What’s Penang got do with the overthrow of China’s Qing dynasty? A lot, actually! This is where Sun Yat-sen Museum will offer you a window to the political dynamics of China. Learn about the Xinhai Chinese Revolution of 1911 through the life of its leader Sun Yat-sen. He moved the headquarters of the Chinese United League, or Tongmenghui, to Penang and delivered an inspirational speech in George Town. The uprising catalyzed into a revolution, resulting in the end of imperial dynasty and establishment of Republic of China. Sun Yat-sen was elected as the provisional president and is also referred to as the ‘Father of the Nation’. October 10, or Double Ten Day, the day of the revolution is celebrated in Taiwan (officially known as Republic of China) as the National Day while it is celebrated in People’s Republic of China (mainland China) as the anniversary of Xinhai Revolution.

The Sun Yat-sen Museum chronicles the life events of this legendary Chinese leader in his erstwhile home on Armenian Street in George Town. This is where Penang Philomatic Union, a reading club, was run from as a front for the revolutionary activities. Explore this heritage building, with its courtyard surrounded by vintage interiors and ornate furniture. This is a small museum but big on content.

Tips: Located on the quaint Armenian Street of George Town, it is walking distance from Asia Camera Museum and you can plan to visit both consecutively.