In case you stay at City Bayview Hotel, possibly you might notice there is a blue house around the hotel area. It is none other than Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion or in common known as Blue Mansion.
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| Front view of the double story mansion |
The Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion is located at 14 Leith Street Georgetown which is within walking distance of City Bayview Hotel, E&O Hotel and even Cititel Hotel. It is also same row with side gate of Red Garden food court.
As described in the banner hanging in front of the mansion, Mr. Cheong Fatt Tze was a rich Hakka entrepreneur, held position as Consul General of the Ching Government, Special Trade Commissioner for South-East Asia and a director of China's first modern bank and first railway.
This Chinese courtyard house is consisted of 38 rooms, 5 courtyards, 7 staircases and 220 windows. It is one of the mansions maintained by Mr Cheong beside those in Singapore, Hong Kong, Indonesia and China. There was a say that this Blue Mansion probably was the favoured mansion of Mr. Cheong.
There are number of websites described about Mr. Cheong Fatt Tze's history, as well as the architecture of this Blue Mansion with beautiful and precise elaboration. Over here, I just want to share my experience and what I appreciate during my visit to this mansion.
I never been to China and do not know how common is the Chinese courtyard houses over there. But in Penang, the Blue Mansion definitely is one of the few well-maintained units. Visiting this courtyard houses could expose the visitors especially those Chinese in understanding more about the culture practised by our ancient in China. As I observe, the ancient Chinese house by rich people was always particular on the architecture. 'Feng Shui' is an important element to be incorporated into the house design, and of course it was also practise by Mr. Cheong in this Blue Mansion.
Unless you are familiar with the Chinese architecture or the free guided heritage tour is needed to deliver the message that hidden behind the architecture. For example, a courtyard at centre of the house look simple but after explained by the tour guide then only we discovered how the ancient people using their wisdom to design it. To me, the Blue Mansion could be only an old Chinese house but after listen to the guide than I am appreciating the whole building as a cultural treasure in Penang. The English guided tours are held at 11am, 1.30pm and 3pm. Admission fee is at RM12.00 per person. But for those visitors who only drop by for visiting this mansion, please take note that you might not be allowed to take photo on the mansion interior, at least we were told to be like that. And certain parts of the mansion especially those areas where the home-stay rooms located. Oh ya, Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion does offer 38 rooms equipped with air conditioning and en-suite bathroom for stay purpose. Details could be referred on its official website.
This Blue Mansion is worth for visit, lets take it as opportunity to know more about the Chinese culture and great man's history.
Due to we not allowed to take photo on mansion's interior, hence only few snap shot taken on its exterior.
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As described in the banner hanging in front of the mansion, Mr. Cheong Fatt Tze was a rich Hakka entrepreneur, held position as Consul General of the Ching Government, Special Trade Commissioner for South-East Asia and a director of China's first modern bank and first railway.
This Chinese courtyard house is consisted of 38 rooms, 5 courtyards, 7 staircases and 220 windows. It is one of the mansions maintained by Mr Cheong beside those in Singapore, Hong Kong, Indonesia and China. There was a say that this Blue Mansion probably was the favoured mansion of Mr. Cheong.
There are number of websites described about Mr. Cheong Fatt Tze's history, as well as the architecture of this Blue Mansion with beautiful and precise elaboration. Over here, I just want to share my experience and what I appreciate during my visit to this mansion.
I never been to China and do not know how common is the Chinese courtyard houses over there. But in Penang, the Blue Mansion definitely is one of the few well-maintained units. Visiting this courtyard houses could expose the visitors especially those Chinese in understanding more about the culture practised by our ancient in China. As I observe, the ancient Chinese house by rich people was always particular on the architecture. 'Feng Shui' is an important element to be incorporated into the house design, and of course it was also practise by Mr. Cheong in this Blue Mansion.
Unless you are familiar with the Chinese architecture or the free guided heritage tour is needed to deliver the message that hidden behind the architecture. For example, a courtyard at centre of the house look simple but after explained by the tour guide then only we discovered how the ancient people using their wisdom to design it. To me, the Blue Mansion could be only an old Chinese house but after listen to the guide than I am appreciating the whole building as a cultural treasure in Penang. The English guided tours are held at 11am, 1.30pm and 3pm. Admission fee is at RM12.00 per person. But for those visitors who only drop by for visiting this mansion, please take note that you might not be allowed to take photo on the mansion interior, at least we were told to be like that. And certain parts of the mansion especially those areas where the home-stay rooms located. Oh ya, Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion does offer 38 rooms equipped with air conditioning and en-suite bathroom for stay purpose. Details could be referred on its official website.
This Blue Mansion is worth for visit, lets take it as opportunity to know more about the Chinese culture and great man's history.
Due to we not allowed to take photo on mansion's interior, hence only few snap shot taken on its exterior.
Related Post
Occupy Beach Street Every Sunday
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