Christmas Fun and Shopping Destination Competition

We have to admire the enthusiasm and use of themes by Asians to make a Christmas that originated from the West more lively than the West.

European Christmas has a lighting ceremony, and the lights in Asia are not dimmer at all than there; European Christmas generally does not have discounts, only new models are on the market; and Asian Christmas not only has new models on the market, but also real discounts , started at the end of November and continued with great vigor until the beginning of January; the streets in Europe were deserted on Christmas Eve, while Asians preferred to flock to the streets at this time to join in the fun. Coupled with the convenient transportation, short distances, affordable consumption, and delicious food everywhere in Asia, it is easier for those of us who don’t have holidays during Christmas and New Year to go shopping.

In this issue, we will do a special topic called "Christmas Destination Competition" to compare and see how you want to spend this Christmas? Where have you been?

Singapore: Boiling in Christmas lights

Christmas event duration: November 12, 2005 - January 2, 2006

Festival lighting up Period: The Christmas lights will be on from 7:00 every night until 12:00 midnight, and will be extended to 2:00 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. On Christmas Eve, New Year's Day, and New Year's Eve, they will be on until 6:00 a.m. .

The area with the strongest festive atmosphere: from Orchard Road to Marina Bay.

It’s the right time to spend Christmas in Singapore.

Singapore is not big. From Orchard Road to Marina Bay, it has always been the most prosperous business district. Of course, it is also the core happy area during Christmas. Walking along this shopping street, you will see huge trees. Christmas trees, twinkling light decorations, endless goodies, and street performers. The highlight of this heartland, like all the highlights of Christmas, is about the tree, the lights, the beautiful gifts.

Among them, the most fascinating thing that makes people look at it over and over again is the colorful lights. It feels like stepping into the world of New Year's cards, finally giving yourself many years of Christmas memories. Fantasy has found a perfect way to present it.

Here, the Christmas light-up has been held for 22 years in history. Tourists from all over the world will take this prosperous road - even if it is just to admire the lights on the roadside that are brighter than the stars. Colored lights, in their opinion, this is simply a visual feast!

This year, people who like to watch lanterns are in luck! This Christmas lights display is 6 kilometers long and is the largest in history. This year’s theme of lighting up the Orchard Road area is “Wonderful Illusion – Musical Kaleidoscope”. The red and orange lights create a dazzling atmosphere that makes people’s moods jump. The decoration around Marina Bay takes a fresh approach, using twinkling star-like shapes to create an artistic conception of "ice and snow - white Christmas in dreams". White and blue lights are mainly used here, creating a romantic atmosphere of white Christmas. What’s even more surprising is that there is actually a crystal clear “ice and snow” area here! Let people enjoy the tropical atmosphere of Christmas and the snowy fairy tale world at the same time. Along the way, stars were twinkling in the night sky, children were laughing and singing, and musical instruments were playing Christmas songs everywhere, jingle bell, jingle bell. It felt like a childhood Christmas dream had really come true.

Shopping is one of the reasons to fall in love with Christmas

According to custom, every Christmas, various brands will have promotions to gain popularity. The most concentrated shopping places coincide with the brightly lit areas, so you can immerse yourself in the perfect atmosphere and make shopping fun.

All kinds of clothes, shoes, bags, and jewelry in Singapore will basically have very low discounts during the Christmas period. Shopping malls are doing activities, and brands are also doing activities, so even if you don’t sell them at this time, For example, during the period from New Year to Spring Festival, you can buy value-for-money items with prices “dropping”, but it always makes people feel excited. Local Singaporeans advise everyone that clothing, bags, shoes and cosmetics are definitely the main attractions of Christmas shopping mall sales, so don’t buy unfairly. In particular, some brands are rare in China, such as new European brands or Japanese brands, such as Zara, Camper, Fox, etc. If you buy them, they may be the only ones on the street. Furthermore, even if they are of the same brand, the styles of items in shopping malls in Singapore are very different from those in Beijing. For example, ESPRIT, in Singapore, has more styles of summer clothing and is worth buying. As for winter clothing—let’s talk about it after returning to Beijing.

Special recommendation: Havaianas - the most fashionable flip-flops in Europe and America.

