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Ipoh's History

Introduction​

Ipoh City Hall - Dewan Bandaraya Ipoh
Ipoh City Hall - Dewan Bandaraya Ipoh

Ipoh is a city in the state of Perak in Malaysia known for its rich cultural heritage, beautiful colonial architecture, and delicious local cuisine. Visitors can explore the city's many temples and museums, visit the famous Ipoh Tree Tunnel, and enjoy the delicious street food. Additionally, Ipoh is surrounded by limestone hills and caves, offering opportunities for hiking and cave exploration. It is a perfect place for those who want to experience the culture and history of Malaysia.

Brief History of Ipoh​

It was founded in the 1880s during the tin mining boom in the region. At the time, Ipoh was a small village, but it quickly grew into a bustling city as a result of the increasing demand for tin. The city's growth was further spurred by the construction of the Kinta Valley railway, which connected Ipoh to other parts of the country and made it easier for tin to be transported out of the region.

During the colonial era, Ipoh was ruled by the British and this greatly influenced the city's architecture. Many of the buildings from this era, such as the railway station and town hall, still stand today and are popular tourist attractions.

Concubine Lane - Illustration
Concubine Lane - Illustration

After the tin mining industry declined, Ipoh shifted its economy towards manufacturing, and service sector. Today, it's a city with rich history, culture and food.

Population​

Ipoh has a significant Chinese population due to its history of tin mining. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, many Chinese immigrants came to Malaysia to work in the tin mines, and many of them settled in Ipoh and the surrounding areas.

The Chinese population in Ipoh was also increased by the influx of Chinese refugees during the Chinese Civil War and the Communist Revolution in the 1940s and 1950s. These immigrants brought with them their culture, language, and traditions, which have had a lasting impact on the city.

Ipoh Population

As a result, Ipoh has a strong Chinese cultural presence, including traditional Chinese festivals and temples, as well as a wide variety of Chinese cuisine.