This CNY, Teleport Yourself to the Han River & Experience the Teochew Heritage Firsthand in KL

Now, you’ve probably heard the term ‘Teochew’ being thrown around a couple times before especially in Chinese restaurants, but do you know anything else about this dialect or clan besides the fact that they serve great food? No clue? No worries!

This Chinese New Year, you can actually learn about and experience first hand the life of a traditional Teochew all the way in the Guangdong province right here in Sunway Putra Mall, KL. There’s also going to be a ton of easy-peasy competitions for you to take part in that could win you an all expense paid 6-day trip to China, cash prizes of up to RM6,000 and much more!

So without further ado, here’s what you can expect at this Teochew Heritage Celebration:

1. A Teochew’s paradise complete with the Guangji Bridge and more

Source: Amusing Planet

Source: Nolegroom

Anyone who’s a GaGiNang would know that the Guangji bridge is the Teochew region’s most recognisable landmark. Reconstructed during the Ming Dynasty, the bridge is about 500 metres long, supported by 24 stone piers, 18 boats and 24 pavilions. If you want to view and experience a remake of this bridge, you can do so this CNY at Sunway Putra Mall.

Just walk through the giant arch and be teleported straight into the Guangdong province where you’ll be able to see the Guangji Bridge balancing atop floating wooden boats, an array of unique and traditionally handcrafted, bright red Teochew lanterns on display all around, and more.

Teochew Whirling Lanterns with dancing fairies

While you’re at it, check out the miniature version of the Red Head Junk (红头船) too. For the benefit of those unfamiliar with the Red Head Junk, it basically looks something like this:

Source: Wikipedia

2. Channel your inner Teochew by donning Opera costumes with friends and family

Teochews are generally known to be gifted in the area of arts, and that includes drama, music, singing, poetics, acrobatics, folk art, opera and many more! Geng leh! In fact, Teochew opera was believed to have started since 1432 (based on the dated hand-written manuscripts found by researchers). The performances would combine miming, singing, as well as dancing. So if you’re good in the area of arts as well, you have your Teochew ancestors to thank!

What’s more, if you find yourself mesmerised and in awe of those silky, bright coloured Opera costumes, you can actually try them on right here at Sunway Putra Mall. These costumes come complete with props, headgear, wigs, even fake beards. So make sure you give it a go!

3. For added excitement, take part in these competitions where you can win BIG! Ong lai!

One of the major contests you MUST join is the #WeAreGaGiNang photo contest where you could win a 6D5N trip for two to China worth up to RM10,000!

All you have to do is:

1. Snap a wefie with your friends and family among Sunway Putra’s Teochew Heritage decor
2. Post the photo on Instagram or under the comment section of this Facebook post
3. In your caption/comment, tell us what your family and friends in the photo mean to you
4. Tag the people in the photo and hashtag #SunwayPutraMall & #WeAreGaGiNang

Contest ends 8 February 2019, so fai fai lor!

Additionally, if you happen to have a passion for singing, now’s your chance to show off those singing skills and possibly win yourself up to RM6,000 in cash prizes! Talk about being super prosperous!

That’s right, Sunway Putra will be holding a singing competition opened to all and it’s happening on 26 January, at 2pm in the Main Concourse.

Interested or know someone who should take part? Then make sure you sign them up here before 24 January 2019!

4. Take part in fun activities and maybe even meet the God of Prosperity (Choy San)!

After all, everyone loves the God of Prosperity, right? 😉

Yes, the God of Prosperity will be doing his walkabout around Sunway Putra Mall, and if you catch him, you’ll receive some awesome shopping vouchers! Just make sure you’re around during these days:

Date: 19-21, 27 Jan & 1-3, 5-6 Feb 2019
Time: 3pm

In addition to that, there will be arts & crafts sessions for you and your loved ones to take part in and learn the art of making traditional decorative items.

These sessions will be happening on:

Date: 20-21, 27 Jan & 1-3, 5-6 Feb 2019
Time: 2pm 

5. Sit back, relax and enjoy some heart thumping performances 

Because no CNY celebration is complete without the loud banging of cymbals and beating of drums, ammirite? Tong, tong, tong, chiang!

In fact, you can catch the Lion Dance performances during these dates:

Dates: 19-20 Jan and 1-2, 5-6 Feb 2019
Time: 5pm

As for the Fish Lantern Dance (yes, fish lanterns!), you can catch them on:

Dates: 21, 27 Jan & 3 Feb 2019
Time: 5pm

6. Shop ’til you drop at the festive bazaars too

Calling all shopaholics! Whether you’re looking for some traditional Teochew goodies or new CNY clothes, this is the place to be! From now until 3 Feb, make sure you drop by the East Wing on the Ground floor of Sunway Putra to take a look at the super decked out space selling some of the most unique CNY goodies including Cheongsams, lucky plants by Petals2U, NAE Kitchenette homeware, and more.

What’s more, if you happen to spend RM350 (RM250 for HSBC Credit Cardholders) in three receipts at Sunway Putra, you can also redeem a beautiful Teapot set that looks just like this:

Sounds like it’s going to be a super happening Chinese New Year here at Sunway Putra Mall, so don’t miss out okay! After all, what better way to learn about your Teochew heritage than to actually be a part of it?

Find out more about this Teochew Heritage Celebration here.