The Zhongshan Building is a restored 1950s shophouse complex in Kampung Attap, Kuala Lumpur, now home to independent artists, designers, shops and cafes. Look for murals and graffiti on the exterior, then explore the studios and browse local goods, from notebooks and records to handmade pieces. You can also stop for coffee, sandwiches or pastries. Events such as exhibitions and live music take place from time to time. Check with any studio or shop you want to visit, as tenants do not all open at the same times.
A former association building
The Zhongshan Building stands in Kampung Attap, in a restored complex of interconnected shophouses dating to the 1950s. Before its current role as an arts and research hub, it was associated with the Selangor Zhongshan Association, a community connected to Zhongshan in China’s Guangdong province. The building also had other uses over time, including as a family-owned butchery and a residence, and later as accommodation for foreign workers.
Its present-day creative use gives the old structure a different kind of public life. Artists, researchers, designers, artisans and musicians work and show their projects here. The building is a place to browse and discover, rather than a single gallery with one fixed exhibition.
Shops, studios and cafes
Inside, tenants include creative studios and small independent shops. Depending on what is open, you can browse notebooks and stationery at ana tomy, look for records at Tandang Record Store, or find locally made goods such as homeware, knitted items and crafts. Shops selling recycled-plastic products and organic cosmetics are also among the businesses visitors have found here.
Food and drink are part of the stop, too. Cafes serve coffee and refreshments, with sandwiches and pastries among the options. Tommy Le Baker makes its own sourdough and has been associated with a roast ribeye steak sandwich. Piu Piu Piu serves an espresso martini called Shakeratoooo. Individual tenants have their own schedules, so check ahead if a particular shop, cafe or studio is the reason for your visit.
Art on the walls and events inside
The building’s white exterior is marked by murals and graffiti, giving it a visible creative character from the street. Inside, art showings and workshops take place at The Back Room, and public programmes can include exhibitions, live music, listening sessions, lectures and discussions. These events are occasional, so check for current details if you are planning around one.
Allow time to look beyond the shops: the appeal is in the mix of workspaces, cultural spaces and small businesses under one roof. Some areas and tenants may not be open when you arrive, and finding a particular studio can take planning. If you have a specific destination in mind, contact it before setting out; otherwise, treat the visit as a chance to explore what is open that day.
FAQ
What is The Zhongshan Building?
It is a restored 1950s shophouse complex in Kampung Attap that now houses independent artists, studios, shops, cafes and cultural spaces.
What can you do at The Zhongshan Building?
Browse local goods and creative shops, look at the exterior murals, stop for food or coffee, and check whether an exhibition or event is taking place.
Are all the shops open at the same time?
No. Tenants can have different schedules, so check with a particular shop or studio before visiting.
What food is available at The Zhongshan Building?
Options mentioned include coffee, sandwiches and pastries. Tommy Le Baker is associated with sourdough and a roast ribeye steak sandwich, while Piu Piu Piu serves an espresso martini called Shakeratoooo.
