River Hongbao 2022 (春到河畔 2022) is back for another year at Gardens by the Bay. Spanning across 8 days between 30 January and 6 February 2022, there are 30 lanterns on display for your photo moments as well as music, song and dance performances, and amusement rides.
Being away from the usual The Float @ Marina Bay, it felt a little different this time around as there is bigger span of footwork. However, that also means the lanterns can be placed more apart in a better setting of their own, as well as aid in social distancing during this virus period.
Right at the entrance is the Welcome Arch@Golden Garden (春风得意), which grand arch of lanterns will be greeting you with all elements of Chinese New Year like peony flowers, kids playing with lion dance amidst the bamboo forest. It tends to get a little crowded here, so either be early or play with your camera angles...
Walk along the arch and take a left to enter the River Hongbao premises. The first display will be the Smiles of Happiness (笑口常开), which greenery is integrated into this latern display. Look closely and you can see that each character's head is planted with a different pot of greens. The song "春天里" which PM Lee sang during NDP Rally 2021 will be played along too.
After this lantern, you will be brought into the barricaded area into the Supertree Grove. This area requires you to have tickets to as part of crowd control measures. You can book a time slot for free at the River Hongbao website.
Each slot has a maximum capacity of 4,400 visitors only to prevent overcrowding. The majority of tickets have already been booked up, with only a few of the afternoon slots still available. For those who didn't manage to get the tickets or wana stay home, you will be able to watch the live shows virtually at the River Hongbao Facebook page.
The highlight would definitely be the 18 meter tall God of Fortune (财源滚滚来) smacked right in the middle of the Supoertree Grove with Marina Bay Sands as the background, there will be light and laser shows every night. Be sure to capture it at the best moment.
Other displays also include the Rising After Challenges (步步高升) which is designed around a piano keyboard.You can have a little fun and dance on thee giant floor piano, maybe if you can, play a Chinese New Year themed song?
Spot this exact replica of Nian Hua (年画), behind it is an exhibition (curated by Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall) on the cultural and social history of the Chinese and overseas Chinese communities, including depictions of mythical deities and creatures, as well as scenes from traditional folklore and opera.
Be sure to have your phones ready to participate in an escape-style mini-game, simply look for QR codes next to artefacts scattered around the exhibition hall to trigger your first clue. You can also get the full experience from home with the virtual 360 version of this exhibition via the River Hongbao 2022 website.
As you proceed, you can also find this Giant Revolving Lantern (走马看花) featuring the works of mural artist Yip Yew Chong. He is famous for his mural paintings that you see along Chinatown.
Don't forget to make a wish and toss a coin at the Heart-shaped arches of the Wishing Heart (感恩的心). Ring the bells and may it bring you good luck for the coming year. Hope your wishes come true!
Grab a seat at the stage area and take a break or watch from home the live stage performances, virtual fortune-telling and zodiac-themed tang yuan making classes, there are tons of programmes taking place. There's also nightly festive shows such as getai shows and action-packed martial arts displays as well as a Daily Lantern Riddles Show with attractive prizes to be won.At the same area, there's also kid-friendly rides and carnival games. There's a double-story horse carousel, a giant inflatable playground, robotic rides, a pirate ship and trackless train rides.
Amongst the Amusement Rides, you will find the 12 Zodiac Animals (十二生肖) in play. They are separated into 3 groups together with their corresponding fortunes told.
It's a pity that we can't go closer to the individual lanterns as we could when the event was on The Float@Marina Bay. Taking pictures with them is a little hassle, so bring your own flash light...
Exiting the ticketed area, you will find the impressive Roaring Tigers and Dragon (虎啸龙吟) at the Dragonfly Lake. You can offer blessings or make wishes by releasing floating flowers with LED lights on the Dragonfly Lake. All proceeds from the Wishing Heart and flower blessings will go to charity. The lantern display will look even more beautiful with the multiple floating flowers along with the reflection on the lake.
As mentioned, as part of the Safe Management Measures at River Hongbao 2022, visitors will need to pre-register for a time slot before arriving at the event site to avoid disappointment. All pax regardless of age require their own unique QR code. Only fully vaccinated, recovered, medically ineligible individuals, or children aged 12 years and below (subject to event capacity) will be allowed into River Hongbao.
Due to prevailing government capacity controls for unvaccinated children, the number of children aged 12 years and under are strictly controlled. Visitors should ensure that they indicate the number of children aged 12 years and under when making their ticket selection. Proof of the child’s age will be required for verification at checkpoints.
Don't forget about the POSB #HuntYourZodiac interactive virtual mobile game when you enjoying the beautiful lantern displays. This year, there is over $180,000 in cash prizes stand to be won. Find out more about #HuntYourZodiac here.
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