Gardens by the Bay Welcomes the Year of the Horse with a Majestic Chinese New Year Floral Display

Gardens by the Bay is ushering in the Lunar New Year with a majestic celebration of tradition, artistry and nature as it marks the Year of the Horse with its annual Chinese New Year floral showcase. Titled “Spring Blossoms: Gallop into Prosperity”, this year’s display transforms the Flower Dome into a living tribute to classical Chinese culture, where powerful symbolism meets meticulous craftsmanship.

At the heart of the display are eight magnificent, life-sized horse lanterns, each standing up to 2.6 metres tall, galloping through a landscape inspired by the refined elegance of classical Chinese gardens. These striking lantern sculptures are crafted using 1,000-year-old traditional techniques by master artisans from Zigong, Sichuan, a city internationally celebrated for its lantern-making heritage that dates back to the Tang Dynasty. Inspired by Ba Jun Tu, the iconic Chinese ink painting depicting eight steeds in full stride, the horses embody strength, vitality and success, themes closely associated with the Year of the Horse. Each lantern is further adorned with delicate silk flowers, meticulously handcrafted using time-honoured methods.

A Collaboration Rooted in Chinese Garden Heritage

This year’s Spring Blossoms display is designed in collaboration with Shanghai Gardens Group, the renowned Chinese landscape company behind landmark developments such as Shanghai Disney and Shanghai Expo Culture Park. Drawing from their expertise, the display brings the poetic beauty of Jiangnan-style gardens to life, landscapes long admired by Chinese scholars for their harmony with nature and their role as spaces for contemplation and renewal.

The floral display was officially launched by Senior Minister of State for National Development and Transport Ms Sun Xueling, Gardens by the Bay CEO Mr Felix Loh, and His Excellency Cao Zhongming, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Singapore.

Walking Through a Classical Jiangnan Garden

Visitors can wander through moon gates, pause at traditional pavilions and admire carefully curated plantings that echo the literati tradition. Cascading water features known as Die Shui flow gently through the landscape, complemented by a limestone rock inspired by the famed Taihu rocks from Lake Tai in Jiangsu. Naturally sculpted into abstract, twisted forms, these rocks and water features embody the Jiangnan ideal of “bringing mountains and rivers indoors”, creating a tranquil environment that invites reflection.

A highlight of the experience is the 2.5-metre-tall Blooming Drum of Spring, decorated with the classic Bao Xiang flower motif, where lotus, peony and foliage intertwine. Visitors are encouraged to beat the drum for good fortune, echoing the auspicious saying Hua Gu Ming Chun: “the beating of flower drums heralds the arrival of Spring”.

The “Four Gentlemen” in Bloom

Set amidst the Jiangnan-inspired landscape are more than 10,000 plants, with centre stage given to the “Four Gentlemen” of Chinese art and philosophy, plants that symbolise the virtues of a noble character.

Plum blossoms, which bloom bravely in winter, represent perseverance, resilience and hope. While not a plum blossom, Wintersweet: a fragrant, winter-flowering plant native to China, is traditionally admired alongside plum blossoms and makes a rare appearance at Gardens by the Bay. This marks the first time Wintersweet has been brought into the gardens, making it the only place in Singapore where visitors can see it in full bloom.

Orchids symbolise nobility, integrity and refinement. Among them are boat orchids (Cymbidiums), prized for their elegant cascading form and long associated with Chinese culture, having been praised by Confucius himself.

Bamboo stands for honesty and humility, with the Showy Yellow Grove Bamboo making a striking impression. Its golden stems streaked with green evoke the elegant pairing of gold and jade, and it is recognised as one of China’s four famous bamboo species.

Chrysanthemums, representing endurance, are showcased through Chrysanthemum indicum Cosmo hybrids, whose forms echo the blooms often depicted in traditional Chinese paintings.

A Spectacle of Dahlias and Festive Blooms

Beyond the Four Gentlemen, visitors can admire more than 800 dahlias across 46 varieties, all grown in-house by Gardens by the Bay’s horticultural researchers. The ever-popular jumbo-sized dinnerplate dahlias return, including a standout debut: Dahlia Kohara Coast, which produces blooms up to 25 centimetres in diameter, larger than a human face. Featuring soft pink petals, this striking cultivar adds dramatic flair to the display.

The dahlias are complemented by beloved Chinese New Year favourites such as azaleas, cockscombs, kumquats and peonies, rounding out a vibrant seasonal tapestry.

More Festive Highlights at Gardens by the Bay

Adding to the festive atmosphere, River Hongbao returns to Gardens by the Bay from 15 to 24 February, marking its 40th edition. Held at the outdoor gardens for the sixth time, the iconic Chinese New Year event will feature elaborate lantern displays, including the crowd-favourite giant God of Fortune, fireworks, nightly cultural performances, a bustling food street and a special anniversary exhibition tracing the festival’s history and evolution. Admission to River Hongbao is free.

Visitor Information

Spring Blossoms: Gallop into Prosperity
Date: Until Sunday, 1 March 2026
Time: 9am to 9pm
Venue: Flower Dome, Gardens by the Bay
Admission: Charges apply