Celebrate Lunar New Year with the Wan Qing Festival of Spring 2026 at Lot One Shoppers’ Mall on 28 February & 1 March 2026! Join us to celebrate the spring festival with an exciting line-up of programmes and activities for all ages in this season of renewal and prosperity.
Welcoming the Year of the Horse and inspired by the Chinese mytho-historical literature, The Tale of King Mu, Son of Heaven, this year’s festival theme brings to life the eight legendary horses he rode. Their names recorded in Records of Gleanings (Shí Yí Jì), each a symbol of extraordinary spirit and motion. From 绝地 (Jué Dì), whose hooves never touched the ground, 奔霄 (Bēn Xiāo), who could travel ten thousand miles overnight, and 逾辉 (Yú Huī), whose radiant coat shone brilliantly, to 超光 (Chāo Guāng) that chased the sun, 腾雾 (Téng Wù) that rode the clouds, 挟翼 (Xié Yì) that bore wings, 超影 (Chāo Yǐng) whose speed cast ten shadows, and 翻羽 (Fān Yǔ) that raced faster than birds, these mythical steeds inspire the festival’s programmes celebrating vitality, imagination, and swift new beginnings in the Year of the Horse.
Gallop along with us as we bring you activities such as revolving lantern making, Chinese ink painting, Chinese Xiangqi puzzle adventure and more! Bring the whole family and join us for free storytelling sessions, mini-games and craft activities, and a Chinese restaurant-themed travelling exhibition to enrich your celebrations.
Last but not least, don’t miss out on the spectacular line up of performances we have for you that celebrate our intangible cultural heritage. This year, our lineup includes the exciting lion and dragon performance, Chinese ink painting demo session, Chinese music performance, Teochew opera performance and many more!
Workshops
Parent-Child Revolving Lantern Making Workshop
(Supported by a2+rt Studio)
Date: 1 March 2026
Time: 3.30pm – 5pm
Venue: Choa Chu Kang Library, Programme Room 1 (Lot One, Level 4)
Admission: Free, registration required. Please register here. Registrations are fully booked.
Recommended for children aged 4 – 8 years old with a parent. The workshop is conducted in English and Chinese.
Inspired by 绝地 (Jué Dì), the legendary horse whose hooves were said to never touch the ground, this parent-child workshop invites families to create a revolving lantern together for the new year! Under the guidance of Andy Yeo from A2+rt Studio, team up with your child to craft a spinning lamp where light and movement bring the horses to life, echoing Jue Di’s speed and boundless energy while fostering creativity, teamwork, and shared discovery across generations.
Parent-Child Heritage Craft Workshop – Discovering Objects from Grandpa & Grandma’s Time
(Supported by Chen Wei Jun - 包子老师)
Date: 28 February 2026
Time: 1pm – 2.30pm
Venue: Choa Chu Kang Library, Programme Room 2 (Lot One, Level 4)
Admission: Free, registration required. Please register here. Registrations are fully booked.
Recommended for children aged 5 - 10 years old with a parent. The workshop is conducted in Mandarin.
Calling all children and parents! Step back to 1960s–70s Singapore with Teacher Bao (包子老师) as she shares stories and traditional household items from her book Grandpa & Grandma’s Diary (《阿公阿嬷的日记》). Discover how families lived back then, and hear the fascinating stories behind everyday objects from the past. Then, get creative together by making your own traditional thermos flask craft from recycled materials, and bring a piece of history to life!
Free Activities
Storytelling Sessions: Tales of Lunar New Year Festival
(Supported by Speak Good English Movement and Speak Mandarin Campaign)
Date: 28 February 2026 (Mandarin), 1 March 2026 (English)
Time: 11.15am – 12pm, 3pm – 3.45pm
Venue: Choa Chu Kang Library, Programme Room 2 (Lot One, Level 4)
Admission: Free
Be swept away by enthralling tales in our popular storytelling sessions! Discover the legends and myths behind well-loved Chinese stories as local authors and veteran storytellers bring you on a literary adventure.
