Ming Dynasty’s Admiral Zheng He (Cheng Ho) had a mighty fleet of several hundred ships that sailed seven times from China to the Western Ocean (Southeast Asia, Indian Ocean, Middle East and Africa) during the period of 1405 to 1433. Historical records have shown that this Ming Grand Eunuch visited Melaka (Malacca) at least five times during those famous seven voyages.
He set up a huge warehouse complex along the northern side of the Melaka River but its exact location remains unknown. Some claim that his warehouse was located in Bukit Cina because there is a Sampo (or San Bao, which refers to Cheng Ho) well in the area, which is named Sampo Hill. However, others disagree. Hence, the exact location of Cheng Ho’s warehouse is something worth finding out.
In 2000, a cluster of dilapidated ancient buildings was found in the old part of Melaka town, and at least three of them could have been built two or three hundred years ago. Furthermore, it was discovered that they all have Ming architectural style. Interest on the mysterious location of the warehouse complex or Guang Chang, which was mentioned in Ma Huan’s book Ying Yai Sheng Lan, was once again sparked.
Most ancient ports are located at river mouths, thus the ancient Guang Chang may have been sited on the present location of Cheng Ho Cultural Museum. After three years of intensive research and digging, many convincing evidence were found. This includes relics found in the original house. A detailed description of the evidence can be obtained in the book Cheng Ho and Malacca written by Tan Ta Sen. It is now widely believed that the present Museum is situated on the original site of Guan Chang built by Cheng Ho about 600 years ago.
As such, descriptions by Ma Huan were used to reconstruct the Guan Chang in the design of the façade and interior of the museum. For instance, a pair of watch towers (drum and bell tower) at the front of the Museum just as it is described by Ma Huan in his book, are constructed. These have been removed subsequently.
Link:
http://www.chengho.org/museum/web/history.html
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