A view of Kwai Chai Hong's 2025 Mid-Autumn Festival installation "Moonlit Blossom'. Photo: The Star/Glenn Guan
This Mid-Autumn Festival, the Kwai Chai Hong lane in Kuala Lumpur’s Chinatown unveils Moonlit Blossom, an installation inspired by the legend of Wu Gang – the woodcutter fated to spend eternity on the moon.
Curated by Javier Chor, co-founder of Kwai Chai Hong, the work – running until Oct 12 – reimagines the ancient Chinese tale. Wu Gang, who longed for immortality, confessed his wish to the Jade Emperor.
Displeased by his laziness during a series of tasks, the Emperor finally sent him to the moon with one final challenge: “Cut down this Osmanthus tree and I will grant you immortality.”
But the Osmanthus tree was no ordinary tree. It healed itself after every strike, rendering Wu Gang’s efforts endless. To this day, he is said to still be there, axe in hand – a Chinese Sisyphus beneath the moonlight.
“The story of Wu Gang teaches us that intention without action is futile. True enlightenment and success require dedication, sacrifice, and effort. Wu Gang wanted immortality without putting in the work, so the Jade Emperor punished him,” says Zeen Chang, co-founder of Kwai Chai Hong.
For Chang, the tale carries a deeper meaning.
The AR filter depicting Wu Gang cutting the self-healing Osmanthus tree, created by Seeing Artelier.Photo: The Star/Glenn Guan
“Since opening (Kwai Chai Hong), we’ve staged about 12 installations. In trying to make each one bigger and better, we began to lose sight of why we started this in the first place. Moonlit Blossom reminds us to focus on creating meaningful and innovative experiences.”
The experience begins at the Red Bridge, where glowing floral lanterns light the way. Beyond, a luminous moon hovers above the alley, its surface animated with Wu Gang’s futile struggle, Osmanthus blossoms cascading with every swing of his axe.
One side of the moon depicts his endless toil; the other reveals the graceful Chang’e and the gentle Jade Rabbit, guardians of celestial beauty. Around the lane, oversized glowing Osmanthus blooms and rabbits cradling mooncakes add playful charm to the scene.
Kwai Chai Hong has also layered in a digital twist. Collaborating with Seeing Artelier, the award-winning digital storytelling studio, the team developed two AR filters available through TikTok.
'Moonlit Blossom' will be showing at the Kwai Chai Hong lane until Oct 12. Photo: The Star/Glenn Guan
By scanning QR codes in the alley, visitors can watch Wu Gang endlessly chop the tree as it heals itself, or see golden blossoms fall in shimmering loops.
“We were drawn to Seeing Artelier after their AR Fest win with our mural "Kids Playing Marbles". Their ability to turn nostalgia into art showed us they understood the heart of Kwai Chai Hong,” says Chang.
“With the AR filters, visitors can immerse themselves in the story in ways a physical installation alone couldn’t achieve,” adds Chor.
Seeing Artelier founder Wong Si Ying admits the collaboration was daunting at first. “We were worried about meeting expectations, but Kwai Chai Hong gave us so much freedom. It’s been a rewarding journey,” says Wong.
The installation’s narrative even finds rhythm in live performance. At the recent media preview, the acclaimed percussion ensemble Drum Up JB transformed Wu Gang’s relentless chopping into a thunderous act. It will return on Sept 7 at 6pm for a public performance.
“Moonlit Blossom reflects our spirit at Kwai Chai Hong, where tradition and technology meet. We want to preserve the fleeting beauty of the Osmanthus bloom while keeping Chinese folklore alive for future generations,” says Chang.
The installation is showing until Oct 12. Open daily, 9am to midnight. Admission is free.
