Sunway Velocity Mall's CNY decoration features prominent red and pink hues. - Photo: LOW BOON TAT, LEW GUAN XI/The Star and courtesy photos
STUNNING Chinese New Year (CNY) decorations are all the hype in Klang Valley malls, with traditional elements and eye-catching designs wooing visitors from near and far.
To inject that festive feel, shopping centres are emphasising on cultural significance through impressive set-ups and festive designs.
In preparation for the Year of the Snake, many malls are leaning on decorations inspired by ancient Chinese architecture in an attempt to take visitors back in time.
However, contemporary elements are not forgotten and are woven into vital spaces, blending together the traditional and modernity.
Signature auspicious colours of red and gold are dominantly used in props, structures and designs, setting the stage to welcome the mythical serpent that will dominate throughout the year.
A striking presence of the incoming zodiac animal can be seen at The Exchange TRX, Kuala Lumpur, with a golden snake holding a pose at the centre of the “Zodiac Journey Bridge”.
The bridge is near the “A Tale of Spring” imperial-garden installation located at the mall’s Central Exchange.
Golden sculptures of other zodiac animals are positioned on the bridge too, allowing visitors to explore the intricacy of Chinese astrology.
Under the bridge is a photo-worthy Blossom Tunnel filled with blooms symbolising growth and fresh beginnings.
Here, visitors get to stroll through the Bamboo Walk which is depicted as an elegant realm.
Surrounding the gazebo at the end of the pathway is a serene koi pond with mechanical storks representing longevity and abundance.
At IOI City Mall, Putrajaya, the snake is the highlight of an arch resembling the serpent’s body.
As visitors walk through the arch, a Chinese imperial structure erected on a bridge and surrounded by flowers like magnolias, present a strong visual impact in line with the mall’s “Prosperity in Full Bloom” campaign.
IOI Mall Puchong demonstrates a similar decoration concept with its arch shaped like an ancient Chinese city gate, showcasing awe-inspiring historic structures.
At Pavilion Damansara Heights, visitors get to appreciate the vast history and Chinese cultural heritage at the 28.3m-long diorama display.
The diorama themed “Bringing Happiness to Life”, presented in partnership with the World Culture Organisation (WCO), features China’s five dynasties’ (Han, Tang, Song, Yuan and Qing) banquet celebration, Old Beijing and the Journey to the West as well as Chinese New Year in Malaysia.
The mall’s decorations carrying the theme “Heights of Happiness” also boast a towering panda and red bear, standing at 3.7m and 4.3m tall respectively, at the Centre Court.
The two adorable giant stuffed toys are surrounded by vibrant decorations centred around Chinese imperial structures such as lanterns, blossoms and Chinese calligraphy.
Families can also spend quality time together at the Family Fun Zone where there is a life-size display of a Snakes and Ladders game.
The delightful riverside vibe at 1 Utama shopping centre in Petaling Jaya is enticing people at the mall.
One can walk on the “river” and admire carps that appear to swim through lotus leaves floating on the floor.
The man-made riverside landscape is also surrounded by a stunning 12.2m-tall Radiant Imperial Pavilion, inspired by the Chinese dynasties and the Celestial Golden Bridge that symbolises unity.
Visitors can further enjoy an immersive visual experience when walking past decorations themed “Lunar Harmony”, which is akin to stepping through the water.
If one feels like stepping back in time, The Gardens Mall, Kuala Lumpur, is the place to visit.
Its “Garden of Wisdom” is set against a backdrop resembling courtyards from an era once forgotten, bringing China’s historical cities back to life with lanterns, magnolias and cherry blossoms in full bloom spreading all over the garden.
Visitors can also take time to appreciate elements like bridges, stools under trees and chairs – elements of which symbolise the intricacy of ancient Chinese gardens.
Over at Fahrenheit88, Kuala Lumpur, the Lunar New Year decorations have fortune in mind.
Its “PowerFu Prosperity” campaign features a 2.4m-tall Lucky Fortune Cat, presented by Top Toy, at the main atrium.
The sense of prosperity in the main atrium is further enhanced by lovely lanterns and flowers.
For more riches, visitors can take a stroll through the Prosperity Lane which is adorned with cascading red lanterns and intricate festive decorations, bringing out the sense of abundance, joy and hope.
Meanwhile, Da Men Mall in Subang Jaya, under its “Fortune Blossoms New Year” campaign, is bringing forward a floral-themed decoration.
The mall is welcoming visitors with a majestic fortune blossom tree at the entrance and a striking prosperity arch with elegant peony flowers.
Sunway Pyramid’s decoration is reminiscent of a painting, with flowers weaving through intricate oriental structures, filling the air with festive charm.
Its campaign named “The Golden Era of Fortune” bursts into life with colourful blossoms symbolising renewal, prosperity and heartfelt blessings for the year ahead.
A similar decoration concept, also adopted by Sunway Velocity Mall and Sunway Putra Mall, allows visitors to feel a sense of fortune when stepping into the premises.
Tradition also meets sustainability in Sunway Pyramid as 95% of its decorations are eco-friendly.
Here, the creative team has incorporated recycled and recyclable materials, in beautifying the mall.