Cheng Ho Cultural Museum
鄭和文化館
A private museum built on the reputed site of Zheng He’s official warehouse. Through ship models, porcelain and historical records, it tells the story of Zheng He’s seven voyages and his ties to Melaka. A must-see for Chinese visitors.
The Cheng Ho Cultural Museum is on Jalan Laksamana Cheng Ho, on the east bank of the Melaka River, right beside the cruise pier. It opened in 2006 to mark the 600th anniversary of Zheng He’s voyages. Research suggests the site was the Ming-era “official warehouse,” the storage and supply base Zheng He’s fleet established in Melaka, and archaeologists found Ming-era foundations and a well here. The five-story museum has themed galleries: Zheng He’s life and the route of his seven voyages; reconstructed treasure ship models and cabins; Ming blue-and-white porcelain and ceramics recovered from Melaka’s waters; diplomatic exchanges between Zheng He and the Sultan of Melaka, including the legend of Princess Hang Li Po; and exhibits on tea culture and the spice trade. One floor covers the history of Melaka’s Chinese community. Labels are in Chinese, English and Malay, which makes it especially welcoming to Chinese visitors. Admission is about RM 20 for adults and RM 10 for children. Tip: a visit takes about an hour. Afterward, board the river cruise from the pier next door. If you are interested in Zheng He, you can also visit Bukit China, said to be where Zheng He’s followers settled and the largest Chinese cemetery in Southeast Asia, along with the Sam Po Temple and Sam Po Well at its foot. Notes: many exhibits are replicas, and the museum focuses on historical information, so don’t expect original artifacts. The first floor has a souvenir shop and a teahouse.
Opening hours
09:00–18:00
Nearby sights
- Melaka River Cruise
- Dutch Square (Stadthuys)
- St. Francis Xavier's Church
- Sri Poyyatha Vinayagar Moorthi Temple
- Kampung Kling Mosque
- Baba & Nyonya Heritage Museum
- St. Paul's Church
- Jonker Street