2,668 handcrafted lanterns for Chinatown CNY light-up

SINGAPORE – From this Saturday to March 8, the streets of Chinatown will be alit with 2,668 handcrafted lanterns in the shape of monkeys, peaches, spring blossoms and gold zodiac coins for the Chinese New Year.

This is the highest number of customised lanterns ever made for the street light-up.

Designed in partnership with final-year students from the Singapore University of Technology and Design, the display at Eu Tong Sen Street, New Bridge Road and South Bridge Road will also feature 28 mechanical monkey lanterns and an interactive tree that has lights that are activated by every 18 social media posts with the hashtag #CNY2016SG.

The official light-up and opening ceremony on Jan 16 will showcase performers from leading local and foreign troupes retelling the famed Chinese folktale, Journey to the West. There will also be displays of acrobatics accompanied by musical performances and LED light displays. President Tony Tan Keng Yam will be the Guest of Honour of the event.

In the lead-up to the Chinatown Chinese New Year Countdown Party on Feb 7, there will be an international lion dance competition, featuring 14 top lion dance troupes from eight countries. The competition will be held on Jan 23 and 24, at Hong Lim Park.