Gong Xi Fa Cai! If there’s one thing Malaysian malls are known for, it’s their eye-catching decorations whenever the festive season rolls around.
For some Insta-worthy shots, here are eight shopping malls in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor that will get you in the mood for Chinese New Year (eight, of course, being a lucky number associated with prosperity. See what we did there?).
Spoiler alert: there’s a lot of red.
1. Suria KLCC
The mall at the foot of the Twin Towers is set to transport shoppers to the streets of olden China with its CNY campaign. To that end, a traditional Chinese gate tower serves as the centrepiece surrounded by structures with upturned eaves and numerous red lanterns suspended from the ceiling.
Of note is the interactive “river” below a bridge filled with realistic koi fish – a mesmerising projection – and you can also find Malaysia’s biggest rabbit made of gold coins, as certified by the Malaysia Book of Records, at the KLCC Esplanade.
2. Pavilion Bukit Jalil
What’s up, Doc? Say hello to Bugs and Lola Bunny when you come to Pavilion Bukit Jalil this month!
Shoppers entering the mall will be greeted with the beloved “Looney Tunes” characters in larger-than-life glass decals. Smile and pose at the four-in-one photo booths in the centre court.
With plenty of opportunities for pictures, a visit here will prove to be an exciting excursion for the kids – and the kid in you.
3. Mid Valley Megamall
“Love of Spring” is the theme at Mid Valley Megamall, so be prepared to be surrounded by colourful flowers of every shade the moment you step foot into this bustling shopping centre.
Giant Mandarin characters spell out auspicious sayings on small stages around the different courts (north, south and centre), providing the perfect backdrop for family photos.
Look up and you’ll see plenty of pretty blooms with lights wrapped in rattan balls, resulting in a dreamy atmosphere.
4. Sunway Velocity Mall
Spread “Blooming Happiness” at Sunway Velocity, which celebrates the Year of the Rabbit with – you guessed it – cute bunny statues filling its centre court.
Admire the pink blossoms and red lanterns around them, not to mention the colourful butterflies and Oriental-themed props in a spring-forest-style setup.
5. Pavilion Kuala Lumpur
Pavilion KL never disappoints with its extraordinary designs – remember the 3D Golden Bull show that wowed everyone two years ago?
This time around, the mall features 6m-tall bunny figures clad in red and pink with ang pows in their paws. These lovely leporidae are made more beautiful with the addition of roses and other flowers.
Also adorning the entire stage is an abundance of colourful flowers in hues of red and pink, lit up by lanterns from above… truly a sight to behold.
6. Sunway Pyramid
Inspired by the beauty of spring, Sunway Pyramid has curated a list of activities for guests to enjoy at its “Blooming Garden of Happiness”, located at the Orange Concourse level.
From lion-dance performances to a digital fortune augmented-reality game, prizes await brave and lucky visitors at the Lion mall.
If you have young children, don’t miss the chance to snap photos with the cheerful green bunny set against a stunning red temple backdrop.
7. IOI Puchong
IOI Puchong has gone the extra mile by adding stunning shades of gold to its red decor this Chinese New Year.
At the stage area, red lanterns hang from the ceiling, teasingly interrupted by one square white lantern. If you look hard enough, you just might be able to spot a picture of a rabbit!
There are also flowers galore, creating the perfect picturesque backdrop to pair with your OOTD.
8. MyTown KL
Step into MyTown KL and you’ll be greeted by rows of blossom trees on either side, as well as illuminated lanterns arranged in a circle in the middle of the beautifully decorated space.
Outside, four large rabbits dressed in red scarves and bandanas eagerly await guests to take pictures with them. These bunnies are downright adorable, so how can you resist? Snap away!