Kuala Terengganu's Chinatown is one of the oldest surviving Chinese merchant quarters in Malaysia, dating from the 15th century when Chinese traders arrived after Admiral Zheng He's voyages opened the east coast of the Malay peninsula to sustained commerce. The neighbourhood occupies a narrow strip between the Terengganu River and the main road, and its shophouse architecture — two-storey with covered walkways, painted in faded blues and greens — is well preserved by Malaysian standards.
The streets are interesting to walk at any time of day, but particularly in the early morning when the coffee shops open and the older residents run their errands on foot. The Tian Hou Gong Temple and Ho Ann Kiong Temple are both within the neighbourhood and open to visitors. Food options are good: the area is known for its kuih (Malay sweets), salted fish, and keropok lekor (the deep-fried fish cracker that is Terengganu's most famous snack).