China Street Ghaut, George Town

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Gat Lebuh China

China Street Ghaut is an extension of China Street. Until the third quarter of the 19th century, Beach Street runs along the shoreline. Where China Street meets the sea, there was a flight of stone steps leading to the water's edge, called "ghaut". Reclamation works between 1880 and 1904 extended the shoreline outwards, creating new land for warehousing and commercial offices. China Street itself was extended, and the newly created road took the name "China Street Ghaut", after the stone steps that were no more.

China Street Ghaut runs for only a short distance between Beach Street and Weld Quay. The Chinese community in George Town is said to be quite upset over its construction. The British had - deliberately or otherwise - built China Street Ghaut in such a way that it does not align to China Street. As a result, the sea view enjoyed by Kuan Yin Teng temple at the head of China Street was now blocked by new buildings. But worse was on the way. At the seaward end of China Street Ghaut, the British built the Malayan Railway Building, with a tower on which they placed a clock. To the ever superstitious Chinese, the blocking of the sea view of the Kuan Yin Teng has disrupted the auspicious fengshui while the placing of the clock - another fengshui no-no - was also another attempt by the British to limit the economic prowess of the Chinese.

Getting there

From the Weld Quay Bus Terminal, cross Pengkalan Weld and then turn right, walk along Pengkalan Weld, and you will arrive at China Street Ghaut to your left.

Sights along China Street Ghaut

Malayan Railway Building (now Wisma Kastam)

George Town Dispensary

Ban Hin Lee Bank Building

Click for list of Streets of George Town

Godowns at China Street Ghaut (12 November 2008)
© Timothy Tye using this photo

China Street Ghaut Location Map

Photos of China Street Ghaut

China Street Ghaut sign (12 November 2008)
© Timothy Tye using this photo

China Street Ghaut plaque (12 November 2008)
© Timothy Tye using this photo

Malayan Railway Building at China Street Ghaut (4 December 2008)
© Timothy Tye using this photo

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Penang Travel Tips is researched and written by Timothy Tye, universally known as Tim. The text is the copyright of Timothy Tye, and may not be copied for commercial use or re-published in another website without the author's permission. Information provided is in goodwill and is believed to be correct and up-to-date at time of writing. Photographs on this website are the copyright of the author and may not be reused without prior permission. For commercial licensing of photographs, read the licensing terms.