Chinese actress Fan Bing Bing recommends ‘Durian Cendol’ to Chinese tourists

MELAKA: Actress Fan Bing Bing highly recommends a bowl of "Durian Cendol '' to Chinese tourists as one of the must-try desserts while on tour of the historic city.

The popular Chinese diva said tourists from the Middle Kingdom mustn't miss savouring the popular bowl heaped with dollops of durian while holidaying here.

"I got the insight into Melaka's past and the story about Chinese Peranakan, it's an awesome piece of history.

"Melaka is a melting pot of cuisines and flavours, and "Durian Cendol'' is a must-try delicacy," she said during a press conference at Casa de Rio Hotel here on Saturday (June 16).

The Ambassador of Visit Melaka Year 2024 (TMM2024) was asked by journalists what she cherished most while on her trip to the state.

Fan said the state has a valuable history linked to China since time immemorial.

"I felt very relaxed being here and I believe the tourists would also experience the same ambience," she said.

Fan also felt the Chinese tourists will not face a language barrier as locals can converse in Mandarin.

"This is a unique element for Chinese tourists, especially those bringing their parents on tours where they can speak in Mandarin compared to some other Asian countries," she said.

The 42-year-old X-Men: Days of Future Past star said Melaka is no stranger to her in view that her manager Jersey Chong is a Malaysian.

"She (Chong) told me a lot about Malaysia that piqued my interest to make a trip here.

"I was impressed to see the skyscrapers in Kuala Lumpur, it's a modern city and Melaka is blessed with rich history, I will make another trip if there is another opportunity," she said.

Fan was also asked about her opinion on Melaka men while on her trip here.

To this, she replied that she felt the local men were "truly gentlemen" and friendly.

"It's a difficult question for me to answer, anyway from my brief observation, Melaka men are "well-mannered"," she said.

Fan also said she was also passionate about Nyonya kebaya when she was given the opportunity to be clad in the traditional costume.

"It's so captivating with bright and colourful embroideries that have captured my interest," she added.

Fan, who started her task as an ambassador on June 14, also divulged that she was also lucky to be appointed as an ambassador for TMM2024 as Melaka is a vibrant cultural kaleidoscope and multiethnic state where she has the opportunity to promote such uniqueness.

From 2013 to 2017, Fan was named the highest-paid celebrity in the Forbes China Celebrity list.

In 2014, she joined the Barbie global celebrity Hall of Fame and became China’s First Barbie Doll while she also appeared on Vanity Fair's 'Best Dressed' list in 2015 and 2016.

In 2017, Fan was listed by Time Magazine as one of the 100 most influential individuals.