“The mansion's highlight is its unique blue color, decorated in a Chinese-Western style, with a Chinese dragon-patterned roof and European mosaic tiles, all designed according to Feng Shui principles.”
Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion (The Blue Mansion) was built in the 1890s by Cheong Fatt Tze, a Hokkien-Chinese merchant from Guangdong Province. He began life in poverty in Indonesia and became one of the most successful Chinese tycoons in Southeast Asia. His businesses spanned wine, shipping, hotels, factories, and banking, and he enjoyed close ties with the Chinese imperial court during the Qing Dynasty, earning him the position of "economic and diplomatic advisor" to the Chinese emperor.
Cheong Fatt Tze built the mansion as his family residence and office. It was designed as a large traditional Chinese house with five courtyards and 38 rooms, complete with a beautifully carved teak staircase from China. Architects and craftsmen were imported from southern China to preserve Hokkien authenticity while incorporating European elegance, such as arched glass windows, wrought ironwork, and mosaic floors. Every element of the mansion reflects the "energy of balance" according to Feng Shui principles, from the placement of doors and water features and the direction of light to create a flow of positive life energy (chi) throughout the home.
During the British colonial era, the mansion also hosted important European and Chinese guests. It is currently preserved by local conservationists and the Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion Heritage Foundation, earning it the "Most Excellent Project in Conservation" award from the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage Awards.
The mansion features a great hall, living rooms, family bedrooms, a prayer room, and an exhibition hall detailing the history of Cheong Fatt Tze, including authentic artifacts from the past, such as carved wooden furniture, ancient photographs, trade documents, and priceless collectibles. Visitors can take guided tours, which tell the story of the golden age of trade in the Straits of Malacca and the role of the Jiang family in overseas Chinese history.
The mansion has also been renovated into a luxurious boutique hotel, perfectly preserved. Each room is uniquely decorated and features authentic 19th-century antique furnishings, allowing guests to truly experience life in a traditional mansion.
The mansion has also served as a filming location for popular films and TV series such as Indochine (1992) and Crazy Rich Asians (2018), contributing to its status as a Penang landmark recognized by tourists worldwide.
How to Get There
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From Lebuh Chulia or Armenian Street in Georgetown, it's a 10-15-minute walk.
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From Penang Jetty, it's about a 5-minute taxi or Grab ride.
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From Penang International Airport, it's about a 30-minute drive.
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Parking is available at the nearby lot, or you can easily walk from nearby hotels.
Travel Tips
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A guided tour is recommended, providing in-depth information about Jiang Fadzhi's architecture and life.
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Arrive in the morning to avoid the intense sun and crowds of tourists.
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Dress appropriately and keep quiet inside the mansion.
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Nearby, there are several chic cafes and restaurants, such as the Blue Mansion Cafe and Indigo Restaurant, located within the building.
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For a more unique atmosphere, stay overnight at the mansion's hotel to experience the mansion's nostalgic atmosphere.
Admission Fees:
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Adults: RM 25
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Children (ages 5–12): RM 12
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Children under 5 are free (price includes a guided tour and exhibition space).
Opening Hours:
Open daily with 3 rounds per day:
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Morning tour at 11:00 AM.
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Afternoon tour at 2:00 PM.
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Evening tour at 3:30 PM. (Please check the schedule on the website or official page before traveling).