Taiping, originally called Klian Pauh, is where Malaysia's first tin mine was discovered. In 1848, a local chief, Long Jaafar, had an elephant named Sri Larut that went missing for several days. When the elephant returned, the mud on its body contained traces of shiny metal. Upon further investigation, this metal was identified as tin. Long Jaafar then named the town "Larut" after the elephant, marking the beginning of a prosperous tin mining era. By 1901, Malaya's tin production peaked at 47,000 tons, accounting for over 50% of the world's total production.
Walking through Taiping Lake Gardens, observing the century-old rain trees and the tranquil lake, one feels a sense of timeless peace. However, over a century ago, Taiping experienced a turbulent 13-years period (1861-1874) known as the Larut Wars. These conflicts arose from disputes over control of the tin mining areas between the Hai San and Ghee Hin factions, and a succession crisis within the Perak royal family. The British colonial government intervened, and the Pangkor Treaty of 1874 was signed, bringing an end to the conflict. Upon hearing the news of the successful peace agreement in Larutthe local Chinese residents exclaimed, "Peace at last!" and "Peace at last!" Inspired by this, the British officer Captain Speedy renamed Larut to "Taiping," making it the first town in Malaysia to be named in Chinese.
Over the past century, Taiping has nurtured many exceptional individuals. Notable figures include:
Since 1905, Dr. Sun Yat-sen and other revolutionaries promoted anti-Qing armed uprisings in Southeast Asia, residing and operating from Taiping's Evergreen Park. Taiping witnessed the local Chinese community's support and donations towards Dr. Sun's revolutionary efforts. This period marked a significant chapter in Taiping's history, highlighting its role in the broader revolutionary movement.
Tekah Airport, the first airport on the Malay Peninsula and in Southeast Asia, was established in Taiping. The airport is historically significant, having hosted prominent figures such as Indonesia's first President Sukarno and the country's first Vice President Hatta, who both landed there.
In 2017, the current King of the United Kingdom, Charles, visited the Taiping Commonwealth War Cemetery to pay tribute to the soldiers who sacrificed their lives during World War II. Taiping was a significant stop during his seven-day visit to Malaysia, commemorating the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the UK and Malaysia, and fostering friendly ties among Commonwealth nations.
In 2017, marking the 68th anniversary of the People's Republic of China, Chinese Ambassador to Malaysia, Huang Huikang, visited Taiping in Perak on a peace (prayer) journey. Ambassador Huang praised Taiping for its outstanding people, picturesque scenery, and rich historical and cultural heritage, calling it a tourist paradise and a haven for wellness. He was particularly enchanted by the beautiful Taiping Lake, often referred to as the "West Lake of Malaysia," which left a lasting impression.
Established in 1859, the Taiping Hokkien Association in Malaysia oversees several important cultural sites, including the Feng Shan Temple, the Fude Temple, and four Hokkien cemeteries. The association's members are Hokkien people from northern Perak with ancestral roots in Fujian, China. It plays a crucial role in preserving the heritage and traditions of the local Hokkien community.
1. Taiping Hokkien Association (1859) 2. Taiping Town (1874) 3. Treasury and Audit Office (1874) 4. Roman Catholic Church of the Sacred Heart (1875) 5. Padang Esplanade (1875) 6. Deputy Resident's Residence (Sir Hugh Low) (1875) 7. Telegraph Office (1877) 8. Taiping Town Council (1877, reorganized in 1892) 9. Bato Pahat Meeting Hall (1878) 10. Maxwell Hill/Larut Hill (1879) 11. Taiping Prison (1879) 12. Government Rest House (1879) 13. British Officers' Mess (1879) 14. Taiping Police Station/Clock Tower (1881, rebuilt in 1890) 15. All Saints' Church (1883) 16. Taiping Lake Gardens (1884) 17. Central Market (1884 and 1885) 18. Perak Railway Building (1885) 19. Perak Museum (1886) 20. Golf Course (1886) 21. KwangTung Association North Perak Taiping (1887) 22. Methodist Girls' School (1889) 23. Captain Speedy's House (1890) 24. Survey Department (1891) 25. Larut Matang District Office/New Public Office (1895) 26. Ceylon Association (1899) 27. Matang Mangrove Forest (1902) 28. King Edward VII School (1905) 29. New Taiping Railway Station (1910) 30. Perak Government Building/Public Library (1921) 31. Tekah Airport (1930) 32. Taiping Lake Jubilee Jetty (1937) 33. WWII Allied War Cemetery (1947) 34. Night Safari (2001)
Seizing the opportunity of green living, Sunshine Peace Center combines Taiping's lush environment with a high quality of life. This newly designed intelligent and eco-friendly modern residence breaks traditional architectural models to provide an ideal living environment for those seeking a better life. It is set to become Taiping's newest commercial landmark.
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