Singapore's River HongBao hosts New Year celebrations - AsiaRooms.com

AsiaRooms.com can announce that Singapore will be ushering in the Chinese New Year in traditional fashion with its River HongBao celebrations.

Now in its 24th year, this festival takes place on The Float in Marina Bay and should encourage people staying in Singapore hotels next month to join the party.

Starting on February 12th and running for the following nine days, this year's event marks a special collaboration between Singapore and the city of Chengdu.

As well as the traditional lanterns, performances and fireworks, the festival will offer the chance to taste Chengdu delicacies and purchase handicrafts from the region.

The lanterns are a key part of any Chinese New Year celebration and Channel News Asia has reported that this year's River HongBao festival will feature a record 88 illuminated paper lights.

Some of the popular themed lanterns set to be on display include God of Fortune and Chinese Zodiac, while there will also be a chance to look for less well-known examples of the art, such as Panda Playground and Tiger Mountain.

Seng Han Thong, co-chairman of the River HongBao 2010 organising committee, said: "River HongBao promises to be bigger and better this year. There is something for everyone to experience."