For this year, Kwai Chai Hong pays homage to the myth of Wu Gang, bringing the classic tale alive through vivid lanterns, striking installations, and interactive digital storytelling through augmented reality (AR).
In addition to its regular heritage displays, the venue now plays host to “Moonlit Blossom”, a new exhibition inspired by this timeless myth. This unique fusion of heritage, technology, and imagination is curated by Kwai Chai Hong Co-Founder Javier Chor.
Who is Wu Gang? In Chinese folklore, he is often depicted as a man who desired immortality but was too lazy to undergo certain trials to achieve it.
As a lesson, his teacher sent him to the moon, where he was tasked to cut down an osmanthus tree. The tree, however, kept healing itself, and Wu Gang may still be up there, chopping for all eternity.
“I think this character isn’t as well-known as other figures from Chinese folklore. I think it’s because he’s an anti-hero, mostly known for his laziness,” Kwai Chai Hong co-founder Zeen Chang told FMT Lifestyle.
“But I think his story is very important to share nowadays. A lot of the youth today have big ideas and dreams, but their actions don’t align with achieving them. And I hope this story has a positive impact on those who visit, showing how intentions without actions are ultimately futile.”
For “Moonlit Blossom”, visitors enter through the iconic Red Bridge, illuminated by 100 floral-themed Chinese lanterns, including 48 suspended above the bridge.
“These lanterns showcase the happiest moments of the Mid-Autumn Festival which are usually when you were a kid. Javier has re-enacted these childhood memories on the lanterns. We hope that when people walk through them, these happy young Mid-Autumn moments are evoked,” Chang reflected.
The main highlight is undoubtedly the massive moon suspended high above the alley.
One side of the moon depicts Wu Gang in his eternal toil, chopping the rejuvenating osmanthus tree as its blooms dance and swirl across its surface. The other portrays two classical Chinese moon guardians: graceful goddess Chang Er and the adorable Jade Rabbit.
Visitors can also view the story of Wu Gang through a modern lens, through an augmented reality experience created by founder Wong Si Ying and lead motion designer Chia Yuan Hong of award-winning creative digital storytelling studio Seeing Artelier.
Through TikTok filters on their phones, visitors can immerse themselves in the legend – either watching Wu Gang struggle endlessly with his task, or marvelling at golden blossoms raining gracefully down from the osmanthus tree.
Chia and Wong said developing the AR technology for the event had been challenging, but they were delighted with how the project turned out. Even determining small issues such as whether the blossoms would land in front or behind viewers on their screens had taken much input.
“As a designer, our goal is to create something to get our story across, no matter what the medium. We hope our AR experience acts as a bridge, getting the message of this story across through this digital platform,” Wong said.
Chang said she hoped visitors to “Moonlit Blossom” will enjoy a meaningful Mid-Autumn Festival with their loved ones, while also feeling inspired to explore lesser-known myths that carried equally compelling and uplifting stories.
“We are all the results of our heritage. Even today, in everything we do, the way we live and eat and interact with others, are shaped by stories and traditions of the past. That is why we try to keep these classic myths alive here, and we hope visitors will experience them in a fun way,” Chang concluded.
Event: Moonlit Blossom
Venue: Kwai Chai Hong, Lorong Panggung, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur
Date & Time: Now until Oct 12, 9am-12am
For more information, visit Kwai Chai Hong’s website or follow them on Instagram.