GETTING HERE:
The best way is to arrive from EW14/NS26 Raffles Place Station and walk across the Singapore River on Cavenagh Bridge or Anderson Bridge into Connaught Drive. The site for this festival is located between Lom Bo Seng Memorial and Queen Elizabeth Walk right along the Singapore River. Also accessible by CityBuzz on route C2-#2 (The Padang).

DESCRIPTION:
This 17-day festival is held every Chinese New Year. During my visit in 2006, the event was held from 27th Jan to 12th Feb. This time of the year, the street is lined with bright red lanterns, and traditional Chinese musicals fill the air. There are also brightly lighted pagoda archways as the entrance into the compound.

While there are also events held during the day time, I would suggest to opt for the night slot because of the brilliant display of lights and great atmosphere. After all, the sweltering heat of equatorial Singapore could be a bane to daytime stroll.

Inside, there are cultural performances and activities organised to mark the beginning of the Year of the Dog. Naturally, the canine motif prevails throughout the festival site mostly as decorative elements.

MY VERDICT:
Great festivity atmosphere.