8th February 2013 - It has been raining every day and I was pretty worried that it will affect our visit to the River Hongbao. Luckily the afternoon downpour stopped in the evening and the RHB official opening and fireworks were able to commence sucessfully.

Despite the slight drizzle and wet floors, it did not dampen our spirits. On the contrary, we were able to enjoy the breeze and coolness during our walk.

Denver and Gladys enjoying the magic performance while Daddy and Mommy went to make some purchase. :)

Guest-of-honour, President Tony Tan officiate the light-up ceremony for River Hongbao 2013. This was followed by a series of fireworks.

The main highlight for today! It was also our first time witnessing the fireworks display at RHB.

From now till 16th February 2013, there will be performances every night. If time and weather permits, Hubby and I are very keen to be back again on Wednesday to enjoy their 新谣之夜. Check the full programme list here.

I particularly enjoyed myself at the RHB this year as I find the lanterns displays attractive and beautifully designed.

1. Vanda Miss Joaquim and Merlion

2. Denver & Gladys get really excited whenever they toss their coins at the bells. Hearing the bell chimes gave them a sense of satisfaction and acknowledgement that they will have a good year ahead too. :)

3. The 12 Lanterns Zodiac. Our must-take photo spot at RHB every year. My greatest challenge is to take a quick shot at each of the 12 zodiac while people are waiting to take pictures with their zodiac signs too.

I love the elegant vase designs as the zodiac animals pose gracefully inside each of them.

4. God of Wealth. The biggest lantern of all at each RHB.

The best time to visit River Hongbao is in the evening when the lanterns are light up.

Check out the other lanterns on display. Even JiaJia and Kaikai have joined in the celebration.

Overview look of River Hongbao at The Float @ Marina Bay 

In the past years, we will visit RHB on CNY eve. This year, we came a day earlier and the crowd is not as chaotic as compared to the eve of CNY. We had more time and space roaming around the float ,taking pictures which I enjoyed very much.

This is our 4th running year visiting RHB at The Float@Marina Bay. It is a great place to go with your family and friends to take some pictures and sink into the festive mood. View our blog post and photos on our previous years experience at the following link: http://bpdgtravels.blogspot.sg/search/label/River%20Hongbao

River Hongbao 2013 will be open to public from 8th to 16th February (12pm - 1130pm). Admission is free with different performances daily.

Check out more photos of River HongBao 2013 on our facebook page.

Event Period: 21st Jan. 2012 to 29th  Jan. 2012

Opening Hours:Daily: 12:00noon to 11:30pm

Location: The Float @ Marina Bay

Admission is free

http://www.riverhongbao.sg/

 

 

It was a rainy evening during our visit to the River Hongbao on CNY eve. The floors are wet and the drizzle has stopped. The evening was cooling with no major crowd seen at the event (probably due to the showers earlier).

We've been here numerous times as it always brings out the festive mood with the pretty lightings and deco.

Phoenix, birds, fish, dragons, lions are commonly found in every year's River Hongbao.

The lanterns are handcrafted by Chengdu lantern masters.

Since it is the Year of Dragon, River Hongbao also showcase the 9 sons of the Dragons. In Chinese mythology, the dragon has nine sons and each of them had a strong personality. Their images could always be found on ancient Chinese buildings and ancient Chinese weapons and vessels. Very interesting if you take a close look at these lanterns. :)

The main highlight of every River Hongbao is the God of Fortune. This year, we have the Martial God of Wealth (武财神) for the very first time instead of the usual fortune god that we often see.

As always, the Chinese 12 horoscopes is not to be miss as everyone wishes to take a picture with their own signs and a peek of their fortune for the new year.

There are also food streets, carnivals and stalls to let you experience the chinese culture on this CNY. 

Happy Lunar New Year! May everyone has a prosperous and healthy year ahead!



Going to the River Hongbao (春到河畔) is like a yearly event for us. As usual, my inlaws and us took the MRT down after the reunion dinner. 

Event Period: 1st Feb 2011 to 13th Feb 2011

Opening Hours: Daily: 12:00noon to 11:30pm

Location: The Float @ Marina Bay

Admission is free

http://www.riverhongbao.sg/

What are the main highlights at River Hongbao this year? The theme for this year is "Year of Rabbit; Many Returns" ("兔"气扬眉). There are nightly performances and also stalls selling unique delicacies from Nanjing,

12 Zodiac : This year they are in the shape of big golden coins and visitors can take photos and have a look at their fortune for the year.

I particularly likes the Wall of stamps as the picture is colourful and vibrant. We won't miss the chance to take pictures with our chinese zodiac.

Tiger: Daddy

Snake : Mommy

Goat : Denver

Dog : Gladys

Denver & Gladys with the cute little pair of rabbits 

The Float is also decorated with beautifully crafted lanterns and various lighting. You can also enjoy the magnificent backdrop of Marina Bay.

The God of Fortune: Everyone's favourite especially when Fortune God starts to sprinkle the golden dust (paper) at various timing. Adult and children will rush and catch them before it touches the ground. You see them catching it by hand and some even use their opened brollies to collect their lucky gold paper with numbers on them. Everyone is hoping to bring home a little luck and fortune for the new year.

Free bottles of new water is given out to the public and you can see a display of the Marina Barrage made of plastic bottles.

This year, we have a longer CNY weekend. You may just want to bring your families down for a walk at the River Hongbao. Happy Chinese New Year!

After our Reunion Dinner, my in-laws and us took the MRT and bus down to the River Hongbao 2010 for a walk and experience the CNY atmosphere!

Event Period: 12th Feb. 2010 to 20th Feb. 2010

Opening Hours:Daily: 12:00noon to 11:30pm

CNY Eve (13th Feb. 2010): 12:00noon to 1:00am

Location: The Float @ Marina Bay

Admission is free

http://www.riverhongbao.sg/

The theme for this year is 推“成”促“新”迎虎年. Hence, there are handicrafts, arts and performances from Chengdu. One of the thing we spotted was "糖画" (Sugar Art). It means art made of sugar and you can eat it while enjoying it's beauty. There is also what we called the "Tikam" board where you can spin the wheel and whichever animal it stop at, the lady will make a 糖画 out of it. Denver got the Dragon and Gladys a bird.(but the lady gave her a butterfly instead).

There are many lightings and lanterns there... including the popular 财神爷 (Fortune God), 12 animals of the Chinese Zodiac, Tiger Mountain, Dragon made of sugar and many others. The children had fun playing with the bubbles.

We stopped to take photos with each of our Chinese Zodiac animals.

There are also stalls along the side displaying Chengdu's handicrafts and souveniors.

Before exiting the River Hongbao, there is also a carnival outside with many fun-filled games and rides. Especially for those brave and daring ones. ^_^

It's nice to bring your family down for a little walk and take some photos to mark the start of a New Year! We got home by 10pm and I stayed up all night to get the stuff ready for tomorrow! Looking forward to welcoming the Year of Tiger! Huat Ah!