Wan Qing Festival of Spring 2021

Usher in the Year of the Ox at the Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall’s Lunar New Year celebrations! Wan Qing Festival of Spring 2021 presents an exciting line-up of family-friendly offerings such as lion dance and festive drum workshops, heritage walking trails, and craft activities for the little ones. The memorial hall’s annual thematic installation, Double Prosperity, also promises to make for great photo moments with friends and family this festive season.

Online programmes will also be available on the memorial hall’s Facebook page. Fans can learn hacks on how to huat their homes to usher in the new year, the dos and don’ts when it comes to watching a lion dance performance, as well as a step-by-step demonstration on how to make fried nian gao, a sweet rice cake made from glutinous rice flour. Children can find out more about the story of the Ox and characteristics of the zodiac.

1. Festive Installation: Double Prosperity
Date: 5 January – 28 February
Time: 10am – 7pm (daily)

A collaboration between the Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall and artists Tan Yizi and Lee Hsieh-Lung of Blackbox, a design and collectible label based in Chengdu, China, Double Prosperity is an outdoor installation featuring two large ‘Foo Dou’ Guardian Lions. It comprises one male guardian lion with its paw on an embroidered ball and one female guardian lion restraining a playful cub. The installation will be on display on the lawn of the memorial hall.

2. Lunar New Year Red Packet Giveaway
Date: 1 – 11 February
Time: 10am – 5pm (closed on Mondays)

Calling all hongbao collectors – the Museum Roundtable Lunar New Year Collection returns with exclusive red packet designs for its participating museums and galleries! Starting from 1 February, visitors who ‘Follow’ the memorial hall’s Facebook page will be able to receive one set of limited edition red packets, whilst stocks last. Visit all 32 participating museums and galleries to complete your collection!

3. Balestier Heritage Trail
Date: 20 February
Time: 10.30am – 11.30am; 11.30am – 12.30pm

Behind every business lies a treasure trove of stories we don’t often think about when we drop by the neighbourhood tau sar piah shop, or dabao our favourite chicken rice. Embark on our best-selling Balestier Heritage Trail to uncover the rich history and origins of Balestier from as early as 1835. Delve into the architectural and cultural developments of Balestier as you visit heritage stops such as Loy Kee Chicken Rice and Lam Yeo Coffee Powder Factory, and discover the unknown stories behind these places.

4. Children’s Lion Dance Workshop
(Supported by Martial House)
Date: 20 – 21 February
Time: 11am – 12pm
Recommended for children aged 5 years and above.

Lion dance performances are a common sight in Singapore during festive occasions, as they are believed to be bearers of good luck. Get into the festive spirit with this interactive children’s lion dance workshop that promises unforgettable fun for the whole family! Limber up with a series of full-body stretches, learn basic dance movements from expert instructors, have fun trying on miniature lion dance costumes, and discover the origins behind this well-loved artform.

5. Festive Chinese Drums Workshop
Date: 20 – 21 February
Time: 2pm – 3pm

Dong dong chiang, it’s time to celebrate Lunar New Year! Drum up a storm in this energetic musical workshop – team up with your child and learn basic drumming techniques used for Chinese percussion instruments and experience a variety of rhythms and beats.

6. Craft Station: Zodiac Animal Coaster Painting
Date: 20 February
Time: 11am – 11:30am; 12pm – 12:30pm; 1pm – 1:30pm; 2pm – 2:30pm; 3pm – 3:30pm

Are you a fearless dragon, a docile rabbit, or even a charming snake? Have some fun designing your very own zodiac coaster in this hands-on craft station, and never worry about leaving unsightly water marks on your coffee table again!

7. Craft Station: Zodiac Animal Clay Painting
Date: 21 February
Time: 11am – 11:30am; 12pm – 12:30pm; 1pm – 1:30pm; 2pm – 2:30pm; 3pm – 3:30pm

Create your very own zodiac charm in this interactive craft station! Select your favourite zodiac animal clay figurine and express your creativity with our selection of colourful paints. Use your new charm as a paperweight or simply as a piece of festive décor!

8. Permanent Galleries Guided Tour
Date: 20 – 21 February
Time: 2:30pm – 3:30pm (Chinese); 3pm – 4pm (English)

Join us for a guided tour of Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall and hear the stories behind this century-old villa that trace Dr. Sun Yat Sen’s revolutionary activities in Southeast Asia. Gain valuable insights on the impact of the 1911 Revolution on Singapore, as well as Singapore’s contributions to the Revolution.