In the heart of Kuala Lumpur, there lies a vibrant area that never sleeps. China town is very much bustling and colorful as compared to its neighbors Bukit Bintang and KLCC and attracts a number of tourists annually and forces them to grab cheap flights to Kuala Lumpur. It is also commonly called as ‘Chee Cheong Kai’ (Starch Factory Street) that is based in Petaling Street.
Deeply immersed in Oriental history, heritage and culture, this land is undoubtedly one of the most popular tourist spots in Malaysia. It is also very popular as bargain hunter’s paradise, the city where you can find anything from imitation goods to Chinese herbs. There are rows and rows of stalls selling all types of merchandise but when you keenly observe it, there are some magical marvels (the temples), that were built many centuries ago.
The Chan See Shu Yuen Temple is a fine example of Oriental architecture and one of the biggest tourist’s attractions of China Town. It was built a century ago with embellished roofs, symmetrical pavilions and open courtyards. Because of its intricately-carved roof it can easily be identified. The temple features monumental events in Chinese mythology and the decoration of its inner shrine is just min blowing (adorned with ornate sculptures of olden-day warriors and mythical creatures). Another worth-visiting and notable temple of the area is Kuan Ti Temple that is also commonly called as Guan Ti or Kwong Siew Temple.
It is dedicated to Kuan Ti- a Chinese deity and the God of War & Literature. The entrance is guarded by 2 stone lions and in the main lobby, the statues of God of the Elderly and the God of Examinations & Fate, greets the beloved visitors. In the central altar there lies the statue of Kuan Ti-standing proudly.
Don’t miss the chance to view the marvelous and wonderful temple of Sri Mahamariamman that is located in southern part of Jalan Hang Lekir, tucked away on Jalan Tun HS Lee. Its decoration is just impressive and colourful, appealing to a number of people. Incorporating precious stones and gold and Spanish and Italian tiles, it is an incongruous sight situated between two Buddhist temples at the edge of Chinatown. It was founded by Tamil immigrants and was served a solace from the rigours of tiresome and busy life. The actual construction was carried out in 1873 and now many restorations have been done to the original structure. Its 75 feet deity-clad ‘Raja Gopuram’ tower is just jaw dropping and is believed to be the threshold between the material and spiritual world. The inside ambiance is very much serene and peaceful, truly providing you an escape from the noisy life.
There are 228 Hindu idols that are erected by sculptors from India and are frozen in dozens of scenes from the Ramayana. The main prayer hall consists of a richly-decorated onion-domed ceiling and also features 3 amazing shrines. With the recent renovations, the temple looks even more dazzling and sparkling.
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