River Hongbao 2024 is upon us again this Chinese new year (CNY) of the Dragon. It is a vibrant festival and spectacle held at Singapore Gardens by the Bay renowned for its elaborate lantern displays that adorn the Garden’s festival grounds.
Furthermore, it showcases intricate designs depicting traditional Chinese myths, zodiac animals, and auspicious symbols. As a visitor, exploring the festival is an immersive experience, with the meadows and Supertree grove area accessible on foot. Let’s take a visiting River Hongbao 2024 at the Singapore Gardens by the Bay.
On some background, “River Hongbao” was derived from the term “hongbao,” meaning traditional red packets given during New Year celebrations. Established in 1987, River Hongbao in Singapore holds historical and cultural significance as a staple CNY event. Additionally, the festival has grown into one of the most anticipated events on the Singaporean calendar, merging the city’s modern skyline with the rich traditions of Chinese New Year.
River Hongbao Entrance Archways
Moreover, as with last year’s River Hongbao event, River Hongbao 2024 maintains a familiar format, with three entrances: one by the meadows, another at the visitor center by the conservatory with the Golden archway, and a third by the bayfront archway from the Marina Bay Sands Bayfront MRT. Security screening at each of the entrances is quick. There are also no crowd capacity limits or tickets required to enter the venue this year.
Each entrance arch has a unique theme, such as the Welcome arch at Golden garden inspired by birdsong and the aroma fragrant flowers (niao yu hua xiang), with bird shaped lanterns showcasing delicate blossom in vibrant hues which comes in spring.
Secondly, the Bayfront welcome arch denotes wonderful happenings year on year (hao shi lian nian). It features a grand tiled roof surrounded by colourful butterflies welcoming guests from the Bayfront MRT and flora fantasy attraction area into the river Hongbao meadows grounds.
Lastly, the Golden arch at Meadows is inspired by poetic phrase Ying Chun Hua Kai symbolising blossoming of colourful flora during the spring periods. Three arch showing “spring” as styled by the Chinese character for Spring in Abstract style, stylised by decorative and lit orange flower petal motifs. This archway leads into the meadows and Uncle Ringo meadows fairground area, more on that later.
Animal Zodiac at the Meadows
Additionally, the meadows area houses adorable lanterns representing the 12 animals of the zodiac.
This year’s art style leans towards a toony-shouty style with a “comic style” emphasis on each animal, making it one of my favourite center pieces here.
Also, each of the zodiac animals form part of a musical band, each making a din with their own instruments from gongs, drums and trumpets. Even the Dragon lantern here is shown beating drums, complete with a moving head, adding to the festive atmosphere.
This sector is also where you can find a large video wall, the Dragon wishing hearts well, allowing you to ring in the new year for prosperity by throwing coins at the bells within heart shaped perimeter.
Also, the zodiac zone also features lantern displays like the Aroma of Affections, and a water feature with lantern goldfishes symbolizing ever-flowing prosperity (nian nian you yu).
It signifying ever-flowing prosperity with underwater seascape with corals and seashells. Rounding up the sector here, you can also find a row of shops here with products on sale as well as a feng shui talk area.
Majestic Dragon and God of Fortune
The highlight of the River Hongbao has to be the super tree grove region. Supertree linkway is lined with overhead lanterns leading you into the supertree grove area. The highlight will of course be the central space be the Year of the Dragon and God of fortune lanterns.
Here, the dragon, suspended over patrons with Marina Bay Sands in the background, is a spectacular sight. Also, the God of Fortune statue, presented by POSB bank, adds to the festive charm.
If you are lucky, you can find POSB squirrel mascots roaming about the Gardens too for photo opportunities.
Also, the area hosts various performances, live music, and events, including fireworks displays, creating a lively atmosphere.
Notable lanterns here includes one called Savouring moments, enduring memories, into a world of durian delight (liu lian bu she), where the local fruit delicacies brings families and loved ones together.
Also, on display here is the Reaching new heights lantern (Bu Bu gao sheng). It depicting embracing technologies and Singapore pursuit for embracing technologies innovation. Technologies shown here, includes snippets of robot automation, space travel as well as VR/AR headsets.
Meadows and Uncle Ringo Fairground
Moreover, the expanded Uncle Ringo fairground in the meadows area is a popular spot on weekends, featuring a large selection of family-friendly rides as well as catering to the older thriller seekers with thrill flat-rides like a centrifuge spinner.
Notably, Uncle Ringo is also celebrating their 40th anniversary this year. Kudos to them!
While the fairground rides here are not as impressive as fun fairs from the ’90s, the fairground still attracts a lively crowd, even on drizzly weekdays. There is also a good selection of rides for family and grown ups.
Additionally, The fairground also includes a small exhibition covering elements of early Chinese culture and commerce. It is a short 30 minute walk-through exhibition with a small lantern mural at it’s archway entrance.
The exhibition covers Chinese new year trades of food, clothing and services over the year, with several murals for photo opportunities. Interestingly, the Bak Gua counter has smoke coming out from it too, while the chicken coop has life chicken noises coming from it.
The exhibition ends with a vote counter asking visitors to vote via buttons whether physical or online shopping is the way to go for the future (Currently physical stores are leading)
Wrapping up the lanterns here is the Five directions god of wealth lantern, it refers to 5 directions- east, west, south, north, and the center, implying that you can gain fortune wherever you are.
Also, here in this sector, you can also find the Wang Zi Cheng Long lantern in the meadows area represents parents’ hopes for their children’s future achievements, portrayed through dynamic dragon dance performances.
Cultural Exchange and Understanding
Wrapping up, beyond the festive celebrations, River Hongbao serves as a platform for cultural exchange and understanding among Singapore’s diverse population. The festival promotes traditional customs and provides insights into early Chinese culture and commerce, as seen in the exhibition by the night market and street food tent.
Noteworthy is the large display called “Bountiful Returns” floating on the dragonfly lake, depicting an early scene of the Singapore River.
In conclusion, River Hongbao 2024 at the Singapore Gardens by the Bay offers a captivating experience, blending modernity with traditional Chinese New Year festivities. Following our preview first-look at the lanterns a couple of weeks back.
The festival’s historical and cultural significance, coupled with the elaborate lantern displays, makes River Hongbao an event worth visiting this Chinese new year. It is great for all ages, locals and tourists. The night event runs from 8th to 17th February 2024, admission to the event is free.
