Kwai Chai Hong, a cultural hub hidden in the back alley of Petaling Street in KL Chinatown, returns for Mid-Autumn celebrations this year with an installation inspired by Chinese mythology and folklore, the ‘Moonlit Dragon’ that combines cultural themes of the dragon and the full moon in a celebration of unity.
The Moonlit Dragon features an immersive public art installation representing an awe-inspiring dragon of colossal proportions coming to life through crafted wooden frames adorned with a mesmerising lattice of translucent plastic plates, aligned to look like ancient Chinese coins strung together by a red string.
Zeen Chang, the managing partner of Bai Chuan Management, said that the installation this year was held in partnership with Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 | Flip5, with the centerpiece artwork created by local young artist Wong Kaiyi from Unreality Studio.
“Kwai Chai Hong is always at the forefront of showcasing installations with themes surrounding Chinese culture presented in fresh and oftentimes thought-provoking manner to tease our visitors, particularly the younger generation. It is our way of preserving Chinese tradition through modernity,” she said.
Drawing inspiration from the rich culture of Chinese traditions, Moonlit Dragon exudes a magical ambiance that will leave visitors spellbound.
“This year’s theme transcends the boundaries of traditional mid-autumn celebrations and reconceptualises the meaning of strength in unity in giant proportion.
“The dragon represents strength, grace, and protection, while the moon represents unity and completeness,” Chang said.
She added, “The Moonlit Dragon is the reflection of the heart and spirit of Malaysians, who share a history of being united in strength, regardless of our backgrounds, ethnicities and cultures, and how we choose to protect them.”
Wong said the installation aims to transport visitors to a realm of wonder, where the mythical dragon and the moon come together in harmony.
“The artwork serves to guide us as an integral thread woven into the intricate tapestry of our cherished Chinese lineage, as the Moonlit Dragon connects the past and the present, igniting a sense of belonging and reverence, honouring the footsteps of those who came before,” he said.
The Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival takes place annually on the 15th day of the 8th month of the Chinese lunar calendar, on a full moon day, which falls on September 29 this year.
As one of the most important traditional Chinese festivals, it celebrates the end of the autumn harvest with family gatherings, lighting lanterns and eating mooncakes.
Kwai Chai Hong is open to the public daily from 9am to midnight.
The Moonlit Dragon is available from August 25 – October 8, 2023.
