Introduction
In preparation for the celebration of Lunar New Year, the entire Singapore turns into a symbolic representation of the color that covers all festivities which it is Year of Rabbit. While it’s impossible to fail to notice the blinks of various colorful lights and the floral additions that colored the environment in cheerful shades of blue. Here are some of the most prime locations in Singapore best suited for the colorful CNY decorations.
Chinatown
Of all places, water definitely has no greater symbol for the Lunar New Year than Chinatown does. From the street market on to the temples packed with CNY devotional visitors, this district is the liveliest. Stroll through pedestrian bridge constructed like a pagoda and cross Smith Street, Trengganu Street and Pagoda Street where a series of vermillion lanterns are hung. Look at the two massive rabbits standing opposite to Buddha Tooth Relic Temple. During the Chinese New Year Celebrations in Chinatown, one can enjoy dazzling performances of Lion dancers and pounding drums. There, do not lose sight of the meeting 15-meter tall God of Fortune . Of course, shop to your heart’s content for CNY goodies among stalls laden with fresh oranges, pineapple tarts, bak kwa, and rows of colourful candies.
Orchard Road
The famous shopping belt of orchard road is dressed up from end to end for CNY. Shiny peach-colored flowers and neon lamps, and gold rifts add the festive touch to malls. At ION Orchard it was depicted with rabbits jumping through pelvis of vivid peach flowers. Ngee Ann City has great peach trees which bear gold ingot as well as oranges. The lighting and music also build up around the 15-meter tall God of Fortune, and Takashimaya changes into the mystical peach garden. Wisma Atria light ruby red lantern and Isetan Scotts has a realistic painting of cherry blossom trees on the wall. The view of the courtyard in Far East Plaza with peach trees in bloom should not be missed. Stroll through halls filled with flowers, SOS signs and ours beaming with light..
Gardens by the Bay
At greater than life size, bunny rabbits are sculpted using flowers and vast peonies against the backdrop of the imposing city’s skyline – all at the Gardens by the Bay. The decorations representing the Chinese New Year in the Flower Dome are taking you into the dream of spring that Chinese painters used to create. They wandered through winding trails here along the 10,000 Peach and Purple Blossoms. Grab a view of the showers of twelve meters tall rabbits beside the falls adorned magnolia, cherry blossoms, chrysanthemum and plants of good omen. At night, it is an eye opener to witness the display of lights incorporating the hits of the CNY songs. The Supertree Grove is also bathed in elements of the lunar new year at night. Oh yes, do not forget to take pictures with the cuties, the God of Fortune and Rabbit Tots as well.
Street Bazaar at Chinatown
If you’re in need of CNY shopping and feasting brownies all in one place, the Street Bazaar at Chinatown Point mall is held annually. The bridge between New Bridge Road and Kreta Ayer Road turns into a 200 meters street market. From pine apple tarts to mandarin oranges, more than a hundred stalls are ready with their CNY goodies. You will get Christmas trees and ornaments, soft toys, tea ceremony souvenirs such as tea and many other specialties to bring home. If you’re feeling hungry, pamper yourself with such local delicacies as bak kut teh (peppery pork ribs soup), the rice dumplings of Hainanese chicken rice balls, putu piring (a type of steamed rice cake), and muah chee (rice dumplings coated with crushed peanuts). With glitters hanging over them, fast walking, and smelling the aroma of local products- this street is making me feel like I am shopping in some festive season in the heartland.
