Chinatown
The Pearl of the Orient, Penang is the second smallest state in Malaysia and
most probably the loved one. The island state is notable for its culture, people
and varied attractions it offers to the tourists.
One such place located in Penang is Chinatown. Precisely speaking, Chinatown is
situated over a huge area in the city of Georgetown, the administrative centre
of Penang Island and the place is famous for the people who came and settled
here.
The colonial rule uprooted the Chinese people from their origin homeland and
they founded their new home in Penang. The beautiful island showed them
prospects for a better life and soon with more immigrants; some area was
predominated by the Chinese people who named it Chinatown.
Chinatown is a priceless symbol of the islands historical and cultural past. The
place is reminiscent of the history of Chinese settlers in Penang during the
1800’s and is still symbolical of the various trades that were being followed by
the Chinatown dwellers.
The age old occupations has some how survived the lashes of time and the two
storey shops still has the business going. The ancient trades include those of
the lantern makers, josh stick makers to name a few. The Chinese inhabitants of
the area are all successful business man involved in trade and running their own
private shops.
The Chinatown area is the venue for the Chinese New Year celebrations. On the
day of the Chinese New Year, the whole place is decorated by red lanterns and
dragon dance performers dressed in brightly colored clothes put up a spectacular
act. Chinatown is renowned as a great shopping zone and is a great place to shop
for some Chinese items like Rolex watches, jade jewellery, herbs and medicines,
luggage bags and even electrical goods.
The whole street is lined with temples, clan houses and shop houses which are an
witness to the glorious heritage of the yester years.
folder_open Attractions in Penang