Source: River Hongbao
River Hongbao returns to Singapore for its 33rd year running. Lighting the skyline up, this year features one of the most spectacular fireworks display in celebration of Singapore’s bicentennial commemoration of her founding by Sir Stamford Raffles.
Aside from all the snacking and red packets to look forward to this Chinese New Year, why not take your family and loved ones to River Hongbao and spend some quality time together?
When is River Hongbao 2019:
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- 3 February 2019 – 10 February 2019
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- 2:00 PM – 11: 00 PM
- Extended hours till 1:00 AM on Chinese New Year’s Eve, 4 February 2019
Where is River Hongbao 2019?
The Float @ Marina Bay
Nearest MRT(s):
Promenade, Bayfront and Esplanade
Here are some things you can expect:
There will be spectacular fireworks display, interactive and Instagram-worthy lanterns that tower over you, Singapore Bicentennial exhibition that features the Singapore River through time, a carnival with fun-filled games and F&B vendors offering traditional and local delicacies and two contest – the #RHBLookbook challenge and Moments at River Hongbao photo competition, where you get to participate and stand a chance to win grand prizes such as a pair of Singapore Airlines (Business Class return tickets to New York) and the Canon EOS M50 Kit I (worth S$1099).
1. Spectacular fireworks display
What better way to celebrate the festive season than a scenographic display of light art, colours and sound? Hailing all the way from the USA, China, Italy and Australia, these visual pyrotechnic experts have a distinctive flair from each other.
Every night, there will be fireworks that last for at least three minutes. But on four special nights (3, 4, 9 and 10 February), visitors can enjoy a 12-minute spectacular firework spread across three respective time slots.
2. Admire the dazzling larger-than-life lanterns
“These breathtaking larger-than-life lanterns depicting familiar Chinese mythological figures not only offer the perfect photo opportunity for you and your family, they also tell intriguing stories about Chinese cultural legends and myths.”
– River Hongbao 2019
As you set foot on The Floating Platform @ Marina Bay, you will be greeted by a majestic dragon that forms into the shape of ‘200’. The phrase “盛世迎春” denotes the celebration of Spring’s arrival, wishing everyone a prosperous new year.
Catch a troupe of lion dancers that are performing by the main arch. It is a traditional Chinese belief that lion dances will bring good luck and fortune while signifying courage, stability and superiority.
It is remarkable that these lanterns – which are now in place for admiration – were painstakingly handcrafted onsite by craftsmen from China, closely depicting figures of Chinese myth and legends.
The God of Fortune (财神爷) has always been a perennial crowd favourite through the years and is believed to bring prosperity, luck and fortuitous windfall. This year, he stands at 18 metres, and we can foresee him being a popular hit for photo taking! Besides the already famous Chinese Zodiac lanterns, visitors can also look out for the Charms of Fortune display, where the iconic Fortune Cats (招财猫) beckon wealth and prosperity.
3. 2019 Highlights: Animation, games & more
Event highlight: Deeply anchored in heritage, a colourful exhibition titled ‘A Harbour and Home: The Singapore River Through Time’ features a three-minute animation which traces back to a 700-year timeline of Singapore’s rich history.
Visitors can board the junk boat and view a 60-metre long scroll which marks the many milestones of Singapore’s development, including scenes such as Sang Nila Utama’s naming of the island and several architectural and structural changes across the years.
Aiming to reinvent itself to attract the younger generation this year, this lively festival has included a series of events to offer a special Chinese cultural experience. Interactive elements such as the Bicentennial Dragon Game, an online game titled Huat Ah! RHB and a Hackathon are some of the initiatives taken to connect with the millennials through technology.
This year, you can look out for digital platforms such as River Hongbao’s Facebook page, where it will go live for participants to release lanterns and select from pre-programmed messages to dedicate well wishes to their loved ones.
4. Carnival and food delights
Source: River Hongbao Facebook
Source: Uncle Ringo
Singapore is well known for being a global food hub, so it is unsurprising for the event to have a slew of food stalls that serve traditional dim sum, local delicacies and more. With over 40 different vendors to choose from, a night of gastronomic adventure awaits you.
River Hongbao creates the perfect opportunity for family bonding this lunar new year with leading entertainment provider, Uncle Ringo. There will be over 20 thrilling rides and games to ensure a fun-filled night!
5. Local and Overseas Performances
Every year, a series of local and overseas performances take place throughout River Hongbao to keep visitors entertained. Through the acts of various performing arts group such as TENG Ensemble, Red Moon Dance Troupe and the National Taiwan University of Arts, audiences are invited to appreciate the rich history of traditional Chinese culture.
6. Attractive prizes to be won
Partake in #RHBLookbook Challenge or the Moments at River Hongbao photography competition and you may stand a chance to win attractive prizes that are very practical for the year ahead. Now, all that shopping you have done to pick out an outfit will not go to waste.
Come and bask in the atmosphere of reunion and soak in the sight and sounds of River Hongbao, a truly unmissable cultural experience beyond ethnicity and background.
Socials
Website: riverhongbao.sg
Facebook: River Hongbao
Instagram: @riverhongbao
Images are taken from River Hongbao Facebook and official site unless otherwise stated
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