Chinese New Year is just around the corner – and that means festive food, ang pau and lively gatherings with family and friends. This year is a special one too, as we’ll be welcoming the Year of the Dragon!
Of course, what’s a festival without decorations? Even if your house isn’t decked out in full dragon glory, don’t fret, as you can still get your fill of dragons at our local malls! To give you an idea of where to go, we’ve compiled a list of shopping centres in the Klang Valley that have gone all-out for the Year of the Dragon!
1. Sunway Pyramid
Some claim Sunway Pyramid might be the crowning jewel of this year’s malls as regards Chinese New Year decorations. And, well, it’s a hard claim to dispute! With a resplendent Gold Dragon hovering over a grand temple fit for an emperor, the spectacle is enough to take one’s breath away.
Shoppers too can immerse themselves in the essence of the festival by dressing in traditional Chinese costumes for photos, participating in Hand Fan Painting and Chinese Mask and Dragon Head -making workshops, and enjoying the festive bazaar filled with beloved brands like Lo Hong Ka, Jaya Grocer, Eu Yan Sang, and more, creating unforgettable memories.
2. Sunway Putra Mall
Sunway Putra Mall has transformed into a realm of wonder, with the main concourse on the ground floor featuring beautiful botanical and man-made structures, as well as a magnificent 50-foot-long artistic dragon suspended right above. The mall’s unique Dragon’s Blessing décor promises a visual spectacle, symbolizing blessings of excellent results and abundance in the upcoming year.
Shoppers can embark on a festive shopping spree, and browse exclusive collections at the Good Fortune Market at Main Concourse (Ground Floor) and East Wing (Ground Floor and Level 2). The can find truly everything: NOKO for festive household décor, Hush Puppies and John Harold for shoes and bags, and fashion that will elevate their Chinese New Year outfits to new heights of elegance and style, amongst over 100 other retail outlets within the 8-floor mall.
3. 1 Utama
Take a walk down memory lane in 1 Utama as you explore various locations paying homage to the past, such as Merchant Lane, Old Market Square, and their Wushu Martial Arts Display! Whether you choose to poke around vintage shops, go on an eating spree or even opt for a fighting pose beside Bruce Lee and Ip Man, there’s plenty to rediscover at this Timeless Lunar Reunion.
4. The Gardens Mall
Speaking of timeless, The Gardens Mall too has opted for a blast from the past, more specifically, Malaysia during the 1970s. Stroll around town and drop by the traditional medical hall to poke around for some herbs, or visit the tailor store for your New Year outfits. Then, take a break at the living room with a retro TV set in the background, or chill at the local kopitiam.
Guests who wish to take home a little bit of the nostalgia can drop by the Childhood booth on the Ground Floor to purchase some local snacks, toys, and beauty products. If Chinese New Year spring cleaning has got you worn out, head over to the Tempur roadshow in front of Isetan and let their team find you the right mattress and bed for a restful night.
5. Fahrenheit 88
If you’ve a hankering to visit Hong Kong instead, Fahrenheit 88 might be more up your alley with its authentic Hong Kong street vibes, delectable culinary experiences and festive gifts. And this year, Fahrenheit 88 has joined hands with contemporary artist Old Master Q that is, Prof. Wong Chak, with his many characters and works featured around the area for you to explore and enjoy!
There’s also a lineup of performances and engaging workshops for you. The Pudgy Penguin Mascots will be walking about every weekend and on public holidays at 11am, 1pm, 5pm and 7pm, and Hin Hua High School will be blending the traditional Diabolo with the majestic Dragon Performance on 25th January at 1pm. There will also be a “One Day Singer” showcase by the Music Today Academy on 21st and 27th January from 3pm to 6pm, a rousing drum and dance performance from Taylor’s International School on 4th February at 12pm and a Bu Zheng and Ukulele performance by Rockstars Production on 17th February at 2pm and 3pm.
