Discover the History and Charm of Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion with This Helpful Guide
Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion, famously known as the Blue Mansion, immediately draws you in with its striking indigo walls and intricate Chinese architecture. Walking through its grand halls, we were fascinated by the mix of Eastern and Western design elements that tell the story of Penang’s multicultural past.
Every corner reveals something unique—ornate tiles, carved timber, and antique furnishings that once belonged to Cheong Fatt Tze, a wealthy merchant often referred to as the Rockefeller of the East. The guided tours bring these details to life, sharing tales of ambition, heritage, and the mansion’s remarkable restoration.
Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion is more than just a building; it’s a living museum that reflects history, culture, and artistry all under one roof. Here’s your travel guide to discovering its history and charm!
Where is Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion?
Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion, also known as the Blue Mansion, is located on Leith Street in George Town, Penang, Malaysia. It’s a UNESCO-recognised heritage building famed for its indigo-blue facade and blend of Eastern and Western architectural styles.
How to Get to Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion
Closest bus stop: If you’re in Penang, you can take Rapid Penang Bus 101 or 103 and get off near Leith Street. From the stop, it’s just a short walk to the Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion.
For those already exploring George Town, the mansion is within walking distance from many heritage sites like Penang Road and Love Lane.
Alternatively, fly into Penang International Airport, then take a taxi or Grab—it’s about a 30-minute ride straight to the mansion.
Best Time to Go to Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion
The best time to visit Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion is in the morning or early afternoon when guided tours are available. This lets you explore the mansion’s history and architecture with fewer crowds.
Another good time is during the George Town Festival, usually in August. The mansion often hosts cultural events, exhibitions, and performances that bring the heritage site to life.
Things to Know About Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion
Operating hours: The mansion is open daily from 11 AM to 6 PM, with guided tours offered at specific time slots. It’s best to check ahead, as hours may vary for private events.
Parking: Limited parking is available near Leith Street, but spaces can fill quickly. Many visitors prefer to walk from George Town or use Grab for convenience.
Washroom: Restrooms are available inside the mansion for tour guests and hotel visitors. They are clean and well-maintained to suit the heritage setting.
Photography: Picture-taking is allowed in many areas, but some parts of the guided tour have restrictions. Always check with staff before snapping pictures.
What to Do and See in Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion
Join a guided Heritage Tour
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Address: 4, Lebuh Leith, George Town, 10200 George Town
Contact details: +6042620006
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 11 AM to 3:30 PM
Cost:
- RM25.00 – per head
Joining a heritage tour at Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion is one of the best ways for you to appreciate its layered history. A guide walks you through the mansion’s past, sharing stories about its original owner and the vision behind its striking design.
You’ll step into the grand reception hall, where the intricate details make you pause and take a closer look. Moving into the iconic courtyard, the mix of Chinese and Western elements gives you an idea of just how unique this place is.
The tour also takes you upstairs to a small exhibition where you can explore artifacts and learn more about Penang’s role in trade and culture. With a limited group size, you’ll find it easier to ask questions and truly connect with the stories being told.
Explore the courtyards
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Address: 4, Lebuh Leith, George Town, 10200 George Town
Contact details: +6042620006
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 11 AM to 3:30 PM
Cost:
- RM25.00 – per head
Exploring the courtyards of Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion gives you an up-close feel of its thoughtful layout. The mansion has five granite-paved courtyards, all positioned to allow airflow and natural light through its core.
Each courtyard is framed by verandahs and rooms with timbre-louvre windows, which let you catch glimpses of the leafy sky above and the blue walls around. There’s one main courtyard where the ceiling above the entrance lets you look up and see decorative woodwork, stained glass, and the sky, making it especially striking.
What makes these courtyards among the best parts of the mansion is how they balance openness with intimacy. While walking through them, you can feel protected by the walls yet connected to the outdoors—perfect moments for photos, quiet thought, or simply cooling down after exploring the rooms.