Drop-in Craft Station: Chinese Ink Painting Experience Station
Date: 28 February & 1 March 2026
Time: 11am – 5.30pm
Venue: Lot One Level 5 Roof Garden
Admission: Free
Follow 奔霄 (Bēn Xiāo), the legendary horse that travels ten thousand miles in a single night and explore the art of Chinese ink painting. Families and children can experiment with flowing black ink to create sweeping strokes that capture motion, distance, and the quiet depth of night. Bring imagination to life as each brushstroke captures the energy and joy of the Spring Festival.
Drop-in Craft Station: Iron-on Patch Keychain Making Station
Date: 28 February & 1 March 2026
Time: 11am – 5.30pm
Venue: Lot One Level 5 Roof Garden
Admission: Free
Shine bright with 逾辉 (Yú Huī), the legendary horse with a dazzling coat that lights up everything around it! At our iron-on patch keychain craft station, design your own keychains with vibrant designs and turn them into memorable keepsakes from Wan Qing Festival of Spring 2026.
Drop-in Activity Station: Xiangqi Puzzle Adventure
(Supported by Singapore Xiangqi General Association)
Date: 28 February & 1 March 2026
Time: 11am – 5.30pm
Venue: Lot One Level 5 Roof Garden
Admission: Free
Race with 超光 (Chāo Guāng), the legendary horse that chases the sun, and dive into the world of Chinese Xiangqi! Solve horse-themed puzzles to see the clever “日”-shaped moves in action, challenge our AI Xiangqi robot, or test your skills one-on-one with expert players. Strategy, fun, and the spirit of the sun-chasing horse come together for the whole family!
Drop-in Activity Station: Auspicious Cloud Silhouettes Challenge
Date: 28 February & 1 March 2026
Time: 11am – 5.30pm
Venue: Lot One Level 5 Roof Garden
Admission: Free
Soar with 腾雾 (Téng Wù), the legendary horse that rides the clouds and races forward and join a fun game of deciphering Chinese auspicious clouds. The clouds have gathered to form silhouettes of Lunar New Year related items and the 12 zodiacs; can you guess them by their silhouettes? Come cloud guessing with the horse and discover the meaning and symbolism behind each Chinese auspicious cloud.
Drop-in Activity Station: Wing it!
Date: 28 February & 1 March 2026
Time: 11am – 5.30pm
Venue: Lot One Level 5 Roof Garden
Admission: Free
Take flight with 挟翼 (Xié Yì), the legendary horse with wings on its body, in a playful pin-the-wings game. Test your aim and coordination, and the closer you place the wings to the target, the better your chance to win a prize! Step up and help bring the wings of this magical horse to life.
Chinese Shadow Puppet Play Station
Date: 28 February & 1 March 2026
Time: 11am – 5.30pm
Venue: Choa Chu Kang Library, Level 5 Exhibition Space (Lot One, Level 5)
Admission: Free
超影 (Chāo Yǐng), a legendary horse whose speed was so great it seemed to cast ten shadows, evokes the wonder of motion and light. Be your own puppeteer and try Chinese shadow puppetry, also called piyingxi in our Chinese Shadow Puppet Play Station! In this self-directed activity, play with light and shadows, move the puppets, and create your own story with puppet characters from legendary Chinese New Year tales.
Lion & Dragon Dance Performance by Pho Leng Lion Dance
Date: 28 February & 1 March 2026
Time: 1.15pm – 1.30pm
Venue: Lot One Level 5 Roof Garden
Admission: Free
Enjoy an exciting lion and dragon dance performance, as they bring this traditional Chinese art form to life with vibrant costumes, rhythmic drumming, and energetic movements, showcasing skill, teamwork, and cultural heritage this Spring Festival.
28 February 2026: Lion Dance Performance
1 March 2026: Dragon Dance Performance
Bubble Stage Show by CJ Bubble Girl
Date: 28 February 2026
Time: 1.30pm – 2pm
Venue: Lot One Level 5 Roof Garden
Admission: Free
Experience the magic of CJ Bubble Girl at the Wan Qing Festival of Spring, where her enchanting bubble performances will mesmerise and delight. Join us for a captivating show of shimmering bubbles and whimsical artistry!
Oriental Magic Show by Calvin Teo
Date: 1 March 2026
Time: 1.30pm – 2pm
Venue: Lot One Level 5 Roof Garden
Admission: Free
Be captivated by the charm of magic with an oriental flair by magician Calvin Teo. Watch as couplets are conjured before your eyes, linking rings weave their spell, and cultural props spring to life in an elegant celebration of tradition and artistry.
