GETTING HERE:
Accessible from either NE3/EW16 Outram Park or NE4 Chinatown MRT stations. The latter station is on the Eu Tong Sen - New Bridge Road itself where the main procession takes place, while Outram Park Station is on Cantonment Road which is a short distance away. Alternatively, disembark at CityBuzz stops C2-#7 (Chinatown) or C2-#8 (Speaker's Corner) which are located on the street itself.

DESCRIPTION:
If Singapore River Hongbao feels a little subdued, get prepared for some fast-paced actions along Eu Tong Sen - New Bridge Road for the Chinese New Year Light-Up 2006.

One portion of the road was about to be closed at 4:00pm for the event, and I arrived at Chinatown a few minutes before that. I could not imagine using a different route to get to my hotel, The Royal Peacock, especially being a first-time visitor to this city state. Luckily, things worked out and the show must go on.

The setting up for the brilliant light display started much earlier. Glittering red archways were constructed on portions of the street. Railings were installed to guide the movement of the crowds as the sun set in.

Craving for food after watching the street march? There are plenty of street bazaars off the main road which offer dazzling arrays of local delicacies as well as festive items.

There was actually a countdown into the new lunar year but I missed it.

MY VERDICT:
A greatly organised event. Plenty of things to see and buy.