Guardians of Legacy: A Very Special CNY at Kwai Chai Hong

Walking into Kwai Chai Hong is always a bit like stepping through a time portal, but this time felt different. As the Lunar New Year of 2026 approaches, the air in this historic Chinatown laneway isn’t just filled with the scent of coffee and nostalgia—it’s charged with a quiet, protective energy.

I went to see the new installation, Guardians of Legacy (十二福星), and honestly? It hit me right in the feels.

More Than Just Art

We’ve all seen the flashy CNY decor around KL, but this year, Kwai Chai Hong has gone deeper. The theme is inspired by the Cloth Tiger (布老虎). If you’re like me and didn’t grow up knowing the lore, these were handmade toys gifted by elders to children. They weren’t just playthings; they were talismans of protection, stitched with wishes for health and courage.

Standing in the lane, I was met by twelve Zodiac Guardians. They aren't your typical cookie-cutter statues. Some are small and playful, while the lead Guardian looms over 7 feet tall, looking like a grand, watchful protector.

What struck me most was something Zeen Chang, the co-founder, mentioned: in Chinese culture, love isn't always a "loud" thing. It’s felt through the soup your mom boils for you or the way your dad tirelessly provides for the family without ever asking for a 'thank you'. That "silent love" is exactly what these Guardians represent—the transition from being protected by our parents to becoming the ones who protect them in return.

Priscilla Wu, Managing Director of guardian Malaysia (foreground) and Zeen Chang, the co-founder of Kwai Chai Hong 

A Modern Touch of Wellness

It was interesting to see guardian Malaysia involved this year. At first, I thought, "A pharmacy in a heritage lane?" But as I walked through, it clicked. Just like the Cloth Tiger was a traditional way to wish for health, a brand like guardian has been that "modern protector" for our families for decades. It’s a nice nod to the idea that caring for our well-being is a legacy passed down through generations. 

“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,” said Priscilla Wu, Managing Director of guardian Malaysia.

Why You Should Visit

If you’re planning a trip down to Chinatown, here’s what you need to know:

• The Vibe: It’s intimate, colourful, and deeply meaningful. Each of the twelve guardians represents a different blessing (resilience, harmony, joy, etc.), so it’s fun to find your own zodiac and see what "blessing" it’s holding for you.
• The Sculptures: Conceptualized by Javier Chor, the variety in scales and poses makes for some incredible photos—but take a second to look at the motifs. They are meant to look "personalised," just like the original handmade tigers.
• The Food: Don't forget there are 10 amazing eateries right around the corner. I highly recommend grabbing a local ice-cream after your walk.

It’s rare to find a CNY spot that makes you reflect on your family bonds while also giving you a great backdrop for your weekend reels. Kwai Chai Hong nailed it again.

Located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur’s historic Chinatown, Kwai Chai Hong is a cultural laneway dedicated to celebrating heritage, art, and community through contemporary storytelling. Come celebrate the Chinese New Year at Kwai Chai Hong with your loved ones and be sure to check out the 10 amazing eateries in the area! 

For regular updates, please visit Kwai Chai Hong’s Facebook (/kwaichaihong), Instagram (/kwaichaihong) or website at www.kwaichaihong.com.  

To watch the Blessings Parade (接福 · 传福) held in conjunction of the Guardians of Legacy, click HERE.