Kuala Lumpur Chinatown - Best Things to Do

One of the liveliest and most historic neighborhoods is Kuala Lumpur’s Chinatown. The mix of modernity and tradition makes this quarter a must-see in the Malaysian capital. From colorful markets and historical temples to street food and street art, there’s an incredible amount to discover.

13 Tips For A Walking Tour Of Kuala Lumpur’s Chinatown

The sights of Chinatown in Kuala Lumpur are very close to each other. You can easily explore them on foot in one day or, if you want to take your time, in two days. This is a place where Kuala Lumpur’s multicultural character really stands out. We’ll give you insights and tips for Chinatown so you can make the most of your visit. It’s worth it!

How to Get To Kuala Lumpur

You can easily reach Kuala Lumpur by airplane. There are Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) and KLIA2, which are two of the largest transport hubs in Southeast Asia. From all countries of Asia as well as from Europe or the Emirates there are direct flights and flights with stopover to KL. Flights with low-cost airlines such as AirAsia arrive at the KLIA2 and flights with better airlines like Emirates, KLM etc. arrive at KLIA.

If you are looking for cheap flights to Kuala Lumpur and want to compare departure times, prices, duration of flight etc. then we recommend you Skyscanner. On the website you will find clearly all the information about your flight.

Should you arrive from neighboring countries such as Thailand or Singapore, there are other options like the bus or train. Departure times and prices for these means of transport can be found at our partner 12go.asia.

Accommodation in Kuala Lumpur – Our Hotel Tip

In order to best explore Kuala Lumpur, it’s important that the accommodation has a good location. Aloft Kuala Lumpur Sentral is located almost directly at one of Kuala Lumpur’s main train stations – KL Sentral. From there you can easily take long-haul trains, commuter trains and buses to almost every neighborhood/place in Kuala Lumpur and the rest of Malaysia. The rooms are super modern and there is also a swimming pool.

Check more hotels in Kuala Lumpur here.

1. Jalan Petaling

Jalan Petaling, also known as Petaling Street, is basically the heart of Chinatown. It’s one of the most visited sights in Kuala Lumpur. The mostly covered street is the spot for shopping in Chinatown. You can buy just about anything here, from clothing and electronics to travel gear, jewelry, accessories, or souvenirs. However, you should always bargain when buying and especially be mindful of the products, as most items are well-made copies and not originals.

During the day, it’s not quite as busy there, but the later the afternoon gets, the more people come to Petaling Street. However, you can not only shop here but also try a lot of street food at the numerous stalls or restaurants along the street. The selection is huge, with everything from traditional Malaysian food to Chinese cuisine to try out.

If you’re not planning to shop or eat, it’s still worth taking a short walk through Petaling Street. Simply to soak up the atmosphere and reach your next destinations in Kuala Lumpur’s Chinatown.

2. Pasar Seni

One of Kuala Lumpur’s cultural centers, right in Chinatown, is the Central Market, Pasar Seni. It was opened back in 1888 and has greatly transformed from its original beginnings over the decades. Today, it’s like a shopping mall but with many traditional influences. You can buy souvenirs, handicrafts, and plenty of clothing and local products. It’s a blend of modern and traditional.

A highlight is the food court on the upper floor. Here you can try many of Malaysia’s traditional dishes at an incredibly low price. We’ve eaten there several times, and each time we were delighted with the taste and quality of the food.

At Pasar Seni, you can not only shop and eat, but there are also regular cultural events on-site. These include art exhibitions, performances, dances, or workshops. It’s a great way to dive into Malaysia’s diverse culture. It’s open from 10.00 AM to 10.00 PM.

3. Kasturi Walk

Right next to Pasar Seni, the Central Market, is the Kasturi Walk. Essentially, a covered pedestrian street lined with many stalls. There, you can also buy souvenirs or try some Malaysian street food. Thanks to the roof, Kasturi Walk is an option even on a rainy day in Kuala Lumpur’s Chinatown.

Opened in 2011, the Kasturi Walk is a great addition to visiting Pasar Seni. Both places combine well. One highlight is the roof’s construction, inspired by the moon-kite, also known as the traditional Malaysian Wau Bulan.

In our view, you can take a small walk along Kasturi Walk after visiting the Central Market, though you don’t need to plan too much time. Nevertheless, it’s a nice stop on the way to the next highlights in Chinatown.

