Chinatown is known as one of the most colorful and lively neighborhoods in Kuala Lumpur. It’s an absolute must-visit even if you have only 2 days in KL.
There’s no shortage of things to do in Chinatown Kuala Lumpur – from shopping at Petaling Street Market to sampling delicious local dishes, visiting Chinese temples, mosques, and Hindu temples, or hunting for street art.
In this guide, I’ll share all the best things to do in Chinatown KL and my recommendations on the best places to stay.
Kuala Lumpur Travel Essentials
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- Petronas Twin Towers skip-the-Line tickets
- KL Tower + Skybox tickets (discounted)
- Batu Caves guided tour with hotel transfers
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Best Hotels in KL:
- JW Marriott (luxury)
- Ansa Hotel (mid-range)
- Gold3 Boutique Hotel (budget)
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Read more about Kuala Lumpur:
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- The perfect Kuala Lumpur 2 day itinerary
- Best things to do in Bukit Bintang KL
- 10 Top-Rated hotels in Bukit Bintang
- The best KL hotels with infinity pool
- Step-by-step guide to getting from KL to Malacca
- How to travel from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur by bus
- The best photography spots in KL
Top Attractions in Chinatown KL
Petaling Street Market
One of the best things to do in Chinatown Kuala Lumpur is to visit Petaling Street Market.
The entrance is dominated by a huge archway adorned with Chinese lanterns leading to a bustling street flanked by stalls selling all kinds of goods.
You can find anything from fake designer bags to clothing, shoes, souvenirs, and other knick-knacks. Behind the stalls are also a bunch of shops, so make sure to check them out as well.
There aren’t any food stalls along the main street except for a few vendors selling roasted chestnuts. So if you’re feeling hungry, head to the next street where you’ll find a great selection of local restaurants.
Tip: Explore the streets of Chinatown while shopping and sampling local dishes with this 4-hour walking tour with a knowledgeable guide.
Related post: The best Kuala Lumpur itinerary
Kwai Chai Hong
One of the best places to visit in Chinatown Kuala Lumpur is Kwai Chai Hong. This little back alley features a bunch of colorful and interactive murals and is one of the best Instagram spots in KL.
Several artists were commissioned to revive this previously run-down alleyway with street art illustrating scenes of the locals’ daily lives during Chinatown’s 1960s golden era.
You’ll find colorful lanterns entwined in trees, paintings of children playing, and an old man playing a traditional Chinese instrument among others. They are quite reminiscent of the street art of Penang and Ipoh which I love.
There are also a few restaurants, bars, and cafes all around Kwai Chai Hong. My personal favorite is Da Bao which serves huge crispy chicken bao.
Kuan Yin Temple
If you took the monorail from Bukit Bintang to get to Chinatown, you’d need to alight at Maharajalela Station which is found beside Kuan Yin Temple.
This small Buddhist temple features several gold Buddha statues and is worth a quick stop before moving on to the next attraction in Chinatown KL.
The temple is open daily from 9 a.m to 5 p.m and is free to visit.
Chan She Shu Yuen Clan Ancestral Hall
Less than 200 meters from Kuan Yin Temple is Chan She Shu Yuen. The building was completed in 1906 and served as a meeting club and temple for Chinese immigrants.
The outside is covered with grey tiles and sculptures of Chinese mythological figures while the inner courtyard is decorated with red lanterns and overlooks the Merdeka 118 building (mentioned below).
It’s free to visit and is open daily from 10 a.m to 5 p.m.
Merdeka 118
With its imposing blue façade and striking design, it’s hard not to miss the Merdeka 118. Constructed only recently, Merdeka 118 is much taller than both the Petronas Twin Towers and KL Tower, standing at a whopping 678.9 meters.
The building can be seen from almost every corner of Chinatown and really stands out against the city skyline.
It isn’t operational yet but is set to open soon and will house a shopping mall, hotels, and offices.
Related post: 20 destinations in Malaysia for a weekend trip
Old Kuala Lumpur Street Art
The local artists have done an awesome job of adding more color to Chinatown with the Old Kuala Lumpur Street Art being a great example of that.
Here you’ll find a massive mural illustrating the life of Chinese immigrants back in the day.
