River Hongbao

River Hongbao is an annual Lunar Chinese New Year event held in Singapore.

The celebration was founded in 1986 and has been held yearly through the collaboration of the Singapore Federation of Chinese Clan Association.

River Hongbao shows an awe-inspiring display of Chinese cultures and traditions. ‘Hongbao’ means Red Pocket, a New Year monetary gift believed to bring good luck to children and unmarried adults. River Hongbao is the leading Lunar Chinese New Year event, drawing people from all over the country to experience fun-filled activities.

River Hongbao is one of Singapore’s most highly anticipated Chinese New Year events. Its 39th edition will return to Gardens by the Bay in 2025. Come soak in the festive vibes and admire the magical charm of giant lantern sets depicting local culture and our way-of-life.

Prepare to be mesmerised by dazzling lantern displays, thrilling performances, and interactive exhibits that capture the spirit of the Chinese New Year. Don’t miss out on unique activities, from engaging contests to a nostalgic Retro Snake Game, and collect exclusive digital stickers to share festive joy with loved ones.

Don’t forget to check out the other fringe activities happening at the same time, including the electrifying stage performances, a cultural exhibition, a tantalising food street, family-friendly amusement rides and online festivities.

This event is jointly organised by the Singapore Federation of Chinese Clan Associations (新加坡宗乡会馆联合总会), Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (新加坡中华总商会), SPH Media’s Chinese Media Group 新报业媒体华文媒体集团, Singapore Tourism Board (新加坡旅游局), and People’s Association (人民协会).

Lanterns

Step into a world of dazzling artistry as River Hongbao 2025 unveils its spectacular lantern displays, blending tradition with creativity. Highlights include the all-time favourite God of Fortune with his promise of luck and prosperity and “The Lion City“, celebrating Singapore’s 60 years of independence with a majestic Merdeka Lion centrepiece.

Marvel at “Joyful Years Ahead“, a nostalgic set-piece celebrating Singapore’s six decades of cherished memories since our independence with features such as the iconic Lion Head Roller Coaster that was once at the then-beloved Wonderland Amusement Park.

These captivating lanterns, each telling a unique story, promise an unforgettable visual experience as they illuminate Gardens by the Bay this Chinese New Year.

Firecrackers

Stunning firecracker displays light up the night sky, with 60 strands on the opening evening and 30 strands on the second and third nights.

Nightly Stage Performances

Be mesmerised by nightly performances at River Hongbao 2025, where the main stage comes alive with a dynamic mix of music, dance, and cultural showcases. Featuring a blend of tradition and modernity, these performances promise to bring joy and energy to the festive atmosphere.

Immerse yourself in the festive spirit with nightly stage performances at River Hongbao 2025. Enjoy a vibrant lineup featuring beloved local talents like Joanna Dong, Shigga Shay, and shazza, alongside cultural showcases celebrating Singapore’s rich multicultural heritage.

Don’t miss overseas performances by The Wind from Yunnan Performing Troupe from Mengzi City, Honghe Prefecture, Yunnan Province, China, known for their vibrant ethnic artistry and award-winning acts. There will be themed nights such as Getai Night and Xinyao Night to add to the excitement.

Stage performances will be livestreamed on River Hongbao’s social media channels.

Exhibition

Travel back in time to uncover the enduring legacy of Chinese remittance letters at “Greetings from Afar: Chinese Remittance Letters.”

Early Chinese migrants who ventured abroad to earn a living would send remittance letters, made up of letters and money, to their families back in China. This exhibition is a collaboration between the Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall (Singapore) and the Fujian Provincial Archives of China. Featuring artefacts and interactive elements, this exhibition showcases the broad historical and cultural significance of remittance letters, as well as the emotional, personal stories of early Chinese migrants in Singapore, particularly through Chinese New Year remittance letters from the 20th century.

Amusement Rides

Get ready for a fun-filled adventure at River Hongbao 2025 with a wide range of exciting amusement rides! From family-friendly classics to adrenaline-pumping attractions, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Experience the thrill of the Double-Storey Horse Carousel, the only one of its kind in Singapore, alongside exciting rides like the Euro Swing, Space Shuttle, Mini Viking, and Texas Train. Perfect for creating unforgettable moments with family and friends!