Julia Roberts wore Havaianas flip-flops for two consecutive years and walked the Oscar red carpet seductively! This shows the charm of the brand from Brazil. Heeren on Orchard Road, a shopping street, is a fashion base for young people in Singapore. The New Urban Male store there imports a variety of Havaianas shoes, which makes people dazzled. The selection of styles and shoe sizes should also be the best in Asia. Although a pair of flip-flops costs 100 to 200 yuan, it is still much cheaper than flying to Brazil to buy them.

Address: 260 Orchard Road, #04-08 The Heeren Shop

From December 16th to 25th this year, the Singapore Christmas celebration will take place from Orchard Road to Marina Bay. Come. On Orchard Road, you have to look for the singing Christmas "tree", which is a new sight this year. In addition to singing trees, there are also singing people. Around this time every year, the moving guitar sounds of professional musicians will be heard here. They can walk to a certain square at will and conquer the audience with their voices and eyes.

During Christmas, there will also be a very formal "Christmas Concert" on the second day of Christmas on Orchard Road. Enthusiastic artists will present a Christmas concert for you. The joyful and joyful music will deeply affect passers-by and make them want to dance! At the same time, the open-air stages have been opened one after another, allowing well-known local and international artists and performance groups to dance and party together - Christmas is supposed to be full of joy!

If that still doesn’t satisfy your appetite, then go buy a concert ticket at the Esplanade. This double-shell-shaped building looks like a cut-open giant durian. It is located at the entrance of the Singapore River in urban Singapore, adjacent to Marina Bay. It is said to have top-notch audio equipment, and there are only 5 similar buildings in the world. Concert halls include Lucerne in Switzerland, Philadelphia and Dallas in the United States, Birmingham in the United Kingdom and the Esplanade in Singapore. The most adaptable thing to the weather is that there are also performance venues outdoors: outdoor theater and fringe theater. You can listen to music while taking in the views of the bay and city from the balcony.

In addition to wandering around the core area, there are many more interesting places in Singapore waiting for you to discover and enjoy.

Nightlife: Clarke Quay

Clarke Quay is a new landmark for fashionable nightlife. It is located on the upper reaches of the Singapore River. It was once famous for its old warehouses, which are now converted into restaurants, bars and cabarets. Food from all over the world is gathered here, and the nightlife is colorful. The former dock has become full of youthful vitality and hedonism.

Christmas Tree-shaped Cable Car: Sentosa Island

Sentosa Island is only a 15-minute drive from the bustling city of Singapore, but its wide and delicate white sand beaches and rare butterflies will make you feel like you have entered. A paradise. Imbiah Lookout is Sentosa Island’s newest tourist and entertainment destination this year. It brings together 7 exciting projects, among which the Cable Car that passes through the woods and the sea is especially full of Christmas atmosphere. It is said that The entire cable car tower will be wrapped to look like a Christmas tree! Think of your excitement as you slowly drive towards a giant Christmas tree and are about to enter!

Buy small gifts: Chinatown, Ara Street and Little India

Chinatown, Ara Street and Little India are good places to buy exotic and ethnic items, such as glass bracelets Small things like sarees and sarees are the most favored items among women.

Singapore’s gourmet food in one place: Straits Kitchen

If you are a fashionable traveler who values ??both taste and taste, then Straits Kitchen in the Hyatt Regency Hotel may bring you a whole new dining experience experience. Straits Kitchen is not only a restaurant where Singaporeans bring foreign friends, this year-old restaurant is also very popular among Singaporeans. The restaurant serves a variety of Singaporean cuisine, including Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Singaporean specialties. The Nyonya cuisine (a cuisine that mixes Chinese and Malay cooking methods), after a day of shopping on Orchard Road, it is definitely a wise move to come here to comfort yourself.

The chef said you should not miss the barbecue manta ray. The delicious manta ray is served with garlic chili sauce, wrapped in banana leaves and grilled over charcoal fire. It will definitely be one of the flavors you miss in Singapore. The buffet served by the restaurant in the morning and evening is very popular. Even if you go on a Monday without a reservation, you may still be rejected.

