Kwai Chai Hong, the heritage alley in Kuala Lumpur Chinatown, is ushering in the Year of the Snake with its Chinese New Year ‘Bountiful Blessings’ (年年有余), an immersive art installation inspired by the cherished Chinese idiom, ‘Nian Nian You Yu’.
The theme offers visitors a cultural journey into the heart of generosity and sharing abundances with people.
Rooted in Chinese tradition, ‘Nian Nian You Yu’ (年年有余) translates to “Wishing an Abundance Year After Year.” The idiom carries a poetic duality where both yu (余), and yu (鱼), both are used interchangeably.
This phonetic connection is often interpreted as “Wishing for Fish Year After Year,” which has made fish an enduring symbol of good fortune and prosperity, featured prominently in Chinese New Year customs.
“A whole fish at the reunion dinner table represents an abundance of blessings, prosperity and fortune, shared among loved ones to reflect unity and hope for surplus in the year ahead.
“The size of the fish is also seen as a reflection of the blessings to come. The bigger, the better,” said Bai Chuan Management managing partner Zeen Chang at the unveiling on Jan 9, 2025.
The art installation is a collaboration between Bai Chuan Management Sdn Bhd, the company behind Kwai Chai Hong, and Bangsar Heights Pavilion.
“For generations, the idiom Nian Nian You Yu, has encapsulated the hope for abundance in all aspects of blessings for oneself. However, for this year, Kwai Chai Hong’s theme is centered on “sharing” that abundance with others, the joy of giving more,” added Chang.
Visitors starting their journey at the entrance of Kwai Chai Hong will be captivated by ‘Blessing Bridge’ (滿祝桥), adorned with vibrant lanterns inscribed with well-wishes and blessings of good fortune.
After crossing the bridge, they are greeted by a breathtaking display of glowing fish lanterns, each handcrafted using traditional techniques with a modern twist.
The lanterns are made with intricate metal frames and illuminated with energy-efficient LED lights, representing the harmony between heritage and innovation.
“Fish lanterns have long been part of Chinese cultural heritage, celebrating abundance, resilience and hope. Initially used during festivals like the Lantern Festival, it was later incorporated as a staple symbol in New Year celebrations.
“Artisans handcraft these lanterns, often passing skills down through generations, which qualifies them as part of China’s intangible cultural heritage recognised by Unesco,” said Chang.
Meanwhile, BHP chief executive officer and executive director Aaron Yap said their collaboration with Kwai Chai Hong aligns with their philosophy of creating sustainable investments that deliver lasting value while celebrating and enhancing the heritage of the communities.
“More than a festive celebration, Bountiful Blessings embodies our hope to share the joy of giving abundantly, spreading prosperity to everyone.
“By reimagining traditionally crafted fish lanterns with the addition of modern portable lights, we honour the richness of Chinese culture while ensuring its relevance for future generations.
“This resonates deeply with BHP’s approach to blending heritage with innovation, creating meaningful experiences that inspire connection and gratitude,” he said.
The Bountiful Blessings art installation is open to the public from Jan 10 to Feb 16, 2025, from 9am to 12 midnight.
