Malaysia Town

We are lucky to be Malaysians, because Malaysia is a multi-racial country, and because of that, we have the privilege to celebrate and experience different festive seasons throughout the entire year. Every year, we celebrate Chinese New Year, one of the main festive seasons.

This year is the Year of the Tiger. Seen as a custodian of wealth and protector from evil, the Tiger is much admired as an icon of leadership, courage, dynamism, vitality and power.

The Chinese New Year this year is special because it shares a date with Valentines Day (Feb 14 2010), which happens only 4 times in 100 years.

The shopping malls in Malaysia are covered in vibrant decorations with the colour red, which signifies happiness, prosperity and love.

There will also be stunning and entertaining performances for everyone to enjoy.

So, come and get to know the Chinese culture by visiting these malls.

Pavilion

Official website http://www.pavilion-kl.com

Themed “Illuminate with Prosperity and Splendorous Style” this Chinese New Year, the Pavilion mall is filled with eye-catching decorations from 18 January to 28 February.

The celebration was launched by Federal Territories and Urban Well-being Minister Datuk Raja Nong Chik on 18 January.

Coincidentally, the Pavilion was also celebrating its 2nd Anniversary, which falls on 31 January 2010.

The main hall was decorated with lots of Chinese Pine trees.
 
Pine trees are time-honoured symbols for strength and longevity due to its endurance even in the harshest weather conditions. 
 
There are many booths selling Chinese stuff. Are these real models? They are actually dough figurines by Zhang Ren Sheng.

The 3D figurines are really realistic!

Ahmad from Qatar was convinced by Zhang Ren Sheng’s figuring skill. So he got himself “dough-figured”.
 
The final result looks very satisfying and memorable!
 
Lim Chai Yin, 9, being drawn by a professional portrait painter, Li Yong Fu.

In the process of drawing the hair…

Almost done…

The final result! Really realistic! Thanks to Mr. Li Yong Fu from China.
 
Chinese shadow puppetry figures are also available.

If you like, you can buy some to entertain your children or friends.

From this table, you can understand what different Chinese symbols represent (e.g. Mandarin Duck = Happiness in Marriage).

Chinese believe some stones can bring luck and good fortune.
 
A close-up look of the stones.
 
You can get your name engraved on some of these stones too.
 
If you need to see more Chinese accessories for Chinese New Year, you can go to Tang. Here, Chinese umbrellas for real use or for decorations are for sale.
 
Are you interested to get these giant golden groundnuts for decoration?
 
Because this year is the year of the tiger, Chinese like to buy tiger models to bring good luck to their homes. Mandarin oranges and ripe limes represent gold.
 
Remember to take pictures of yourself with Chinese New Year decorations at the main entrance before you leave!

Three 16-year-old girls from SMK Puteri Ampang, Abid, Bella, Sarah (from left to right), wanted to enjoy the decorations and the atmosphere of this CNY.
 
These lanterns at the entrance are hanging beautifully. Pretty flowers are also abundant.
 
Outside the mall was decorated with beautiful Plum Blossoms, which is one of the most beloved flowers of China. The reason for this is because it blooms most vibrantly during the winter, after most other plants have shed their leaves, and before other flowers appear. They are regarded as a symbol of resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity.
 

Sungei Wang Plaza

Official website http://www.sungeiwang.com

At the main entrance of the Sungei Wang Plaza, two beautifully crafted pavilions enclosed with red cloth draped across its rock-like structures are set to welcome visitors. Handcrafted Chinese Pines were abundant too.
 
Sungei Wang is also ushering in the year of the Tiger by putting realistic tiger models at its Center Stage with auspicious lanterns glowing beautifully.
  
Handmade pine trees fixed in a scenic background setting creates a poetic landscape found only in classic Chinese paintings.

Adjacent to the stage is a Chinese art exhibition – Chinese calligraphy, paper cutting, knotting, tea ware and many more!
  
There was a lion string puppet too! When you pull the strings, a mini lion dance will entertain your friends and family.

