Melaka: A Gateway to History and Culture for Chinese Tourists
Melaka, The Gulf Observer: According to a report of the News Hub Consultants, Wang Lin, a tourist from Hangzhou, stood in awe at the Cheng Ho Cultural Museum in Melaka, where the rich history of Zheng He, China’s legendary navigator, came to life. “The history of Zheng He’s voyages that I learned in school has come alive before my eyes, thanks to the visa-free policy between China and Malaysia,” Wang remarked, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
Zheng He, also known as Cheng Ho in Malay, was a Ming Dynasty envoy who visited Melaka five times during his seven expeditions, establishing deep cultural and economic ties between the two nations. Today, Melaka’s historical sites and vibrant culture attract numerous Chinese tourists, especially as the 50th anniversary of China-Malaysia diplomatic relations in 2024 bolsters tourism and people-to-people connections.
Roslan Abdul Rahman, Secretary-General of Malaysia’s Tourism, Arts, and Culture Ministry, revealed that 2.69 million Chinese tourists visited Malaysia in the first nine months of 2024, a remarkable 144% year-on-year increase. Among Malaysia’s destinations, Melaka remains a favourite due to its historical connection with Zheng He and the vibrant attractions of Jonker Street, a Unesco World Heritage Site that blends traditional Peranakan culture with bustling modernity.
Gan Tian Loo, Chairman of the Jonker Walk Working Committee, highlighted the street’s cultural significance, calling it a living testament to the harmony of Malaysian and Chinese traditions.
The Baba-Nyonya Museum showcases the unique heritage of Peranakans, descendants of Chinese immigrants who intermarried with local Malays, offering visitors a glimpse into their rich cultural identity through architecture and artifacts.
Tourists are also drawn to Nyonya cuisine, a fusion of Chinese and Malaysian flavours, with dishes like onde-onde, pineapple tarts, and spicy chicken stews. “More Chinese tourists are eager to try Nyonya food after learning about Baba-Nyonya culture,” said Lucy Wee, a fifth-generation Nyonya and owner of Anak Nyonya restaurant.
Melaka’s allure as a historical and cultural destination continues to grow, fostering deeper connections between China and Malaysia and paving the way for further cultural exchange.