Food Street

No River Hongbao celebration is complete without the Food Street! Enjoy a delightful mix of local favourites and international treats, perfect for sharing with loved ones.

Savour the festive spirit at Food Street! With a wide variety of delicious offerings, from local favourites like Muah Chee and Char Kway Sotong to international delights such as Turkish Kebab, Japanese Takoyaki, and Korean Spicy Noodles, there’s something to suit every palate. A must-visit for food lovers this Year of the Snake!

RHB Booths

Step into the heart of River Hongbao 2025 and explore a vibrant selection of booths offering an array of festive delights. From traditional Chinese New Year decorations to innovative products crafted by RHBHacks winners, these booths are perfect for shopping, exploring, and enjoying hands-on activities.

Celebrate the Year of the Snake by visiting the diverse booths at River Hongbao 2025. Discover cultural showcases, indulge in festive treats, and shop for unique mementos. With something for everyone, these booths add a lively charm to the festivities!

RHBHacks 2025

Witness the creativity and ingenuity of the next generation at River Hongbao 2025, where the winning teams from RHBHacks 2025 will present their innovative solutions designed to address social & environmental challenges.

RHBHacks 2025 is an entrepreneurship competition designed for students and youth entrepreneurs. The theme this year – ‘Celebrating SG60: Innovating for Social Good’ features products that are designed to address social and environmental challenges. The four winning teams will be selling their products onsite during River Hongbao. RHBHacks is sponsored by Mapletree Investments Pte Ltd and supported by the Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce & Industry (SCCCI).

How To Get Here

Whether you‘re driving or coming by public transportation, let us help guide you.

Directions to River Hongbao by MRT

• Via Circle Line or Downtown Line
  Alight at Bayfront MRT Station (CE1/DT16)
  Take Exit B and follow the underground linkway to Gardens by the Bay.
• Via Thomson East Coast Line
  Alight at Gardens by the Bay MRT Station (TE22)
  Take Exit 1 into Gardens by the Bay
• Via East-West Line
  Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT Station (EW15)
  Take Exit C and head towards bus stop no. 03223 located at International Plaza, Anson Road
  Hop onto bus 400 and alight at bus stop no. 03371 along Marina Gardens Drive

Directions to River Hongbao by Car

Traffic along Marina Bay Gardens may be heavy during this period and you may expect a traffic jam. Limited parking spaces are available at the Main Entrance, Bayfront Plaza, The Meadow and Satay by the Bay.

Bayfront Plaza Carpark

• From East Coast Parkway (ECP) in the direction towards the City, and from Ophir Rd
  Head towards Sheares Avenue
  Turn left onto Marina Boulevard and enter Bayfront Plaza Car Park
• From Kallang-Paya Lebar Expressway (KPE) in the direction towards the City
  Take Exit 1 onto ECP (City) / Sheares Avenue
  Turn left onto Marina Boulevard and enter Bayfront Plaza Car Park
• From Ayer Rajah Expressway (AYE) in the direction towards the City
  Continue onto Marina Coastal Expressway (MCE)
  Take Exit 2 onto Central Boulevard
  Turn right to Sheares Avenue and another right onto Marina Boulevard to enter Bayfront Plaza Car Park

Main Entrance/ The Meadow/ Satay by the Bay carparks

• From East Coast Parkway (ECP) and Kallang-Paya Lebar Expressway (KPE) in the direction towards the city
  Continue onto Marina Coastal Expressway (MCE)
  Take Exit 3 onto Central Boulevard
  Turn right to Marina Gardens Drive
• From Ayer Rajah Expressway (AYE) in the direction towards the city
  Continue onto Marina Coastal Expressway (MCE)
  Take Exit 2 onto Central Boulevard
  Turn right into Marina Gardens Drive
• From Ophir Road
  Head towards Sheares Avenue
  Exit onto Marina Boulevard
  Turn left into Marina Gardens Drive

Weather Plans

All visitors are advised to plan for weather contingencies. Bring an umbrella and other essentials, such as a bottle of water and sunscreen, if you visit during the day.

Come together with family and friends to celebrate the Snake Year at Gardens by the Bay and experience the magic of River Hongbao like never before!