This museum was set up in honour of a Chinese Ming Dynasty admiral called Cheng Ho or Zheng He.
This famed explorer made seven voyages of exploration, leaving his mark in the Middle East, Africa and South East Asia between 1405 and 1433. Five of these voyages brought him through Melaka, a port he is said to have founded.
These voyages made a significant impact on Melaka's regionally important role in history. As a confidante to the third Emperor of the Ming Dynasty, Cheng Ho had a weighty influence on Chinese International Relations of the day.
In the mid-15th Century, he was entrusted to bring the Emperor's daughter, Princess Hang Li Po to marry the Sultan of Melaka. The Princess' entourage consisted of several hundred sons of ministers and handmaidens, a group of people who eventually intermarried with locals in Melaka, creating the Baba Nyonya culture.
Lately, some interest has been generated about a belief that Cheng Ho kept a warehouse in Melaka. One of the dilapidated buildings in the old part of Melaka town, showing remnants of Ming style architecture, is thought to be the old warehouse in question and is now the site of the Cheng Ho Museum.
The exhibition space displays the life and times of the historic Admiral. Rooms like Tea House and Treasure Ship Living Cabin will take you back in time, and offer you a glimpse of Cheng Ho's lifestyle.
Studies of the adventures of this Muslim eunuch are fascinating and the social impact of his voyages can still be felt to this day.
Key Tips
Because this enigmatic, larger-than-life man gave rise to this fascinating town, it affords a perfect way to gain a better understanding of Melaka, and to get a clearer glimpse of its rich history. A museum not to be missed!
How to get there
By Foot or Taxi Cheng Ho Museum is on Jalan Hang Jebat, close to the Tan Kim Seng Bridge. Because of Cheng Ho's Museum's very central location, it is very easy to get to and from wherever you might be staying.
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