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The Peranakans, also known as the Babas and Nyonyas, was a prominent community of acculturated Chinese unique to this part of the world, especially in the Straits Settlements (Penang, Malacca and Singapore) hence its other name, the Straits Chinese. Adopting selected ways of the local Malays and later, the colonial British, the Peranakans had created a unique lifestyle and customs which had not only left behind a rich legacy of antiques but its cultural influences like cuisine and language are still evident in Penang today.

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At the Pinang Peranakan Mansion, the typical home of a rich Baba of a century ago is recreated to offer a glimpse of their opulent lifestyle and of their many customs and traditions. With over 1,000 pieces of antiques and collectibles of the era on display, this Baba-Nyonya museum is also housed in one of Penang's heritage mansion of eclectic design and architecture.

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Built at the end of the 19th century by a famous local personality, Kapitan Cina Chung Keng Kwee, the 'Hai Kee Chan' or Sea Remembrance Store had once served as his residence and office . Though not a Baba himself, his Chinese courtyard house is much like a typical large Baba home of eclectic style, incorporating Chinese carved-wood panels and English floor tiles and Scottish iron works. Having survived many decades of neglect and decay, the mansion has been restored to its former glory of a stately home.

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The main staircase incorporates the use of both local and imported materials in its construction, handrail with balusters of cast iron, from Glasgow, Scotland. A distinct feature of European influence includes the hollowed out design of fleur-de-lis on the decorative ironwork.

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The house well, said to be the scene of dastardly deeds involving local rivals to Kapitan Cina Chung Keng Kwee empire.

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