 Chinese New Year, Singapore 2009
 The official Chinatown in Singapore is decorated for the Chinese New Year 2009 and to welcome Year of the Ox. Red lanterns, sculptures of ox and mandarin oranges line the street welcoming visitors to Chinatown.
In the Chinatown area, many night markets offer shoppers a wide range of New Year goods. The night markets are seasonal and during the Chinese New Year period, they offer almost anything and everything that is required for the Chinese New Year celebration; flowers, candies, food stuff and New Year ornaments.
Most of these products are also offered in the shops located in Chinatown. The greatest excitement is probably in the heritage status shops offering Bakkwa, New Year cakes and pastries. These are businesses that have acquired a strong reputation over many years and many shoppers from all over Singapore will make a special trip to buy their New Year goods.
Another must have during this period is BBQ meat or Bakkwa. Loyal customers formed long queue outside the BBQ shops waiting for a chance to buy a packet for personal consumption or as gifts.
Nearby at Telok Ayer Street, the Thian Hock Keng temple is getting ready for a series of programs to welcome the Chinese New Year. The activities at Thian Hock Keng are open to the public and are always a star attraction during the Chinese New Year period.
Further away, the annual River Hong Bao Festival 2009 kicks start on 24 Jan 09 with many special performances and shopping opportunities for the Chinese New Year crowd.
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