6. The Exchange TRX
The Exchange TRX may be the latest mall, but they certainly aren’t losing out in terms of decorations. This Lunar New Year, The Exchange TRX is excited for shoppers to delve into The Silk Story. In celebration of the Dragon season, the mall’s central exchange has been transformed into a living canvas, showcasing a spectacle of festive delights, featuring captivating decorations from an intricately-crafted giant revolving silk lantern with a mythical dragon flying through, to ornately decorated pop-ups and a magnificent animated dragon intertwined with silk that will run the length of the three-storey flat iron screen.
The significance of silk is to highlight the material that once facilitated the exchange of commodities, culture, and knowledge between the East and West. Trevor Hill, General Manager of The Exchange TRX, hopes that The Exchange TRX can become a beacon that celebrates cultural diversity and help bring both local and international communities together.
7. Suria KLCC
Go back in time to the vibrant heyday of old Shanghai when you drop by Suria KLCC this Chinese New Year. The mall’s Centre Court has been transformed to a lively old Shanghai street, complete with traditional double-storey shop lots that reflect the rich cultural tapestry of the 1920s and 1930s. Among the engaging experiences, visitors can explore a beautifully-adorned tailor shop showcasing the art of tailoring and the iconic cheongsam, and a restaurant featuring traditional reunion dinner dishes. The setting will also include rickshaws, a retro vintage car for photo opportunities, and old movie projectors playing classic clips, capturing the oriental charm of yesteryear.
The Esplanade KLCC takes centre stage with a colossal 60-ft tall 3D dragon replica. Symbolising the Year of the Dragon, this awe-inspiring installation, aptly named Dragon of Prosperity, promises to be a visual spectacle to all. To further heighten the festive ambience, visitors can enjoy traditional Acrobatic Lion Dance performances every Sunday at 5pm at the Esplanade KLCC, and Dragon Dance at the Centre Court every Saturday at 2pm throughout the campaign duration.
8. Pavilion Kuala Lumpur
Pavilion Kuala Lumpur bedazzles shoppers this year with two magnificent golden dragons descending from the auspicious clouds into Pavilion KL’s Centre Court, enveloping the mall with blessings of wealth, good luck and happiness. Elements reminiscent of mystical mountaintops pay homage to Chinese folklore, creating a rich and immersive experience.
Don’t forget to explore Lancôme’s captivating setup featuring an embellished Pavilion Crystal Fountain and Main Entrance, and their Lancôme Dragon Tunnel! Seamlessly blending tradition with modern elegance, shoppers will be filled with wonder at blooming spring flowers, dragon motifs and oriental lanterns.
9. Intermark mall
If you’re looking to be crowned king, you should note that Sunway Pyramid isn’t the only one with a golden throne. Intermark Mall boasts one too! With a more intimate air, it’s the perfect place to settle for a few pics with the family. Also, feel free to drop by and check out their surrounding stalls, boasting intricate antique pieces, and hand painted gifts.
10. Avenue K
Avenue K Shopping Mall welcomes its shoppers to enter their ‘Eden Of Opulence’ this Chinese New Year. The nature retreat-themed campaign aims to create a lush atmosphere that resonates with the New Year themes of flourishing growth and familial joy. Visitors can explore various ground activities including lion dance performances symbolising blessings, and a plethora of events like cotton candy giveaway, the captivating Chinese Face Changing Show, the rhythmic 5 Emperor Drums, and appearances by the Fu Lu Shou Mascot and God of Prosperity.
11. the Curve
Brace yourself for an extraordinary celebration as the Curve promises to elevate the festive spirit, fostering camaraderie and excitement among shoppers and visitors. From now until 18th February 2024, the Centre Court of the Curve will transform into an enchanting landscape of festivities and timeless Chinese traditions.
At the heart of the celebration stands a breathtaking and unique dragon monument; a symbol of wisdom, prosperity, health and good fortune. This magnificence takes centre stage amid traditional Chinese teahouses, blossoming cherry trees, and a Chinese traditional attire station. This picturesque setting embodies the essence of Chinese elegance and the vibrant beauty of spring, providing an enchanting backdrop, perfect for capturing memorable moments during this auspicious season.
In a spirited gesture of unity and celebratory exuberance, the Curve shares a passionate commitment to invigorating the community and spreading joy, transforming this celebration into a vibrant festivity for everyone.
Have fun shopping, and taking in the Chinese New Year splendour!
