100 rabbit sculptures, figurines on showcase at Gardens by the Bay’s annual Chinese New Year floral display

Visitors to Gardens by the Bay’s annual Chinese New Year floral showcase can now see a total of 100 “rabbits” scattered alongside the various dahlias on display till Feb 26.

Located in the Flower Dome, Dahlia Dreams features close to 40 dahlia varieties from Europe, and can be found among other Chinese New Year blooms including chrysanthemums and marigolds.

Some 100 rabbits in various incarnations, including a 1.5m sculpture made from driftwood, are on display among more than 2000 flowering plants.

A 6m tall River Hongbao lantern set takes centre stage, where it features a magnolia tree in the shape of the word 兔, or rabbit in Chinese. This is similar to last year’s display, where a River Hongbao lantern set also took centre stage for the first time.

The set is part of a scene that “re-imagines the Chinese idiom 狡兔三窟, which translates to the wily rabbit has three burrows”. Visitors can try to spot three rabbits located in the three rabbit burrows: a magnolia tree, a mossy hill, and mountain rocks.

The floral display also features its own version of Aesop’s fable, The Hare and the Tortoise, where both animals work together to reach the finish line instead.

Visitors can follow the fable as it “plays out across various scenes in the floral display”, while also keeping an eye out for rabbit spectators perched on a five-tiered pagoda.

In a separate installation, the Hare and Tortoise can be seen “enjoying the fruits of their labour” after having won the race. Featured alongside the animals are sculptures of Chinese New Year delicacies including cookies, candies and yu sheng (raw fish salad).

At the Supertree Grove, visitors can also catch a Spring Blossoms (春暖花开) edition of the Garden Rhapsody light and sound show featuring Chinese New Year tunes. It will run from Jan 20 to 29, at 7.45pm and 8.45pm.

The River Hongbao will also make its return from Jan 20 to 28. It will see 30 giant lantern sets spread out across Supertree Grove and The Meadow, alongside amusement rides, carnival games and nightly performances. 

The River Hongbao Food Street will also return for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Gardens by the Bay’s Dahlia Dreams is located at the Flower Dome and runs from Jan 13 to 26, from 9am till 9pm. Tickets for the floral display can be purchased at Gardens by the Bay’s website.