By Soon Li Wei
KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 19 (Bernama) -- Kwai Chai Hong, the historic laneway in Kuala Lumpur Chinatown, brings the magic of spring to life as it ushers in the Year of the Rabbit.
Kwai Chai Hong, which is translated in the Cantonese dialect as ‘Lorong Hantu Kecil’ or ‘Ghost Lane’, is now a popular tourist attraction, especially during the Chinese New Year celebration. The once dilapidated alley is tucked between Petaling Street and Lorong Panggung.
This writer was among 19 journalists and influencers who visited the heritage lane in conjunction with an art exhibition themed ‘Poetic Spring Garden’ organised by Bai Chuan Management Sdn Bhd, the company behind Kwai Chai Hong’s makeover.
The company undertook restoration works on the 36-metre stretch of ‘Ghost Lane’ since 2019.
At the entrance, the gateway to the heritage lane, a giant pink hibiscus flower ‘greeted’ this writer on the right wall, which was adorned with butterfly decorations and a variety of flowers, with neon lights in the background.
“Welcome to Kwai Chai Hong, here’s your ‘Poetic Spring Garden’ to usher in the Year of the Water Rabbit,” Bai Chuan Management Sdn Bhd Managing Director, Zeen Chang said, as she beckoned to the decorations of flowers and butterflies along the way.
The exhibition, which resembles a floral garden and decorated with red mini lanterns, is further accentuated with Chinese traditional elements brought down from past generations such as Chinese calligraphy written in Mandarin characters, Gong Xi Fa Cai, which means “I wish you prosperity and wealth” in black on a red banner.
What’s more interesting, the Chinese calligraphy banner is hung on bamboo poles in the middle of the lane, allowing visitors to sit on top, like having a “swing” in the park.
FUSION OF TRADITIONAL AND HIPSTER ELEMENTS
According to Chang, both modern and traditional elements are incorporated in the Chinese New Year celebrations to attract the younger generation towards the Chinese cultural arts.
“This has always been inculcated in our efforts to attract youths to ‘return’ to Kwai Chai Hong to bring back memories of the golden era of Petaling Street,” she said. "We can embrace modernisation without forsaking tradition, through a common ground connecting the past and the future,” she added.
On the right side of the lane are rows of shophouses, huge floats symbolising pink rabbits, mini lanterns surrounded by traditional Chinese calligraphy banners written with the word ‘chun’ which means spring.
With the artistic touch of an artist and street art influencer Jaemy Choong, 37, Kwai Chai Hong, the lane, which was somewhat hidden in the past, is poised to attract tourists as his whimsical and eclectic art installation, will take visitors on an imaginary beach holiday during a hot weather.
Choong, also known as Jaemy C, told Bernama, his artwork, ‘Wet Hot Spring Thing’ was inspired from his vacation memories by the beach and he wanted to share the happy moments with visitors to the lane, so that they can appreciate the Chinese New Year heritage from their ancestors.
According to Choong, who is known for his innovative use of calligraphy and vivid imagery, the ‘Wet Hot Spring Thing’ is a combination of the good and positive elements that flow with the presence of the water rabbit during spring. The festive atmosphere is created from reimagining of a pool party, float decorations and water surfs.
“I often have this idea of creating a fusion of traditional and hipster elements, which are closer to the new generation and as the first step to attract their attention.
“I learned Chinese calligraphy at a young age and personally, I truly appreciate more of my heritage this year. It’s not easy to preserve the tradition in a rapidly changing world,” said Choong, who has previously worked as a graphic artist.
This is his first outdoor art project compared to previous exhibitions which were focussed on galleries and indoor artworks.
“Given that it is displayed outdoor, I am free to showcase my creativity by having a fusion of traditional hipster elements through my artwork and hope that the ‘Wet Hot Spring Thing’ is well received by Kwai Chai Hong visitors,” he added.
For the immersive spring-themed ‘Poetic Spring Garden’ art installation, he uses Roman-inspired alphabets with a touch of traditional brush calligraphy.
"My work of art also reflects Malaysia’s rich cultural heritage; it is also an expression of my own culture that I inherited since I was a child. The theme of my artwork chosen also portrays the weather during the Chinese New Year in our country, which is either extremely hot or rainy, or both,” he said.
APPRECIATE PAST HERITAGE
Meanwhile Co-Managing Director of Bai Chuan Management, Javier Chor said the company is heartened by the encouraging response from local artists who supported our initiative to preserve the Chinese arts heritage.
“At the same time, we hope that more youths would visit this historical place and appreciate efforts of our ancestors in preserving our cultural heritage, especially those living in the city that is surrounded by skyscrapers.
“In addition to Chinese New Year celebrations, the Mooncake festival, which is the second biggest among the Chinese community, is also on our promotional list at Kwai Chai Hong as well as other activities in collaboration with artists and local authorities.
“Artist groups also share common interest in preserving our arts and cultural heritage since we launched this project in 2019,” he said.
Chor said his company hoped to use the platform to invite more artists from various races and background to promote their artwork. The Chinese cultural heritage is not just for the Chinese, but for all Malaysians.
“The project is not without its challenges; from planning to implementation stage. All these had to be carried out fast but we are all committed to make it a reality with expectations of positive impact from the project,” he said.
According to Chor, the entire project to beautify Kwai Chai Hong, which was planned for September 2022 in preparation for this year’s Chinese New Year celebration, is expected to not only attract artists, photographers and instagrammers, but also tourists.
“For us, we have achieved success in our efforts to preserve the historical lane. We will continue with our initiative by having more festivals and historical events in our campaign to be shared with the public,” he added.
The ‘Ghost Lane’ (Kwai Chai Hong) is now open to the public daily from 9 am to 12 am, while the Poetic Spring Garden art exhibition, which was held on Jan 6, will end on Feb 12. Admission is free.
Translated by Salbiah Said
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