Jonker Walk dazzles with 2,026 lanterns and 5.49m horse for Chinese New Year, attracting millions of tourists
MELAKA: A total of 2,026 lanterns has been installed at Jonker Walk World Heritage Site to mark this year’s Chinese New Year, with about RM1 million spent on the decorations.
Jonker Walk committee chairman Datuk Gan Tian Loo said a 5.49-metre horse replica has also been installed at a main gateway of the tourist hotspot.
He said the privately funded decorations aim to liven up the iconic tourist spot and draw two million visitors during the month-long Chinese New Year celebrations.
“The lanterns are displayed along all entrances and exits of Jonker Walk, including six gateways, while the giant horse replica stands at the gateway near Tan Kim Seng Bridge.
“This World Heritage Site has been decorated every year for the past 30 years, as it remains a must-visit spot for both local and international tourists, especially those from China, visiting Melaka,” he told Bernama today.
He added that the annual Chinese New Year Carnival in Melaka’s tourism calendar will run every Friday to Sunday, featuring various activities and cultural performances.
He said the stage activities both enliven the area and highlight the Chinese community’s unique arts and culture, including Baba Nyonya traditions.
Gan said the uptown area of Jonker Walk will be open from 6 pm to midnight on Chinese New Year’s Eve (Feb 16) and Chap Goh Meh (March 3).
“We will also host countdowns on Chinese New Year’s Eve and Chap Goh Meh, along with cultural and artistic activities, expecting over 10,000 visitors,” he said.
He said last year’s visitors to the World Heritage Site likely matched Melaka’s total tourist arrivals of over 15 million, with Jonker Walk being a must-visit spot, centrally located among Banda Hilir’s other attractions.
