River Hongbao 2015 kicks off in Singapore to celebrate Lunar New Year

River Hongbao 2015 Opening Night cum Light-up Ceremony kicked off Tuesday evening with Singapore's acting Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean at the Marina Bay Floating Platform, marking the beginning of the annual celebrations.

River Hongbao 2015, which will open for 12 days from Tuesday to Feb. 28, not only ushers in the Year of the Sheep but also forms part of the celebrations of Singapore's 50 years of independence.

One of the most eye-catching performances of this year's River Hongbao is aerial tightrope walking by acrobatic performers from China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

Other highlights for the opening night include a wide array of shows specially selected from both local and overseas performers.

River Hongbao 2015 features the largest lantern display in the 29 years of its history with more than 60 pieces, including a 18- meter tall God of Fortune lantern.

Another notable exhibit is a SG50 Giant Mural Wall, which showcases the spectacular skyline of the city state.

Besides, a photo exhibition titled "Reliving the Past, Welcoming the New Year" is also on show during the event, bringing people back through time as Singaporeans can recall how their predecessors have celebrated the Lunar New Year since 1965.

The term Hongbao, meaning a red packet, is a monetary gift often associated with the Lunar New Year and symbolizes good luck. Since 1986, River Hongbao has been an annual Lunar New Year event in the city state.

Nowadays, the event has been a compelling destination for tourists who arrive in Singapore during the Spring Festival. Endi