4. Guan Yu Temple

The Guan Yu Temple, also called Guan Di Temple, is a Taoist temple dedicated to the Chinese war god Guan Yu. He’s also known as the god of justice, bravery, and loyalty. You’ll find the temple on a street parallel to Jalan Petaling (see point 1).

From the outside, the temple seems very simple and not particularly ornate, but the inside is quite impressive. You can see many red and gold decorations, as well as painted wall motifs of dragons and other figures. The atmosphere is often permeated by the scent of incense sticks.

Inside the Guan Yu Temple, you’ll find a statue of Guan Yu, but for most Chinese visitors, the highlight is the Guan Dao Sword. It’s said to have powers to bless and protect those who touch it. A brief look on your way from Kasturi Walk to Kwai Chai Hong can’t hurt, as there’s no entrance fee and it’s open daily from 07.30 AM to 03.30 PM.

5. Sri Maha Mariamman Temple

Diagonally across from the Guan Yu Temple is the oldest and one of the most important Hindu temples in Malaysia. The Sri Maha Mariamman was founded in 1873 and is dedicated to the protective goddess Mariamman. She symbolizes healing and protection from diseases. Even the exterior design in South Indian architecture is impressive at first glance.

The ornate tower, the Gopuram, above the entrance is colorful and decorated with many statues of Hindu deities and mythical creatures. Inside the Sri Maha Mariamman Temple, there are multiple shrines and a very special atmosphere. You can hear bells ringing, smell the scent of incense sticks, and listen to the prayers of worshipers. You can visit the temple free of charge daily from 06.00 AM to 01.00 PM and 04.00 PM to 09.00 PM. On Saturday, it’s even open continuously from 09.00 AM to 09.00 PM.

Note: The temple plays a significant role in the annual Thaipusam festival, which takes place in January or February. It’s often used as the starting point for processions and is especially lavishly decorated. If you’re in Kuala Lumpur at that time, be sure to check it out.

6. Kwai Chai Hong

A bit hidden in the alleys of Chinatown in Kuala Lumpur, not far from Merdeka 118, you’ll find Kwai Chai Hong. Lovingly restored, this alley revives the feeling of KL in the 1960s and welcomes visitors with great street art for photo opportunities. There’s almost always something going on here, and many Chinese tourists have already discovered this gem for themselves.

It’s not just simple street art here, but partly interactive, lively works of art where you can essentially participate in the scene. Whether it’s sitting in a chair at the barber or jumping rope with children – Kwai Chai Hong is truly impressive and a lovely stop when sightseeing in Chinatown.

In the surrounding area, there are also many modern cafés, restaurants, or bars if you’d like to take a break. Additionally, art and cultural events occasionally happen here, making the area even more vibrant. You can visit Kwai Chai Hong daily from 09.00 AM until midnight.

7. Lorong Petaling 2

You’ll find even more street art on Lorong Petaling 2, a very quiet side alley in Kuala Lumpur’s Chinatown. It lies along the way from Merdeka 118 (see next point) back toward Jalan Petaling, but is often overlooked. You’ll see a few food stalls, cafés, and really nice painted walls there.

The alley is tiny, and you can walk through it in just a few minutes. But unlike the street art in Kwai Chai Hong, you’ll most likely be alone, allowing you to admire the artwork and take great photos. The street art is already a bit older, but it offers wonderful insights into Chinese heritage and the history of earlier times. In our opinion, it’s worth a short stop.

8. Merdeka 118

The second-tallest skyscraper in the world also stands in Kuala Lumpur’s Chinatown, or rather on the edge of it. It was only completed in 2023, towers at 678.9 meters high, and dominates the city’s skyline. The name Merdeka means “independence” and is located by the Stadium Merdeka, where Malaysia’s independence was declared in 1957 – an important event in the country’s history.

Merdeka 118 is truly an architectural masterpiece and symbolizes Kuala Lumpur’s progress and modernity. Even though the exterior with its glass façade appears very modern, there are also traditional patterns inspired by Malaysian culture. Inside, there are shops, offices, event spaces, and also a hotel.

