Discover the legacy of Chinese New Year in Kuala Lumpur with Kwai Chai Hong’s life-sized zodiacs.
Translated as “Little Demon Alley,” Kwai Chai Hong was restored in 2019 to help bring back the glory days of 1960s Chinatown in Kuala Lumpur. It’s best known for the various events they hold that meld Malay and Chinese culture together. This 2026, the location is celebrating Chinese New Year with their installation, Guardians of Legacy.
The pieces are curated by co-founder Javier Chor and inspired by the Cloth Tiger—a Chinese folk handicraft sewed by parents and grandparents for their children and is said to be the symbolic guardian to ward off evil, prevent disasters, and bring good fortune.
Javier expanded the idea to incorporate floating lanterns and life-sized statues, depicting the 12 creatures from the Chinese zodiac. The location is adorned with modern tributes to the folk tradition, reflecting the importance of legacy and heritage to the people of Kuala Lumpur.
“The soul of Kwai Chai Hong started with storytelling…It’s not about presenting facts but presenting the story of how it was before. While we may not show love in the shape of a Cloth Tiger today, we still do it in other ways,” shared Kwai Chai Hong co-founder Zeen Chang in an interview with Warisan KL.
Visit Kwai Chai Hong in Kuala Lumpur until March 8 to find out what blessings the new year has in store for you.