Penang’s maiden seafront retail marina Straits Quay is inviting shoppers and visitors to “Leap into Abundance” to welcome the Year of Ox this Chinese New Year.
Decked in lavish, oriental décor befitting the theme, Straits Quay will bring patrons through a picturesque voyage of beautiful festive settings from its entrance at the Straits Court.
The festive spring ambience is set to fill the atmosphere as more than 900 red oriental lanterns and flowers adorn the retail marina, creating various beautiful Instagram-worthy backdrops for celebrants.
Standing tall on the platforms are three “lions” surrounded by red lanterns, peonies and weeping willows that extend a grand welcome to all.
“The lion dance head is the main decoration element this time as it is a significant element in the Chinese culture that symbolises power, wisdom and good fortune.
“The lion dance is believed to be able to ward off evil spirits, so we are hoping for a brighter year with an end to the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Last year had been a challenging one for most industries and we hope shoppers and visitors will be able to attract the ‘Ong’ (prosperity in Hokkien) vibes as they walk through the 16.8m ‘Ong path’ for greater health, wealth and prosperity in the new year ,” said Straits Quay marketing manager, Gillian Tan.
Shoppers can also pen down their wishes on a wishing card and hang them on the wishing wall.
There is no minimum spend required and shoppers will only need to present any proof of purchase from the Straits Quay tenants to redeem the cards at the Information Counter from Feb 16.
With a myriad of fun workshops and exciting activities happening from Jan 9 to Feb 26, patrons of all ages will have plenty to look forward to.
Hyping up the crowd on Jan 30 and Feb 26 is the Chinese New Year must-have acrobatic lion dance.
The God of Prosperity will be making his appearance around the mall on Jan 30, Jan 31, Feb 6, 14 and 26.
Parents can pair up with their child to attend a Lion Dance Coaching Workshop on Jan 30 to learn the basic skills from the lion dance troupe.
Those who wish to display their artistic skills can do so at the Emoji Orange Workshop on Feb 26 and decorate the mandarin oranges in the most creative way.
Shoppers looking for festive decorative items or cookies can drop by at the CNY Thematic Fair held at the ground floor main lobby from Jan 9 until Feb 7 while workout enthusiasts can join the Joyful Reunion Zumba on Jan 30 and Feb 26.
