Cheng Ho Monument
Angga Brian Fernandi
Do you want to see the highest Admiral Cheng Ho statue in the world? You don’t need to go to China where he is from as it is in Semarang.
Getting to Know Who Admiral Cheng Ho Is
Admiral Cheng Ho is a figure that is presumed ever visited Semarang, Central Java. He is one of the people who contribute to muslim civilization in this city. Hence, this figure is related to Semarang and the government make a statue of Admiral Cheng Ho in Sam Poo Kong temple. So, when you go to Sam Poo Kong, you will see this historical statue. Sam Poo Kong located in Simongan street number 129. Therefore, besides knowing the beautiful design of pagoda, visitors usually want to see Cheng Ho statue. Its height is approximately 10.7 meter and it is made of copper. In addition, it is located in front of the main pagoda located in the left of entrance. So, without further ado, let’s see a brief history of Cheng Ho.
Based on the information cited from Indonesia Tourism official website, Cheng Ho is a muslim and a sailor who travels to any countries in 1405-1433. One day, Cheng Ho’s vessel was sailing through Java Sea. At the moment, one of his crew named Wang JingHong was under the weather, so Cheng Ho ordered to harbor in Semarang’s coastal area. Then, they got a rest there for a while. During their stay, Admiral Cheng Ho asked his crew to build a worship place or mosque that is slowly become a temple or pagoda. In contrast, there is another version stating Cheng Ho built a mosque and temple in the place where he dropped by.
Cheng Ho Monument in Sam Poo Kong Temple
The temple itself that we know as Sam Poo Kong meaning three emissaries. Sam Poo Kong is a proof of harmonious life between muslim and Chinese in Semarang. This is due to the role of Cheng Ho who spreads peace and hold a good relationship to many people to be unite no matter what their background is.
The uniqueness of this statue is it has another block statue where it stands. Hence, below Cheng Ho statue, there is a brief profile explaining who he is, what he had done, and why he is remarkable for Semarang. Thus, visitors can easily informed when they see this statue.
What you can do in Sam Poo Kong Temple
This temple is so vast and there are many temples in this tourism places. The building is known for its red color and chinese architecture. Here are things you can do when visiting Sam Poo Kong
1. Taking Picture
Taking picture or selfie in tourism places is a must because it can be a memory for you all. Moreover, the temple has interesting spots that are instagrammable.
2. Sightseeing the beauty of the temple
Besides the statue of Cheng Ho, there are others statue supporting the chinese atmosphere there. Also, you can see vacant stage in the area of the temple that can be used as photo spot.
3. Photo session with chinese traditional clothes
If you want to wear chinese clothes, you need to pay for it. Then, you are able to take picture of yourself in some big temples there.
4. Buying food and souvenirs
There are lots of food and souvenirs you can buy such as clothes, key chain, chinese cake and noodles, and many others.
5. Enjoying attractive performances
It is a luck when you see attractive performances in the temple since it is done once in a blue moon. The performances can include music percussion, traditional dance of Semarang and China, or other arts.
Clevaster 