Rise Of The Dragon at Kwai Chai Hong


It’s that time of the year again for us KL folks. If we’re not scrambling to our malls for the usual Chinese New Year events, we’re looking forward to the CNY public art installation at Kwai Chai Hong that has become something of a highlight for our bai nian OOTDs in recent years. 

This year, those long-ing for extra huat photo ops can plan a visit to the popular KL alley for snaps with giant mahjong tiles that are part of their latest Rise Of The Dragon installation. You can even surround yourself with huat, with the help of an interactive dragon prop.  

Read on to discover more about the installation.


Photo ops with the majestic dragon this CNY


Kwai Chai Hong

Open from now till 3rd March 2024, Kwai Chai Hong’s Rise Of The Dragon is putting the ong in long. Bringing together the traditional game of mahjong and its movements with the energetic spirit of the dragon, the installation’s centrepiece is a mahjong table where the characters rise and transfigure into a dragon-like sculpture overhead.

Kwai Chai Hong mahjong table

According to the creative masterminds behind this artistic installation – Johor-based artists, Wong Jia Min and Lee Chaer Shean – the piece mirrors the reshuffling movement of starting a mahjong game, or ushering in the new Year of the Dragon.

Dangling mahjong tiles

Walk further down the alley to encounter a mesmerising collection of mahjong tiles dangling from bamboo beams. They come in a variety of forms and details, from cutouts to colourful raised characters on acrylic panels.

Rise Of The Dragon - Giant Mahjong Tiles

There are even giant lit-up LED tiles emblazoned with the dragon mahjong characters.

Kwai Chai Hong Rise Of The Dragon

As a symbol of vigour and energy, the dragon also features in interactive props that you can find in the alley. One in particular mimics the movement of the majestic dragon – wave the ribbon dragon in the air, and wrap yourself with the energy of the dragon.

Pro tip: have your camera angled low and go for a slower shutter speed to capture magnificent and dynamic shots of you and your friends.

Kwai Chai Hong Rise Of The Dragon

The installation opens from 9am to 12am, daily till 3rd March. We recommend heading here when the sun goes down, as the vibrant colours of the mahjong tiles and dragon props truly come to live at night.


Usher in the Year of the Dragon at Kwai Chai Hong


With Chinese New Year just a couple of weeks away, it’s time to start planning your bai nian outfits. As for backdrops, Kwai Chai Hong won’t disappoint with their latest Rise Of The Dragon installation that will help you usher in the Year Of The Dragon with extra l-ong displays. 

Venue: Kwai Chai Hong, Lorong Panggung, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur, WPKL
Date: Now till 3rd March 2024
Opening hours: 9am-12am, Daily

Also watch our video feature here:

For more interesting places to check out in KL, you’ll want to check out these 10 indoor activities and 20 best things to do in KL.


Photography by Dennis Kong.

Cover image adapted from: The Smart Local Malaysia

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