Learn about Feng Shui principles
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Address: 4, Lebuh Leith, George Town, 10200 George Town
Contact details: +6042620006
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 11 AM to 3:30 PM
Cost:
- RM25.00 – per head
You’ll notice the mansion was built with core Feng Shui ideas in mind: orientation, elements, and flow are everywhere. For example, the building faces the sea and has Penang Hill behind it, which in Chinese geomancy gives strength and protection.
There’s a clever network of water channels: rainwater starts from the roof eaves, moves down through upper ceilings, then into the central courtyard, and finally drains away underneath the house. That slow-moving water is meant to symbolise how wealth should enter and then flow gently without rushing out.
Also, rooms are placed and sized per Feng Shui rules—37 to 38 rooms, 5 courtyards, 7 staircases, and a specific number of pillars in corners (8 in some cases) because certain numbers are lucky. All these small design choices add up so you feel balanced while walking through the mansion.
Browse the museum exhibits
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Address: 4, Lebuh Leith, George Town, 10200 George Town
Contact details: +6042620006
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 11 AM to 3:30 PM
Cost:
- RM25.00 – per head
You’ll walk through the rooms full of period furniture and artifacts that belonged to Cheong Fatt Tze and his family—antiques like ebony chairs, mother-of-pearl inlaid tables, and cheongsams that tell stories of the past.
There’s one exhibit in particular that stands out: the restored entrance hall holds a towering carved screen, cast-iron columns, and stained glass imported from Scotland. Details like that show how much craftsmanship went into the mansion.
Also, the rooms themselves serve as exhibits—the furniture, the tiles, and decorative elements are preserved rather than replaced. You’ll see restored rooms that let you imagine what life was like in the late 19th to early 20th century.
Where to Eat and Drink in Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion
Indigo at the Blue Mansion
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Address: 4, Lebuh Leith, George Town, 10200 George Town
Contact details: +6042620006
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 12 to 3 PM | 6:30 to 10 PM
Cost: $$
Walking into Indigo, you immediately get the sense this is more than just food—it’s about the story behind the flavours. The restaurant is on the first floor, blending East and West through its design and menu under Executive Chef Jack Yeap.
Every dish reflects that balance because you’ll taste Penang roots in spices, techniques learnt abroad, and seasonal ingredients presented with finesse. The lunch and dinner menus offer variety without over-complicating things.
What makes Indigo one of the best in Penang is that it doesn’t feel pretentious. The service respects your time, the dining space feels intimate, and the setting (inside a heritage mansion) adds a layer that few places can match.
Cafe Mangga
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Address: 4, Lebuh Leith, George Town, 10200 George Town
Contact details: +6042620006
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 11 AM to 11 PM
Cost: $$
Cafe Mangga is the more casual dining option compared to Indigo. It’s set in a garden-like space under the shade of mango trees, giving you a laid-back spot to enjoy drinks or light meals.
The cafe serves a mix of Malaysian and Western dishes. You’ll usually find favourites like nasi lemak, laksa, sandwiches, pasta, cakes, and a variety of refreshing beverages—perfect if you’re after something quick and comforting while exploring the mansion.
Many visitors also stop by for their desserts and coffee, making it a nice choice if you want a sweet break after the heritage tour.
The Bar Restaurant
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Address: 4, Lebuh Leith, George Town, 10200 George Town
Contact details: +6042620006
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 11 AM to 12 AM
Cost: $$
If you’re after a relaxed spot with character, The Bar is where you’ll want to spend time within the Blue Mansion. The space blends heritage charm with a modern touch, making it an inviting place to unwind.
You can sip on cocktails inspired by local ingredients or stick with classics if that’s more your style. Many visitors enjoy pairing their drinks with light bites, which makes this spot feel more like an experience than just a bar stop.
What makes it extra special is how it connects you to the mansion’s history while giving you a cosy atmosphere to enjoy. Whether you drop in after exploring the house or come just for a drink, you’ll find it’s a unique part of your visit.