Attachment: List of Tropical Christmas Activities in Singapore

Christmas Lights Up (2006/11/11-2007/1/2)

Every year before Christmas Afterwards, Orchard Road will be transformed into a gorgeous, lively Christmas garden. The shopping mall on Orchard Road has a dazzling array of products and is full of people buying Christmas gifts, creating a strong Christmas atmosphere. Don’t forget to listen to the Christmas bells at Marina Bay and sing cheerful Christmas songs with everyone. The joy will accompany you throughout the year!

Celebrating Christmas in Singapore (2006/12/16-2006/12/25)

During Tropical Christmas, you will be able to enjoy choirs, dance groups and musicians every day performance and receive blessings under the stars specially presented to you by the artists. In addition, there are also life-size scenes on the sidewalks of Orchard Road, recreating the scene of the birth of Jesus, and a giant Christmas tree hundreds of feet high waiting for you to take photos. There will also be various decorations on Orchard Road and designated HDB areas. A unique float parade!

Singapore Garden Festival (2006/12/16-2006/12/25)

The first "Singapore Garden Festival" will be the first in the world to bring together top domestic and foreign gardens and A grand event for landscape architects to showcase their hard work. Activities will be spread across five themed areas, including the Best Designer Garden Exhibition, World Flower Window, Orchid Exhibition, Garden Celebration and Market, and are expected to attract more than 200,000 visitors.

Celebrating Christmas Concert (2006/12/25)

The sounds of nature, the ringing of Christmas bells, and Christmas melodies can be heard everywhere. People will gather on Orchard Road to present wonderful performances to visitors, allowing you to be completely immersed in the Christmas joy!

Clarke Quay Mardi Gras Carnival Countdown Party (2006/12/31)

The colorful carnival will make the excitement of Clarke Quay soar. At that time, this fashionable riverside area will welcome energetic Brazilian dancers and street performers, presenting wonderful song and dance performances to keep you partying all night long!

Marina Bay Countdown to Make a Wish to Welcome the New Year 2007 (2006/12/31)

While welcoming 2007, you can also enjoy the dazzling fireworks that light up the entire night sky. At the same time, there are also stunning visual art installations and videos to add to the festive atmosphere.

Siloso Beach Party (2006/12/31)

Go to Sentosa to attend the most fashionable beach party in Asia! Internationally renowned disc jockeys will play non-stop powerful dance music, so you can dance to the beat on the foam dance floor and have a blast. As soon as 12 midnight arrives, colorful fireworks will be displayed on the stage to welcome the new year.

＊Other promotions

Free ride on HiPPO bus to enjoy Christmas lights (2006/11/11-2007/1/2)

During the event, tourists You can take the HiPPO roofless double-decker tourist bus for free from 7:30 to 10:00 pm to enjoy the Christmas scenery of the Lion City! For 30 minutes, you can enjoy the scenery along Orchard Road and Marina Bay from a high altitude! HiPPO buses run every half hour and are closed on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve. Interested tourists can obtain free tickets at the Tourist Information Centers at Changi Airport, Orchard Road, Suntec Singapore and other designated locations.

Receive a free Tropical Christmas gift pack (issued starting from 2006/11/11, limited quantity!)

The Tropical Christmas gift pack specially designed for tourists will be launched during the holiday season,* **There are 18 brands with special Christmas gifts, including Apple, CK Watch, DKNY

Timepiece, FhjiFilm, Emporio Armani Timepiece, Furla, Origins, Sony, Solvil et Titus and Uomo, etc.

When shopping in Singapore, big-name brands have many styles, are comprehensive, and are cheap. There are also many international famous brands that are not available in China, and famous watches are especially great value. Many playful and unique local designs and unique products make people linger here.

If it happens during the Christmas period, the whole of Singapore will be dazzling. During the grand discount season, various brands have discounts one after another; the brightly lit Christmas trees and lanterns make the whole streets filled with a carnival atmosphere. So when you visit Singapore, which is filled with tropical Christmas atmosphere, you will find shopping fun.

Singapore Shopping Map

Orchard Road, the traditional hot spot - Marina Bay

Orchard Road, like Singapore's Ginza, belongs to Singapore's central shopping district , there are many shopping malls, a wide range of products, and a wide range of choices. If you go shopping here, you may not finish it in a day. It is a must-visit place for tourists to go shopping in Singapore.

