The moment we arrived at Shangri-La The Fort, we knew something grand was about to unfold. The entrance was buzzing—hotel staff moving with precision, hotel guests mingling, and executives standing by, all waiting for the festivities to begin. The lion and dragon dancers hadn’t started yet, but the steady pounding of drums already fed the air, heightening the anticipation.

Thankfully, we had our driver stop on the quieter side of the hotel’s facade, away from the center of the commotion. A small relief—or so we thought.  A valet greeted us with an enthusiastic smile, and before we knew it, we were unintentionally part of the moment.

As soon as we stepped out, we realized our mistake. The only way to the entrance doors was a direct walk through the heart of the spectacle. With each step, the drumbeats felt louder, almost mocking our attempt at staying low-key.

A Festive Tradition with a Twist

Inside the lobby, the Lunar New Year spirit was in full swing. Red and gold accents filled the space—not overwhelmingly so, but just enough to set a festive tone. At the center stood the Hong Bao Tree, decorated with giant golden cash coins called "qian" and hanging crimson Hong Bao lanterns. It was a sight to behold, symbolizing good fortune and prosperity.

The anticipation reached its peak as the lion and dragon dance finally roared to life. Up close, it was a thrilling spectacle—the lions leaped, spun, and worked the crowd with their playful yet powerful movements.

But the real heart-stopper? The daring climb for the cai qing. One lion attempted to snatch the bundle of vegetables tied with an ang pao—a symbol of luck and prosperity—perched way up high on an intimidatingly slim pole. And let’s be honest, precision was a challenge because that pole was no joke—tall, narrow, and designed to make the feat even more impressive (because, as they say, the higher, the better!).

With a mix of skill, determination, and a few suspenseful wobbles, the lion finally claimed its prize—earning cheers and applause from the crowd. A thrilling moment to welcome the year ahead!

After securing the cai qing, it did what tradition calls for—it chomped down on the leafy greens before dramatically spitting them back out toward the audience. This act wasn’t just for show—it symbolized showering everyone with wealth and prosperity for the new year.

Hidden within the greens was a Hong Bao, a red envelope tucked inside as a token of gratitude for the performers—because at Lunar New Year, prosperity is meant to be shared.

Then came a modern twist on tradition. Instead of the usual mad scramble for tossed coins, gold chocolate coins, and oranges, Shangri-La introduced a more refined way of receiving blessings. Guests could simply take lucky treats from arranged glass containers—a more graceful and organized approach.

But let’s be real—there’s something undeniably fun about the chaotic "unahan" for lucky treats! It might be embarrassing, but the thrill is part of the experience!

A Feast to Welcome the Lunar New Year 2025

After the performances, we made our way to High Street Café, where a Lunar New Year buffet awaited. The spread was diverse, offering a mix of Chinese New Year staples and international delights.

As we were enjoying our meal, an unexpected but delightful surprise came our way—the lion dance performers entered the restaurant! It was an exciting moment to see the lion up close, weaving through the tables, spreading luck and blessings. And for the first time ever, I gave an ang pao to the lion! Well, of course—for good luck and prosperity.