Stepping into the Glory of the Tin Mining Era｜Han Chin Pet Soo, Ipoh
Reproduce the glory of the tin mining era
Located in Ipoh’s old town, directly opposite the famous Concubine Lane, the Han Chin Pet Soo Museum was originally built in 1893 as Ipoh’s first luxurious club. It served as the social and entertainment hub for Hakka tin miners who had migrated south from China. During the height of the tin mining boom, the mansion was a playground for the wealthy, filled with nightly revelry and indulgence.
As the tin industry declined, the mansion’s grandeur faded. The building fell into disrepair, and the third floor even became a pigeon roost. For many years, the mysterious mansion remained locked, and the public could only glimpse its former glory from outside the walls.
In 2013, the mansion was handed over to the heritage organization Ipoh World, which spent 15 months restoring it. Today, Han Chin Pet Soo stands proudly once again, showcasing a blend of colonial architecture, Islamic-style spires, and European mosaic tiles, with peacock motifs symbolizing prestige and prosperity. Inside, visitors can explore the history of Ipoh’s tin mining, the daily lives of Hakka immigrants, and the leisure activities and personal stories of the club’s original members.
If you want to visit the leisure villa, you must go to the official website in advanceFree appointment. Open for four visiting hours a day：
- 9:30 am
- 11:30 am
- 2:00 pm
- 3:30 pm
Each session is limited to 20 visitors, and the guided tour takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour. Although admission is free, it is recommended to donate as you like to help maintain this precious cultural heritage.
Transportation and tips
The museum is in Ipoh’s old town center, just a 10-minute walk from Ipoh Railway Station. For those driving, parking is available nearby. Due to limited slots, it’s recommended to book at least one week in advance. Photography with flash is prohibited, and visitors must follow the guided tour route.
After the visit, explore Concubine Lane across the street, browse vintage shops, and savor Ipoh’s signature white coffee and traditional desserts like tau fu fah, immersing yourself in the charm of the old town where past and present intertwine.
Han Chin Pet Soo is more than just a heritage building—it is a gateway through time, offering a glimpse into Ipoh’s glittering era of tin mining.
Han Chin Pet Soo
Address: No. 3, Jalan Bijeh Timah, 30100 Ipoh, Perak
Phone: +605-5293306
Booking official website https://www.ipohworld.org/booking/page-reservation-0.php
