Eight magnificent, life-sized horse lanterns gallop amongst the “Four Gentlemen” in Chinese art and philosophy – the plum blossom, bamboo, orchid and chrysanthemum at Gardens by the Bay’s Spring Blossoms: Gallop into Prosperity at the Flower Dome.
The Spring Blossoms floral display, being held in celebration of Chinese New Year, will run till 1 March 2026. It is designed based on classical Jiangnan-style gardens in collaboration with Shanghai Gardens Group, the renowned Chinese landscape company behind projects such as Shanghai Disney and Shanghai Expo Culture Park.
Spring Blossoms: Gallop into Prosperity at Gardens by the Bay
The lantern horses that are at the centre of the Spring Blossoms floral display are crafted using 1,000-year-old techniques.
They were made by artisans from Zigong, Sichuan — a city internationally renowned for its lantern-making heritage dating back to the Tang Dynasty, and vibrant Spring Festival lantern displays.
The majestic display of horses is inspired by Ba Jun Tu, the iconic Chinese ink painting of eight steeds in full gallop, the horses capture powerful strides that symbolise strength, vitality and success.
The horses are adorned with exquisite silk flowers, meticulously handcrafted by skilled artisans using traditional Chinese techniques.
Jiangnan Gardens Landscape
The landscape is inspired by the aesthetics of Jiangnan Gardens, celebrated for their tranquil harmony with nature and long appreciated by Chinese scholars as places for rest and reflection.
Upon entering into the Flower Dome, there is a picture perfect photo opportunity. It is actually a two-sided display – which means that you can take pictures from both the front and back of the display.
There are also cascading water features called Die Shui and a limestone rock inspired by the Taihu rocks from Lake Tai in Jiangsu are examples of quintessential Jiangnan Gardens elements. The rockery and cascading water embody the Jiangnan ideal of “bringing mountains and rivers indoors”.
The Jiangnan Gardens landscape is adorned with over 10,000 plants. These include plum blossoms, which bloom in the heart of winter, symbolise perseverance, resilience, and hope, and orchids which embody nobility, integrity, and refined character.
Bamboo stands for honesty and humility, while chrysanthemums represent endurance.
Visitors can also enjoy more than 800 dahlias across 46 varieties, including the the jumbo-sized dinnerplate dahlias.
Blooming Drum of Spring
One of the highlights of the display is a 2.5 metre-tall drum.
Decorated with the classic Bao Xiang flower motif where lotus, peony and foliage intertwine, visitors can beat the drum for good luck. There are two beaters that can be used to sound the huge drum and this makes for a perfect photo or video opportunity.
“Spring Blossoms is a joyful fusion of nature with some of the best elements of traditional Chinese culture, which we hope brings good tidings during the Chinese New Year for our visitors. The landscape inspired by Jiangnan-style Gardens, long regarded as masterpieces in classical Chinese landscapes, evoke beauty, renewal and new beginnings, while the horse lanterns symbolise strength, vitality and perseverance. We also encourage everyone to strike our Blooming Drum of Spring to welcome good fortune in the Year of Horse!” said Felix Loh, Gardens by the Bay’s CEO.
Other Chinese New Year Festivities at Gardens by the Bay
In addition to the Spring Blossoms display at the Flower Dome, Gardens by the Bay will also be the location for River Hongbao 2026. Taking place from 15 to 25 February, this year’s River Hongbao will be the festival’s 40th edition.
Visitors can look forward to lantern sets set amidst the outdoor gardens, including the ever-popular massive God of Fortune, fireworks displays, nightly performances, a food street, and a special anniversary exhibition showcasing the festival’s history and evolution.
Learn more about River Hongbao 2026.
Spring Blossoms CNY Floral Display
When: Until Sunday, 1 March 2026, 9 am to 9 pm
Where: Flower Dome (Admission charge applies)
Website: Spring Blossoms
