they are open only during office hours and not during public holidays. This was not updated on the website or even google. We went there during the weekends and were disappointed. A check with near by stall holders said they were open only during office hours.

The Khoo Kongsi may be more opulent and more famous, but the Cheah Kongsi is very interesting and pleasant to see, especially since it is also less visited. There are two entrances: the old one from Armenian street and a newer one from Beach street (Lebuh Pantai). Unusual is the fact that seen from Beach street there is a big manicured, very British lawn in front of the building. It was added with the restoration 2013-2015, when historically inappropriate elements, that had been added later, were removed to make it look more like the original from 1873. The Cheah Kongsi is one of the 5 big Kongsi in George Town, but together with the Khoo Kongsi it is the only one that can be visited on a regular basis. The other three: Yeoh Kongsi, Lim Kongsi and Tan Kongsi are generally not open to the public. Entrance fee is 10 MYR and it is open every day except Sundays. A little leaflet is handed out with the ticket and one can visit the place on one's own. Photography is allowed. As at Khoo Kongsi one has to admire the roof with its upturning corners and all the dragons and other decorative elements made with 'Chien Nien' (cut and paste) ceramics in many colours. The main temple with three altars is on the upper floor, which can be reached by a wooden staircase from a small courtyard. Especially downstairs there are several small rooms, where clan members, often new arrivals from the home village of Sek Tong in Fujian province, were temporarily lodged and fed. An interpretation centre tells about the home village and the perilous trip on Chinese junks to other shores and a hopefully better life. The Kongsi were meant to help each member of the same clan, to offer business contacts, and to meet and worship the traditional deities and ancestors.