20 BEST THINGS TO DO IN KUALA LUMPUR’S CHINATOWN

If you are planning a trip to Kuala Lumpur, make sure to keep a half day for Chinatown. This travel guide on the 20 best things to do in Kuala Lumpur’s Chinatown includes everything you need to know in one post. All the best places to eat (for all budgets), the coolest new age bars and tons of pretty spots for the perfect instagram shot! Let’s  start!

One of my favourite places in Kuala Lumpur is Kuala Lumpur’s Chinatown: a vibrant, buzzing neighbourhood that is the perfect mix of the old and the new. This is the place where modernity in the form of glitzy skyscrapers comes face to face with traditional temples and old style buildings. Expect a cacophony of sounds and smells with an immersive cultural experience along with some of the best street food, street art and street shopping in Kuala Lumpur.

To be honest, Chinatown was’nt always this cool arty hub. For years, it was in a state of neglect with decayed and run down buildings housing cheap hostels and gambling dens. Tourists visited Chinatown more for buying counterfeit stuff from Petaling market rather than for the culture. But a group of heritage activists worked hard to preserve and restore the old buildings and shophouses, many of which were on the verge of being demolished to make way for newer towers and commercial establishments. This transformation with the help of the local community of entrepreneurs has converted Kuala Lumpur’s Chinatown into an innovative and cool art hub full of colourful murals, edgy bars, boutique hotels, clubs and lots of popular restaurants. That’s why your Kuala Lumpur itinerary is incomplete without a half day in Chinatown, so continue reading to find out all the best things to do in Kuala Lumpur’s Chinatown.

If you are a history and culture lover like myself, you might be interested in rich cultural sites with a colonial past like Georgetown, Fort Kochi and Galle fort. Or ones that are world heritage sites such as Luang Prabang and Siem Reap. I also love photography which is why I prefer visiting places with good photography potential such as Jaipur or Chiang Mai.

HISTORY OF CHINATOWN

The story began when a group of 87 Chinese tin miners arrived through boats and disembarked at the confluence of the Klang and Gombek rivers (the spot known as River of Life in front of masjid Jamek). They were brought by Raja Abdullah (who was the 1^st Malay tin mining pioneer) and they settled in the area known today as Chinatown. Fun Fact: Petaling street leads to the old tin mines of the area.

If you are travelling to Malaysia, here are some more posts to check out:

• The Ultimate Kuala Lumpur Itinerary for 3 days
• The Perfect Penang Itinerary For 3 Days
• 15 Best Things to do in Georgetown, Penang
• The Ultimate Street Art Guide for Georgetown, Penang
• Perhentian Islands Travel Guide for 2025

HOW TO REACH CHINATOWN

There are 2 stations here depending on where you are coming from.

• Pasar Seni LRT and MRT station: Located near the Northern part of Chinatown. Walk a few minutes from the station to reach Petaling street. The LRT and MRT stations are linked together.
• Maharajalela Monorail station: Located at the southern end of Chinatown. You will pass by Kuan Yin temple and Chan She Su Yuen ancestral clan hall.

Pasar Seni also has a bus stop. Bus no 103, 104, 152, 190 and 780 all go to Chinatown.

If you are coming from KL Sentral: you can either take the LRT or bus to Pasar Seni station.  2^nd option: You can also take the MRT to Maharajalela station.

If you are coming from Kuala Lumpur station: Walk through a connecting link bridge to reach Pasar Seni station. 2^nd option: Take the bus line 772 from KL Public bank to Pasar Seni.

The Go KL city purple bus route no 2 also goes to Chinatown and charges a nominal fee of 1 MYR for foreigners.

TRAVEL TIPS FOR KUALA LUMPUR’S CHINATOWN:

1. Arrive during late afternoon if you want to explore most of the places listed here and get your Instagram shots. Chinatown, especially the street markets like Petaling and all the street food spots come alive during evening and add to the cultural charm of the area.
2. Wear comfortable clothes to deal with the heat and humidity no matter the time of year.
3. Wear comfy walking shoes as you will be doing a lot of walking to explore the area.
4. Carry cash in hand to pay for street food and street shopping.
5. Bring your own water to stay hydrated.
6. Bargain in the street markets as it is expected.
7. Try the local food as this is some of the best you will get in Kuala Lumpur.