Another highlight of Merdeka 118 will be the observation deck, which (as of 12/2024) is unfortunately still not open. Visitors are expected to have a stunning 360-degree view of the city and surrounding area from there. Although Merdeka 118 was already opened in January 2024, construction work is still ongoing inside. You can find more details on when various parts of the building will open on the official website.

9. REXKL

Re-opened as a cultural center in 2019, REXKL was originally built as a cinema in the 1940s. A fire broke out years later, and after that, the building remained vacant for decades. It’s all the more wonderful that the building has been restored and is being used again. Inside, you’ll find many cafés, bars, restaurants, art galleries, and venues for workshops or film screenings.

All these spots have been paired with old elements of the original cinema, creating a really lovely charm that blends old and new. A special highlight is the Mini Urban Farm, a sustainable project where fresh herbs and vegetables are grown on-site.

The library on the top floor is also a must-see. Of course, you can buy many books there (often in English), but the design is the main attraction. It’s like a small labyrinth of books, and if you go all the way up, you get a fantastic view looking down at the labyrinth. That alone, in our opinion, makes the visit worthwhile.

10. River Of Life

The next four points aren’t really part of Chinatown in Kuala Lumpur, but they border it directly. So, you can perfectly combine a visit to Chinatown with these additional Kuala Lumpur tips. The River of Life is the area where the Klang River and the Gombak River merge at Masjid Jamek (see next point).

While Chinatown is bustling with people, the area along the river is usually very calm and relaxed. You’ll also see some nice street art here. But above all, a visit is worthwhile for a walk from Chinatown to the Sultan Abdul Samad Building. By the way, in the evening, the River of Life also looks interesting when the light and water installations beautifully showcase the surroundings.

11. Masjid Jamek

As mentioned in the previous point, this mosque stands where the two rivers converge at the River of Life. It was opened back in 1909 and is one of Kuala Lumpur’s oldest and most important mosques. Its full name is actually the Sultan Abdul Samad Jamek Mosque.

Masjid Jamek can accommodate hundreds of worshipers during a service, but it’s closed to visitors at those times. If you want to see the elegant façade and open courtyards with large arcades, come outside of prayer times. It’s open from 10.00 AM to 12.30 PM and from 02.30 PM to 04.00 PM daily, and admission is free.

12. Sultan Abdul Samad Building

Another landmark of Kuala Lumpur is the Sultan Abdul Samad Building, located across from Merdeka Square (see next point). Completed in 1897, it was once the seat of the British colonial government. Today, it houses various Malaysian agencies, such as the country’s judicial authorities.

The highlight is the 41-meter-high clock tower, sometimes referred to as Kuala Lumpur’s version of Big Ben. The Sultan Abdul Samad Building was constructed in a Moorish-Islamic style, featuring elegant arches and a red brick façade. It’s truly impressive and a popular photo spot in Malaysia’s capital.

It’s also beautiful to see in the evening when it’s illuminated in an artistic way. We love coming here, as this part of Kuala Lumpur is gorgeous and culturally significant. Plus, a visit can be easily combined with Kuala Lumpur’s Chinatown and other attractions.

13. Merdeka Square

Dataran Merdeka, as Merdeka Square is called in Malay, played a central role in the country’s history. On August 31, 1957, independence from Britain was declared here. The square is a major landmark of Kuala Lumpur, and many tourists and locals visit Merdeka Square, where festivals are regularly held on public holidays, such as the annual Merdeka Day Parade.

Merdeka Square is also the place where the Malaysian flag was first raised on the 100-meter-high flagpole, once the tallest flagpole in the world. Apart from that, the square has a large green area, a fountain, and is surrounded by historical buildings such as the Sultan Abdul Samad Building (see previous point) or St. Mary’s Cathedral, one of Malaysia’s oldest churches.

A brief visit can be worthwhile if you’re already checking out nearby attractions. But if no festivals are going on, Merdeka Square itself is not particularly spectacular to look at. Nonetheless, the square is important because of its history.

Kuala Lumpur: Tours And Tickets

Do you prefer to travel with a guide who knows the area very well? Then we recommend a guided tour with a local. This way you can get to know Kuala Lumpur in a completely different way. GetYourGuide offers a wide selection of exciting tours for Kuala Lumpur.

Have you ever visited Chinatown in Kuala Lumpur? What was your highlight, and do you have any additional tips? Feel free to leave your feedback in the comments.