MALAYSIA KUALA LUMPUR-CHINA TOWN

THE HISTORICAL CENTRE OF CHINATOWN

CHINA TOWN

YEAR FOUNDED: 187

FORMERLY KNOW AS: THE OLD KUALA LUMPUR

The old Kuala Lumpur was a typical “pioneer’ town .Its inhabitants, the Chinese, congregated around market square, the town’s main commercial centre. As the population grew and the town expanded, t was renamed China Town

GUAN YIN TEMPLE

YEAR BUILT: 1880

This temple, dedicated to Guan Yin, the Goddess of Mercy, was designed with a mixture of Chinese and European Baroque architecture embellished with lavish ornaments. Here one finds 3 statues - Saykamuni, The Lord Buddha in the centre; to its right the South Sea Guan Yin and left the Qian Shou Guan Yin-thousand Hand Goddess of Mercy.

CHAN SEE SHUE YUEN

YEAR BUILT: 1906

A clan house, Chan Se Shue Yuen looks deceptively like a Chinese temple. Chinese Baroque architecture is evident and elements of a Chinese temple such as open courtyards and symmetrically organized pavilions can also be seen throughout.  Chan See Shue Yuen is commonly known as the Green temple because of the striking ornate green tiles that form the roof ( Kwang-Tung pottery styled roof)

OLD CHINA TEA HOUSE

YEAR BUILT: 1920

Built on the premises of the old guild hall of the Selangor &Federal Territory Laundry association, the shop retains the original features, such as the half entrance doors, stairways, framed feng shui mirrors, porcelain dolls, portraits of the association’s members, Chinese calligraphy, wooden locking devices etc.The café serves Southeast Asian cuisine and offers a space dedicated to the appreciation of fine tea and the various cultural practices associated with tea drinking.

SRI MAHA MARIAMMAN TEMPLE

YEAR BUILT: 1873

This building was originally constructed by Thamboosamy Pillai as a private shrine. Opened to the public in the 192s, it is one of the most elaborate Hindu Temples with intriguing designs and intricate carvings of Hindu deities. Amongst them is Lord Ganesha, Lord Muruga ,Lord Siva and Goddess Lakshmi, decorated with gold embellishments, precious stones and hand painted motifs depicting with gold Hinduism. Italian and Spanish tiles cover the walls of the interior. Kept in the temple vault is the tallest Hindu Silver chariot in Malaysia, a prominent feature during Thaipusam celebration. The South Indian style gopuram ( tower) is the tallest structure here, a dramatic 23 meter high 5 tier pyramid shaped gate tower decorated with depictions of Hindu Gods sculptured by artisans from southern India.

GUAN DI TEMPLE

YEAR BUILT: 1888

This Guan di (God of War) temple is one of the oldest temples with the finest traditional architectural features. The God Of War was China’s greatest warrior and is known as Guan Di, Guan Yu or General Kwan. The Guan Di statue sits on the altar and his face is painted gold to portray his status. Many Chinese come to worship Guan Di to seek protection and make wishes. Other deities in the temple include Guan Yin (Goddess of Mercy) , Choy Sun ( God of Prosperity) and Wen Chong 9 God Of Education and Learning).

PETALING STREET ( CHINA TOWN)

Petaling Street, fondly called “ Chee Cheong Kai” in Cantonese , is located in Chinatown. This area has an excellent selection of restaurants and food stalls, serving Chinese cuisine and local favorites .It is a great place to enjoy local culture or grab a bite from the street vendors. Haggling is a common sight here and the place is usually crowded with locals as well as tourists. The Petaling street Bazaar starts from 10am to late night.

SELANGOR GROCER’S GUILD

YEAR BUILT: 1927

Located at lot number 78 along Jalan Sultan, the façade of this 3 storey Neo Classical building incorporates fine lines and is surmounted by a curved baroque pediment with Chinese characters stating ‘ Ming Dyansty”. It has a medallion and a balcony on the upper floor. Now a motel all the furniture initially brought in is still in use today.

Note : the lane along the Guild is famous for its living heritage. Look out for a Chinese Barber shop that has been in existence for more than 70 years old. Tools, chairs and mirrors used were passed down by the founder and still exist today! Most interestingly, the current owner is still spotted with that “curry puff” hairstyle famous in the 1960s

JALAN PETALING SHOPHOUSES (NO 9-21) (DUTCH PATRICIAN STYLE 1920)

This row of shophouses  is a mixture of Dutch and Patrician (Roman) style architecture. Look out for the shop “Tai Kwong’-the oldest and longest running hardware shop in Chinatown.

Note : The oldest pedestrian bridge, built in 1960s, is in front of these shop houses.

SZE YA TEMPLE

YEARS BUILT: 1864

Yap Ah Loy- one of Kuala Lumpr’s founders – built this temple. Designed according to Chinese principles of Feng Shui, the temple was built in isolation and not in alignment with the other buildings within its surroundings. The oldest Taoist temple in Kuala Lumpur, it is dedicated to Sin Sze Ya and Si Sze Ya , 2 prophets who guided the founder to victory during the Selangor Civil War.