Chinese Ink Painting Demo Session
(Supported by ARTualize Art Gallery)
Date: 28 February & 1 March 2026
Time: 2.15pm – 2.45pm
Venue: Lot One Level 5 Roof Garden
Admission: Free
Get up close and watch Chinese ink painting come to life in this live demo session. Discover different brush techniques and styles as local artist Tang Yip Seng creates flowing strokes right before your eyes. A light-hearted and engaging session, perfect for anyone curious about the beauty and skill behind this traditional art form.
About the Artist
Singaporean Tang Yip Seng is an all-rounded artist who does seal carving, Chinese ink painting and Chinese calligraphy. In his 70s, he has been painting for decades and is a member of Siaw-Tao Chinese Seal Carving, Calligraphy and Painting Society. He currently teaches Chinese ink painting to seniors.
Lunar New Year Family Fun Contest
Date: 28 February & 1 March 2026
Time: 2.45pm – 3.15pm
Venue: Lot One Level 5 Roof Garden
Admission: Free
Gather your family for a Lunar New Year Family Fun Contest on stage! Engage in friendly rivalry as you join other families in a series of exciting Lunar New Year-themed games. It’s a session of bonding and fun! Limited spots are available, register your interest on the day to reserve your spot.
Chinese Music Performance by Silk Energy
Date: 28 February 2026
Time: 4pm – 4.45pm
Venue: Lot One Level 5 Roof Garden
Admission: Free
Presented by the trio ensemble, Silk Energy is excited to showcase the melodious symphonies of Chinese music. Through the rich melodies and emotions of an Er hu, Guzheng and Dizi performance, you are invited to enjoy the grace and elegance of Chinese music.
“Lights Watching《观灯》” Teochew opera performance by Nam Hwa Opera Children's Wing
Date: 1 March 2026
Time: 4pm – 4.45pm
Venue: Lot One Level 5 Roof Garden
Admission: Free
Catch these adorable children from aged 7 – 10 as they perform a snippet from a traditional Teochew opera piece, Lights Watching《观灯》! Founded in 1963 by avid fans of Teochew Opera, Nam Hwa Opera has grown into one of Singapore’s most prominent and prolific Teochew Opera companies. The performance also includes an interactive segment where you can try out basic opera movements and learn more about this intangible cultural heritage with guidance from Nam Hwa Opera.
Let’s Celebrate with Uncle Ting: Lunar New Year Activity Kit
Date: 28 February & 1 March 2026
Time: 11am – 5.30pm
Venue: Lot One Level 5 Roof Garden
Admission: Free; limited quantities available
Kids! Come pick up an activity kit to discover more about the Lunar New Year! Join Uncle Ting to learn more about the legends and popular customs associated with this festival through a series of fun activities, including red packet making! Activity kits are given out on a first-come, first-served basis while stocks last, and one kit per child.
Travelling Exhibitions
At the Chinese Restaurants: Memories and Traditions
Date: 28 February & 1 March 2026
Time: 11am – 5.30pm
Venue: Lot One Level 5 Roof Garden
Admission: Free
Just as the horse 翻羽 (Fān Yǔ) races faster than birds, the stories and flavours of festive meals have traveled through generations, carrying traditions from the past into the present.
For generations, Chinese restaurants have been at the heart of festive life in Singapore’s Chinese community. From joyous reunion dinners during Chinese New Year, to enjoying mooncakes under the Mid-Autumn moon, these gatherings keep traditions alive, and families connected. Join us At the Chinese Restaurant: Memories and Traditions, to discover objects from local Chinese restaurants that tell the story of Chinese culinary culture in Singapore.
Wan Qing Yuan: A Journey Through History and Heritage – Travelling Exhibition
Date: 28 February & 1 March 2026
Time: 11am – 5.30pm
Venue: Lot One Level 5 Roof Garden
Admission: Free
Did you know that Wan Qing Yuan was originally known as the Bin Chan House? Or did you know that the villa once served as the residence of prominent local figures and has witnessed significant historical events? This exhibition offers an opportunity to explore Wan Qing Yuan's role in history and its place within the broader context of the Balestier precinct's heritage. Visitors can also walk away with a multi-layered stamp print postcard of Wan Qing Yuan that they can create themselves!