Bukit Cina (Malay for Chinese Hill) is a district which is the earliest Chinese settlement in the kingdom of Melaka.

As Melaka grew towards imperial stature, China sent one of her princesses, Hang Li Po, the great granddaughter of the Chinese Yongle Emperor, the third emperor of the Ming Dynasty, to marry the reigning Sultan of Melaka, Mansor Shah (who reigned from 1456 until 1477), so as to seal the harmonious relations between the two countries. Together with her arrival, came a vast retinue (about a few hundred handmaidens and sons of ministers). The Sultan presented her with Bukit Cina, to be established as their residence.

Bukit Cina is located further inland from the Straits of Melaka than any other non-natives’ quarters in Melaka. The hill rises abruptly from the plains, about 1 kilometre inland from the Straits. Its peak offers a breathtaking view of the Straits, as well as the Sumatran Island on the other side.

Those Chinese who came with Princess Hang Li Po were soon joined by other Chinese merchants who came to Melaka to trade their goods, expanding the district greatly throughout the years. The imperial fleet from China also visited Melaka throughout the years, with accommodation provided at Bukit Cina.

As with the cities in China, Bukit Cina possesses many fine Buddhist and Taoist temples as well as a small market selling Chinese-related goods exclusively.

There are also houses where beautiful courtesans await to entertain men, irregardless of race, who can afford their entertainment. Many business transactions are conducted there, as well as at the tea houses selling inexpensive drinks, located throughout the district.

A storytelling corner can be located in the district, together with a beautiful garden where men and women sat down to do battle with one another over games of chess.

Hang Li Po's followers had constructed for her a great well for her personal use, which is named after her. Such is its reputation is that it is said never to have dried up even during droughts. In warm weather, the well water remains cool to drink and thus, is a delight to sip at the Princess’s table.


Further Information and Sources:
Wikipedia – Hang Li Po [English]
Wikipedia – Hang Li Po [Malay]
Wikipedia – Bukit Cina [English]
Wikipedia – Bukit Cina [Malay]
Virtualmalaysia.com – Hang Li Po’s Well
Melaka State tourist portal

Image of Hang Li Po created and released into the public domain by L Joo