[1] Once a quiet, leafy road, Green Lane has witnessed rapid urbanisation since the 1950s, turning it into an affluent neighbourhood.

[2][3] Even so, the road is still well-known for its greenery, with mature trees lining both sides of Green Lane, as well as its central divider.

In the 1980s, Green Lane was renamed as Jalan Masjid Negeri in Malay to commemorate the completion of Penang's new State Mosque along the road.

The most prominent of all is the Lam Wah Ee Hospital, at the junction with Jalan Tan Sri Teh Ewe Lim.

[11][12] Several places of worship of various religions can be found along Green Lane, including the Penang State Mosque, the Malaysian Buddhist Meditation Centre, Wat Pinbang-Onn and the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit.