Golden tigers aplenty at Chinatown Chinese New Year Light-Up 2022.
I begin by saying this aloud. I’ve been photographing CNY decorations at Chinatown for six years now. All the pics I’ve taken are still on my hard disks.
So far, none are as majestic and as lively as this year’s tiger decorations.
Yup. While the Rooster dazzled with colourful plumes and the Ox comforted with revitalising stoicness, this year’s “mountain of tiger” showpiece at the Eu Tong Sen junction projects an almost regal aura. With reference to the (still ongoing) pandemic, it’s almost as if the big cats are saying, “Rejoice. It’s my turn to manage the year. Let me show you how it should be done.”
Of course, all that feline dynamism additionally appealed to me because … yours sincerely is a tiger too. Walking among all those big cats made me feel at home. With my brothers and sisters.
… …
Alright, enough jesting! Before I share my pics, some visiting facts to highlight. As I somewhat expected, the cancellation of the CNY festive bazaar didn’t much affect the overall ambience. The main street felt just like any other year.
Pagoda Street, etc, weren’t un-festive too. There are, of course, no festive stalls, but many of the “permanent shops” are going all out to sell festive decorations. At the Smith Street junction, there are the usual lup cheong, pomelos, and CNY snacks on sale too.
If you’re heading down to stock up for Feb 1, I’d say you wouldn’t be without choices. Put it that way.
A Mountain and Forest of Golden Tigers





WWF and Temenggong Tigers Sculptures Display
This arty exhibition was a pleasant surprise; I didn’t know about it beforehand.
Happening at Kreta Ayer Square till February 15, and a collaboration between Chinatown, the World Wild Fund for Nature (Singapore), and Temenggong Artists in Residence, this exhibition features a mini-army of tiger sculptures painted in different styles. The purpose of the exhibition, naturally, to increase awareness about the importance of global animal conservation. (Tigers are endangered everywhere, unfortunately)
After the illuminated ones at the main road, the otherworldly, artistic ones here are a delightful change. What’s doubly great is that you can get quite up close and personal. The abundant lighting around also provides for easy photographing.



What does the tiger represent in Chinese culture, history, and mythology? Check out this list of Chinese tiger facts!
A Golden Tree, Festive Shoppers and Street Lights, and Kawaii Set Displays
Tigers are, of course, not the only photo-worthy displays at this year’s Chinatown CNY celebration.






Chinatown Chinese New Year Light-Up 2022 is ongoing till Mar 2, 2021. Don’t forget to check the official page for festive programmes too!
Dahlia Dreams 2022 at Gardens by the Bay.
2022 Leap into Fun This Lunar New Year at Universal Studios Singapore.
Read my other Festive Celebrations posts.