Cheong Fatt Tze (1840–1916) was a Chinese businessman and politician born in Dabu, Guangdong Province in South China. Migrating to South-East Asia to seek his fortune, he first made base in Jakarta, then expanded his business to Medan and subsequently George Town in Penang.
Through the course of his life, Cheong Fatt Tze frequently travelled throughout the region as he pursued his business interests, building mansions in Indonesia, Singapore, Hong Kong and China. By all accounts though, his favourite mansion was the one he built in Leith Street, George Town, Penang.
Cheong Fatt Tze's Mansion in Penang began construction at the end of the 19th century. Known as the "Blue Mansion" today for its modern day painted facade, the mansion was not originally blue in colour during Cheong Fatt Tze's time.
Built in the traditional Chinese Courtyard Home style by artisans brought in from China, the materials used in the construction of the mansion was also imported from around the world, even as far away as Scotland.
The Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion has three 1-hour guided tours daily, at 11am, 1:30pm and 3pm. Tickets are RM12 for adults and RM6 for children under 12. Be advised that tickets cannot be booked in advance and places are limited; so be early in order to avoid disappointment - as the tours are pretty popular. For the 3pm tour, you can choose to have tea in the courtyard of the mansion for an additional fee.
Alternatively, you can also choose to stay at the mansion in one of the 16 rooms. Prices range from RM420 onwards.
Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion
Address: 14 Leith Street,10200 Penang, Malaysia
Tel : +604 262 0006
Fax: +604 262 5289
Tel : +604 262 0006
Fax: +604 262 5289