Instead of going to Chinatown, why not explore these 5 places this Chinese New Year?
Chinatown naturally comes to mind when we think about a go-to place to visit during CNY. Though most of us usually choose to spend it at home with our families snacking on typical goodies (or the not-so-typical goodies).
But if you’re feeling slightly adventurous or simply want to soak in the festive atmosphere, here are some ordinary places with a not-so-ordinary line-up that might interest you this holiday!
1. Gardens by the Bay Lunar New Year
Gardens by the Bay was a hit with Singaporeans last year for its magical and extravagant Christmas events, but for CNY?
Well, don’t be quick to dismiss this idea just yet, as this year’s CNY event highlights at Gardens by the Bay would not disappoint you!
Most of the events will be held at the Supertree Grove, so remember to head there and you can expect to see performances such as the “Aerial Contortionist”, “Dance of a Thousand Hands” and even a LED Phoenix and Lion Dance performance, which claims to be the biggest in the world.
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Still prefer admiring beautiful flowers? Then head to the Flower Dome, where you will enthralled with the first floral display of the year known as Dahlia Dreams. The Chinese Garden inspired theme will welcome you auspicious and beautiful shades of yellow, orange and red Dahlias (大丽花) and Begonias (秋海花). So remember to bring along your cameras!
Immerse yourself in the Chinese tradition upon your entry into the Flower dome as your family and friends can visit various craft booths from the art and craft activities for the little ones to calligraphy appreciation.
Seems like CNY at Gardens By The Bay sounds pretty interesting after all. Good news for Singaporeans – there is free admission for senior citizens with every adult ticket purchased!
Event runs from 30 Jan-12 Feb
Entrance fee to Flower Dome and Dahlia Dreams $20 (adult); $12 (child)
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2. Do an Istana nature guided walk
Haven’t got the chance to visit ISTANA? It’s only open to public on 5 public holidays of the year and CNY would be a good time to do so. (At least I’m sure you will expect lesser crowds than normal.)
It is not as festive as walking through Chinatown but surely as meaningful, and it beats squeezing your way through throngs of people. This year, there are guided tours through the gardens (with a small fee) beside the regular walk around the main building. The ISTANA is larger than you think so expect to be mesmerized by the wide variety of florals and the vastness of the gardens.
Event’s on 29 January 2017; 8.30am-6pm
Admission Fee of $2; Guided tours: $4 (adult); $2 (child)
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3. Singapore Expo PlayLah
This one will come off weird but visit Singapore Expo–the largest exhibition fairs in Singapore will be hosting PlayLah for your family and friends during CNY. There will be exciting, family-friendly activities with creative workshops and games for your family’s ultimate day out. The carnival is almost as extensive as the Uncle Ringo funfair with bumper cars, Captain Ship viking and a Rooster Slide.
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Playlah is nothing short of learning; there is also a travelling exhibit by SUN YAT SEN NANYANG MEMORIAL HALL with Chinese traditions and Zodiac predictions for 2017. Learn about the early years of Singapore and our pioneer generation as they set out to piece the building blocks of the Singapore we live in today. Don’t be surprised by the techy side of the fair as you will get to learn how to fly a drone, create and experience 3D art.
Event runs from 19 to 22 January 2017 (Thursday – Sunday)
Register for admission (comes with $5 coupon)
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4. Jurong Birdpark
The name of the event is already a champion. Celebrate your CNY this year at the Bird Park to usher in the Rooner New Year. Its the year of the rooster, we are definitely expecting some exhilarating activities at the Bird Park!
Other than the usual Lion dances and interactions with the God of Prosperity (cai shen ye), there will be guided tours on the exotic birds of Asia. Try to catch “Parrot’s Got Talent” as they engaged in their chatty activities and feed on treat-filled angpaos. Or be be amazed by the incredibly cute hatching of chicks!
These birds are about to give the performance of their life-time; visit the Bird Park this year and let them flaunt their talents.
Event runs from 27 Jan – 11 Feb 2017
Admission Fee $29 (adult); $19 (child)
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5. River Hongbao
If you’ve haven’t heard of River Hongbao, you don’t know what you’re missing out on. River Hongbao is a yearly affair held in Marina Bay and is probably the best place to get into the festive CNY mood. The committee has lined up a night full of activities for the few days, so choose your nights wisely during this CNY. 26 January marks the official light-up to start off the celebrations. Be ready to be dazzled by the wide assortment of cartoonistic and lantern displays.
31 January is Xin Yao Night, so expect to hear nostalgic tunes of the early days in Singapore. It will be a good time for you to bond with your grandparents by bringing them for Getai Nights. There will be traditional Chinese Art&Crafts as well–calligraphy, paper-cutting, stamps and handicraft.
What’s a carnival without food? There will be an assortment of your festival foods like twisted potatoes, fried pig intestines, roast ducks and more at their food street.
Event runs from 26 January-4 Feb; 2-11pm daily; events will last till 1am on CNY eve
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