20 BEST THINGS TO DO IN KUALA LUMPUR’S CHINATOWN

1. KWAI CHAI HONG

Known locally as ‘Lorong Panggung’, Kwai chai hong is perhaps the best example of Chinatown’s recent transformation. A non descript red bridge (Hong Qiao) leads to an open courtyard full of colourful lanterns, street art and murals depicting local Chinese life in the sixties. The art is interactive with props and QR codes to help you know more about the story/history behind it. The name ‘Kwai Chai Hong’ itself means ‘Little Demon lane’ which many feel refers to the alley originally being a notorious hub for criminals indulging in gambling, prostitution etc. Today, the place is an instagrammer’s paradise with tons of photo oppurtunities. Some of the best murals here include:

• A letter writer writing letters on behalf of illiterate people
• An old man playing the ‘Erhu’, a traditional music instrument
• Barber shop with a chair
• Children playing hop scotch
• Lady of the night
• Woman sipping tea
• Couple on the bridge

SHOP TILL YOU DROP IN A MARKET: Kuala Lumpur city has a lot of good markets and the best ones are in Chinatown. All these markets attract lots of tourists on the hunt for gifts and souvenirs and the food kiosks/ street vendors around them are perfect for grabbing a quick bite in the midst of shopping. The most popular ones include:

2. PETALING STREET MARKET

One of the oldest streets in Chintown which was developed by the Cantonese in the 1900s when they arrived here in the early days. The street is flanked on either end by a pair of huge Chinese red gates with traditional lanterns and houses some 200 plus shops and eating options. Petaling market is the heart of Chinatown and a shoppers’ paradise known for a vast array of knock offs and counterfeit goods of every type. The place comes alive by evening and can get pretty crowded as the stalls/shops are packed side by side.

There are plenty of street food vendors around which are a must try like:

• Madras Lane Curry Laksa
• Apek’s Apam
• Madam Tang Muah Cha
• Kim Lian Kee Hokkien mee
• Kedai Kopi Lai Fong (Lala Noodles)

3. CENTRAL MARKET

Central market has an interesting history as it was Kuala Lumpur’s primary wet market way back for fresh vegetables, fruits, fish and meat originally located in the market square (Medan Pasar). It also used to be a gambling den catering to the local Chinese miners who had settled there. A fire ravaged the market in 1881 and it was rebuilt by Yap Ah Loy (one of the chief Kapitains) in 1888. Over the years it fell into decay and was set to be demolished but was saved and restored as a heritage centre in it’s present location. Today the place has been re modelled with a pale blue art deco look and houses shops selling Malaysian arts and handicrafts made of Batik, wood, jade and porcelein. Central market is in fact better than Petaling for more quality souvenirs and gifts.

Bonus: The market is air conditioned which will give you some respite in all that heat and houses a reasonably priced food court in the 1^st level. You will often find events like live music, cultural shows and pop up shops taking place here. Do not forget to check out the annexe in the back where portraits and caricature artists set shop. Open from 9am to 9pm.

4. KASTURI SKYWALK

This is a relatively new outdoor covered walkway with stalls selling trinkets, fresh fruit juices and many cheap food kiosks. A dance or martial arts performance takes place nightly at 9pm. The place is open from 10.30 am to 10.30 pm.

5. MARKET SQUARE

Originally known as ‘Medan Pasar’, Market square was the site of the city’s 1^st settlement. It was also the old location of Central market before it was relocated. Today, you can see a clock tower built to commemorate King George sixth.

6. GO HUNTING FOR PRETTY STREET ART

Apart from Kwai Chai Hong, Chinatown has plenty of other street art scattered all around. You will come across them while walking through the area. Some of the notable ones include:

• Goldsmith mural: a huge mural by the artist Julia Volchokova in 2016 (she has also painted many of Georgetown’s iconic murals like Indian Fisherman. At the end of the alley you will find the insta popular shophouses along with ‘Merdeka 118’ towering above them all. It is a very good photography spot.
• Birds Street art
• Bubble Bee café: A pretty mural of a girl likes above the entrance of this café which is one of the revamped shop lots. You can try their ice cream waffles and bubble tea here.
• Lorong Petaling 2: this small alley is located besides ‘Pikwah bar’ and is a total hidden gem. The walls of the alley are illustrated with the history of Chinatown.

7. TAKE A PHOTO AT THE ROW OF BRIGHT CHINESE SHOPHOUSES

Just besides Kwai Chai Hong (and across the goldsmith mural alley), you will come across a row of restored Chinese shophouses brightly painted in yellow and blue. The area was initially purchased by a company for renovation and artistic preservation but today houses shops and eateries, one of the most famous being Buun Choon. This spot is a magnet of selfie seekers and instagrammers, so be prepared to wait to get a click!

8. CHECK OUT THE OLD POST OFFICE

Built in 1911 in a mix of Tudor-Malay style, it served as a sub post office for the area. It has been repurposed into a retro restaurant called ‘kafei dian’.

