There are many highlights in Malacca Jonker Street. Here are some of the main aspects:
History and Culture
Witness of Zheng He's Voyages to the West: Jonker Street is named after the homophony of "Jichang" in Fujian dialect. As early as 600 years ago, when Zheng He sailed to the West for the seventh time, he set up an "official factory" here to store materials. This place also became a Chinese settlement. It is one of the earliest settlements of Chinese in Malacca who went to Southeast Asia, witnessing the long history of friendly exchanges between China and Malaysia.
Multicultural Integration: As the main axis of Malacca's historical city, Jonker Street is a bridge between Eastern and Western culture and trade. It integrates various cultural elements such as Malay, Chinese, Dutch, and British. The architectural style, customs, religious beliefs, etc. are integrated with each other to form a unique multicultural landscape.
Architectural Style
Chinese Nanyang Architecture: Many ancient buildings that combine Chinese Nanyang architectural style are preserved on both sides of the street, such as the Centennial Chinese Association Hall and temples. These ancient buildings have unique architectural features, such as flying eaves, carved beams and painted columns, door gods, etc., reflecting the profound heritage of Chinese culture.
Colorful shophouses: The exterior walls of the shophouses in Jonker Street are painted in bright colors, some are decorated with exquisite tiles, and red lanterns and colorful flags are hung in front of the door, which are particularly eye-catching in the sun, giving people a festive and warm feeling, forming a unique Nanyang style.
Food culture
Nyonya food: Jonker Street is a good place to taste Nyonya food. The Nyonya cuisine here combines the cooking characteristics of China, Malaysia and Indonesia, such as laksa, Nyonya rice dumplings, black soy sauce chicken, kaya sauce, pandan leaves, etc. Various flavors such as sour, sweet, spicy and salty are intertwined, with a strong aroma and rich taste.
Other specialties: In addition to Nyonya food, Jonker Street also has a variety of authentic Malacca food, such as fried rice noodles, nasi lemak, grilled fish sandwiched between two leaves, cendol, etc. These foods are not only delicious, but also carry the rich history and culture of Malacca and a unique lifestyle.
Night Market and Activities
Busy Night Market: Every Friday to Sunday night, Jonker Street will hold a night market. The streets are lined with all kinds of stalls, including small shops selling traditional Malay handicrafts, various antique shops, and various food stalls. Tourists of all skin colors are bustling and extremely lively.
Wonderful Cultural Activities: During weekend street closures and Chinese festivals, Jonker Street will hold various exciting activities, such as New Year's Eve countdown, Spring Festival decoration event, dragon and lion dance Lantern Festival, etc., forming a strong Chinese cultural atmosphere and attracting many tourists to watch.
Shopping Experience
Specialty Products: There are many shops selling specialty products on Jonker Street, such as traditional Malay handicrafts, Nyonya accessories, antiques, souvenirs, etc. These products have strong local characteristics and cultural connotations, and are a good choice for tourists to buy souvenirs and gifts.
Shopping environment: The shopping environment of Jonker Street is unique. The narrow old street is lined with various stalls. Visitors can stroll around and choose slowly here, feeling the strong Nanyang style and the lively market atmosphere.