The 2017 Chinese New Year is around the corner. Boulevard Shopping Mall of Kuching branch pimp up the public areas with many elements of classical Chinese cultures. Such includes the Chinese Bazaar selling traditional cakes, hampers and ornaments ; Giant gold fish replicas hanging from the ceiling of the old wing atrium ; Chinese open stage with lotus blossoms, Zig Zag bridge, Chinese Garden Pavilion and many more.

There is special performance almost everyday, including singing and dancing performances, calligraphy competitions, etc.

The 2017 Chinese New Year Decoration of Boulevard Shopping Mall Kuching

The 2017 Chinese New Year Decoration of Boulevard Shopping Mall Kuching.

The performance on the main stage

The performance on the main stage.

The main stage at the new wing of the shopping mall features a Chinese Garden. It is of traditional and contemporary landscape design with many important cultural significant in it. Each elements have specific meanings.

The Zig-Zag bridge lies at the right side of the stage are a common design of bridge is traditional Chinese or Japanese garden landscape with the path of Zig-zag allows user to slowly stroll across the pond and indulge in the beauty of the garden. Although the replica is not as complex as the real bridge structure, it do brought the harmony to the surrounding.

The Lotus Pavilion (荷花亭 he hua ting) replica located at the right side of the stage connected by the Zig-Zag bridge to the main stage. The pavilion is usually located across the body of water and may present in most Chinese – Japanese garden to allow user to enjoy the view of the lotus flower blooms at the lotus pond.

The Lotus (荷莲 he lian) is the symbol of purity because it rises out of the mud of the pond and blooms with pink flowers that is clean without physical stains. Lotus is one of the Eight Auspicious Symbols of Buddhism.

There is many Plum blossom (梅花 mei hua) replica located around the stage and pavilion. Plum blossom signify “renewal” as it usually starts to blossom near the end of winter and be the first flower to blossom in a year. The next flower to blossom is Peony, which signify spring had arrived.

Another elements found here is the Moon Gate (月亮门 yuè liàng mén) , the circular doorway at the back of the stage. it is usually found in contemporary and traditional Chinese garden, which signify class, wealth and nobles. The sloping roofs of the gate represent the half moon of the Chinese Summers.

Red ribbons and lanterns is located around the features, symbolizes good fortune and joy.

The lotus flower blossoms , Zig Zag bridge, Garden Pavilion, red ribbons, Curved Ceramic roof tiles, Round windows

The lotus flower blossoms , Zig Zag bridge, Garden Pavilion, red ribbons, Curved Ceramic roof tiles, Round windows … all are important elements of Chinese culture.

A panorama view of the main stage at the new wing of Boulevard Shopping Mall Kuching

A panorama view of the main stage at the new wing of Boulevard Shopping Mall Kuching,

Fish (鱼 ) have a very similar sound to another chinese word – 馀(also pronounced as ) which means ‘surplus, abundance and affluence’, and hence Fish also signify wealth.

Huge gold fish replicas are hang from the ceiling with clear nylon strings, making them appears swimming in the mid air of the atrium of the old wing.

There is total of 8 fishes. 8 is a auspicious number for the Chinese as the Chinese word for ‘eight’ is 八 (bā) which sounds similar to 發/发 (fā) which means prosperity and wealth.

The total of eight fishes signify number of prosperity

The total of eight fishes signify number of prosperity. Fish itself have a meaning of “surplus” according to the Chinese.

The giant replica of gold fishes appears swimming in the vast of atrium

The giant replica of gold fishes appears swimming in the vast of atrium.

SSF Home Furnishing and Deco also involved in the decoration concept, featuring a set of traditional furniture and ornament decorations. For those interested to find more of what they can offer to decorate your home during Chinese new year, visitors are welcome to visit the display room at 2nd floor.

The decoration concept by SSF Home Furnishing , depicting a classic cabinet with classic chines motive lamp and ornaments.

The decoration concept by SSF Home Furnishing , depicting a classic cabinet with classic chines motive lamp and ornaments.

Chinese culture is full of auspicious symbolism. Nevertheless , the god of prosperity is one of the important aspect of new year, symbolizing a prosperous new year ahead.

The life sized inflatable figure of the god of prosperity holding gold bars and ingots

The life sized inflatable figure of the god of prosperity holding gold bars and ingots , signify a prosperity year ahead. Visitors are welcomed for selfie or group photograph with this figure.

There are many more Chinese motives, ornaments and water painting around the shopping mall, so don’t forget to have a visit at this mall during this Chinese new year.

The ceiling is decorated with Chinese motives, water paintings and words of greetings

The ceiling is decorated with Chinese motives, water paintings and words of greetings.