More than 600 years ago, during the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644), Admiral Zheng He led seven epic voyages from the Chinese mainland, reaching Southeast Asia, South Asia and even as far as Africa. His fleet stopped in the region we now know as Malaysia multiple times, seeding early cultural and commercial ties.
Despite unpredictable seas and countless challenges, Zheng He’s expeditions fostered exchanges in art, cuisine and trade that echoes across centuries. Today, modern travel has transformed those daring maritime treks into routine journeys.
In 2014, China and Malaysia introduced a bilateral visa-free policy that opened the floodgates: airlines added new routes, high-speed ferries connected coastlines, and travel apps made planning a breeze. Official figures show a significant surge in visitor numbers, fueling growth in hospitality, e-commerce and tech co-ventures.
“Under the visa-free policy, Chinese travelers and Malaysians are meeting more often than ever,” says Tengku Faizwa Tengku Razif, a member of the royal family of Selangor State. Speaking to CGTN host Tian Wei, she highlighted how friendships are blossoming through shared festivals, food tours and cross-border startups.
For young entrepreneurs and digital nomads, this visa-free era means fresh opportunities: hackathons in Kuala Lumpur, tech incubators in Shenzhen and pop-up art shows in Penang are just a flight away. Cultural festivals blend Chinese lantern parades with Malay dance, creating new traditions for a global generation.
From Zheng He’s wooden decks to today’s boarding lounges, the spirit of exploration remains the same. As passports replace sails, the voyage continues—uniting China and Malaysia through curiosity, culture and commerce.
Reference(s):
China and Malaysia: From Zheng He's ancient voyage to visa-free trips
cgtn.com
