Cheng Ho Cultural Museum, Melaka

The Cheng Ho Cultural Museum, located in Malacca City, is dedicated to the life and voyages of Cheng Ho, the famed Chinese Ming Dynasty admiral. Established in 2006 by Tan Ta Sen, who also serves as the president of the International Cheng Ho Society, the museum is the largest in the state, occupying 5,110 square meters across three levels and eight units of old shop houses, some predating 1786.

The museum's site is historically significant, believed to be the original location of a warehouse complex, Guan Chang, built by Cheng Ho around 600 years ago to store goods from his travels. This complex once spanned 10 acres along the northern bank of the Malacca River. During the museum's construction, five Ming-era wells were discovered, adding to its historical authenticity.

Exhibits at the museum cover various aspects of Cheng Ho's life and his world voyages. Visitors can explore different sections, including the Old Malacca Village, Ship Gallery, Treasure Ship, Antique Gallery, and Garden Courtyard. The museum's architecture itself reflects Ming design, believed to be a restructured ancient building with two to three hundred years of history.

Cheng Ho is renowned for his seven explorations and sea voyages to regions such as the Indian Ocean, the Red Sea, and the South China Sea between 1405 and 1433. He visited Malacca five times, enhancing cultural exchange between the local ethnic communities and the Chinese. The museum showcases artifacts such as treasure ships, navigation instruments, and tea houses, underscoring these interactions.

In addition to historical exhibits, the Cheng Ho Cultural Museum offers a charming experience with cultural relics, a creative puppet show, and a beautiful garden courtyard. The museum's gift shop is a popular destination for visitors, offering items like Chinese tea, Malaysian white coffee, and durian souvenirs. The museum's quaint ambiance is enhanced by its Chinese architecture, complete with swaying lanterns and pearl furnishings.