Where to Get into CNY Mode When You’re in JB Before Chinese New Year
If you’re planning a trip to Johor Bahru before Chinese New Year, chances are it’s not just for one thing.
Maybe it’s groceries, a short getaway, café hopping, or simply getting out of Singapore before the festive rush starts. Whatever the reason, the days leading up to CNY are when JB starts taking on early festive energy — without being fully crowded yet.
If you’re already heading over during this period, here’s one stop you can easily add to your itinerary to get into CNY mode along the way.
Tsutaya Bookstore
A Bookstore Stop That Feels Festive (But Not Crowded)
Located inside AEON Tebrau City, Tsutaya Books AEON Tebrau City is a natural place to pass through if you’re already shopping or spending time in the mall.
Unlike typical CNY hotspots, the space doesn’t rely on loud music or heavy decoration. As a bookstore, it’s designed for browsing and lingering — which makes it a convenient stop if you want to take a short break between errands or shopping.
During the lead-up to Chinese New Year, subtle festive elements begin to appear, creating a seasonal atmosphere without the usual pre-CNY intensity.
A PaperXman Exhibition You’ll Come Across While Browsing
paperXman exhibition
Quirky paper cuts merch
While walking through the bookstore, you’ll come across a small papercut exhibition by PaperXman, a Singapore-based artist working with hand-cut paper.
The works draw from Chinese New Year symbolism, interpreted through a modern, minimal lens. Each piece is designed digitally but cut entirely by hand, using paper as both material and message.
Some of the works feature QR coded-style papercuts that can be scanned directly with your phone — a playful detail that invites visitors to pause, interact, and test the pieces for themselves while browsing.
paperXman
The exhibition runs until 2 February, making it a timely stop if you’re heading to JB before Chinese New Year. It’s not a destination you need to plan around — just something you’ll naturally encounter while spending time in the bookstore.
Why This Works as a Pre-CNY JB Stop
Trips to JB before Chinese New Year are often about timing — getting things done before peak crowds arrive.
This stop works well because:
You’re likely already in the mall
No queues or tickets required
You can spend 5 minutes or linger longer
It adds CNY atmosphere without taking over your itinerary
Think of it as a visual pause rather than a destination.
Visiting Details
Where: Tsutaya Books AEON Tebrau City (AEON Tebrau City)
Exhibition: PaperXman papercut exhibition
When: 5 January – 2 February 2026
Time Needed: 5–15 minutes while browsing
If You’re Heading to JB Before CNY Anyway
If JB is already part of your pre-CNY plans, this is one of those stops you can add without changing your route.
Sometimes, getting into CNY mode doesn’t come from going out of your way — it happens while you’re already there.
