Charms of Chinatown

Petaling Street a sensory experience for visitors. — Photos: IZZRAFIQ ALIAS and YAP CHEE HONG/The Star

PETALING Street is an exhilarating sensory experience for visitors and tourists, first-timers or otherwise.

The centre of Kuala Lumpur’s Chinatown is a bustling street shopping hub, bookmarked by two arches as landmarks.

Arrays of goods including apparel, electronics and souvenirs are available, with lively chatter and haggling part of the scene.

There is also a raft of food offerings in the area, while festive seasons will see cultural performances put on by temples and local associations.

Chinatown’s back alleys are just as interesting, including the hidden gem that is Lorong Panggung’s Kwai Chai Hong.

Tourists revelling in the beguiling back alley of Kwai Chai Hong with its fascinating murals and decorative lanterns.

With pre-war shophouses and picturesque murals, it transports visitors back to the golden era of Chinatown in the 1960s.

Kwai Chai Hong also hosts festive or themed art installations.

Get the angle right, and one can see the new Merdeka 118 skyscraper dramatically framed by brightly lit lanterns strung above the alleyway.