The River Hongbao 2014 opening night and lighting ceremony was graced by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on the evening of Jan 29, 2014, the night before the eve of Spring Festival, on a floating stage at Marina Bay. Yunnan performers participated in the gala.

The wide array of performances included a mix of local and overseas performers from the Zingo Festival Drum Group, the Children Performance Troupe from Singapore Hokkien Huay Kuan, Taipei University of Arts (Taipei Ballet Troupe) and Yunnan Opera Theater.

Witnessed by more than 1,000 domestic and international guests, the ceremony marked the beginning of an annual fun-filled extravaganza of lights, sights and sounds. It was accompanied by a spectacular fireworks display.

Yunnan ethnic group dance by performers of Yunnan Opera Theater at River Hongbao 2014 opening night on the evening of Jan 29, 2014.

Dai Dance by performers of Yunnan Opera Theater at River Hongbao 2014 opening night on the evening of Jan 29, 2014.

Yunnan ethnic group dance by performers of Yunnan Opera Theater at River Hongbao 2014 opening night on the evening of Jan 29, 2014.

For 28 consecutive years, this iconic event has remained an integral part of Singapore's Lunar New Year celebrations. The event presents a truly unique Chinese cultural experience for Singaporeans and tourists to titillate their senses. On the success of past years, River Hongbao 2014 will usher in the Year of the Horse and celebrate the arrival of spring with celebrations extending over 11 days until Feb 8, 2014.

At the ceremony, Prime Minister Lee was invited onstage to activate the launch mechanism by pulling a large bow and arrow. An LED arrow was then projected onto the screen. The official opening of River Hongbao 2014 was announced, with a total of 28 lanterns on the floating platform lit up simultaneously.

Ten children from Bukit Gombak PCF Center presented a pair of mandarin oranges to Mr. and Mrs. Lee. The prime minister was then invited to tour the larger-than-life lantern installations, which showcased traditional auspicious elements, including the Chinese Royal Court, the Blooms of Prosperity Moon Gate Lantern, the 12 animals of the Chinese Zodiac, a two-tier revolving lantern featuring Chinese festivities, as well as locally-adapted themes to reflect Singapore's unique culture.

The centerpiece of this year's lanterns was the 18-meter-tall God of Fortune lantern that symbolized wealth and prosperity. For the first time that evening, the God of Fortune also showered Prime Minister Lee and all guests with golden flakes containing auspicious numbers, in the hopes that it would bring good luck and joy to Singapore.

The Wishing Well was another key highlight of the lantern installations, as the prime minister and his wife distributed gift bags to 20 senior citizens from They Hua Kwan Moral Society at the Wishing Well to wish them good health in the New Year.

"The celebration of Chinese New Year in tropical metropolis Singapore is a very unique cultural experience,” said Low Yen Ling, chairman of the River Hongbao 2014 organizing committee and parliamentary secretary for social and family development. "The River Hongbao lantern displays strive to blend traditional Chinese elements with local Singaporean symbols to create themes that reflect the integration of cultures and the event’s universal theme. The festival is also being shared and celebrated by all Singaporeans alike."

Visitors will also be treated to an exciting line-up of programs featuring different themes throughout the 11-day event.

Hu Yongqi contributed to this story.