9. STOP BY REXKL

This is the building whose renovation played a major role in Chinatown’s transformation. An old cinema in the 1940s, it was gonna be demolished, but luckily got transformed instead into this cool art and cultural complex housing shops, a food court, bars, vintage shops, pop up art exhibitions along with the prettiest bookshop in Kuala Lumpur (see more below)

10. VISIT KUALA LUMPUR’S PRETTIEST BOOKSHOP

Book Xcess is probably the prettiest bookshop in Malaysia (at least according to instagram!) and is located on the top floor of RexKL. Don’t just take pics: buy a book for yourself or a loved one!

VISIT A TEMPLE: Malaysia’s rich cultural heritage means there are lots of Hindu and Buddhist temples to visit in Chinatown. Put on some decent clothes and visit one.

11. SRI MARIAMMAN TEMPLE

The oldest Hindu shrine in Malaysia which was constructed in 1873. The temple is known for it’s intricated carvings, sculptures and the Raja gopuram roof. Open from 6am to 1 pm and then from 4pm to 9 pm. Wear respectful clothes to visit.

12. GUAN DI TEMPLE

A traditional Chinese temple dedicated to the God of war that was built in the 1880s. The temple has a serene atmosphere where you can buy joss sticks for a small amount and light at the altar.

13. SIN SZE SI YA TEMPLE

A Taoist temple that was built by Yap Ah Loy (the Kapitian often referred to as the father of Chinatown) in 1864. It is a short walk from Central market and open from 7am to 5pm.

14. CHAN SEE SHU YUEN CLAN ANCESTRAL HALL

A clan house used to function as a meeting hall for the earliest Chinese immigrants with a common surname. This particular one happens to be the oldest clan house in Kuala Lumpur. It was originally constructed between 1897-1906 by 4 tin miners and functions as a Buddhist temple today. Open from 9am to 5pm.

15. MARVEL AT THE MERDEKA 118 TOWER:

The tallest tower in Malaysia and the 2^nd tallest in the world (after the Burj Khalifa), Merdeka 118 provides a good contrast with traditional Chinatown. There are a number of spots where you can take interesting photos highlighting this element. It houses ‘The View’ (the highest observation deck in South east Asia) along with the Park Hyatt hotel, a mall and office spaces.

FOOD AND DRINKS: ALL THE BEST PLACES IN CHINATOWN

Chinatown has a thriving food scene which draws upon the history and culture of the place as one of Kuala Lumpur’s oldest settlement to create a dynamic Chinese-Malay flavour in the dishes. Be it cheaper street food in hawker centres or posh restaurants, Chinatown has something for every type of traveller. The drinks scene is particularly exciting with lots of hip and edgy bars creating new innovative cocktails to satisfy the discerning consumer. Many of these restaurants and bars are housed in restored old buildings and have created an ambience around it. The whole area has a vibrant buzz that adds to the whole culinary experience. So, make sure to savour the experience and eat and drink to the fullest on your outing.

16. HAVE BREAKFAST AT A KOPITIAM

The name ‘Kopitiam’ means coffee shop (kopi+tiam) but it is uniquely Malay. Kopitiams were coffee shops that were set up by the Hainanese Chinese after British independence. These people had experience as chefs in the homes of the richer Straits Chinese or the British and used to serve a unique mix of Chinese and Malay food. Today many of the Kopitiams are being run by 3^rd generation descendants and are visited by younger Chinese-Malays for nostalgia. They are especially popular as a  breakfast option for kaya toast, half boiled eggs and curry puffs. Some of the most popular Kopitiams in Chinatown include:

• Ho Kow Hainan Kopitiam
• Ali, Muthu and Ah Hock Kopitiam
• Lim Kee Café
• Luckbros Kopi
• Kedai Kopi Lai Foong

17. EAT AT A HAWKER CENTRE OR A FOOD COURT

Chinatown is one of the best places in Kuala Lumpur to try a vast array of street food and local dishes at cheap and reasonable prices. Some of the best places to try are:

• Tang City: known for their claypots but prices might feel touristic
• RexKL food court in the ground floor
• Central market food court: around 20 stalls serving hygienic and tasty food
• Madras lane: a small alley besides Petaling street that is well known for it’s stalls selling Curry Laksa and Asam Laksa.