Enjoy an unforgettable performance of skill, flexibility and balance by China’s all-time favourite acrobats from China Oriental Art Troupe, as they perform thrilling stunts. So don’t miss out the amazing stunts there that are sure to make your jaw drop!

Urn Balancing. I hope it won’t drop!

Marvelous balancing skills! I can never do that!

Awesome agility skills! I can’t stop my jaw from dropping!

Below are the videos of the awesome feats. I’m sure you will enjoy them as much as I did.

Mid Valley Megamall

Official website http://www.midvalley.com.my

The centre court of the Mid Valley Megamall has been transformed into a lotus garden with dragonflies surrounding big huge red lotus leaves which represents luck and wealth.
 
Amidst the garden was a tall pagoda with detailed Chinese designs.

There were also lion dance performances with some acrobatics that entertained children as well as adults.

The lion dance is coming to town!

There were also artful dragon dance performances.
 
Below is the video of the lion and dragon dance performances. Enjoy!

There were also beautiful peonies for sale. They represent good fortune, romance and a happy marriage.
 
Doesn’t this tiger look real? Well, it is because it is actually designed with fur. This is really the year of the Tiger! Haha!
 

Suria KLCC

Official website http://www.suriaklcc.com.my/

At the heart of Suria KLCC, a famous landmark shopping destination just below the Petronas Twin Towers, there were vibrant decorations too, like silk peonies.
 
There was also a cute and bold little girl, Xie Niu Niu, 3, from China, who danced to the Chinese New Year themed background music.

Berjaya Times Square

Official website http://www.timessquarekl.com 

At the Berjaya Times Square, shop lots also decorated their shops with red festive decorations too to wish their customers a happy Chinese New Year!
 

At the entrance, there was a traditional rickshaw. People love to have photos taken of them sitting on the rickshaw. Wouldn’t you?

The Lower Ground Concourse was filled with beautiful ancient Chinese architecture with stylistic shone arched buildings of sloping roofs, bringing you “Memories of Glitz and Glamour”, as it is themed.
   
You will enjoy the art and craft of Chinese culture if you visit the shops there. Below is the delicate paper cuttings.

Just look at how delicate and beautiful they are!

I’m really astonished by the paper cuttings because it’s complex and concise!

I love “The Circle of Life” below most.
 
All the hard work is done by Mr. Zhang Jun Wei.
 
Below are the intricate dough figurines. They look cute and yummy to me, but it is not eatable!

Proudly done by Zhang Su Xeng.

The beautiful Chinese knotting and Tiger pillows are handmade by Tai Xue Chin. The knots act as good luck charms.
 
These pair of fish symbolizes abundance. It can brighten up your home.

You can get your name, English or Mandarin, carved on a stone.

The final result!

It belongs to 13-year-old Yao Jia Hao.
 
There was also Xuns on sale. Xuns are gobular flutes made of ceramic or clay. Let’s watch and hear Liu Fang playing it! The smaller the Xun, the higher the tune.

Consider yourself lucky if you happen to bump into the Eight Immortals at the stage, because they will be giving red packets filled with surprises, like cash vouchers. 

Exciting performances by children will surely entertain you!
 
And also other children!
 
They are really cheerful, intelligent, professional and talented girls!

The Chinese are famous for their hard work, perseverance and determination. During the Chinese New Year, the Chinese become a people of creativity. They like to associate everything that can symbolize health, wealth and longevity in order to bring hope that the future ahead is auspicious, joyful, and harmonious.

Join in the festive-inspired activities, which are ‘funtastic’ and action-packed. Remember to watch the mesmerizing dance and musical performances, earth-shaking lion dances,and jaw-dropping acrobatic performances.

Also, you can enjoy a vibrant mix of shopping offers, bringing you more excitement from life plants to festive goodies and treats.

The splendor and the ethereal beauty of the malls with intricate cultural Chinese designs will surely brighten your holiday and enhance your knowledge on the Malaysian Chinese.

So, try not to stay at home this February! Come to the malls and indulge yourself in the joy of the festive season!

Happy Chinese New Year!

Wishing everyone a hopeful and successful 2010!