SINGAPORE - The mischievous Monkey King, a male quartet and martial arts' nunchucks.

These are some of the highlights of the cultural performances by two renowned dance troupes from Nanjing, China and Taiwan, that will be performing at this year's River Hongbao at the Marina Bay floating platform.

The performances by the two overseas groups - the Song and Dance Theatre in Nanjing City and Taiwan's Hwa Kang Dance Troupe - will take place from Feb 6 to 10, the first five nights of the annual Chinese New Year event to showcase Chinese culture and tradition.

In line with the Year of the Monkey, the performance by Nanjing's Song and Dance Theatre will feature elements from the Chinese folktale Journey to the West. Its 25 performers will showcase an excerpt from a Chinese opera with the Monkey King, and a Mongolian folk song sung by a male quartet.

The Hwa Kang Dance Troupe from the Chinese Culture University in Taipei, which consists of 18 dancers, will stage a theatrical performance with elements of martial arts, including the use of nunchucks and Chinese spears.

It is the second time for both dance troupes to make an appearance at River Hongbao. The Song and Dance Theatre performed at the event five years ago, while the Hwa Kang Dance Troupe performed 19 years ago in 1997.

Both dance troupes arrived in Singapore on Thursday (Feb 4), and said they took about two to three months to prepare the performances for River Hongbao 2016.

This year marks the 30th anniversary of River Hongbao, and the nine-day event from Feb 6 to 14 will have fireworks set off every night.

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong will be guest-of-honour at the event's opening on Feb 6.

More than one million visitors are expected at this year's event, organised by the Singapore Federation of Chinese Clan Associations, Singapore Press Holdings, Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Singapore Tourism Board and People's Association.

Admission is free.