SINGAPORE - Visitors to the 2016 River Hongbao will be treated to nine nights of close-up fireworks, with accompanying music and lights.

Mr David Ong, vice-chairman for the event and MP for Bukit Batok SMC said that the fireworks will last for three minutes and will be held at 9pm from Feb 6 to 14, except on Feb 8, the eve of Chinese New Year. On that evening, the fireworks will be displayed during a countdown.

He added that in the past, fireworks have been displayed only on the opening and final nights, and that they had drawn large crowds.

He said: "These will be low-level fireworks and the audience will feel like they are part of the show."

The River Hongbao, which is in its 30th year this year, will also feature, for the first time, a walking dinosaur ride.

In line with the Year of the Monkey, the decor and performances will include elements of Journey to the West, a Chinese epic surrounding a Monkey God. Fringe activities include a photo exhibition, "30 years through River Hongbao," curated by the Singapore Press Holdings' Lianhe Zaobao editorial team.

Since 1987, the River Hongbao has been an annual Chinese New Year event.