Chinatown Kuala Lumpur (Petaling Street)
The Living Heritage Heart of Kuala Lumpur
Shesmax, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Introduction
If you want to feel the pulse of "Old Kuala Lumpur," you head to Chinatown. Locally known as Chee Cheong Kai (Starch Factory Street), this area has transformed from a gritty 19th-century trade hub into a trendy cultural enclave. We love it because it’s one of the few places in the city where you can see a Taoist temple, a Hindu temple, and a colonial-era shophouse all on the same block.
While the central market on Petaling Street is famous for its "branded" bargains, the real magic lies in the narrow alleys. In recent years, Chinatown has seen a massive revival, with crumbling heritage buildings being repurposed into some of the city's best cafes and art spaces. Whether you are here for the legendary Hokkien Mee or to hunt for murals, Chinatown is an essential KL experience.
What to See and Do at Chinatown KL
Petaling Street Market
The famous green-roofed pedestrian mall is the district's main artery. Under the "Green Dragon" canopy, you'll find hundreds of stalls selling everything from watches and handbags to local snacks like roasted chestnuts and air mata kucing (longan drink). While the shopping is mostly souvenir-focused, the atmosphere is quintessential KL.
Hours
Roughly 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM (Best in the evening)
Kwai Chai Hong (Street Art)
Tucked away in a back alley behind Jalan Panggung, this "Ghost Lane" has been restored into a stunning heritage site. It features interactive murals that depict the daily life of the Chinese settler community in the 1960s. It is arguably the most Instagrammable spot in the district.
Sri Mahamariamman Temple
Founded in 1873, this is the oldest functioning Hindu temple in Kuala Lumpur. Its most striking feature is the 22.9-meter-high Gopuram (tower) decorated with 228 Hindu deities. It serves as a beautiful reminder of the city's multicultural roots right in the middle of Chinatown.
Hours
6:00 AM – 8:30 PM (Varies on festival days)
Fees
Free (Small fee for shoe storage)
Guan Di Temple
Located just down the street from the Hindu temple, this Taoist temple is dedicated to the God of War. It is easily recognizable by its bright red walls and ornate dragon carvings. Inside, you can see the famous "Copper Guan Dao" (pole weapon); many believe touching it brings good luck.
Hours
7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
RexKL
Formerly a historic cinema that survived two fires, RexKL is now a vibrant community hub. It houses an incredibly aesthetic bookstore (BookXcess) built into the old cinema tiers, along with independent boutiques, an artisanal food court, and frequent art exhibitions.
Hours
10:00 AM – 10:00 PM (Later on weekends)
Getting there and around
Chinatown Petaling Street is centrally located in Kuala Lumpur and easily accessible by public transport. Once you're there, Chinatown is best explored entirely on foot. The streets are narrow and traffic is often heavy, so we don't recommend driving into the core.
Take the LRT Kelana Jaya Line or the MRT Kajang Line to the Pasar Seni Station. Petaling Street is a 5-minute walk from there
Frequently asked questions
Is the food in Chinatown Halal?
Chinatown is a mix. While many of the famous legacy stalls (like Hokkien Mee) use pork, there are plenty of Halal and pork-free options. When unsure, you can always ask before ordering.