Gardens by the Bay Welcomes the Year of the Horse with Spring Blossoms at Flower Dome

circular connection
5 hours ago
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Eight illuminated horse lanterns stand proudly among seasonal blooms, setting a graceful tone for the Year of the Horse inside the Flower Dome.

Blossoming garden with vibrant flowers, lantern-lit pavilion, horse statues, and pink sunset. Text: "Spring Blossoms, 16 Jan-1 Mar 2026."

Gardens by the Bay presents Spring Blossoms, a Chinese New Year floral display that celebrates renewal, strength and cultural artistry at the Flower Dome. Titled Spring Blossoms Gallop into Prosperity, the showcase marks an inaugural collaboration with Shanghai Gardens Group and draws inspiration from classical Chinese art and garden design.

Three wooden horse sculptures adorned with red sashes in a vibrant flower garden with lush greenery under a glass-roofed conservatory.

Image: Facebook/Gardens by the Bay

At the heart of the display are eight life sized horse lanterns inspired by Ba Jun Tu, the iconic ink painting depicting eight steeds in full gallop. Crafted by artisans using lantern making techniques that originated during the Tang Dynasty over a thousand years ago, the horses symbolise strength, vitality and success for the year ahead. Standing up to 2.6 metres tall, the lanterns create a striking visual centrepiece within the dome.

A serene Chinese garden with a pavilion, red lanterns, bamboo, and vibrant flowers. Decorative screens and a large ornate pot are visible.

Image: Facebook/Gardens by the Bay

Surrounding the horses is a landscape inspired by traditional Jiangnan Gardens, known for their harmonious balance between architecture and nature. Visitors can stroll through moon gates, pause at pavilions and take in seasonal blooms such as dahlias and azaleas. The planting palette also features plum blossoms, orchids, chrysanthemums and bamboo, collectively known as the Four Gentlemen in Chinese art and philosophy.

Colorful mandala display with red lanterns and archways in an indoor garden. Green foliage and pink flowers decorate the vibrant scene.

Image: Facebook/Gardens by the Bay

Before leaving the Flower Dome, visitors are invited to beat the Blooming Drum of Spring for good luck. Decorated with the Bao Xiang flower motif where lotus, peony and foliage intertwine, the drum reflects the auspicious saying Hua Gu Ming Chun, which means the beating of flower drums heralds the arrival of Spring. The experience adds a participatory moment that connects tradition, symbolism and celebration.

Running until early March, Spring Blossoms offers a serene yet meaningful way to welcome the Lunar New Year through floral artistry, cultural storytelling and thoughtful design at Gardens by the Bay.