The main department stores on Orchard Road include Ngee Ann City, Paragon, Wisma Plaza, Tangs, etc. Ngee Ann City brings together the flagship stores of various top brands, such as LV, Dior, etc., and there is also the super large Takashimaya Department Store in Ngee Ann City. Don’t forget to go to Ngee Ann City to browse the bookstores. It has the largest bookstore in Southeast Asia, Book. Kinokaniya. Wisma Plaza is actually connected to Ngee Ann City. After visiting Ngee Ann City, you can reach it without leaving the street. The style is somewhat similar to Pacific Department Store. In Wisma Plaza, FCUK’s flagship store is unusually large, where you can also find the popular TopShop, with sizes ranging from the largest to the smallest.

Opposite Ngee Ann City is Paragon, which has a more avant-garde and refined style. In addition to fashion shopping, there are two completely different options for home life. Paragon houses many high-quality brands, such as CUCCI, PRADA, etc. If you want to pursue British style, Paragon has British retail department store Mark & ??Spencer, and there is Muji on the fourth floor of Paragon, with a very complete range of goods. From notepads to ceramic mugs for home, to plain clothes, Xiaodong and Xiaoxi are extremely attractive.

If you don’t want to wear matching clothes, you can choose to go to Tangs (Tung’s). There are many local designs in Singapore, and its independent brands are very popular, such as Tangs Studio’s shoes and Islandd SHOP’s casual wear. Tangs has Singapore The largest cosmetics department brings together various brands such as MAC, Lanc?me, and Clinique.

Marina Bay is on the outskirts of the central shopping district, and Marina Bay at Marina Bay is one of Singapore's largest shopping malls. There are more than 250 shops on four floors, including markets, bowling alleys, cinemas and food centers. wait. Marina Bay also has Singapore's only underground shopping street.

VIVO CITY, an emerging hot spot

Nowadays, Singaporeans’ favorite new shopping destination is, of course, Vivo City. This is a big MALL, known as Singapore The mall with the most aesthetically pleasing design can directly overlook Sentosa. The biggest feeling when shopping here is that it is spacious, bright and comfortable.

The first floor of Vivo City is full of flagship stores of international brands. Here you can find international brands such as Gap and ZARA that are rare in Beijing, and other brands, styles and categories are also extremely complete. GAP, for example, has everything from belts to swimwear. It is recommended to have narrow black pants inspired by Audrey Hepburn and leather bags in various styles. What’s surprising is that the Esprit store in VivoCity actually has a hair salon inside. In this environment, it was difficult to resist the temptation. Within 5 minutes, my companion quickly made up his mind to buy a pair of Dior glasses, which were many times more valuable than Guomao.

The second floor is in the style of fashion and boutique shops, mainly local Singaporean brands. Many brands have trendy designs and are more in line with the aesthetic tastes of Orientals. Don't forget to watch a movie. VivoCity has the largest cinema in Singapore - K. Wah Cinema. The most commendable thing is a giant screen screening room, which is the largest in Singapore and has never been seen in Beijing with a similar screen. And the sound effects are super good, and you can watch a show for less than SGD ten dollars.

There is a large supermarket VIVOMART underground in VivoCity, which is commendable for its coffee and milk. There are food shops on the third floor and the ground floor of VivoCity, and you can get a full meal for just 4 or 5 Singapore dollars.

Featured hot spots: Bugis Village, Chinatown, Little India, Arab Street and Changi Airport

The most fashionable: Bugis Village.

A must-go shopping spot for young people in Singapore, it’s a bit like 3.3 in Beijing, but more fashionable than 3.3. Clothes can usually be purchased for S$30 to S$50.

The most local: Chinatown, Little India and Arab Street. Chinatown TIGER BALM spinal medicated oil is very effective. Little India's saris, bangles and small handicrafts are truly Indian. The most worthwhile purchase in Arab Street is the all-natural, non-alcoholic perfume.

The most convenient: Changi Airport. If you don’t have enough shopping in the city, of course you can continue shopping at the Singapore Airport. Directly tax-free, many counters support UnionPay channels. The cosmetics category is particularly comprehensive and cheap, especially Lanc?me and Clinique. Candidates include cigarettes, alcohol, and chocolate. The Zhonghua cigarettes at the airport are said to be the cheapest in the world. A piece of Zhonghua and a piece of Double Happiness only cost 305 yuan. There are also many types of red wine. Please note that there are many chocolate shops at the airport, so if you have plenty of time, you can shop around.

