Tjong A Fie Mansion — Attraction in City of Medan

Probably the only one historical yet exquisitely stunning ancient manor house established by a historical Chinese figure who came from mainland China to this city and became a very rich entrepreneur, a Chinese public figure in the city, also a philanthropist in the latter life. Known as rumah tjong a fie or literally the house of tjong a fie because it was actually the former residence of tjong a fie and his big family since centuries ago. This almost abandoned former residence of tjong a fie now was transformed into a heritage museum and opened for public since 2008 ago till nowadays. Inside the building, all the interior & exterior elements, the antique furniture, even numerous heritage artifacts were still well preserved, though those were also some newly added artifacts which replaced the lost ones. The main keys of the architecture style of this manor house are: Sino Portuguese with eclectic elements from local malay & Chinese culture. Such the almost similar manor house with same architecture can also be found at Penang Malaysia, though the manor house of tjong a fie particularly preserving it's uniquely rustic & antique old aged look since centuries ago, rather than being renovated with extreme makeover into the modern new looking one. This manor house provides such a lot of scenic & photogenic spots suitable for Chinese vintage style photography, though for such the commercial photography activity, it should be informed first with the museum's staffs for the permission. Just outside of this manor house, it's also a historical bistro & bakery not far from the spot and this manor house is located at ahmad yani street of which is also renowned for the old historical buildings along the street. This place personally became the utmost memorable one for me, since I had already familiar with this historical manor since...

Stepped into the Tjong A Fie Mansion in Medan, and it’s like stumbling into the haunted cousin of Penang’s Cheong Fatt Tze Blue Mansion, which I visited just months ago. Both are time capsules of Chinese tycoon swagger, built by Hakka merchants who hustled from rags to riches.

Built in 1895 and finished in 1900 by Tjong A Fie, a Hakka merchant who clawed his way from Guangdong poverty to become Medan’s plantation kingpin, this 8,000 sqm, 35-room, 2-story beast screams ambition. The architecture’s a wild mashup- Chinese feng shui vibes with Malay flair and Art Deco swagger, plus Italian hand-painted tiles and gilded wood panels that ooze opulence. It’s a museum now, open since 2009 to mark Tjong’s 150th birthday, and still partly lived in by his descendants, which adds a creepy, lived-in ghost story vibe.

Tjong, who died in 1921 at 61 from a brain hemorrhage, was no ordinary fat cat. He bankrolled a third of Medan’s grand Al Mashun Mosque, built bridges, schools, and hospitals, and even founded Bank Kesawan in 1913. His plantation empire - palm oil, sugar, tobacco made him Sumatra’s first Chinese millionaire, and his title as ‘Majoor der Chineezen’ (Chinese Major) in 1911 cemented his clout with the Dutch, Deli Sultanate, and locals. The mansion’s courtyard, a serene “Well of Heaven,” feels like a brief escape from the chaos, but don’t be fooled - rumors has it some whisper of supernatural chills in certain rooms at night.

Entry’s a measly IDR 35,000 (~$2.30), including a guide who’ll spill family secrets, but the heat inside’s brutal. It’s a haunting peek into...

Stepping into Tjong A Fie Mansion feels like traveling back in time to the golden age of Medan’s colonial era. This stunning heritage house, built in 1895, was the residence of Tjong A Fie, a legendary Chinese merchant, philanthropist, and community leader who played a pivotal role in Medan’s development. Much like the Blue Mansion in Penang, 🇲🇾, this mansion showcases a mesmerizing blend of Chinese motifs, Malay, and European architectural styles with intricate carvings, vibrant lavish details, and elegant courtyards.

Tjong A Fie wasn’t just a wealthy businessman—he was a beloved figure who helped build schools, temples, and infrastructure for the people of Medan. His mansion reflects his influence, with 35 rooms and a grand ballroom where high-society gatherings were held.

Here, you get to explore multiple floors and the many rooms from including bedrooms, a family altar, apparently there is even a hidden safe!

Guided tour (available in English) shares fascinating stories about Tjong A Fie’s life in the mansion.

If you love history, architecture, or just want to see one of Medan’s most iconic landmarks. It’s more than just a museum—it’s a living testament to Medan’s multicultural heritage.

Note: having been to Cheong Fatt Tze’s blue mansion in Penang Malaysia, this seems like a sequel for the influential philanthropists’ with a better glimpse of the personal life stories through the well preserved rooms in Tjong A Fie’s mansion.

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