Kampoeng China

 

Chinese culture is one of the most influential cultures found in Indonesia. Some of its origin have been fused with the local's culture and formed a great number of cultural greatness. One way to enjoy the original Chinese culture is by visiting Kampoeng China. Kampoeng China (Chinese Village) is a miniature complex of Chinese culture located in Cibubur, East Jakarta. It is a residence as well as a trade village that is full of miniatures resembling famous places and objects in China (including the Great Wall). It was initially a part of the East Jakarta Regional Government's plan on making a 300-hectare of Cibubur tourism area, mainly consisting of Kota Wisata, Kota Mandiri and Town Center. 

At the entrance, the nuance of the Chinese culture will warmly welcome you with the alluring traditional Mandarin tunes and a big gate, shaping a red dragon that is often considered as the prosperity gate. In accordance with the red dragon, most of the buildings and statues are painted in bright red colour, the prominent colour in Chinese culture that symbolizes prosperity. Further inside, you will find a bridge (also in a shape of a dragon) called the Dragon gate that is located above a beautiful decorative pond, gracing the center area of the Forbidden City.

But the real enchantment shall come out from the rows of stall that sell various kind of Chinese merchandises. Fans, umbrellas, wall decorations, tables, rings, clothes, lamps, porcelains, jars and traditional Chinese medicine are just some of the features of the stalls' unique collection, mostly imported from China. There is also a pavilion that offers you traditional Chinese food, varying from siomay (fish cake), moon cake, choices of noodle and plenty others. The narrow streets that connect the blocks are fully decorated with lantern balls. Certainly will beautify your walk.

During several occasions, cultural festive performances are held. Most notably during Chinese New Year where you can see live performance of traditional Chinese music and the famous Barongsai.

The buildings, the food, the environment and the festivals can really make this artificial village a must-visit as it gives you a refreshing vibe of exploring Chinese culture that can be reached within one hour ride from the center of Jakarta.