The Ultimate CNY Guide for the Non-Chinese

Chinese New Year (CNY) is fast approaching, and for the non-Chinese, that means two full days to go out and have fun…right?

Well, not until you find out that most amenities and retail stores are closed during the Chinese New Year holidays. Is it because we’re not Chinese?

With that said, there are plenty of places to visit besides shopping malls this Chinese New Year. Oh, and we’ve got you covered with the opening hours of supermarkets too! Read on to find out more.

Places to Hang Out

Check out these places instead of the malls for a change. Venues like Resorts World Singapore are host to special CNY events as well, making it worth your buck as compared to regular days.

Universal Studios Singapore (USS)

Watch the colourful cast of characters at USS accompany a 15-metre long dancing dragon on its journey along the Auspicious Dragon Trail! The performance features over 13 characters decked in colourful Lunar New Year-inspired outfits, including the Minions, Bumblebee, Shrek, Puss In Boots, and Grover.

Guests can also join Sesame Street character in Monster Lo Hei, a brand new interactive show which tells the story of the local Lo Hei tradition.

For more information, visit https://www.rwsentosa.com/en/shows-and-events/chinese-new-year-2019/lion-and-dragon-dances/universal-studios-singapore

S.E.A. Aquarium

Look forward to an enthralling underwater performance starring a magnificent and intricately-designed dragon swimming amongst 40,000 marine life, only at the S.E.A Aquarium! As the only underwater dragon dance in Singapore, this signature show has been a staple in the aquarium for many years every Lunar New Year.

Guests may also embark on a Prosperity trail around the aquarium and discover the 8 Auspicious Sea Treasures, where guests can learn how some of these iconic marine species symbolize Chinese New Year blessings.

For more information, visit https://www.rwsentosa.com/en/shows-and-events/chinese-new-year-2019/lion-and-dragon-dances/sea-aquarium

Fortune Street at Festive Walk

Yet another returning act for CNY this year is Fortune Street at Festive Walk. With a total of 16 fortune tellers providing their expertise across 11 schools of divination ranging from favourites such as Palmistry, Ba Zi, and Numerology Analysis, to new additions such as Crystal Chakra Divination, Face Reading, and Astrology Stone Casting, those looking for a glimpse of what to expect in 2019 can make one-on-one appointments with these masters for advice.

Household names such as Master Renaye Chan, Master Paul Kek and Master Khor will be making a comeback, while new faces such as Master Wesley Lim and Master Selina Seah are sure to excite prospective fortune seekers as well.

Fortune Street opens from 5pm to 12am during the CNY holidays and each reading costs $38. For more information, visit https://www.rwsentosa.com/en/shows-and-events/chinese-new-year-2019/fortune-street

Istana Open House

The Istana grounds will be open to the public on 6 February 2019, from 8.30am to 6.00pm. In commemoration of the Istana 150th anniversary, President Halimah Yacob will be launching an Istana 150 Souvenir Series of Medallions and Flashpay cards during this Istana Open House.

The Istana 150 Souvenir Series of Medallions and Flashpay cards will comprise a range of exclusive silver medallions and card products featuring the architecture of the buildings within the Istana compounds and significant features of the Istana. Guests will also receive an exclusive certificate when they purchase the newly launched Istana 150 Souvenir Series – limited only to first-day purchases at the Open House.

The Istana grounds also offers guided tours of the Istana main house, a nature guided walk, and CNY performances such as Lion Dance by Yi Wei Athletic Association, Chinese Dance by PA Talent, and a Symphony Band performance by Soka.

Entry to the Istana grounds is free of charge for Singaporeans and Permanent Residents, and costs $2 per person for foreigners. For more information, visit https://www.istana.gov.sg/Newsroom/News-Releases/2019/01/29/08/29/Istana-Open-House-on-second-day-of-Chinese-New-Year

Prudential Marina Bay Carnival

Back for a second season, the Prudential Marina Bay Carnival features 50 rides and games from Europe and around the globe – all held at the Bayfront Event Space next to Marina Bay Sands.

The carnival also features three new rides this season: Freak Out, Jumper Jumper, and the Wave Swinger. Best enjoyed with family and friends, the Prudential Marina Bay Carnival is a must-go destination if you have idle hours during the CNY holidays.

Prudential Marina Bay Carnival: Freak Out

The Prudential Marina Bay Carnival opens from 4pm daily. To find out how you can enjoy the Carnival on a budget, visit https://dnm.fyi/PrudentialCarnival2019

Light to Night Festival

The Bicentennial Edition of the Light to Night Festival reflects on the nation’s journey through artworks that reimagine our past, which offer fresh perspectives on significant moments in our history that remain deeply emotional for many.

One of the festival highlights is ‘Art Skins on Monuments’, which starts daily from 8pm. Watch the many defining moments in Singapore’s history unfold across iconic buildings in the precinct that has been transformed into a visual storyboard.

Art Skins on Monuments takes place at the National Gallery Singapore, The Arts House, Asian Civilizations Museum and Victoria Theatre and Concert Hall. For more information on Light to Night Festival, visit https://www.nationalgallery.sg/festivals/light-to-night-traces-and-echoes

Supermarkets’ Opening Hours

While the older folks may still urge you to stock up in advance for the ~~war~~ week ahead, most supermarkets will still be open during CNY for your last-minute sustenance shopping.

NTUC FairPrice

Some of FairPrice’s outlets are closed on the first day of CNY, with FairPrice Macpherson Mall slated for closure on both days of the New Year. Meanwhile, FairPrice Finest outlets at 100 AM Mall, and Changi City Point will be closed on the first day of CNY. Most of the operating outlets close as early as 5pm from the eve of CNY till 7 February 2019, so do try to get your grocery shopping done earlier in the day.

For more information on the individual outlets, visit https://www.fairprice.com.sg/events/in-store/cny-hours/.

Cold Storage

All Cold Storage outlets will be operational during CNY, except for outlets located at Marina Bay Link Mall, Marina One, One North and Takashimaya. Furthermore, most Cold Storage outlets will stay open till 7pm or later on the eve of CNY, except for outlets at Takashimaya and UE Square, which close at 5.30 pm and 6 pm respectively.

For more information on individual outlets’ operating outlets, visit https://coldstorage.com.sg/media/uploads/filemanager/cold_storage_-_cny_2019_operating_hours.pdf.

Sheng Siong

Some Sheng Siong outlets have extended their operating hours leading up to the eve of CNY. All outlets will remain open till 4pm on the eve of CNY, with the exception of Sheng Siong Penjuru. However, only 20 out of 54 Sheng Siong outlets will be open during the CNY period, from 8am to 6pm. Hence, if you intend to buy your supplies at Sheng Siong, do get them done before the eve of CNY!

For more information on Sheng Siong’s opening hours, visit http://www.shengsiong.com.sg/news/97/Lunar-New-Year-Operating-Hours.html