Penang Miaohui 2026 – The Journey of Decoding (槟城庙会【解码之旅】)

The Penang Miaohui (槟城庙会) is Penang’s largest Chinese New Year cultural celebration, first held in 1999. It transforms George Town’s heritage streets into a vibrant cultural showcase, involving 12 roads, 23 clan halls within the UNESCO site, 90 associations outside George Town, over 120 food vendors, and 50 cultural booths.

For 2026, the theme “The Journey of Decoding (解码之旅)” invites visitors to explore Penang’s cultural codes — from clan and guild halls to living traditions — through curated exhibitions, performances, and interactive showcases. The event emphasizes heritage storytelling, cultural continuity, and community participation, making it both a festive celebration and a cultural exploration.

Event Highlights

• Theme Launch: “The Journey of Decoding (解码之旅)” unveiled with key visuals and curated zones
• Clan Hall Exhibitions (宗祠会馆展示): Heritage tours and cultural showcases inside Penang’s historic clan halls
• Street Performances: Traditional music, opera, lion dances, and cultural arts across George Town streets
• Food & Cultural Booths: Over 120 local hawkers and 50 interactive cultural stalls
• Community Participation: Local associations and guilds presenting Penang’s living traditions
• Heritage Recognition: Promoted as part of Penang’s cultural tourism and national Chinese New Year open house events