Christmas Boiling Timetable

This year’s theme is Tropical Christmas. When the jingle of Christmas bells rings and colorful floats parade, countless people happily merge into this colorful dream world. , the heart longing for Christmas can’t help but boil. So let’s take a look at this year’s Christmas boil schedule.

Christmas lights: November 11, 2006 to January 2, 2007

Orchard Road to Marina Bay

At this time of year, Orchard The road is like a lively Christmas garden, filled with bright gems, colorful birds and trees with shining golden leaves. Colorful lights were spread throughout the shopping area. Don’t forget to check out the Christmas bell in Binhaiwan and listen to the joyful Christmas songs. If getting stuck in is not enough, you can take a free hippopotamus. The roofless double-decker coach allows you to enjoy the Christmas lights. And this year a Marina Bay route has been added.

Celebrating Christmas in Singapore: December 16-25, 2006

Choirs, dance groups, music performances, all the elements of Christmas joy are available in Singapore, go find Orchard The giant Christmas tree on the road is hundreds of feet tall. In addition, there is also a unique float parade on Orchard Road.

Christmas Concert: December 25, 2006

On Orchard Road, on Christmas Eve, countless artists will gather at Orchard Road, and the wonderful performances will make You had a different Christmas Eve.

TIPS for Christmas holidays in Singapore

Shopping tips

Get a free Chinese map of Singapore, which is available at the airport. You will find it extremely practical during a trip of several days.

Buy an E-Link MRT card, which is not very popular in Singapore. Taking the subway is convenient and cheap.

Remember that you can get a tax refund in Singapore. Get the invoice and you can apply for it at the airport.

Prepare a dual-currency credit card. Many stores in Singapore can accept UnionPay. If so, don’t forget to use the UnionPay channel. The handling fee will be cheaper.

If you want to exchange currency, you can go to the exchange shop on the street, the price is reasonable.

Singapore is located in the tropics, so the clothes sold in Singapore are mainly summer clothes.

How to get there

Nowadays, all major travel agencies have Singapore products, usually Southeast Asia connections, the price is around 3,000~4,000 yuan, but for shopping, it is recommended to choose independent travel , you can order it on China Travel Online, or buy Singapore Airlines tickets directly.

Hippo Bus and Duck Boat

From November 12, 2005 to January 2, 2006, tourists can take the HIPPO bus, which the locals call the Hippo Bus, for free and watch it. Christmas lights. You can take a double-decker, roofless HIPPO bus, preferably sitting high up, and slowly walk along Orchard Road like a traveling queen for 30 minutes to see the most dazzling Christmas lights up close. Or you can choose a duck boat. This little thing can be used on both land and water. It passes famous buildings such as the Parliament Building on the road. When it reaches the Singapore River, it can be launched into a boat and watch the lively scene on the river. Children especially like this. Because someone on the ship will give them a whistle, which sounds like a duck's quack.

Carry your passport with you

Bring your passport with you at all times, and you can enjoy various discounts, such as free rides on the Hippo Bus, or enjoy discounts on tax refunds, receive exchange coupons, and many other conveniences with your passport.

Alternative ways of eating ice cream

Probably due to the mix of multiculturalism, Singaporeans’ eating habits are often a bit nonsensical. For example, the way of eating ice cream wrapped in bread is definitely very Singaporean. If you want to try this alternative way of eating, remember not to miss the ice cream truck on Orchard Road, where each ice cream is sold for only S$1. A few ice cream balls on the colorful soft bread are more fun than delicious.

The subway is the most convenient

Singapore’s transportation is very convenient, especially the subway. Taxis are not expensive either, with a starting price of SGD 2.4, which is equivalent to more than 10 RMB.

Hurry up and book a room

You need to book a room now, otherwise your plans for a Christmas trip to Singapore may be in vain. Rooms in the area from Orchard Road to Marina Bay are relatively tight because of the good location.

Telephone consultation

When tourists arrive in Singapore, they can call the local 24-hour passenger service hotline 1800-736-2000 (toll-free in Singapore), or dial (65) 6736- when overseas 2000 (overseas dedicated line).