Other deities include Guan Yin-Goddess of Mercy, Man Cheong- Deity of Education, Choi Sun- God of Prosperity,Thai Su and Pak Foo ( white tiger)who are said to ward off evil. A century old sedan chair is still displayed at the main entrance and is used to perform religious processions. Worshippers crawl under the patron alter to be cleansed and be blessed with good luck on Chinese New Year’s Eve. Till today workers in surrounding buildings are forbidden to sit with their backs facing the temples as to avoid bad Feng Shui.

JALAN HANG KASTURI SHOPHOUSES ( KASTURI WALK)

YEAR BUILT : 1930

This row of shop houses set another fine example of Neo-classical buildings in China town. Those days they were occupied by shops selling coffee, anchovies, Chinese traditional medicine and herbs. Currently, only 2 shops remain –Kwang Yeow Oriental Bowl cum gallery still proudly showcases traditional Chinese medicine and herbs.

CENTRAL MARKET KUALA LUMPUR (PASAR SENI)

YEAR BUILT : 1888

ARCHITECT : R.H.STEED

Who would have thought that a wet market built 1888 today be a centre of Malaysian culture and diversity ? Slated for demolition in 1970’s , Central Market Kuala Lumpur was saved by local conservationists who fought to preserve its elegant art décor façade, architectural uniqueness and historical value.

Today, Central Market Kuala Lumpur is a great place to celebrate and enjoy Malaysian festivals, cultural showcases and local artistic talent. It is also an excellent destination for a great variety of local souvenirs, arts, carts and collectibles.

OLD MARKET SQUARE (LEBUH PASAR BESAR)

Old Market Square is an area covering Macao Street and Hokkien Street. Yap Ah Loy ran his opium and gambling dens here while petty traders paid rent to him. After his death in 1885, Sir Frank Swettenham cleared this area to make way for a commercial and recreation centre. The “Victorian Fountain”imported from England was installed here before being relocated to Merdeka Square. Market Square is notable for its stunning Dutch gables.

THE CLOCK TOWER

It is a distinctive Art Deco architectural creation with unique sunburst motifs at the base. It was built to commemorate the coronation of England‘s King George VI  in 1937.The block of shop houses in which Sin Seng Nam Restaurant was formerly located was built by Loke Yew.

It was designed by A.K Moosdeen in 1906 and features Dutch gables. The entryways have interesting wooden bars that serve as security doors and also provide ventilation. Heritages trail tourists often stop at this restaurant to savour a cuppa in a heritage ambience.

OCBC BUILDING (OVERSEAS CHINES BANKING COMPANY)

It built in 1938, is located to the south of Market Square.It has a very fine and unique Art Deco Structure.

NOTE: WHRE THEOLD MARKET SQUARE CROSSES THE KLANG RIVER, IS THE SITE OF THE FIRST STEEL BRIDGE IN KUALA LUMPUR (BUILT IN 1883)

NG CHEE TANG (FIVE LANTERSN STREET)

A direct translation from Cantonese would be “Five Lanterns Street”. In the past, there were 5 oil street lamps in a small square here. On this street, many gold and pawn shops were located and a few are still in business today. Many old signages and pillars written in Chinese, Malay, Indian and JAwi can be seen here.

At the corners, Ms Ally is the oldest and longest running  pharmacy in Kuala Lumpur (over 100 years).Its building ,built by Yap Hon Chin in 1907, features Dutch style gables with peacock feathers and curve waves on the triangular pediments. The street name has been changed 3 times over the century. Initially, it was called High Street,followed by Jalan Bandar, then Jalan Tun H.S.Lee

COMMERCIAL PRESS (NO 99)

It was founded by YUEN KA TSEUNG.It was built in 1914 in Neo-classical and Renaissance style architecture .The design was to accommodate the printing presses and photography store, providing natural light for press setting. Currently, it is occupied by Krishnan Curry House.

LEBUH AMPANG (LITTLE INDIA)

Lebuh Ampang was once a “kittinghi”, a traditional money lending establishment set up by Nattukottai Chettiar, a community from South India and founders of modern banking in Malaysia. Lebuh Ampang has been taken over by restaurant and shops.

BANK BUMIPUTRA BUILDNG (FORMERLY KNOWN AS ORIENTAL BUILDING)

YEAR BUILT: 1939

ARCHITECT: A.O. COLTMAN

This eight storey Art Deco building was built to house the offices of Radio Malaya –the nation’s first broadcasting station.

OLD GIAN SINGH BUILDING

YEAR BUILT : 1909

This building was built by different owners, in a diversity of architectural styles but sharing a common façade. A blend of Dutch, English and Islamic influences can be seen in the complex mix of plasterwork and detailing.