Instagrammers or photographers wondering what to do in Chinatown KL can head there to take loads of pictures with the street art.
Just note that this spot can get quite busy, especially during the weekend as it also provides an excellent view of Merdeka 118.
Central Market
One of the best things to do in KL Chinatown is to visit the Central Market, also known as Pasar Seni.
This huge building is home to several stalls selling local handicrafts such as batik prints, wooden sculptures, artworks, and souvenirs. It used to be more lively before 2020 but is still a great place to visit if you want to do some shopping.
The food court located on the first floor shouldn’t be missed for those looking for cheap local eats like laksa or chicken rice.
The market is open daily from 10 a.m to 8 p.m.
Kasturi Walk
Located beside the Central Market, Kasturi Walk is a covered laneway that used to be lined with stalls selling souvenirs and fake designer goods.
Nowadays it’s almost empty except for a few pedestrians passing through and people taking photos. Hopefully, it will revive soon enough as more tourists visit Malaysia.
Despite that, it’s still considered a major landmark in KL which is why I decided to include it in this list of things to see in Chinatown KL.
Guan Di Temple
Dedicated to Guan Di, the God of War, Guan Di Temple is a small Taoist temple located a few minutes walk from Petaling Street.
As you enter the temple, you’ll immediately be greeted by the strong incense fumes. The inside features statues of Chinese deities, intricate carvings on the walls and columns, and a 2-tier pagoda.
Entrance to the temple is free.
Sri Maha Mariamman Temple
Another attraction to visit in Chinatown KL is Sri Maha Mariamman Temple. It’s not only the oldest Hindu temple in KL but also the most popular.
The façade is adorned with statues of Hindu deities painted in rainbow colors. It’s a great place to visit if you want to learn a bit about the Hindu religion.
The temple is free to visit and you need to cover your shoulders and knees and also remove your shoes before entering. If you’re not dressed appropriately, they have sarongs available for rent.
The temple is open every day from 6 a.m to 8.30 p.m except on Fridays and Saturdays when it closes at 9.30 p.m and 9 p.m respectively.
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Sin Sze Si Ya Temple
Founded in 1864 by Kapitan Yap Ah Loy, Sin Sze Si Ya Temple is one of the oldest Taoist temples in KL. It’s quite easy to miss as it’s hidden behind a narrow metal gate along a little side road not too far from the Central Market.
Although small, it’s worth adding to your Chinatown KL itinerary especially if you’re visiting during the Chinese New Year.
River of Life
The River of Life is the result of the Klang River restoration works instated by the Malaysian government. This waterfront area features a pedestrian walkway, water fountains, cafes, seating areas, and huge murals.
It’s a great place to take a stroll or simply relax after a whole day of exploring Chinatown.
From there, you can get a nice view of Masjid Jamek mosque but the view is even better at night during the light show as the river gets covered with a blanket of mists and blue lights.
Masjid Jamek Sultan Abdul Samad
Sitting at the edge of the Klang River, Masjid Jamek is one of the oldest mosques in KL. Boasting beautiful white-washed domes and over 20 minarets, it’s a great place to visit if you want to learn about Islamic culture.
The mosque is free to visit from 5.30 a.m to 9.30 p.m daily, except during prayer times.
Related post: What to do in Bukit bintang KL?
Where to Stay in Chinatown KL?
If you’re traveling on a budget, you’ll find loads of cheap accommodations in Chinatown KL. Below are a few suggestions on where to stay:
Budget: Both Mingle Hostel and Birdnest Guesthouse are located in the middle of Chinatown and are great for backpackers. If you prefer having your own space, Travelodge City Center offers private rooms with ensuite bathrooms.
Mid-range: Four Points by Sheraton is a 4-star hotel with well-appointed rooms and a rooftop pool overlooking the city skyline.
Luxury: Indulge in luxury without breaking the bank at Else Kuala Lumpur featuring rooms with elegant yet simple designs. The location is great – close to the MRT and key tourist attractions.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE HOTELS IN CHINATOWN
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I hope you found this guide helpful. If you have questions about any of these attractions in Chinatown KL, please let me know in the comments below.
Read more about Malaysia:
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- Singapore Malaysia tour itinerary
- Melaka day trip itinerary
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- Where to find street art in Melaka
- Penang trip Itinerary
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