Walking in Singapore with a Lohas attitude

Lohas label When traveling, choose natural and natural clothes and clothing for shopping, and do yoga or spa in your spare time. However, the most important thing is that the label of LOHAS tourism is the harmony with nature, allowing life and happiness to continue together, loving yourself and your family, experiencing new leisure, and walking freely while traveling.

In addition to shopping in Singapore during the Christmas season, you should really linger in this natural city full of greenery. Forests and greenery are everywhere. Nature and architecture always work together in wonderful harmony. Some cities have gardens in the city, and Singapore is like a city in a garden. You can't help but walk around Singapore with a happy attitude.

LOHAS Experience: Staying in the Sexiest Hotel

Staying in fashionable boutique hotels seems to have become the most popular trend, and Singapore’s fashionable boutique hotels seem to be more unique. Most of them They are all renovated old buildings, with an elegant and retro appearance, while the interior is filled with modern luxury and sexy everywhere.

Staying at the Scarlet Hotel once, you will find that the hotel is well designed and not just a matter of sleeping. When the intense bright red is paired with the calm black, only elegance bursts out.

The exterior of the hotel maintains the retro elegance of the old house, while the interior is based on strong burgundy and dark colors, deducing mysterious luxury. The corridors passing through the hotel are undulating like mountains, and the beauty is everywhere spread under the bright colors. The hotel is located near Chinatown. Behind the hotel is a bar street that was also renovated from an old building. It is extremely convenient to go anywhere.

Lohas Experience: Food in the Mood for Love

Of course, when you go to Singapore, food is indispensable. If you go to the Grand Market, major food agencies and hawker centres, you will definitely be able to experience the style of the Singaporean city.

But in this garden city that understands taste and enjoyment, having a meal at a unique outdoor restaurant is even more enjoyable. The sky becomes the roof, the beautiful scenery is the decoration, coupled with the delicious food, you can taste not only exquisiteness and elegance, but also the unique atmosphere of Singapore.

In Rochester Park, which is like an urban paradise, there are also well-preserved ancient villas. These ancient bungalows, called "black and white houses" by locals, are filled with unique colonial style. The renovated old villas have been turned into exquisite restaurants, which seem to tell the story of the past.

Here, the famous Chinese food restaurant is the "Minjiang" restaurant. Beside the huge terrace, next to the white European-style beams, the ceiling fan is swaying silently, and among the people drinking and drinking, it seems that the charm of old Singapore still remains. The cooking style of the dining room is very similar to that of a humble house in Beijing, exquisite and delicious.

Lohas Experience: Enjoy an Island Vacation

In Singapore, in addition to Sentosa, you can also choose a splendid island holiday. When you take the ferry from the pier, you can reach the pristine island from the bustling city in about 40 minutes. Experience the beach, bright sunshine, and the leisurely mood of an island vacation. Generally speaking, good places to visit are Mentan Island and Tan Island. The hotel accommodation conditions on Mingtan Island are better. There is Yuerong Resort on the island with a large sea view and Club Med, which is famous for its many water activities.

And Tan Island is a place where Singaporeans often go to play golf. Under the green shadow of the coconut breeze, swinging facing the sea will feel very different.

Tips Do you know?

Did you know? There are more exciting things to discover in LOHAS Singapore.

Have a garden spa. It will be a novel experience to have a spa amidst the singing of birds and the fragrance of flowers. In the lush greenery of Bishan National Park, Aramsa garden spa is full of natural luxury. More than 2,000 kinds of natural plants from 15 countries have already isolated the hustle and bustle of the city, not to mention the Aramsa garden spa hidden inside, with a Zen-like layout that reveals exquisite tranquility. Website: www.aramsaspas.com

Go to Clarke Quay and Boat Quay. With countless boutiques and bars, this is where you should go if you want to experience Singapore’s nightlife. Famous bars include Indochine, Ministry of Sound, and Dragonfly.

Convenient motorboat: If you go to Mindan Island or Tan Island, you can take a luxury motorboat at Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal in Singapore. Contact the hotel in advance and someone will pick you up at the pier.

Routes: Singapore Airlines now operates three opposite routes from Beijing to Singapore every day. From Beijing to Singapore, there are flights to Singapore at 8:45, 16:00 and 23:55.