The state of Sarawak, which lies in the land of Borneo, has a similar shape to Japan. Japan is made up of eight regions while Sarawak has 12. The existence of the divided land areas clearly illustrates the uniqueness of the demography. Hence, when traveling in Hokkaido, the experience will not be the same as traveling in Kyushu. This analogy also applies to traveling in Kuching, where the experience will not be the same when exploring Miri.

Continue reading to find out why and which Chinese attractions stand out the most in Miri, Sarawak!

Read also: 20 Must-Try Foods in Sarawak, Malaysia

Best Chinese Attractions in Miri, Sarawak

History of Miri, Sarawak

Miri is the second largest city in Sarawak. It was founded when the first oil well was drilled by the Royal Dutch Shell in 1910. Miri is located close to the border of Brunei, in the coastal area of north-western Sarawak.

Best Chinese Attractions in Miri, Sarawak

Chinese Population in Miri

People from Miri are known fondly as ‘Mirians’. About 32% of Mirians are Chinese. Their significant numbers greatly influence the Miri community in terms of social interaction, economy, religion, as well as the education sector.

The biggest Chinese group in Miri is of the Foochow ancestry. This is followed by the Hakka and Cantonese, with a small number of Teochew and Hainanese. It has been known for a long time that the Chinese are excellent tradesmen and businessmen. This explains the rapid development of Miri in becoming a city as the early Chinese settlers have set up markets and shophouses here. Today, these shophouses across the town still preserve the same atmosphere.

A Chinese elderly man at a local coffee stall

Traditional Chinese calendar seen hung at local stores around Miri

Miri Markets & Chinese Food Court

In the heart of Miri, you may find the Miri United Hawkers Association building and the Unity Food Centre. These are common places for the local Chinese community to mingle and socialise. There are sections within the wet markets that serve Miri famous food from day till night. Among the famous unique dishes which can be discovered here include pig’s stomach cooked with pineapple and pig blood curd with chives.

Traditional Chinese pastries sold in Miri

Miri United Hawkers Association

The wet market within the Miri United Hawkers Association

Unity Food Centre is a popular Chinese food court in Miri

Chinese Temples in Miri

The Chinese community in Miri are free to hold any respective religious processions. It is interesting to know that there are two notable Chinese temples in Miri; one was a century old temple and the other is a new temple being maintained to serve the Buddhism teachers.

Tua Pek Kong Chinese Temple was founded in 1913. It is one of the few historical buildings to survive the allied bombing in Miri during the World War II. This temple was believed to be dedicated to a monk who helped cure an epidemic which plagued Miri in the early days.

The other famous temple is the Lian Hua San Ching Tian temple. It was built in 2000 and became the largest Taoist temple in Southeast Asia that boasts majestic figures of the Three Pure Ones.

Tua Pek Kong Chinese Temple in Miri, Sarawak

Education & Chinese Schools in Miri

The Chinese community in Miri is very particular when it comes to having Chinese education. There are about 14 Chinese independent schools across Miri, Pujut and Lutong area. The formal education provides syllabus in Mandarin. Due to this, the younger Chinese generation in Miri tend to use Mandarin rather than their Chinese dialects of Foochow or Hokkien.

Chinese Festival & Bazaar

The best time for gatherings can be observed annually when the Gong Xi Fa Chai Bazaar is grandly held a few weeks before the Chinese New Year. There will be stalls opening daily selling food and drinks, clothes, decorative items, potted plants, paintings, and handicrafts. In the evening, there will be various entertainment programs lined up such as lion and dragon dances as well as karaoke. This event is one of the hidden gems in Miri.

Chinese vendor at the Gong Xi Fa Chai Bazaar in Miri, Sarawak

Vibrant Chinese handicraft market at Miri, Sarawak

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