Well, here’s some good news: now you can head over to Kwai Chai Hong’s latest attraction, the Poetic Spring Garden, for a little taste of spring in bustling Chinatown.
KCH is a restoration project involving 10 shophouses and a laneway between Lorong Panggung and Petaling Street in Kuala Lumpur. Since its launch in 2019, the location has grown increasingly popular thanks to the Insta-worthy artwork on its walls and interesting installations.
According to Zeen Chang of Bai Chuan Management, the goal of KCH is to “share culture and tradition in a way visitors can understand”. To that end, every art installation featured here involves an element of Chinese heritage or culture.
“The Poetic Spring Garden tells the story of tradition and heritage, while Chinese New Year is about celebrating spring and the blossoming of flowers,” she said.
“We aim to convey that traditional things like Chinese calligraphy are not old-fashioned, and in fact can add a poetic element.”
Your journey at the Poetic Spring Garden starts with a quaint red wooden bridge at the entrance of the alley, where you will spot lovely large flowers and butterflies.
Upon crossing, more interesting sights await: to the right of the bridge is an art installation, “Wet Hot Spring Thing”, by local artist Jaemy C.
The 37-year-old is known for his innovative use of calligraphy and exotic, vivid imagery. Here, it is easy to be captivated by the sight of pink rabbits – inflatable ones, that is – as well as his unique calligraphy on the walls.
Jaemy recalled that, upon being asked to come up with an installation for KCH, it was the water rabbit that first “hopped” into his mind.
“I started imagining how water rabbits usher in the New Year, and that’s when I came up with the theme of a pool party,” he told FMT.
As an added treat, there are hidden messages in Jaemy’s calligraphy that visitors can try to decipher, which is a lot of fun.
“For the past few years, I have been experimenting with traditional Oriental calligraphy and applying it to the modern-day Roman alphabet,” he explained.
With “Wet Hot Spring Thing” being the biggest project he has ever done, Jaemy is grateful for the opportunity. “I want people to be amused when they see it, so I injected a lot of fun and colours to express cheer and joy.”
Indeed, there is much joy to be had at the Poetic Spring Garden. To the left of the bridge are “swings” made from red cloth that also have calligraphy on them.
During FMT’s visit, more than one adult could be seen trying out these swings and happily taking photos.
Foliage makes the area cool, and murals on the walls depict daily activities of the Chinese community who lived in the area in the 1960s.
And when you’re done with your visit and are feeling hungry or thirsty, check out the numerous F&B outlets at KCH.
Overall, this is a lovely respite in the bustling city – a charming place where springtime has begun.
The Poetic Spring Garden is open to the public until Feb 12 (closed for Chinese New Year on Jan 22 & 23). Learn more about Kwai Chai Hong via its website, Facebook, and Instagram.
Kwai Chai Hong
Lorong Panggung, City Centre
50000 Kuala Lumpur
Business hours: 9am-12am daily