Small Town Story: Chinatown Kuala Terengganu

Kuala Terengganu, the capital of Terengganu state which is located at the east coast of Malaysia. It was upgraded to city status and awarded with the title "Bandaraya Warisan Persisir Air" (Coastal Heritage City) on 1st of January 2008.

Although Chinese only occupy 3.5% in the city, Kuala Terengganu keeps the historical Chinese settlement Chinatown (Mandarin: Teng Lang Po) since the 19th century. Chinatown has more than 200 years history, the old-designed shop houses and temples can be seen there. 

Ho Ann Kiong, the oldest temple in Terengganu was built by Hokkien community in 1801. Most of the Chinese pray or celebrate the festivals such as Chinese new year and mid-autumn festival there. Ho Ann Kiong has been a tourist spot and was rebuilt in December 2011 after the fire in 2010 which burnt 80% of the heritage.

Chinatown is not the place where to know the history but become the tourist spot in these few years after it changed the new looks. Chinatown was repackaged to attract tourists visit the small town by building some Terengannu's unique alleys. 

People well-known that turtle is the logo of Terengganu, Turtle Alley was created to emphasis the logo. Turtle in mosaic artworks are full in the wall and the ground of the alley, the sign to protect this rare species is shown in mosaic artworks also. A big turtle model is displayed for photo taking at the end after walk along with the mosaic turtles. 

Big turtle model at the end of the Turtle Alley.

"I Love Penyu", the slogan that remind people to protect turtles.

Mosaic artworks by kids show on the wall.

Mosaic turtles go along the Turtle Alley.

Apart from Turtle Alley, there are batik theme, umbrella theme and different themes of alley in Chinatown that attract local or tourist. 

Umbrella Street.

Telephone booth and the street art.

Couple Lock wishes the forever with the love one.

Batik theme shows the unity between each race.

Part of the batik design wall.

Combination of wall art and objects shows the tradition of Chinatown.

Colourful road sign gives the direct of the alleys.

Chinatown Kuala Terengganu is the place to discover the history and create the new memories. It is a a special place that cannot find in other place. We are glad to welcome you come Kuala Terengganu to have a visit.