China town or Kampung Cina is a long stretch of road called Jalan Kampung Cina. The place China is located near Pasar Payang (Central Market).
This town is first established by the Chinese community in the late 19th
century. It was once a hub for commercial activities.
The main entrance of China town |
The Chinese built the
traditionally designed shop houses according to their place of origin in
Mainland China. The buildings have been declared a heritage site by the
United Nation’s UNESCO under its World Monument Watch Programme to
ensure beautification and preservation of this pre-colonial heritage
significant.
The Chinese have been living harmoniously with the majority Malays in the
state. They blend with the local culture and heritage, speak fluent
local dialect and share the likings of traditional delicacies while
retaining their identity.
Souvenir shops, restaurants, electronic and
grocery shops lined the colourful buildings. It is also home to two
grand temple or toapekongs, the Ho Ann Kiong and the Tien Hou Kong.
Temple Ho Ann Kiong |
While walking along the Chinatown road, there was a lane in between a row of shop houses called Lorong Penyu (Turtle Alley).
At this lane, we could find the story about 'The Little Turtle Messenger' named Maya. The story was written by Chan Eng Heng. Have fun reading this story! How she becomes known as The Little Messenger and would u like to be a turtle messenger too?.