Bountiful Blessings at Kwai Chai Hong

Ann Marie Chandy | 15 January 2025

As Kuala Lumpur’s Chinatown prepared to welcome the Year of the Snake in January 2025, Kwai Chai Hong (KCH), in the Petaling Street precinct, transformed into a mesmerising display of culture, art and tradition. This year’s Chinese New Year installation, “Bountiful Blessings”, was an ode to prosperity, heritage and community. Spearheaded by marketing consultant and freelance designer Javier Chor, the installation beautifully intertwined past and present, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in the rich symbolism of Chinese New Year.

If you were lucky enough to visit KCH during Chinese New Year, you’d have marvelled at the striking fish lanterns and kites, which were the heart of Bountiful Blessings, and inspired by both traditional Chinese motifs and Javier’s own personal memories.

Chor reminisced: “My mother always prepared a whole fish during our Chinese New Year’s Eve dinners. It was a family tradition to leave part of the fish uneaten, symbolising ‘Nian Nian You Yu’ which means surplus year after year.”
The symbolism runs deep in Chinese culture. Fish represent abundance, prosperity and good fortune. Chor was particularly inspired by the 600-year-old tradition of carp fish lanterns, recognised as an intangible cultural heritage by Unesco.

“Sharing this legacy with the public became a mission,” he says.  “The phrase ‘鱼’ (fish) and ‘余’ (surplus) share the same pronunciation in Chinese, embodying the wish for abundance in all aspects of life – not just material wealth, but also love, wisdom and kindness.”
“The phrase ‘鱼’ (fish) and ‘余’ (surplus) share the same pronunciation in Chinese, embodying the wish for abundance in all aspects of life – not just material wealth, but also love, wisdom and kindness.”

Javier Chor

The creative journey behind "Bountiful Blessings" was a delicate balance between honoring cultural heritage and embracing contemporary aesthetics. Visitors began their journey at the Blessing Bridge, where they crossed under lanterns adorned with well-wishes. Beyond the bridge, visitors were welcomed by a dazzling array of fish lanterns and kites. These elements merged traditional craftsmanship with modern materials like metal frames, fabric, and LED lights. “We wanted to preserve the authenticity of traditional carp lanterns while ensuring they could withstand outdoor conditions,” Chor explains. “By integrating traditional forms with contemporary execution, we were able to celebrate the past while making it accessible to today’s audience.”

KCH also hosted three Fish Lantern Parades, which were interactive spectacles that brought the festive spirit to the streets.

“It wasn’t an easy task, but success isn’t measured by perfection – it was more about the joy and curiosity on people’s faces,” Chor shares. “The theme ‘Bountiful Blessings’ truly reflected the transformation of abundance from receiving to sharing. Seeing the overwhelming turnout of smiling faces and the sense of togetherness was heartwarming.”

Looking ahead
Since its revival in 2019, Kwai Chai Hong has become a cultural and artistic hub, drawing visitors with its blend of history, heritage, art and interactive experiences. Looking ahead to 2025, Chor hints at more innovative projects.

“Kwai Chai Hong aims to inspire the younger generation to rediscover and appreciate Chinese cultural heritage,” he says. “By blending tradition with modern technology, we ensure that these stories remain relevant for future generations.”
Plan your visit
Whether it’s a festive season or not, KCH offers a glimpse into the golden era of KL’s Chinatown. With its stunning murals, restored shophouses and ongoing cultural events, it’s a must-visit heritage destination for both locals and tourists alike.
  • Visiting Hours: Open daily from 9am to 10pm
  • Entry: Free for all visitors
  • Location: Behind Petaling Street, accessible from Pasar Seni LRT and MRT Stations
  • Nearby Attractions: Central Market, Petaling Street, Sin Sze Si Ya Temple
  • Website: www.kwaichaihong.com
  • Instagram: @kwaichaihong

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