Photo taken on Jan. 26, 2017 shows the opening ceremony of the River Hongbao held at Singapore's Float at Marina Bay. River Hongbao will last from Jan. 26 to Feb. 4 to celebrate the Chinese New Year. (Xinhua/Then Chih Wey)
SINGAPORE, Jan. 27 (Xinhua) -- Singaporean Deputy Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister for National Security Teo Chee Hean graced River Hongbao 2017 Opening Night cum Light-up Ceremony at the Marina Bay Floating Platform Thursday night, marking the beginning of the annual Lunar New Year celebrations.
Now into its 31st year, the Lunar New Year event was launched when Teo unlocked the giant egg signifying new hope and golden opportunities in the coming year. Highlights for the opening night included a wide array of shows specially selected from both local and overseas performers.
Singaporean singer Nathan Hartono enthralled the audience with live band performance and his rendition of the classic song "Moonlight in the City". The audience also enjoyed acrobatics presented by China's Chongqing Acrobatic Art Troupe, dancing performances by Chongqing Acrobatic Art Troupe as well as Hwa Kang Dance Troupe from Chinese Culture University in China's Taiwan.
River Hongbao 2017 features more than 60 pieces of specially handcrafted lanterns, of which focused more on local and forward-looking elements.
For instance, the main lantern-piece entitled "Welcoming a Spring full of opportunities and vitality" shows hopes for the future, as it presents future landscapes such as Jewel Changi Airport, Punggol Eco-town as well as the integration of technology into lives representing by smart cars and smart robots, a symbolic actualization of Singapore's Smart Nation aspirations.
The audience were treated to a spectacular three-minute fireworks cum laser show incorporating the main lantern piece against the skyline of city state. They can also participate in other activities such photo exhibition, riddle-guessing etc.
The term Hongbao, meaning a red packet, is a monetary gift often associated with the Lunar New Year and symbolizes good luck. Nowadays, River Hongbao has been a compelling destination for locals and tourists during Lunar New Year. This year's River Hongbao will last until Feb. 4.
