THE majestic dragons of the zodiac have returned to wow admirers at Penang’s malls and hotels.
These mythical creatures or loong are revered by the Chinese as benevolent protectors, unlike their European counterparts which are often portrayed as destructive beasts.
The malls’ splendid Chinese New Year decorations, besides providing ideal photo opportunities, also have an underlying narrative that allows visitors to delve deeper into mythology.
One impressive setup is the rose gold and pastel pink “Jovial Spring” decor at Queensbay Mall in Bayan Lepas.
Visitors posing at Straits Quay’s ‘Prosperous Dragon’ outdoor display.
Here, an 8m-long golden dragon awakens from slumber, ready to launch itself into the sky past cherry blossom trees.
There is also a 5m-tall grand pavilion with a circular gabled design inspired by the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests in Beijing’s Temple of Heaven complex.
Gold lanterns add a regal feel to the scene while bridges allow one to symbolically cross over to better things in the year ahead. Children will also enjoy hopping through a light tunnel.
Look up to admire giant box lanterns inspired by traditional Chinese ink paintings as well as drapery and scrolls with auspicious words.
Queensbay Mall manager Lee Sue Ling said, “The wood dragon represents vitality and creativity. So stop by to create good memories.”
At Gurney Plaza in Gurney Drive, a pink mother dragon, which is 5.5m tall, keeps watch over the “Celebration of Loong-evity and Prosperity” cherry blossom garden.
Part of its long glowing body is coiled around to form an archway. At the heart of the scene is a colossal pearl and two-storey revolving lantern pagoda.
A pair of giant Maneki Neko cats are the main attraction at Aman Central.
Try to spot the mother dragon’s seven adorable babies at the scene.
Peter Chan, general manager of CapitaLand malls outside the Klang Valley, said they wanted to honour ancient traditions.
“The dragon and the pearl is well-known in Chinese folklore.
“Many younger visitors love our interpretation,” he added.
Straits Quay retail marina in Seri Tanjung Pinang also highlights this legend with its “Prosperous Dragon” outdoor display.
The 3m-tall gold dragon cavorts in a sea of pearls. Red peonies, lanterns and cherry blossoms complete the scene.
The mall’s senior manager Wong Siew Hui shared, “We drew inspiration from classic depictions of dragons playing with pearls. We hope this display will pique visitors’ interest in folklore.”
Over on Penang mainland, Sunway Carnival Mall invites folk to explore its “Garden of Abundance” which has cherry blossom trees, flowers, red lanterns and giant bonsai.
Live flowering plants add fresh appeal to Gurney Paragon Mall’s ‘Spring Opulence’ display.
Enter via a moon gate and follow a stone path to a central well with a giant floating pearl.
Reigning over the scene atop an 8m-high palace wall is the resident spring dragon with a green body stretching over 14m long.
General manager Chai Wen Yew said, “Spring heralds new beginnings, so we hope this setup will bless all who visit with happiness and prosperity.”
Timeless motifs
At other malls, the Year of the Dragon spirit has also blossomed and even Disney characters seem to embrace the Chinese New Year season.
Gurney Paragon Mall’s “Spring Opulence” celebrations have brought many live plants into its interior.
These grow around a pair of tunnels flanking a central pavilion. Jade green tiles with floral motifs cover the floor, while stone lamps, giant lanterns and cherry blossom trees complete the display.
Hunza Group executive director Khor Tze Ming said they sought to recreate the lively ambience of spring to reflect fresh beginnings.
A pink mother dragon reigning over ‘Celebration of Loong-evity and Prosperity’ cherry blossom garden at Gurney Plaza. — Photos: CHAN BOON KAI, LIM BENG TATT and JEREMY TAN/The Star
“We sourced the fresh flowers directly from Cameron Highlands. Some varieties are even available for purchase,” she added.
In George Town, 1st Avenue Penang celebrates an enchanting “Disney Year of the Dragon” with a Disney Inn that features some of the brand’s beloved characters.
Enter through an archway adorned by red cloth and lanterns. Inside, there are huts doubling as vendor booths near a giant backlit stage.
See if you can spot silhouettes of Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Goofy and Pluto.
Purr-fect backdrop
At Aman Central in Alor Setar, Kedah, cute Maneki Neko cats anchor the mall’s “Prosperity For All” celebrations.
Though Japanese in origin, these chubby “beckoning cats” are now commonly seen across Asia. They are believed to attract customers into business premises and good fortune into homes.
A pair of these cats about 1.8m tall stand atop a stage.
Around them is a giant Chinese fan rising 4.5m high, gold coins, ingots, rice barrels, cherry blossoms, butterflies and flowers.
A life-sized Mr Monopoly next to giant ingots and mandarin oranges greeting guests at The Granite Luxury Hotel.
Cascades of red lanterns and gold decorations hang above the cats. Smaller Maneki Neko cats also welcome shoppers at the mall’s entrance.
Marketing and communications assistant general manager Ken Chin said they strove to create unique Insta-worthy backdrops for every festival.
“In many cultures, cats symbolise wisdom, strength and independence, which are qualities shared with the dragon.
“Our Maneki Neko are the purr-fect symbols this year.”
Mark of hospitality
Hotels across Penang have also been dressing up their premises with red lanterns, Chinese fans, faux firecrackers and cherry blossoms. Some premises take it up a notch.
Iconic Hotel Penang hopes its two dragons will double the blessings for guests and staff alike.
At Iconic Hotel Penang in Bukit Mertajam, there is not just one but two majestic dragons at its lobby. Each stretches 6m, surrounded by giant peonies and paper umbrellas.
Hotel general manager Kevin Cheah said, “We believe having two dragons will double the blessings for guests and staff.”
The Granite Luxury Hotel in George Town blended traditional Chinese New Year symbols with elements from the classic Monopoly board game.
Oversized gold ingots and coins frame the entrance and driveway, symbolising prosperity.
A shopper posing at the entrance to 1st Avenue’s Disney Inn featuring silhouettes of cartoon characters.
More of these can be found at a deck outside the lobby, alongside a bounty of mandarin oranges.
Life-sized Mr Monopoly figures act as welcoming sentinels, greeting guests with bowed heads.Corporate communications manager Ng Su-Ann said the choice of the theme was to celebrate the hotel earning a spot in the Penang Monopoly game.
