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Zhongshan Building
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Zhongshan Building

A restored heritage shophouse turned creative hub, where independent art, design studios, cafes, and cultural collectives

Zhongshan Building is a creative hub in Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Closed · opens 11:00 AM
~1h visit
Free entrance
270m to Maharajalela station

About

Here's an improved version (around 300 words):


The Zhongshan Building stands as one of Kuala Lumpur's most compelling examples of heritage adaptive reuse. Tucked into a quiet corner of Kampung Attap, just beyond the bustle of Chinatown, this restored row of 1950s shophouses has been reimagined as a thriving hub for the city's independent creative community.

The building's history reflects the broader story of Kuala Lumpur itself. Before taking on its current identity, the 1950s structure in Kampung Attap began as a family-owned butchery and residential space across three connected shophouses, later serving as a communal venue for the Selangor Zhongshan Association and various small merchants, and eventually functioning as a hostel for foreign workers. Liza Ho stepped in as co-founder to give the space new life, drawing on years of experience in the local arts scene.

What emerged is best described as a vertical creative village. The building now houses a close-knit community of artists, researchers, designers, artisans, and musicians, with a small number of private studios tucked behind unmarked doors and hidden nooks. Unlike a mall or office tower, the atmosphere stays intimate and human-scale — the focus here is on cultural production and experimentation rather than retail consumption.

A dozen or so tenants currently occupy the space, spanning art, design and fashion studios, research centres, galleries, a library, and a record store. Visitors can wander between courtyards and narrow stairwells, stumbling onto exhibitions, pop-up markets, or a quiet cafe table.

Key businesses and tenants include:
- Tandang Records Store and Rumah Attap Library & Collective, among the building's earliest tenants
- Malaysia Design Archive, a research and archival space
- OURArtProjects Gallery, occupying the ground floor
- Tommy Le Baker and Piu Piu Piu cafe, popular food and coffee spots
- Re.medy, a sustainable skincare and wellness concept store
- ana tomy and Naaise, design and gift retail
- Bendang Studio, a ceramics studio offering pottery classes
- Joshua Fitton Studio, a multidisciplinary tailoring and craft practice
- KerbauWorks and The Ricecooker Archives, exhibition and event spaces

Situated between old Kuala Lumpur and its emerging creative economy, the Zhongshan Building remains a living archive of the city's cultural pulse.

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Subcategory: Creative Hub

Tags: art, creative Hub


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Map showing the location of Zhongshan Building

Map of Zhongshan Building

80 - 84, Jalan Rotan, Kuala Lumpur

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Operation Hours

Monday

CLOSED

Tuesday

11:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Wednesday

11:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Thursday

11:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Friday

11:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Saturday

11:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Sunday

11:00 AM - 8:00 PM

* People mostly spend 1 hours here

Other Details

Price

Free entrance

Transport

Car
Motorcycle
E-Hailing Service
Train

Parking

Limited street parking is available around Jalan Rotan and Kampung Attap. Visitors often park near Chinatown or use nearby public parking facilities and walk.

Highlights

Restored pre-war shophouse complex turned creative hub

Home to independent galleries, studios, and cafes

Strong focus on art, design, music, and publishing

Community-driven creative ecosystem

Located near Chinatown and Kampung Attap fringe


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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Zhongshan Building?

It is a restored heritage shophouse complex in Kuala Lumpur that now functions as a creative and cultural hub.

Is it a tourist attraction?

Not in the traditional sense. It is more of a cultural and creative space than a commercial attraction.

What can you do there?

Visitors can explore galleries, cafes, studios, exhibitions, and occasional cultural events.

Is it open to the public?

Yes, most spaces are publicly accessible during operating hours, though individual tenants may have their own schedules.

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