Cover Wander along the Zodiac Journey Bridge at The Exchange TRX's Chinese New Year installation
Wander along the Zodiac Journey Bridge at The Exchange TRX's Chinese New Year installation
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Cherry blossoms, koi ponds and traditional bridges: where you'll find the most eyecatching Chinese New Year backdrops for your festive family photos
The time has come for the annual Chinese New Year takeover of every shopping mall in the Klang Valley. Gather up your friends and family for the annual tradition of taking festive photos at the mall. This year, shopping centres around Kuala Lumpur have outdone themselves with towering installations, immersive art pieces and beautiful interpretations of Springtime and good fortune.
Read more: Chinese New Year 2025: Malaysian designer collections designed to charm
From the flower-filled Blossom Tunnel at The Exchange TRX to elegant courtyard vignettes at The Gardens Mall, there’s a Chinese New Year photo opportunity out there waiting for you.
An Imperial Garden at The Exchange TRX
Above Take a stroll over the Zodiac Journey bridge at The Exchange TRX
Take a stroll over the Zodiac Journey bridge at The Exchange TRX
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If you’ve always been able to see yourself strolling the palace pathways of a Chinese period drama, ‘A Tale of Spring’ at The Exchange TRX will help you manifest that vision. From now until February 9, the CNY installation centres around the majestic Zodiac Journey bridge, featuring 12 Zodiac sculptures—from there you can look over the Koi pond, populated by gently bowing mechanical storks. Then head down into the Blossom Tunnel for a flower-filled Instagram moment.
The ‘Most Chinese Culture Diorama Display’ at Pavilion Damansara Heights
Above Explore the Calligraphy Art Exhibition at Pavilion Damansara Heights, in collaboration with The Federation of Calligraphy Society Malaysia
Explore the Calligraphy Art Exhibition at Pavilion Damansara Heights, in collaboration with The Federation of Calligraphy Society Malaysia
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Work your way through Pavilion Damansara Heights’ Level 2 to tick off all their Chinese New Year displays, starting with the 93-feet-long cultural diorama at the Damanlela Main Entrance. The diorama features touching scenes from Chinese New Year celebrations. You won’t miss the 12-ft Panda and 14-ft Red Bear, looming above the Family Fun Zone and Calligraphy Art Exhibition, in collaboration with The Federation of Calligraphy Society Malaysia.
The Lucky Fortune Cat at Fahrenheit88
Above You won't have to look hard for the larger-than-life Lucky Fortune Cat at Fahrenheit88
Above The Prosperity Lane installation at Fahrenheit88
You won't have to look hard for the larger-than-life Lucky Fortune Cat at Fahrenheit88
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Those who’ve longed for a larger-than-life Lucky Cat experience will finally find it at Fahrenheit88 this year. The 8ft tall Lucky Fortune Cat, presented by Top Toy, is an unmissable presence at the mall’s concourse, ready to bestow good fortune and blessings to those who touch it. Once you’ve done that, take a stroll down Prosperity Lane and tie your wishes to the Wishing Tree.
Historic courtyards at The Gardens Mall
Above The Gardens Mall has created a series of beautiful courtyard set-ups for Chinese New Year
Above Recreate an olden day family photography at The Gardens Mall
The Gardens Mall has created a series of beautiful courtyard set-ups for Chinese New Year
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Take a step out of time at The Gardens Mall, with their serene setup of historically inspired courtyards festooned with lanterns, magnolias and cherry blossoms. Whether you’re there for a formal olden day family portrait (remember, no smiles) or a gathering of friends around a table for tea, there’s a curated photo opp waiting for you.
A canopy of red lanterns at Pavilion KL
Above Take in the floating canopy of red lamps at Pavilion KL
Take in the floating canopy of red lamps at Pavilion KL
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Don’t forget to look up as you enter Pavilion KL’s Chinese New Year extravaganza—the floating canopy of red lanterns is a sight to behold. The lanterns symbolise good fortune and the spirit of togetherness, and preside over a scene flanked by snake mascots and majestic lion dance heads.
The Radiant Imperial Pavillion at 1 Utama
Above Explore 1 Utama's interactive Chinese New Year installation
Above Duck behind gingko blossoms to get away from the crowds
Explore 1 Utama's interactive Chinese New Year installation
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Lose yourself in the interactive installation of pavilions and monuments at 1 Utama, from the 40-ft Radiant Imperial Pavilion, to the clouds of festive blooms perfect for a soft-focus selfie. Cross over the Celestial Golden Bridge into a new year of health and wealth—and do some shopping while you’re at it, with a CNY bazaar bustling with artisanal gifts, decorations and products.
A festive pagoda at IOI City Mall
Above The festive pagoda at IOI City Mall
The festive pagoda at IOI City Mall
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At IOI City Mall, a festive pagoda stands tall over an arching bridge, surrounded by flowers and signs of Springtime. The space will play host to lion dances, silk dragon dances, performances, demonstrations and more over the Chinese New Year period.
Emma Chong is the Managing Editor of Tatler Malaysia, overseeing the editorial direction and vision for the print, digital and social media arms of the title. She has over 15 years experience in fashion and lifestyle publishing, and has led print and digital editorial teams at ELLE Malaysia, Time Out Kuala Lumpur, The Luxe Nomad and more.
Outside of work, Emma spends her time wrangling children (only her own) and boosting the Malaysian economy through her support of local fashion and homeware brands.
