Gat Lebuh China (China Street Ghaut), George Town

China Street Ghaut, George Town, Penang (7 January 2022)


China Street Ghaut, or Gat Lebuh China, is an extension of China Street. Until the third quarter of the 19th century, Lebuh Pantai 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. The street forms the northern border of the Chinese Trades Neighbourhood which spreads south until Sia Boey.

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 Im Teng temple at the head of China Street was now blocked by new buildings.

But worse things were 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 Im 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.

Map of Gat Lebuh China, Penang

Sights along China Street Ghaut

Getting to China Street Ghaut

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

Parking at China Street Ghaut is on the central divider. (20 May 2023)


China Street Ghaut, in front of ThinkCity office. (20 May 2023)


Gat Lebuh China roadsign (7 January 2022)


Gat Lebuh China roadsign (3 January 2020)


China Street Ghaut (25 July 2012)


Godowns at China Street Ghaut (25 July 2012)



China Street Ghaut sign (12 November 2008)



China Street Ghaut plaque (12 November 2008)

List of Streets in Penang and Streets in Malaysia

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