It seems like I visit River HongBao every year. Ever since COVID, this event is held at Gardens by the bay. It seemed to have lesser Chinese New Year vibes compared to floating platform since there are wayyyyyyy more trees (and also I visit Gardens by the Bay so many times)
This year seemed a bit boring as rides took over a large part of the exhibition. The exhibition seemed to form the ridge area.
Even the food stall seemed to pale in comparison. They are mostly drinks and light snacks, with the ramly burger being the most filling.
The event lasted until 5 Feb 2025, and firecrackers on the first 3 nights. I reached the place at approximately 4-5pm on the 2nd day and the car parks are packed. I would advise people to take public transport instead unless you do not mind queuing for a carpark lot.
This is probably the few CNY festive place to visit during CNY itself.
Life is Sinple 
I have been going to river hongbao for quite a few years now, from floating platform to now Garden by the Bay. Parking wise, it has been a big negative as GBP simply don’t have enough parking capacity to handle th crowd. This year we ended up parking to Marina One and then walked over but of cuz we can always take MRT instead. I must say that River Hongbao has become “boring”. This year, the number of food stores seem like lesser than last year. The queue for each store (in the firdr day of CNY) was long.The carnival area was the next obvious thing after you passed the security check but then I thought that was all for the event until we asked the information counter which told us to walk to the other sides where all the main attractions were. But then all we saw was the similar 12 zodiac lantern, the big God of Fortune and the performing stage which are all the same like last year. Then there is nothing else new and interesting. Perhaps we should consider to add some new elements, activities and displays for next year, otherwise the attractiveness is quite less esp after my kids has well passed the age of enjoying the children rides.
LikeLike
Yea. Totally agree.
I feel that i spend more time walking to my car than walking within river HongBao.
I guess it’s really there just to soak some “CNY atmosphere”
LikeLike