In celebration of Chinatown’s vibrant heritage and cultural significance, a group of community leaders and local partners are spearheading the first ever KL Chinatown Festival from 29 November to 1 December 2024, celebrating everything that makes this area so special. The festival stretches across the entire Chinatown, involving not only cultural and architectural landmarks such as REXKL, Kwai Chai Hong and Lorong Panggung, along with a range of local businesses, cafes, art spaces, and more. By bringing together these participants, the festival creates an immersive celebration of arts, culture, and community that embodies the spirit of Chinatown.
Chinatown has long been a cornerstone of Kuala Lumpur’s cultural and historical landscape. Its vibrant streets are steeped in Malaysia’s rich heritage, where centuries-old temples, bustling markets, and traditional shop houses coexist with modern and contemporary spaces, including music venues, F&B outlets, and art galleries (for example RXPKL, Malaysia’s largest immersive digital art gallery and more). This unique blend of the old and new has shaped Chinatown’s distinctive character, making it not only a cultural treasure but also a symbol of community, creativity, and resilience.
Building on the success of REXKL’s 5th anniversary celebrations and mini-festival REXFEST in 2023, the KL Chinatown Festival has expanded in both scale and ambition. This 3-day cultural takeover combines old-world charm with modern creativity, featuring diverse music and cultural performances, art installations, and cultural experiences. Anchored in the theme “Together Gather”, the festival brings together local communities and creatives to celebrate Chinatown, fostering inclusivity and engagement as they collectively bring KL Chinatown Festival to life.
“This festival was established to bring together a diverse mix of stakeholders, from long standing businesses to contemporary spaces, all united by a shared vision for Chinatown’s future. This festival is just the first step in our commitment to keeping Chinatown alive and vibrant, not just during the festival but through year-long activities that engage the community. By working hand-in-hand with local partners, we want to foster a sense of belonging and creativity that ensures a lasting positive impact within Chinatown” said Shin Chang, co-founder of KL Chinatown Festival.
In partnership with local businesses and vendors in Chinatown, this collaboration highlights the vibrant diversity of Malaysian culture and local talent. This year, Connor’s Stout Porter takes centre stage in the festival’s music pillar, supporting local musical talents with performances that showcase the fusion of traditional and modern influences that define Chinatown’s cultural landscape. Connor’s Stout Porter, a multi-award-winning stout recognised with Gold awards from Monde Selection (2023, 2024) and the World Beer Awards (2023), exemplifies top-notch quality. This commitment to craftsmanship aligns seamlessly with the KL Chinatown Festival, a vibrant celebration of Malaysia’s cultural vibes through music, creativity, and cultural exchange. Throughout the festival, festival-goers can enjoy exciting music performances, including collaborations with local talents, bringing together diverse musical influences and celebrating Malaysia’s creative spirit.
“We aim to attract 10,000 attendees for this year’s KL Chinatown Festival, celebrating Malaysians from all walks of life while showcasing the unique cultural fusion that defines Chinatown. By embracing local talent and creativity, the festival also enhances our cultural landscape and supports the local economy. Expect an exciting lineup of local artists, including local indie artists such babychair, Tasneem, Straw Lim, and Colbie Ong, along with DJ/producer Shelhiel, Core Values and many more. Cultural performances such as multi-cultural percussion showcases, Chinese opera, and engaging activities such as the KL Heritage Walk is also part of our diverse program festival” said Lim Kok Kean, Co-Founder and Festival Director of KL Chinatown Festival.
The KL Chinatown Festival isn’t just about one district; it’s part of a broader mission to transform notables landmarks such as REXKL, Jalan Sultan, Lorong Panggung, and Kwai Chai Hong into vibrant cultural destinations, creating a positive ripple effect that will energise both Chinatown and the surrounding downtown KL areas. This festival sets the stage for future editions, with this being just the first step. Beyond Chinatown, beyond KL – this is about driving Malaysia’s cultural footprint onto the world stage, turning KL into a cultural tourism destination where commerce meets creativity.
For more information about KL Chinatown Festival, follow @klchinatownfest on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok now!
