Bukit Cina

Bukit Cina (Malay: "Chinese Hill") is a hillside of historical significance in the capital of Malaysian state of Malacca, Malacca Town. It is located several kilometres to the north from the historical centre of Malacca (Dutch town and Chinatown), but these days, it's surrounded by the modern city on all sides.

According to the local tradition, in the mid-15th century, Hang Li Po was sent to be married to the sultan of Malacca, Sultan Mansor Shah, to seal relations between the two countries. The hill, Bukit Cina, a gift from the sultan, was established as their residence. Marine archaeology of a shipwreck (Royal Nanhai wreck from about 1460 AD) suggested royal gifts from China, shipped during Sultan Mansor Shah's reign.

The Hang Li Poh's Well, which is next to the Poh San Teng Temple (also mistakenly known as Sam Po Kong Temple) at the foot of the hill, was constructed by Hang Li Po's followers for her personal use but was also an important source of water for much of the town. It was also a prime target for opposition forces, which either poisoned it or tried to hold it for their own use. It was reputed never to have dried up even during droughts.

Admiral Zheng He (Cheng Ho)'s Seven Wells lie in the foot of the Bukit Cina, beside the Poh San Teng Temple. These wells were dug by Admiral Zheng He's expedition force during their stopover in Malacca during the Ming dynasty. Bukit Cina was chosen by Zheng He to be used as the base for his expeditionary force. The Seven Wells are also known as the Dragon's wells according to fengshui principles. The local government bulldozed some of these wells during the 1950-60s on the excuse of road building. To-date, only three wells are left intact and they have never been dried even in the worst of draught.

Today, the well has acquired the reputation of a wishing well and it is believed that anyone who throws a coin into the well will return to Malacca. Bukit Cina and two adjoining hills today form a Chinese graveyard covering over 250,000 square metres. With over 12,000 graves, some of which date to the Ming Dynasty, it is said to be the largest Chinese graveyard outside China.

Getting There

The Bukit Cina is strategically located at town center of Melaka (Jalan Puteri Hang Li Poh) and easily accessible by walking distance from every part in town center.

The best way to get to the Bukit Cina is via taxi or by driving here yourself if you're from other part of Melaka.

Attractions in Melaka