The Colorful Lanterns of Thean Hou Temple Brighten Up – 5 Special Feature Areas to Welcome the New Year in Greater Kuala Lumpur

(Selangor, 8th) As we enter the Year of the Horse, Thean Hou Temple—one of the popular tourist spots run by the Selangor & Kuala Lumpur Hainan Association—has pulled out all the stops this year. Under the theme "Success and Good Fortune Arrive with the Horse," the New Year celebrations are organized into five distinctive zones: Blessings, Wishes, Health, Food, and Performances. Visitors can join the festive fun from New Year's Eve through the Lantern Festival!

Association president Foo Hoak Chye introduced one of the highlight features: 3,500 "Fu"-character plum blossom lanterns made from polyethylene (PE) imported from China. These bright, vibrant lanterns are hung under the eaves of the temple and, matched with newly added corrugated lanterns, create a visually layered and festive effect.

Foo Hoak Chye added, "To further diversify our light installations, we've custom-ordered a 'God of Wealth Brings Treasure' lantern set from Sichuan. Combining steel structure, silk-wrapped shapes, pink satin, and internal lighting, it vividly depicts the God of Wealth on horseback at the temple entrance to welcome all, symbolizing fortune arriving at your door."

Additionally, Foo Hoak Chye said, this year's exclusive "Immediate Wealth Lucky Capsule" gives participants a chance to win one of four exquisite "Immediate Wealth" themed glitter cards. Each card is printed with a set of lucky numbers, and some randomly include a limited-edition Thean Hou Temple Mazu commemorative coin as a surprise for fortunate winners.

Foo Hoak Chye announced these festivities and highlights during the "2026 Year of the Horse Lighting Ceremony" held on the evening of the 7th at Kuala Lumpur's Thean Hou Temple. Distinguished guests included Deputy Secretary-General of the Ministry of Tourism Chua Chun Wah, Deputy Director-General of Tourism Malaysia Lee Tai Kang, Vice Presidents of the Selangor and Kuala Lumpur Hainan Association Chu Woon Chee and Yan Shiyi, Dato' Chan Hang Cheong, and Asia Television News Executive Chief Editor Lee Pik San.

At the unique lighting ceremony, organizers illuminated the glamorous lanterns encircling Thean Hou Temple, set off dazzling fireworks, and enjoyed the celebrations together with guests and the public. The site also featured a bustling New Year's food street, a "Starlight Walkway" adorned with Spring Festival couplets, and an array of artful light installations for all to savor visually and gastronomically.

According to organizers, among the five main zones, the "Immediate Peace Area" is located in the temple's main hall. Here, visitors receive blessing plaques and peace lanterns, and can participate in the Fortune Bridge activity to pray for family harmony and well-being. At the Blue Brick Plaza, the "Immediate Wealth Gathering Zone" brings together the God of Wealth on Horseback installation and the interactive capsule machines, symbolizing wishes for prosperity and fortune.

Furthermore, in front of the Elder Moon deity statue, they have set up the "Immediate Matchmaking Zone" where single men and women can tie red ribbons and hang wishing locks in hopes of auspicious matches. Meanwhile, along the food street, the "Immediate Taste Zone" and "Immediate Well-being Zone" in the Chinese Herbal Garden offer a variety of culinary and health booths, creating a lively atmosphere.