Kwai Chai Hong (KCH), the heritage laneway in Kuala Lumpur’s Chinatown, is ushering in the Chinese New Year (CNY) 2026 with an art installation themed ‘Guardians of Legacy’（十二福星）, a cultural showcase inspired by the traditional folk handicraft Cloth Tiger.
The Cloth Tiger is handmade by parents and grandparents and gifted to their children as a symbol of protection, carrying wishes for safety, courage, wisdom and good health.
The installation features twelve Chinese Zodiac Guardians presented as sculptural figures of varying forms, poses and scales, with the lead Guardian standing over 7 feet tall. Each guardian embodies a distinct blessing, collectively forming a visual narrative of protection, care and heritage within the historic laneway.
Kwai Chai Hong co-founder Zeen Chang said the expression of love between parents and children in many Chinese families is deeply felt through actions and sacrifices rather than words.
“As we grow older, we begin to understand this quiet form of love, instilling in us a strong sense of duty and sacrifice to honour our parents or elders, a value of demonstration known as filial piety.
“Guardians of Legacy emphasises this traditional virtue of showing the same protection, care and appreciation towards them in return,” she said.
Chang said the collaboration with Guardian Malaysia added a meaningful layer to the installation, showing appreciation of protection and care for our loved ones.
“As we celebrate the appreciation of protection and care for our loved ones, the collaboration with Guardian Malaysiaadded a meaningful layer to this year’s installation.
“Long recognised as a trusted advisor for wellness in Malaysian households, Guardian reflects a modern expression of the same intention behind the Cloth Tiger – to safeguard loved ones through unostentatious and consistent care,” she said.
Meanwhile, Guardian Malaysia managing director Priscilla Wu said the collaboration reflects the company’s enduring relationship and ongoing commitment to supporting the well-being of families across the nation.
“As a home-grown pharmacy, health and beauty retail chain established in Malaysia nearly six decades ago, Guardian has been a pioneer in serving the evolving health and well-being needs of our communities.
“As we celebrate decades of care, we look forward to continuing this journey of wellness together.”
“This Chinese New Year, we are honoured to collaborate with Kwai Chai Hong to celebrate our shared heritage, community and care. It is a meaningful opportunity to give back, and to continue supporting initiatives that uplift the communities we are privileged to serve,” she said.
Curated by Kwai Chai Hong co-founder Javier Chor, the installation showcases his creativity in fusing the twelve Chinese Zodiac Guardians and presenting them in Cloth Tiger concept.
“What inspired me about the Cloth Tiger is that no two are ever made the same. Each one carries different motifs and well wishes, shaped by a parent’s hopes for their child – for protection, peace, health and fortune. That idea of personalised care stayed with me.
“Over time, Cloth Tigers evolved into cloth animals that represented each child, much like how our Zodiac becomes a lifelong guardian,” said Chor.
He added, “Guardians of Legacy grew from that belief – that love and protection are expressed through thoughtful gestures, crafted uniquely for the one they are meant to watch over. This is what each of the twelve Zodiac Guardians at Kwai Chai Hong represents.”
As part of Guardians of Legacy, aBlessings Parade departing from the gate of Kwai Chai Hong was held on January 31 at 7pm, bringing the spirit of protection and care beyond the art installation and into the streets. The second Blessings Parade will commence at 11 am on February 7.
The Guardians of Legacy installation is open to the public from Jan 30 to March 8, 2026 daily from 9am to 12 midnight.
For more information, visit Kwai Chai Hong website at www.kwaichaihong.com or its official social media channels on Facebook (@kwaichaihong) and Instagram (@kwaichaihong).
