Chinese tourists delighted to get into the Nyonya kebaya

MELAKA: Tourists from China clad in colourful nyonya kebaya strolling around the city and checking out heritage sites at Bandar Hilir here are a common sight these days.

They can be spotted from the start of the archway of Jonker Street to the historical Stadthuys.

The attire, with its long-sleeved embroidered top, dates back to the early days of the unique baba and nyonya cultural hybrid – also known as the Peranakan or Straits Chinese – that has flourished for centuries in this old port city that has deep ties with China.

Among those seen dressed in the style was a Chinese college teacher from Hangzhou, who said she loved walking around in it, complete with a multicoloured umbrella.

“This is a new experience for me and it opened my eyes to the Chinese Peranakan history in Malaysia,” said Lei Hou, who was on a tour of Malaysia with her students and added that the nyonya kebaya outfit was rented by their tour company for their group members to parade around in while in Melaka.

Another delighted wearer was a tourist from Beijing, who identified herself as Malini and spoke a smattering of Tamil.

“I draped myself in a saree when I first arrived in Kuala Lumpur and now, the nyonya kebaya. You are really lucky to be born in a nation that is a melting pot of so many ethnicities,” said the 29-year-old.

Malini learned to speak some Tamil through a friend who is a member of the Beijing Tamil Sangamam (Association) and adopted the name “Malini” in 2019.

On April 24, Malaysia Baba and Nyonya Association chairman Datuk Ronald Gan said the Straits Chinese community hopes to play a significant role on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Malaysia and China this year.

On March 26, Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh announced that the historical city was set to host the golden celebration.