Courtyard Heritage Restaurant
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Address: 4, Lebuh Leith, George Town, 10200 George Town
Contact details: +6042620006
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 10 AM to 12 AM
Cost: $$
You’ll find the Courtyard Heritage Restaurant at Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion set in the central granite-paved courtyard, where the Feng Shui energy flow is the strongest. It’s open for breakfast and happy hour snacks, sitting quietly before the tours or as the sun drops.
Breakfast here feels calm, and guests can pick from local staples plus more Western options under shaded verandas, letting you eat while breathing in the quiet of the mansion’s history. The courtyard seating is also shared with The Bar guests during the afternoons.
Evenings on weekends bring live guzheng music to the Courtyard’s open-air space. It’s a moment when the mansion feels alive—soft sound, gentle light, and your meal feels part of a setting that few other restaurants offer.
Where to Stay In and Near Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion
Cheong Fatt Tze, The Blue Mansion
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Address: 4, Lebuh Leith, George Town, 10200 George Town
Contact details: +6042620006
Operating hours:
- Check-in: 2 PM
- Check-out: 12 PM
Cost: $$$
Spending a night at The Blue Mansion lets you do more than just admire the heritage, as you get to actually get to live inside it. High ceilings, antique furniture, and restored details make your room feel like part of history.
Every corner has its own character, whether you’re waking up to the light filtering through timber shutters or enjoying breakfast in the open-air courtyard. Some suites even come with plunge pools, while others showcase unique touches like retro decor.
What makes the stay extra memorable is the atmosphere that blends comfort with charm. From quiet evenings in the courtyard to unexpected moments like meeting the resident cat, you’ll carry the experience with you long after you’ve checked out.
Moon Tree 47
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Address: 47, Muntri St, Georgetown
Contact details: +6042644021
Operating hours:
- Check-in: 2 PM
- Check-out: 12 PM
Cost: $$
If you’re drawn to places with character, Moon Tree 47 feels like stepping into another era. The 1920s shophouse setting brings a nostalgic charm that you can see in every corner.
You’ll notice the rooms carry the same vintage vibe, with natural light streaming in to brighten the space. The lush greenery in the courtyard makes it easy an spot to slow down and recharge between your walks around George Town.
What makes it even warmer is the personal touch from the owners, who are always ready with stories and local tips. Add in the resident cats and the cosy cafe downstairs, and you’ve got a stay that feels more like visiting old friends than checking into a guesthouse.
Some Place Else
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Address: 28, Muntri St, Georgetown
Contact details: +60125157464
Operating hours:
- Check-in: 2 PM
- Check-out: 11 AM
Cost: $$
For a hostel experience that feels more like a community, Some Place Else is the kind of spot you’ll want to book. The design is modern and thoughtful, giving you comfort while still keeping things affordable.
You’ll have plenty of chances to connect with fellow travellers thanks to nightly activities and a large shared kitchen. If you’re more of a quiet soul, the rooftop and co-working space give you room to enjoy your own pace.
The location puts you right in George Town, making it easy to step out for food, street art, or heritage walks. Between the friendly staff and the laid-back vibe, this is one place where you’ll feel both social and at home.
Sleep Box Penang
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Address: 418, Chulia St, Georgetown
Contact details: +60179526660
Operating hours:
- Check-in: 3 PM
- Check-out: 12 PM
Cost: $
Sometimes you need a place that’s simple yet has everything that matters, and Sleep Box delivers on that. The rooms are compact but surprisingly cosy, with comfy beds and a touch of playful decor.
The shared facilities stand out here, especially the kitchen areas on each floor and the free laundry setup. When you’re travelling longer, those little conveniences make a big difference to your stay.
Being close to George Town’s main attractions is another plus, as you can walk to most sights or hop on a quick bus. If you don’t mind a bit of nightlife noise nearby, this spot gives you great value for what you pay.