18. POPULAR RESTAURANTS AND CAFES IN CHINATOWN

Chinatown has a thriving food scene and is known for some of the most popular restaurants in Kuala Lumpur so this your chance to try one! The best ones include:

• Chocha Foodstore: One of the best restaurants that is consistently ranked among Asia’s best. Chocha food store is housed on the ground floor of the restored Mah Lian Hotel (dating back to 1969) which originally housed a brothel. Founded by an architect who has worked to preserve much of the old interiors with a focus on local heritage. Chocha is known for their ‘farm to table’ concept where they serve modern Asian cuisine in a garden café setting. Best dishes include: Chocha fried chicken, salted sinsilog noodles and their platter of local vegetables.
• Merchant’s Lane: one of the earliest cafes in Chinatown, Merchant’s Lane used to be the site of a former brothel. Today’s it is very popular instagrammable cafe, known its aesthetics and dishes like ‘Nasi Lemak pancake, Salmon Kerabu rice bowl and crab Kerabu omlette along with their signature cakes.
• Upper House KL: Rooftop restaurant with a clear view of Merdeka 118 serving fusion food like Upper house rice bowl, Seabird nest salad, Wagyu Char Siew and Tapai moose (classic Malaysian dessert)
• The Hungry Tapir: Kuala Lumpur’s only vegan restaurant with a bar
• Bun Choon: a 100 year old bakery housed in one of the bright yellow restored shophouses that is known for it’s egg tarts.
• Flaaah: a bakery specializing in croissants
• LaGula by the Hungry Tapir: A vegan bakery-café serving specialities like floral spring salad and big brekkie.
• Good News Pizza: serves Neopolitan style pizza with craft beer and wine
• Raijin Ramen: in RexKL
• Bubble Bee café: highly recognizable from the entrance mural, it’s also known for it’s signature egg waffles.
• DaBao: a funky Chinese restobar that you can enter via it’s backdoor in Kwai Chai Hong. It serves both veg and non veg Baos with a modern twist along with cool cocktails.
• Pik Wah bar and cafe

19. HAVE A DRINK AT AN EDGY BAR

After all that exploring in the heat, you will begging for respite! Luckily for you, Chinatown is home to some of the best drinking spots in Kuala Lumpur, with a great selection of artisanal cocktails. Many of these bars are set up in restored old buildings and with hidden entrances like some sort of secret society. Some of the best bas here include:

• The Attic Bar: a secret rooftop bar above Travel Hub guesthouse, it’s perfect for some sunset drinks.
• Jann: A rooftop bar in the 4 points Sheraton hotel. Jann serves unique cocktails inspired from the history of Chinatown with a view of the Kuala Lumpur skyline.
• Jao Tim: an old Chinese shophouse converted into a chill space with live music and cocktails.
• PSI150: One of the first cocktail bars in Chinatown, PS150 is very cleverly hidden behind a retro toy shop. It opens up into a jungle courtyard and serves classic cocktails with a South east Asian twist.
• Concubine: Expect a decadent old style Chinese bar located across Kwai Chai Hong that serves a perfect mix of heritage and funky.
• Penrose KL: Ranked among Asia’s best bars in 2024, Penrose KL quickly became popular among cocktail lovers with it’s menu of experimental cocktails. Only 25 customers are allowed at a time so be ready for big lines.

20. RIVER OF LIFE

While technically, the area around Jamek mosque and Merdeka square is considered an extended part of Chinatown, I feel it will be just too hectic to cover sightseeing in both proper Chinatown and this area especially in all the heat and humidity. However, if you have the energy and time, you can consider checking out the ‘River of life’ spot across the Masjid jamek. This is the point where the 2 rivers (Klang and Gombek) meet and where the very 1^st Chinese tin miners disembarked from their boats. They proceeded from here and made their way to the area which is now Chinatown and settled there. So, the history of Chinatown is connected to this place and it makes for a final (or 1^st) stop in your Chinatown exploration journey.

 The Jamek mosque was built in 1909 by a British architect and incorporates Mughal and Moorish elements with three domes and a beautiful fountain. The mosque can be viewed the River of Life viewing spot. You can watch the mist arising from the water and koi fish. At night, the waterfront glows and a musical fountain show takes place.

TIP: There is a beautiful mural covering an entire building on the right side of the river of life. The giant mural depicts 3 men surrounded by nature and trying to catch a fish. Make sure to take some photos here! Tip: This building is named as ‘Wisma Maran’ in Google maps.

I hope you found this blog post on the 20 best things to do in Kuala Lumpur’s Chinatown super inspiring and helpful and got useful information to plan your own trip independently. 

If you are travelling in Asia, you may want to check out my posts on some epic experiences in Asia:

• CRUISE IN HALONG BAY
• EXPLORE CHARMING CHIANG MAI
• THAILAND’S SECRET PARADISE: THE TRANG ISLANDS
• BEACH HOPPING IN SRI LANKA
• SPEND ONE WEEK IN BEAUTIFUL RAJASTHAN
• KERALA ITINERARY FOR 1 WEEK

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