China's Renowned ‘Impression Wonders’ Setting Foot in Melaka

MELAKA, Feb 25 (Bernama) -- China's renowned Impression Wonders, known for world class performances combining hi-tech lightings and outdoor natural sceneries, will be setting foot in Historic Melaka with investments worth some RM100 million (US$32.24 million). Tourism Minister Dr Ng Yen Yen said the collaboration between the Beijing based company and a local company here, PTS Impression Sdn Bhd, is set to thrill visitors and tourists with their highly superlatives and technical routines. "I am delighted as it has been my dream to see this project become a reality as they have chosen Malaysia, especially Melaka, as their first venture outside China," she told reporters at the signing ceremony on Sunday. The signing ceremony was witnessed by Ng and China's ambassador to Malaysia, Chai Xi. Ng was confident that the venture would be a big draw card for tourists around the world and increase the number of visitors to the state. "Impression" series combine the natural environment as background stage and high-tech lightings, has a concealed sound system and a huge number of performers doing traditional and cultural dances. The first performance was staged in 1998 by the Li River with scenic mountains of YangShuo County of Guilin City and was directed by China's well known director Zhang Yimou. PTS Impression project director Boo Kuan Loon said the first public performance is targetted early next year in conjunction with visit Malaysia Year 2014. "With performance of some 400 local artists to be trained by the Beijing partner, we are still looking at a suitable site here as the stage for the venture," he said. The performance is expected to draw between 2,000 to 3,000 crowds per show with two shows every night with ticket prices starting from RM100 (US$32.24) onwards. --BERNAMA