Chinese New Year in exotic, cosmopolitan Singapore outstrips the Hong Kong party
NEED TO KNOW
LOCATION Singapore is an island city-state situated 60 miles (96 km) north of the equator, at the tip of the Malaysian peninsula
WHEN Chinese New Year is in the first month of the Chinese lunar calendar (Jan–Feb)
VISITORS PER YEAR Around 1 million people – foreign and local – attend the event
The most important event of the Chinese calendar is a breath of fresh air in Singapore, where revelers can join in the celebrations without being swallowed up by crowds, overwhelmed by long lines, and hindered by city-wide restaurant and shop closings typical of the holiday in Hong Kong.
Leading up to the event, Singapore’s Chinatown is a bustling hive of shoppers. The neighborhood’s picturesque narrow streets, lined with charming pre-war shophouses, are draped with red lanterns, twinkling lights, and banners. Hawkers sell traditional Chinese goodies, such as Mandarin orange shrubs, peach blossoms, potted bamboo stalks, bak kwa (barbecued pork), pineapple tarts, and decorations for the home. Late into the evening, visitors can watch lion dances and other music, dance and theater performances in the streets.
Locals and tourists alike flock to Marina Bay to see in the New Year, which is welcomed with eye-popping fireworks over the water, set spectacularly against the city skyline. In Chinatown, a countdown party kicks off an all-night street rave that throbs with music from international DJs and live bands. All over the city, parties carry on until the wee hours.
A festival feel continues throughout the city well into the New Year with the 15-day Singapore River Hongbao, held in Esplanade Park. At this event, which is unique to Singapore, visitors are sprinkled with gold dust and confetti bearing lucky numbers, towering displays depict mythological figures from Chinese lore, and nightly performances feature acrobatics, traditional music, and martial arts. Carnival rides run along the waterfront and nightly firework displays illuminate the city skyline. At the same time, the iconic riverside complex known as Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay hosts the Huayi Chinese Festival of the Arts, which stages visual arts performances that embody the spirit of Chinese culture.
The climax of Singapore’s Chinese New Year, the Chingay Parade of DreamS is a night-time spectacle of floats, 4,000 performers in glittering costumes, and performances by guest troupes. The parade winds through historic downtown and is followed by an all-night dance party under the stars.
FORGET NEW YEAR IN HONG KONG?
THE BUILD-UP Hong Kong’s festivities are the model for Chinese New Year celebrations in every Chinatown around the world. The Cathay Pacific International Chinese New Year Night Parade is undoubtedly the world’s largest Chinese New Year parade, and Hong Kong’s computer-controlled fireworks display over Victoria Harbour is certainly a stunner.
THE LETDOWN Hong Kong swells with visitors during this time, the majority of whom come from mainland China. The choke on services, hotel rooms, and public transportation is frustrating, and in recent years visitors have complained about unscrupulous hawkers seeking money for admission at events that are supposed to be free of charge.
The party’s famous parade has also been moved from its traditional downtown Hong Kong route to Tsim Sha Tsui in nearby Kowloon. While there’s more breathing space here, many people complain that the spectacle has lost its authentic flavor.
GOING ANYWAY? Book early. Reserve your flights, hotel rooms, and even meals well in advance, and be prepared for delays, long lines, and surcharges everywhere you go.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Getting There and Around
Singapore’s Changi International Airport is a 25-minute drive from the city center. Taxis are the best way to travel to the city, and within the city they are a reliable option. Buses and a train system called the MRT are also easy to use.
Where to Eat
Singapore’s dining scene is very diverse. During the festival, some restaurants close and others get fully booked, but there will always be something tempting open.
Try Doc Cheng’s at the Raffles
Hotel for a taste of East meets West, Singapore-style.
Where to Stay
Request a room facing Marina Bay at the Ritz-Carlton, Millennia Singapore.
Daytime Temperature 86°F (30°C) at the time of Chinese New Year.
Budget per Day for Two US$450, including food, lodging, transportation, and entrance fees.