near the River Hong Bao venue, consider these hotels:
Within 5 minutes' walk:
Marina Bay Luxury Hotels:
Swissotel The Stamford, Fairmont Hotel, Marina Mandarin, Mandarin Oriental, The Pan Pacific, Ritz Carlton Millenia, Conrad International Centennial
North Bridge Road Hotels:
Luxury: Raffles Hotel
Mid-range: Peninsula Excelsior Hotel, Grand Plaza Park Hotel
Esplanade Drive:
The Fullerton Hotel
More about these hotels...
Within 15 minutes' walk:
Victoria St / Queen St:
Mid-range: Allson Hotel, Hotel Royal Queens, Carlton Hotel
Affordable: Victoria Hotel
More cheap hotels near River Hongbao...
Compare hotel rates from multiple websites:
Compare Singapore Hotels
Related to the River Hong Bao Carnival
Chinese New Year 2011 - Summary of Events
Chinese New Year Shopping - Chinatown Night Markets
Chinese New Year Street Performances @ Chinatown Singapore
Chinese New Year Fireworks 2008
