4/09/2025

LYFE THURSDAY | SEP 4, 2025

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Preserving Chinese folklore T HIS Mid-Autumn Festival, Kwai Chai Hong once again breathes life into timeless Chinese folklore with Moonlit Blossom ( hua

o Kwai Chai Hong lights up for Mid-Autumn Fest with Moonlit Blossom

yue ), transforming the laneway into a stage where heritage, technology, and imagination collide in a dazzling immersive art experience. Curated by Kwai Chai Hong co-founder Javier Chor, Moonlit Blossom celebrates the legendary Osmanthus Tree, forever entwined with the tale of Wu Gang, the woodcutter condemned to an eternity of futile attempts to cut down the self-healing Osmanthus Tree. Yet against his endless strong axe strikes, the Osmanthus Tree stood unaffected, blooming in full pride like a poetic symbol of perseverance and beauty. “The story of Wu Gang teaches us that true success and enlightenment demand dedication, sacrifices and effort. “While crucial, having intention alone isn’t enough. This is evident in our journey at Kwai Chai Hong.

the Drum Up JB delivered an exclusive live performance that transformed Wu Gang’s relentless chopping into a thunderous percussion act. Each beat echoed with intensity, a classic example of sheer tenacity, resilience and creativity. The troupe will return to Kwai Chai Hong on Sunday for a special performance dedicated to the public, offering a meaningful and memorable experience. “Moonlit Blossom reflects our spirit at Kwai Chai Hong – where tradition and technology meet. Wu Gang’s axe shall never fell the Osmanthus Tree, and by sharing these timeless folklores, we hope to spread a piece of Chinese culture that comes with lessons learned to spark appreciation across all communities,” said Chang. The immersive art experience will be open to the public daily from 9am to 12am, running until Oct 12.

Wu Gang unfolds – a futile attempt to chop down the self-healing Osmanthus Tree as the delicate blooms shed, swirled and dance across the moonlight. One side of the moon captures this eternal toil, while the other reveals the graceful Chang’e and the gentle Jade Rabbit, timeless guardians of the moon’s celestial beauty. In collaboration with award-winning creative digital storytelling studio Seeing Artelier (founder Wong Si Ying) and lead motion designer Chia Yuan Hong, the myth is reinterpreted through a striking fusion of art and technology. Their work brings the laneway to life with augmented reality and digital design, inviting you to journey beyond their imagination, directly into the realm of Wu Gang. Adding rhythm to the spectacle,

Intentions and actions must go hand in hand. “Moonlit Blossom is a reminder for us to stay focused on creating meaningful and innovative experiences,” shared Kwai Chai Hong co-founder Zeen Chang, expressing his hope to preserve the fleeting beauty of the Osmanthus bloom and share meaningful Chinese folklore for generations to come. Reinterpreting a myth Upon entering Kwai Chai Hong, one will begin their journey through the Red Bridge. As you wander through the alley, you will be enveloped by the glow of 100 floral-themed Chinese lanterns, with 48 gracefully suspended above the bridge. At the end of the bridge, you will be greeted by the soft glow of a magnificent moon suspended above the alley. On its radiant surface, the tale of

A Drum Up JB member beating drums under a digital Osmanthus Tree.

The Osmanthus bloom cluster.

Wu Gang on the Moon with Merdeka 118 in the background.

The Osmanthus Tree and the rabbit in the Chinese folklore Moonlit Blossom at Kwai Chai Hong.

Osmanthus and rabbit. - pr

The glow of Chinese lanterns suspended above the bridge.

Upon entering, visitors will begin their journey through the Red Bridge.