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East of Merdeka Square, on a promontory at the confluence of the Klang and Gombak rivers, stands KL's most attractive devotional building, the Jamek Mosque . The mosque was completed in 1909, its pink brick walls, arched colonnades, oval cupolas and squat minarets inspired by Moghul architecture. The main entrance is on Jalan Tun Perak. Bordered by Jalan Tun Perak to the north and Jalan Petaling to the east, Chinatown 's narrow lanes still reveal dilapidated shop-houses and Chinese pharmacies. After 6pm, Jalan Petaling is closed to vehicles and the entire area is transformed into a pasar malam (night market). The area's largest temple, Chan See Shu Yuen stands at the far southern end of Jalan Petaling and displays an ornately painted inner shrine covered in scenes of mythical creatures battling with warriors. The intricately carved roof depicts monumental events in Chinese history and mythology. KL's main Hindu focus, Sri Maha Mariamman Temple , is also located in the heart of Chinatown, on Jalan Tun HS Lee, between the two main Buddhist temples. First built in 1873, it was radically renovated in the 1960s with a profusion of statues on and around the five-tiered gate tower. The temple is free and always open. One hundred metres due west of Jalan Tun HS Lee lies the Art-Deco Central Market (daily 9am-10pm). Over a hundred stalls here sell everything from textiles to stationery, fine art to tee shirts. On the first floor is one of KL's best food courts, which serves excellent Indian and Malay food. Just to the north of Chinatown, compact Little India is the commercial centre for KL's Indian community. Turning into Jalan Masjid India from Jalan Tun Perak, it's soon clear you've entered the Tamil part of the city, with poori and samosa vendors and cloth salesmen vying for positions on the crowded streets.
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